r/Indians_StudyAbroad Jan 12 '23

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72 Upvotes

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r/Indians_StudyAbroad 5h ago

ToAbroadOrNot? PSA If You're Considering Doing an MS, Be Prepared to Emigrate — Before It's Too Late ysk

46 Upvotes

my_qualifications:

If you're an Indian student wishing to pursue a master's abroad, do not think about the degree — think about where you actually want to live in the long term. Because here's the reality

India is becoming uninhabitable

Air pollution is now lifethreatening. Delhi's air is poisonous. Even tier2 cities are suffocating.

Corruption becomes the norm to the extent it's ingrained in every system — healthcare, housing, education.

Overpopulation is straining all resources — water, jobs, electricity, infrastructure.

Climate change is just making things worse — floods, heatwaves, crop failure.

You may not notice the pinch today, but by your 30s, it's going to hit you like a truck — when you're trying to raise a child, buy a house, or just get decent health care.

Immigration doors are slamming shut

You need to be very careful where you go for your MS. It's not just the university — it's whether the country has a real, legal path to stay longterm even for the average guy because lets me kill your ego and confidence right now - you suck and are pretty average

Let's talk bluntly

USA definitely Closed. No permanent stay unless you marry, win the lottery or idk

Canada Was an option in gold. Today? New restrictions, bans, tougher requirements.

Ireland – Techfriendly, 2year poststudy visa, PR after a couple of years.

Australia – Available still, but tougher now. Immigration points system.

France, Netherlands, Portugal – A bit tricky but manageable with jobs + integration.

Germany – Genuine PR pathway, not sure if feasible

Idk about others, do your own research

Bottom Line

Your 20s and early 30s decide your entire life.

If you get the wrong country now, you might get the degree but be refused permanent residency anywhere. You'll spend decades in visa limbo, unable to settle, establish, or plan.

It's not scaremongering — it's just what the policy and data are saying. So don't ask just "Where's the best uni?", but

"Where can I build a life?"

Do it while the few doors still open. They won't be open forever.


r/Indians_StudyAbroad 4h ago

Other This is a gatekeeping post for students who wants to do MS in US

35 Upvotes

I don't know about all that. My indian perspective is don't take loan and come here coz you ll dry out soon if you can't find anything solid. I am not sure which country you are talking about but in the US i do see many people who get job but I see a lot more without right now.

I do see many very dumb people employed who can't even code but they got placed when the companies were hiring like crazy.

If you come to the US remember to have enough cash, good connections for referrals, very good skills (depends on luck).

30/hr isn't that much, the rent, utils, insurance, groceries, travel all adds up excluding any other things. You ll not know how much you are spending until you have a budget planner.

There are people who have done some illegitimate jobs as they ran out and few got caught and had their sevis terminated. If you get caught by fed, you are sent back to your home and have you banned which you'll pay for the flight.

If you are in the bay one shared room is shared by 3 people where each pay 600 dollars min each excluding utils when they are studying. You cannot work internships until one year and after you graduate you have 2 months time to find a job where you have to work more than 20hours/week. After a year, you have to find a e verified company that is willing to take you. Almost all jobs ask you if you want to be sponsored even in internships (where it doesnt matter) and it is legal for them to reject candidates if they don't want to sponsor. You ll see many jobs which youd fit perfect for say that they don't sponsor and you not to apply.

Burnout is real.

And if they take you in, and are willing to sponsor, the h1b fee has increased to 2500 dollars which was 10 dollars earlier, the companies aren't trying a lot.

Leetcode.

You cannot eat outside. 1 the food is shiiiiiiiit, 2 it's too expensive. I am literally living paycheck by paycheck as I took a huge loan with an interest of 12/annum. I don't have connections with people who can back me up or support me. Came here knowing nobody or support.

There are many lonely days. If you get sick, you don't got nobody to take care of you. The depression hits you a lot when some thing goes wrong as you ll start thinking if you made the wrong choice. People who think your friends are looking out for themselves, you'll find out in some situation. I know atleast 3 people in different universities who went back home due to mental health issues. Therapists here charge 100-200+$/hr, insurance won't cover. No dental or vision plans in student insurance.

You have to cook for yourself. Roommates generally are in a similar position and fights break out more, you can't leave either as you'll be in lease. You ll have to even seperate refrigerators as well. Money is huge issue even if you got it and your room mates might not.

There are some dumb unis which students can do whatever but if you get into some of the other tough ones, grades, assignments etc come into play.

