Background Info:
I’m a 25-year-old guy from India looking for some advice. I have a BBA in Finance from a good Indian college and scored 685 on GMAT FE. Right now I have 4 years of work experience, and by next year when I start my MBA, it will be 5 years total.
My work history includes 2 years at a financial consulting company (basically back-office operations outsourcing). Then I joined our family business where I launched the property development division. We’ve completed 4 real estate projects in the past 2 years. I’m also helping grow our clothing retail brand on the side.
My Goals:
I want to get an MBA to switch back into finance. My plan is to stay and work in India only - not interested in working overseas first. Eventually I want to get into private equity, but I know I’ll probably need to start in investment banking or top consulting firms first.
I actually got accepted to UNC and UC Berkeley for Fall 2025 but turned them down because of the current situation in the US. Plus, doing a US MBA and coming straight back to India doesn’t make financial sense.
Current Situation:
I’m planning to take the CAT exam to apply to top Indian business schools like IIMs and ISB. But I still think an international MBA would give me better global exposure. For 2026 applications, I’m wondering which schools would be good options that have strong Indian alumni networks for investment banking placements. I’m thinking schools like LBS and NUS might work well.
Anyone have thoughts or suggestions?
Honestly, I’d add Oxford Said to your list too - their finance network in India’s exploding, and the 1-year program means you won’t be away from your family business forever. What really gets me is how you pivoted from consulting to launching a property division - PE firms eat up that entrepreneurial stuff. I’ve seen people with similar backgrounds land at Everstone or Chryscapital after European MBAs. Don’t sleep on your retail brand experience either. Asset managers are always hunting for people who actually understand consumer markets, especially India’s retail space.
Given your background and goals, I’d seriously look at INSEAD alongside LBS and NUS. The one-year format works great for entrepreneurs with clear career paths like yours. You get the intensity and global perspective you need, plus less time away from your family business. For your finance transition - your property development experience is actually a huge plus. Investment banks love deal-making exposure, and it sets you apart from the usual consulting crowd. Both INSEAD and LBS have killer alumni networks in Mumbai’s financial district, especially at boutique investment banks and alternative investment firms. One more thing to consider: check if these top European schools have entrepreneurship tracks that complement finance. That combo could set you up perfectly for private equity roles in real estate or retail, where your operational experience would be gold during due diligence.
Your GMAT score’s solid for European schools! Have you looked at Cambridge Judge? Their finance placements in India keep improving. With your real estate background, Singapore’s NTU might be worth a look - they’ve got strong connections with Indian PE firms focused on Asian markets. Smart move turning down Berkeley with all the visa uncertainty right now.
Your entrepreneurial background is amazing! Check out IESE and HEC Paris too - they’ve got solid finance programs and great Indian networks. That family business experience will definitely stand out in interviews!