HEC Paris MiM without scholarship vs SIBM Pune (Management Quota) – Which is a smarter choice?

Question

I’ve got an admit from HEC Paris for the MiM program but didn’t get any scholarship. The total cost is coming out to around ₹75L including tuition and living. I also have a seat at SIBM Pune through management quota, which will cost me around ₹55L.
My profile: 6/7/9, BBA grad, 1 year of work experience in a supply chain and logistics firm. I’m mainly targeting roles in consulting or finance, either in India or abroad.
Is the extra ₹20L investment in HEC really worth it in the long run? Would it help me get better international exposure and ROI compared to SIBM, or would it be smarter to go for the safer, less expensive option in India?

S Raghav · Accepted Answer

Spending ₹55L on SIBM Pune through management quota, only to end up in a ₹20L job in India, doesn&rsquo;t add up.
&bull; HEC MiM leads to actual recruitment from firms like McKinsey, Rothschild, and Deloitte across Europe. &bull; With post-study work visas in France, grads can stay back and earn ₹70L+ starting salaries in cities like London and Frankfurt. &bull; No French? Still okay for most roles in finance and consulting outside Paris. &bull; SIBM&rsquo;s ROI drops sharply with inflated fees. Average packages don&rsquo;t increase proportionally. &bull; For someone with a logistics background, HEC offers global electives, double degrees, and real exposure.
It&rsquo;s not just about ₹20L more &mdash; it&rsquo;s about buying access to a global job market. As long as there&rsquo;s a clear plan to network and convert internships, HEC is a smarter long-term bet.

Jayant M · Answer

HEC Paris MiM without a scholarship can still offer stronger long-term ROI than SIBM Pune through the management quota, especially for finance and consulting careers abroad.
HEC consistently ranks among the top 3 MiM programs globally and places grads into firms like Bain, BCG, and JPMorgan across Europe. Even at ₹75L, the investment is often recouped within 3&ndash;5 years if placed in UK or EU markets, where starting salaries go as high as ₹80&ndash;90L.
SIBM&rsquo;s ₹55L management quota doesn&rsquo;t guarantee top roles. Most top offers are domestic, around ₹18&ndash;22L, and international placement is rare.
For someone aiming for global roles, HEC gives access to work visas, stronger alumni reach, and top-tier recruiters. It&rsquo;s a bigger risk, yes, but also a higher ceiling. If the goal is long-term international growth, HEC remains the more strategic pick &mdash; even without financial aid.

K S Saini · Answer

Between HEC Paris MiM and SIBM Pune (Management Quota), HEC Paris is the smarter long-term investment if global exposure and international roles are the goal. The program opens doors to consulting and finance firms like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, and J.P. Morgan&mdash;opportunities that SIBM rarely provides. Even though ₹75 L sounds steep, the ROI is justified once post-MiM salaries (often ₹80 L&ndash;₹1 Cr+ for international placements) are considered.
SIBM Pune offers good Indian placements, but they usually cap around ₹20&ndash;₹25 L CTC, mostly domestic. If the plan is to work abroad, SIBM doesn&rsquo;t have the same brand reach or alumni strength outside India.
HEC&rsquo;s brand, network, and access to global firms will likely outweigh the extra ₹20 L over time. But if the intention is to stay permanently in India or switch careers soon, then SIBM might feel more practical financially.

Pushpak J · Answer

It&rsquo;s tough choosing between a global brand and a cheaper Indian option, but the difference goes beyond fees.
At HEC Paris: &bull; Students get access to European consulting placements, many with visa-sponsoring firms. &bull; The alumni network stretches across top MBA and MiM schools worldwide, often helping with career moves later. &bull; Post-study work rights in France (2 years) make it possible to gain global experience before returning home.
At SIBM Pune: &bull; ROI is faster if the goal is to stay in India. &bull; Consulting roles are limited to domestic firms, and salaries are much lower.
For someone aiming at consulting or finance abroad, HEC Paris gives stronger leverage and credibility. A practical way to offset costs is to apply for assistantships or external scholarships once enrolled&mdash;something not possible at SIBM.