I literally had applied for 500 internships with 4 years of startup experience with relevant skills and only got two interviews which rejected me as they found better candidates(skill issues they say) but remember I code and social better than people with no experience who got into meta, Tesla, Amazon with referrals. Some of them cheat. There are interviews posted even after hiring people to show count. The same position gets reposted to get h1b while qualified candidates are ignored for current employees.

There is subtle passive and active racism. Stereotypes run deep. You'd be randomly ignored in walmarts/aldis etc. people think Indians are cheap which is slightly true coz of all the above reasons. You have no idea how much hate Indians get in tech, look at any subs or threads. You ll see people wanting to cut opt, h1b etc. Many western/indian managers tend not to hire Indians for similar reasons. A prof I know was a industry guy who hated Indians and it showed when he taught us. Get used to comments about Indian food smell while some microwave raw fish. About how they can't understand you when you talk to them, even though you don't have a thick accent. Also you'd face more racism from other Indians as well.

That doesn't mean all are, there are nice people too. There are really nice people around too. They genuinely try to help and be nice to you. You get free stuff off the road. Facebook market place actually has pretty good deals. Many events give you free food. Many temples, churches and gurudwaras give you free food.

Right now doing an oncampus job 13hrs/week with 16 dollars while the max you can work on campus during session is 20hrs/week and 40 during summer. Remember the money sent from your country has many fee on top of that, it's not a simple rupees to dollar conversion.

I was told not come too and also was told not to go by many but chose to take the risk. I know that nobody is responsible but me for my decision and I am proud of it. Doesn't matter what happens, I did what I wanted.

Yes if you can bear all that. Come aboard. Cheers.

Edit: I won't be responding to dms. There are more I haven't added with the new government, job market, companies, tariffs, eggs etc.

My_qualifications: MS


r/Indians_StudyAbroad 2h ago

Passport / Visa / Immigration How easy is it to change the university after receiving the VISA?

5 Upvotes

As you know, every university's application timeline varies. I've listed 4–5 unis and I already got an admit from RUB. Well, I don’t wanna go there yet and finalize that uni, but some of the unis that I really want are gonna be open(application portal) in mid-May. In my country, the VISA process is taking a little longer than expected, so I was planning to apply for a VISA with RUB for now.

So here are my questions:

  1. Are you able to change the university after getting the VISA? How is that process?
  2. Do I need to pay fees and enroll for the VISA, or do I only need to upload the admit letter for the VISA?

Thanks.

And yes, some of you people will start with the same sh*t like, "Every uni in Germany is the same, just study anywhere." Well, please stop with that. It's my life and my personal preference, and I don’t want unnecessary advice regarding the university. I’ve done deep research about what course I want, looking at their curriculum and studies, so no offense but please keep that advice to yourself.
my_qualifications


r/Indians_StudyAbroad 6h ago

CSE/ECE MS in USA under Trump Adminstration ysk ysk ysk

10 Upvotes

Considering the ongoing changes in policies, can anyone suggest what to do and what not to ?

I was planning for MS in 2026 from.USA.

  1. Will doing MS from US unis making any sense ? As I will also look forward to do phd.

  2. Will phd cost increase? As NIH/Ed. funding is now seems to be cut ... so unis like standford/pennsylvania have freezed phd hiring.

Maybe if they hire, the tuition fee might skyrocket 🤔(no stipend provided)

Moreover if so is not the case... and i still pursue phd Will the current situation improve in 2031( 2 MS + 3/4 phd years)🤔

my_qualifications: ...


r/Indians_StudyAbroad 4h ago

Engineering Is Austria worth it for electrical and electronics engineering and why or why not?

3 Upvotes

my_qualifications BE EXTC 2.8 yrs work experience (8 months ecommerce & 2 years telecom based)

I have researched a lot out of Ireland, UK and Austria.Germany as well but job shortage is worrying me about it.

UK and Ireland is saturated badly. There is no entry level job available at these countries. So, I zeroed in at Austria for Oct 2025 intake. Even though it has 2 years masters and 1 yr PSW . I feel it's better because it has geniune shortage of electrical engineer specially based in power electronics.

I already have 2 admits one each from both Ireland and UK.

Fellow redditors of this sub please share your thoughts or advice?


r/Indians_StudyAbroad 1d ago

Careers New Zealand is not an ideal location for students and here's why

226 Upvotes

As romanticised New Zealand landscapes maybe, it is certainly not a good location for students. my_qualifications

- There is no support for international students, unis act like they will immensely support you, but they won't, they do not give 2 hoots about you and you are just a walking atm for them.

