Applying to Canadian MBAs (Rotman, Queens Smith, Schulich) alongside IIM Calcutta with a 650+ GMAT is a reasonable dual-track strategy for candidates who want to keep US and Canada options open, but the cost differential is massive: IIM C at Rs 27L fees versus Rotman at roughly Rs 90L-1Cr including living costs. The OP of this IIM Calcutta thread applied to Rotman (received interview), Queens Smith MiM (admitted), plus CMU Tepper, Tuck, and Darden (rejections), and planned to prefer IIM BC if they converted because the loan burden for foreign MBA was too high amid visa uncertainty in
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- For Indian Top 10 MBB, PE, VC, IB placement, IIM Calcutta placements at Rs 34.23 LPA average beat any foreign MBA given market size and proximity. For direct US or Canadian settlement, foreign MBA wins despite cost. ISB Hyderabad at Rs 43L fees and Rs 34 LPA average is a hybrid option with GMAT 710+ cutoff; it offers India roles plus some international mobility. For candidates with 650-700 GMAT, focus on Indian IIMs first, ISB second, Canadian MiM third. For 720+ GMAT, ISB and foreign MBA are viable. The GMAT is valid for 5 years, giving time to evaluate options. Serving notice period and preparing for India IIMs while interviewing for foreign MBA in parallel is the OP's strategy and it's smart. Take a huge loan for foreign MBA only if visa and job market are favorable, otherwise stick to India. Check your eligibility at collvera.com/eligibility