Is it better to do an MBA in Europe or go for ISB/IIM Bangalore if I want to get into consulting?

Question

I have 3 years of work ex in business analytics (tech sector) and I’m aiming for consulting post-MBA — ideally MBB, but Tier 2 firms are fine too.
I’m confused between applying to Europe (like INSEAD, LBS, HEC) or going for Indian schools like ISB or IIM Bangalore, which are well-known for consulting and easier on the pocket.
Europe sounds great for the exposure, but I’m not sure about ROI, visa issues, and job prospects for Indian students. What actually makes more sense if consulting is the end goal?

P Sinha · Accepted Answer

If you're looking at consulting from a long-term career lens, it&rsquo;s not just about MBB entry,  it&rsquo;s about career progression, geography, and network strength. That&rsquo;s where the choice between Europe and India becomes more nuanced.

INSEAD&rsquo;s one-year format helps minimize opportunity cost, and it has a strong pipeline into consulting hubs like Dubai, London, and Paris
LBS offers more time for internships and networking, which can be helpful if you're switching geography or function
Indian schools like ISB and IIM B offer a more structured placement process &mdash; you won&rsquo;t have to hustle as much for interviews
European programs give you better access to global offices of consulting firms, but Indian schools are more directly linked to MBB&rsquo;s India offices
If your long-term plan includes working outside India or in strategy roles across sectors, the international network of INSEAD or LBS will be more valuable

If you're planning to build your consulting career in India or Southeast Asia, ISB or IIM B may offer faster returns with fewer risks attached

Shruti T · Answer

If consulting is the end goal, both paths are valid,  it depends on where you want to work after your MBA. INSEAD and LBS have outstanding consulting placements, especially into MBB. INSEAD, in particular, is considered a &ldquo;consulting factory&rdquo; and places hundreds into firms like McKinsey and BCG every year, mostly across Europe and the Middle East.
The challenge is visa and regional fit. If you're set on working in Europe post-MBA and are open to relocating long-term, European schools give you access to global teams and better international mobility. But the cost is high, and if you don&rsquo;t land a job in Europe, it&rsquo;s tough to justify the ROI from an Indian salary.
ISB and IIM Bangalore are safer bets if you want to work in India. They both have strong consulting placements, including MBB, and structured campus recruitment. It&rsquo;s less risk, but also less global exposure. You need to weigh how much that matters to you.