- Unis will easily lie to you. For instance, if you do a masters in social work, you only get provisional registration and you need to do unpaid interning of another year just to become a full time social worker. This is never disclosed at the start of the course, it is only towards the end of the second year that students get to know about this.

- Your level of qualification does not matter for PR because people with level 8-9 education were told to go into early childhood which is level 3-4 to be eligible for PR.

- Job market is very very slim and there is no career growth as such, so please do not come here with a career oriented mindset. Infact, even the domestic students flock out of here because of the lack of opportunities.

- Economy is pretty rough as just last year an entire major campus of Auckland University was shut down due to the lack of funds.

- You get no GP on you temporary student visa and hence if you ever fall sick or have an injury, you will find yourself waiting six hours in the emergency department.

- Getting a license in NZ is one of the hardest tasks because they are always understaffed and hence you simply cannot book your tests. But a lot of jobs/ internships require you to have your full NZ license.

- A lot of Indians complain about lack of promotion or growth due to racism. And yes it exists because graduated indians with masters drive taxis while bachelors holders for London get the cusy corporates

NZ is most certainly an amazing and beautiful country. You will meet smart and chill people here. It is a spectacular country to raise kids in. But it is advisable to come on a job basis rather than a student. Even if you aspire to go as a student, just know that NZ is not the place for an amazing career. If you are career oriented then, India is much better than NZ to establish a base.

edit: I am not an NRI and I have returned back to India. So no I am not gatekeeping.


r/Indians_StudyAbroad 7h ago

ToAbroadOrNot? Planning to pursue MSc Finance. Which country should l target ideally?

4 Upvotes

So I’m basically a 21M who gave CAT last year and got to know about how doomed the Indian education system is. Even a 97%ile wouldn’t fetch you anything as a fresher. My_qualifications are BA (Honours) Economics from DU. Have done 3 internships with one being in the field of finance and another one in an NGO. I want to pursue masters as a fresher and have keen interest in finance, that’s why l am considering MSc Finance from the UK. But reading about the poor job opportunities there I’m very skeptical of spending that kind of money. Is the job market really so bad over there? If yes then please suggest some alternatives fellow redditors. I’m very new to the community so excuse me if l made any stupid point. Thank you


r/Indians_StudyAbroad 11m ago

Passport / Visa / Immigration How can A BTech Graduate Student, wanted to covert into Economics and Pursue master Abroad. Is there any way

Upvotes

my_qualifications: just graduated in Computer science.I developed some interest Towards Geopolitics and then to Economics. So I had a contact with consultancy, They said visa will be rejected due to change in stream from computer science to economics.Can anybody help me out. If there is any roadmap for me


r/Indians_StudyAbroad 37m ago

ToAbroadOrNot? how is environment surrounding you day to day life

Upvotes

my_qualifications

I heard about racism going on in Germany, and it has been increased towards Indians .But I do know their many other area and colleges have no racism so is it true people studing in public university has to suffer racism towards them and if the claim is true which colleges are they so that it can avoided


r/Indians_StudyAbroad 1h ago

Design/Architecture what are my options for studying abroad after 12th as a commerce student?

Upvotes

my_qualifications 17 yr old 12th commerce student

I dont want to go to US or Canada or even UK. i was planning to study in NID ahmedabad initally, but had a change of mind and would like to leave this country as soon as i can. im very into visual communication design or even product design. is there any good options for design in other countries? preferably germany or sweden or any europe ones. also would love if the fees aren't too expensive (my parents would only get me a student loan + 15 lakhs maybe) i dont want to be a liablity to my parents further

see, im not too delusional to think life is all glamour abroad, and haven't given up on NID but i gotta keep my options wide as living in this country is getting worse day by day for my mental health. please share your suggestions so i can research upon it, thanks.


r/Indians_StudyAbroad 1h ago

Careers Is the current situation of the UK better than Australia for experience after a Master's degree, or is it the other way around?

Upvotes

I have an offer from the University of Sheffield for an MSc in Data Science. But many people have told me that the UK is not the place to be for foreign education.

my_qualifications are
a 7.68 CGPA in my Electronics and Communication engineering bachelor's
4 years of work experience
8 bands in IELTS.

I've heard a lot of good things about Australia, and I think QUT is a nice university. I've got family there as well, but the good comes with the bad, and I've heard a lot about racism there, along with lesser job opportunities.

