Question 1

Is MBA worth the cost?

Accepted Answer

Depends on college and career goals. Top IIMs (₹25L cost) with ₹25L+ placements pay back in 2-3 years. Tier-2/3 MBA (₹10-15L) with ₹8-12L placements takes 5-7 years ROI. Low-tier MBA (₹5L cost, ₹6L placement) barely breaks even vs 2 years work experience. Do MBA only if: (1) Top 20 B-school, (2) Career switch necessity, (3) Can afford without huge loans.

Question 2

Should I study MS abroad or in India?

Accepted Answer

MS abroad (US/Europe): ₹40-60L cost but ₹60-80L starting salaries and immigration opportunities. MS India (IITs): ₹5-10L cost, ₹12-20L salaries. Breakeven: Abroad takes 3-4 years, India takes 1-2 years. Choose abroad if: Can afford/get scholarship, want immigration, high-paying field (CS, Data Science). Choose India if: Cost-conscious, family commitments, or field doesn't pay significantly more abroad.

Question 3

Is coaching worth it for competitive exams?

Accepted Answer

IIT/JEE coaching (₹2-3L for 2 years): Worth it if aiming for top 1000 ranks. UPSC coaching (₹1-2L): Less critical, self-study works for many. CAT coaching (₹50K-1L): Useful for first-timers, not essential for retakers. Calculate ROI: ₹2L coaching + ₹1L opportunity cost for IIT seat that leads to ₹12-15L starting salary = excellent ROI. Same ₹3L spent on mediocre coaching without results = wasted.

Question 4

Should I take an education loan?

Accepted Answer

Take loan if: (1) Education guarantees salary bump covering EMI (₹20L loan needs ₹25K+ monthly income increase), (2) Premier institution with strong placements, (3) Parents can't afford. Avoid loan for: Low-tier colleges, courses with weak job prospects, or if EMI will exceed 30% of expected starting salary. ₹20L loan for IIT = smart. ₹20L loan for unknown college = risky.

Question 5

What's the breakeven timeline for higher education investment?

Accepted Answer

Good education ROI: 2-4 years breakeven. Example: ₹15L MBA with ₹20L to ₹35L salary jump = ₹15L increase covers cost in 1 year. Poor ROI: >7 years breakeven. Example: ₹12L course with ₹8L to ₹12L jump = ₹4L increase takes 3 years to recover cost. Factor in: opportunity cost (2 years lost earnings), loan interest if applicable. Aim for <5 year payback period.

Education ROI Calculators

Coaching & Entrance Exams

JEE/NEET Coaching ROI Calculator

Higher Education

MBA ROI Calculator India

MS Abroad vs India Calculator

About Education ROI Calculators