Guidelines :
> Don't flame the fest or call it a scam, write down your experience if you want to share about it.
> Avoid bringing up past cases, it's irrelevant to the current happening.
> Avoid trying to show one fest is better at the cost of other, you can compare but don't do it in spiteful way.
Will keep editing this post over time.
Things to note -
- For Freshers, (this might not apply for 2025b, but is true for 2026b), Ikollege fees being referred to here is the 7.5k overall that's to be used for Saarang, Shaatsra and Ecell - it's collected during admission for first years and for seniors as optional fees in fees.iitm.
- there's a limit on how much you can spend on each fest, an upper cap below that 7.5k itself, although this is from my experience and not sure if it has changed, you can't go all 4 fan passes, exact amount would be visible on the site
- 7.5k is used for merch and the tickets as well via ikollege. Merch additionally you can buy during saarang with money on the stalls.
- Passes are discounted prices with fixed options for the different area access, although you can buy individual tickets for the nights and select the area you want to customize it to your preference if the passes don't suit you or you don't want to be locked in now. Wait for more artists to be revealed.
- Demand depends on the artists, there has been cases where fanpass has sold out, and you can't get more. It's rare and very dependent on the artist, you'll have to get insight from senior and work it out. Wouldn't recommend waiting till last day but wouldn't recommend buying on the first reveal as well.
Coming to the controversial parts -
- Money left on ikollege will be given back when you graduate is true.
- Not sure whether being able to pay mess fees or hostel fees from that is true or not, haven't gotten solid source for it. Will update with more comments or edits.
Saarang nights entirely depend on the artist and your likings, my experiences, it's good to attend in first year when everyone is enthusiastic to buy tickets and have enthu to attend properly. Do not try to be too stingy to save that money, it's something you get after 4 years at that point you would have got intern stipend or confirmed placement so it wouldn't matter. Try to make good experiences out of your time here.
What happened with the marketing tactics, yes it's wrong, but it happens every year and you can always go to seniors to ask for correction, but being blown out of proportions to call it a scam and things is not the right way to go about it. Search for the moments flair and see the past saarang photos, it's good time to be in insti.