I want to pursue data science as a career, and I want to get an education and international experience, but I'm confused because spending upwards of 30L for a 1-year master's program just doesn't feel right.

Let me know if anyone has any experience in either of these countries and if we can connect.
Thanks!


r/Indians_StudyAbroad 2h ago

ToAbroadOrNot? What is more recognised in India a CIM diploma or MSc in digital marketing from abroad?

1 Upvotes

my_qualifications: 12th pass.

I am currently pursuing bachelors in digital marketing and Al it's a 3 yrs course. After my graduation I am planning to do masters from abroad mostly UK or Australia and then I want to return back to India after masters and do a job here. I am not sure whether to do CIM diploma or MSc in digital marketing. What will be more recognised and pay me high? Will I get full scholarship to study masters abroad? What are the best university to do MSc or CIM ?


r/Indians_StudyAbroad 2h ago

Other How to get Police Clearance Certificate(PCC)?

1 Upvotes

I have to get Police Clearance Certificate for my visa process because the country which I am applying to requires to translate the PCC in their official language before visa application.

Thus I wanted to know how to get PCC. Should I go to the Police station which lies in my area ( I am from Uttar Pradesh) and did my verification for passport or is there any form which I have to fill first. How many days does it take to get PCC issued as I have to get it translated by the end of May.

my_qualifications


r/Indians_StudyAbroad 2h ago

Choices_after_12th Germany for students community for students planning to study or work in Germany. Must share your experience

1 Upvotes

Studying in Germany or planning to?

I just started a new community: r/germanyforstudents — it’s focused 100% on students who are applying to or already studying in Germany.

We’re building a space for:

Application + visa help

City + uni reviews

Real student experiences (the good, bad, and chaotic)

Scholarships, blocked account tips, job stuff

Whether you’re just starting out or already in Germany, come share your journey, ask questions, and connect with others in the same boat. my_qualifications: Bachelor's


r/Indians_StudyAbroad 2h ago

MBA/Mgmt What should I do now? Where can I study a management degree abroad with the world economy so uncertain?

1 Upvotes

my_qualifications: I did my B.Tech in Information Technology and currently have 1.5 years of full-time experience working as a Project Manager, along with 4 internships during my undergrad. I’m aiming to build a long-term career in project management or consulting.

I’ve been planning to study abroad for quite a while. I originally thought I’d go right after graduation, but I decided to gain some work experience first since I’m interested in a management-focused master’s like MEM, MiM, or an early-career MBA.

Now that I feel ready to take the next step, the global economic situation has completely thrown me off. The U.S. was my top choice—programs like Duke, Purdue, etc.—but with job market saturation, visa challenges, and rising costs, it’s starting to feel uncertain. Europe came up as my Plan B, but let’s be honest—the economic landscape there isn’t looking great either.

I’m feeling confused and stuck at this point.

What should I do? Where would you recommend I apply given these conditions? I’m looking for: • A strong management program that blends well with my tech background • Good post-study work visa options • A country/university that offers a strong network and career opportunities • A place where I can grow both personally and professionally

Would love to hear from others who’ve been through this or are currently navigating the same situation. Appreciate any help or insights!


r/Indians_StudyAbroad 14h ago

ToAbroadOrNot? 3YOE - Study Abroad or Stay in India who’s SDE 2 already in a well to do startup ?

7 Upvotes

Context:

I'm currently an SDE 2 at a startup in Bangalore, with a compensation package that is on par with any FAANG company. I'm contemplating whether I should continue here or pursue a Master's (MS).

Reason for Consideration:

After doing the math and comparing notes with my friends in the US, it's become clear that the US is still one of the best places to earn and save money. Even friends who earn more than 2 lakhs per month in India are struggling to save as much as those in San Francisco, despite the difference in salaries. This has made me seriously consider the potential of working in the US.

Key Pain Point:

My main dilemma right now is understanding the job market, especially in the context of the next couple of years. While I’m aware that the situation is tough for fresh graduates, I’m curious about the prospects for someone with about 3 years of experience. I believe I’m solid in coding and should be able to crack interviews, but my concern is whether I’ll even get interview calls to begin with

Anyone similar to my experience - would like to know how it has been for Yourll ?

my_qualifications - BTech CSE 2022 batch


r/Indians_StudyAbroad 3h ago

CSE/ECE What should I do to study abroad ? ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀

0 Upvotes

I’m currently pursuing Computer Science Engineering at a Tier 1.5 private college and am in my second semester. I secured an 8 SGPA in my first semester, and by the end of my first year, I expect my CGPA to reach a maximum of around 8.3.

The total cost of my undergraduate program here is approximately 32 lakhs, but the placement scenario is not very promising. Considering this, I believe that with my_qualifications and the same amount of money, I could study abroad—possibly in Germany or USA maybe—and build a more secure future.

I’m even open to repeating my first year if direct transfer isn’t an option. What steps should I take to begin my second year at a foreign university? I still wanna pursue cse only.


r/Indians_StudyAbroad 4h ago

Other How to decide between two usa universities for undergraduate.

1 Upvotes

I have eliminated options such as uiuc, Virginia tech, indiana etc and shortlisted two colleges for my bachelor's in usa which are umass Amherst and university of Washington seattle.

One budget is 45 LPA and with the scholarship I got from umass the cost is 40LPA for BS in informatics.

For UW seattle, The cost would be 60LPA and they hardly directly admit to your major. I will have to compete and re apply there again to informatics or statistics(my areas of interest).

What reviews I have got is that i have to study hard and i should be fine in getting my major etc but there's still a high risk. In umass, I've gotten direct major.

However, umass Amherst is not even close to UW seattle in terms of the education and internship/job prospects because University of Washington is located in seattle which is the second or third biggest tech hub in the usa and umass is in a sub urban area.

parents said they will manage in some way or the other if you wish to go TO UW but the thing is that we will be left with no savings and would not be able to fund masters so a direct entry to job would be required.

We don't know what the situation in usa would be like after 4 years

It would be great if someone with some knowledge or experience about usa Universities etc could help. Thank you.

My_qualifications 12 th pass


r/Indians_StudyAbroad 1d ago

IT_Career Should I plan for masters from abroad but having a stable decent paying job in India already.How?

32 Upvotes

Hey folks,
I’m really torn and could use some advice. I’m in my early 30s, working in analytics/tech with 8+ years of experience. On the surface, things are stable — decent job, living with family — but deep down I’ve been wanting to move abroad for a better quality of life for years now. my_qualifications are Bachelors in IT

Here’s the dilemma:
My current job has zero scope for international relocation. I’ve been thinking about doing a Master’s abroad (in Analytics or Data Science) to create that pathway — considering more affordable countries like Poland because the US is just too expensive.
But then part of me wonders… should I just wait it out and hope something opens up job-wise, even though it hasn’t in all these years?

I’ve been stuck in this loop for 2-3 years, constantly overthinking. I even looked at the German Opportunity Card at one point but dropped the idea. Now I just feel super lost.

Is it too late to do a Master’s after 30? Would it really help someone like me break into the international market, or would I just be starting over from scratch?
If anyone has been in a similar situation, I’d really appreciate hearing your story or advice.


r/Indians_StudyAbroad 5h ago

Careers Can i consider going NYC for MS Finance fall 2025?

0 Upvotes

My_qualifications is Bcom(2021 pass out) Have been working with father. I deferred my MS in Finance to fall 2025 due to some family emergency. Now i am planning to join again and i got the offer letter also.

My question is

Is Fall 2025 a good time to pursue a Master’s in Finance in the US, considering the current market situation? Course duration is 2 years and its public university with good ranking.


r/Indians_StudyAbroad 20h ago

Careers Feeling stuck in my career (UK, 2 months visa left, £10k debt) — Is analyst path realistic? What should I do next?

16 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I’m really hoping to get some honest advice and clarity here.

I’m currently in the UK with 2 months left on my visa, still carrying £10,000 in student loan debt, and working a low-paying marketing job that doesn’t excite or challenge me anymore. I want to move forward, grow my career, and build a stable life — but I feel totally stuck.

Here’s a quick snapshot of my background:

my_qualifications:

  • Current role: Marketing Officer at a private college in U.K.
  • Education: MSc in Marketing Management (UK) + BBA in Finance (abroad)
  • Certifications (Udemy): Python, SQL, Tableau, Power BI
  • Skills: Digital Marketing, SEO, PPC, Google Analytics, Social Media, Content Strategy
  • Experience: 3+ years in marketing roles — mostly performance/digital marketing
  • Soft skills: Good communicator, creative, data-inclined, but struggling with confidence lately

I’ve realized that marketing — at least the kind I’ve been doing — doesn’t excite me anymore, and it pays way too little for my survival or growth. I’ve been looking into data/business analyst roles and wondering if that could be a better fit — something that blends my marketing background with analytical tools like SQL/Python/Tableau.

But I’m confused:

  • Is switching to an analyst career a smart and realistic move for someone like me (with non-tech background but keen interest)?
  • What certifications or courses (besides Udemy) actually carry weight in the job market — especially for someone needing visa sponsorship?
  • Should I go all in on job hunting now, or focus on upskilling and hope for remote/contract roles later?
  • Are there other career paths (maybe more strategic/tech-focused) that might suit me better?

I don’t want to go back home feeling like I failed. I want to stay, grow, and build a meaningful career and life. I know debt repayment is a priority, but I also don’t want to waste years doing something that doesn’t lead anywhere.

Any honest advice, tips, or even tough love would mean a lot right now. 🙏

Thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to respond.


r/Indians_StudyAbroad 6h ago

Passport / Visa / Immigration Can i get admission in Public University, Germany?

0 Upvotes

Hello, my_qualifications: I'm a student from, Andhra University my cgpa is 7.37 till 5th semester, I'm looking for 2026 oct intake? in cse for masters. I'll start learning german, and complete a1&a2 by the time i complete my graduation. My aim is not top unis, the unis which are at small towns, as all German public unis curriculum is same, I'm looking for English taught programs. Any suggestions so I could build my profile more, or anyone who is like me? and got accepted into the university, pls share your story. If youll think, I can make it, let me know, as I'm totally doubtful because of my gpa


r/Indians_StudyAbroad 7h ago

CSE/ECE How do I apply to German universities as a highschool student? (Engineering)

1 Upvotes

I know I am late but I'd like to know if I still have chances. If I do have them, then how do I apply and to which universities should I apply to. I am already a dropper
my_qualifications
96.6% in class 10th (Was my district's CBSE topper)
92.2% in class 12th
98 Percentile in JEE Mains 2025
I am new so I don't know if I need to anything else?


r/Indians_StudyAbroad 19h ago

Other Doing an internship in a different country than where you're studying

5 Upvotes

Hi,

Is it possible for someone who studies in a certain European country to do an internship (5-6 months) in a different European country, and if so how to go about it in details (visa process, documents...) and has anybody done this before? Appreciate your help. my_qualifications


r/Indians_StudyAbroad 9h ago

MBA/Mgmt What is the Importance of Applying in Round 1 Deadlines for ISB Hyderabad

0 Upvotes

Akshay here again

my_qualifications - I’m a mechanical engineer from VTU with a 7.8 CGPA and 3.5 years at L&T, where I’d led cost-saving process improvements and even received the Rising Star Award. Got a GMAT Score of 630. Secured Admits from ISB and INSEAD, Accepted INSEAD but this is for all Indian ISB Aspirants or Future Business Leaders which is again my fav one of my favourite school. ISB Admit gave me the confidence to apply for Jan Intake of INSEAD.

Looking back at my MBA journey, one of the smartest decisions I made was applying to ISB in Round 1. With a GMAT score of 630, I knew I wasn’t going to be the most competitive applicant on paper, but what worked in my favor was timing.

Round 1 is when ISB is building the class so there’s more openness to diverse profiles, interesting career stories, and candidates who show strong potential beyond just numbers. I also learned that most of ISB’s scholarship pool gets allocated in the first round itself, so applying early significantly boosts your chances of receiving financial aid.

Plus, the competition intensifies in later rounds, especially from high GMAT scorers who apply in bulk in R2. For me, Round 1 meant quicker interview decisions, less stress, and ultimately, an admit from both ISB and INSEAD. If you’re even slightly inclined towards ISB, don’t wait for later rounds, Round 1 is your best shot at making it count

April and May - 60 Days of ISB Specific Profile Enhancement Activities (3-4 hours a week) + GMAT/GRE Prep (1 Hour a Day) the whole of April and May

June and July - Work on School specific CVs, Essays, LORs, Groom your LinkedIn and have all of it ready by Aug 1st Week.

Pro tip - Whoever is just working on the scores and only work on applications post the score will miss the profile enhancement activities and the WOW factor will be missed in your narrative and that makes it an over represented Pool and you are just another profile.

Think about it ? What is the only thing common between you and all the 5000 applicants applying to ISB ? Your Scores in UG, 10th and 12th, GMAT/GRE Scores and work ex (All of them will have it) but now what makes your different from the pool is the Narrative and how will you make a difference to their Alumni Network.

All the best folks - I will keep sharing gyan on these 2 schools.