Can I get into MBB or Tier-2 right after my BTech, and how does that affect MBA sponsorship later?

Question

Hi everyone,
I’m from India, currently in my 3rd year of BTech (graduating in 2027) and planning a career in consulting. My main questions are:

Is it realistically possible to get into MBB (McKinsey, Bain, BCG) directly after undergrad in India, without an MBA?
If not, which Tier-2 consulting firms are realistic targets after BTech?
My long-term plan is to work in consulting for some years, then pursue an MBA (ideally sponsored by my firm), and eventually start my own venture.

What would be the best way to structure my career path to maximize chances of:

Breaking into MBB (directly or via Tier-2 → MBA → MBB),
Getting my MBA sponsored,
Building strong foundations for a future startup?

Would love to hear advice from those who’ve walked this path.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi there,

In India, it is possible to get into MBB right after a BTech, but it’s very competitive and depends heavily on your school. MBB usually hires undergrads from IITs, top NITs, and a few other tier-1 campuses, mostly into Business Analyst / Associate Analyst roles. If you’re at one of these schools, it’s realistic to aim for MBB directly.

If not, Tier-2 firms (like Kearney, EY-Parthenon, Oliver Wyman, Deloitte S&O, Strategy&) are more accessible straight after undergrad, especially if you’ve got good academics and internships. These are strong platforms that can lead to MBB later, often via MBA.

On your long-term plan:

Path 1: Direct to MBB after BTech. You’ll usually need to do an MBA later if you want faster promotion, but the brand is with you from the start. Sponsorship is common—MBB often funds top MBAs for strong performers
Path 2: Tier-2 > MBA > MBB. Also a very common route. A few years at a Tier-2 builds experience, then a top MBA (sometimes sponsored) lets you re-recruit into MBB as an Associate
Entrepreneurship later. Both paths give you problem-solving skills, network, and credibility with investors. What matters most is that you get consulting exposure early on, not whether you start at MBB or Tier-2

To maximize chances:

Focus on strong grades + internships now
Network early (alumni, LinkedIn, case competitions)
Prepare rigorously for case interviews—breaking in is more about preparation than background once you’re in the pipeline

So, yes—you can target MBB straight after BTech. If not, Tier-2 is a great stepping stone, and both routes can lead to sponsorship and eventually MBB.

Happy to help you prep - feel free to reach out.

Best,
Evelina

Answer 2

1. Yes

2. Yes

3:

"Breaking into MBB (directly or via Tier-2 → MBA → MBB)"

You apply directly. If it doesn't work you apply to Tier 2. You can try to move from T2 to MBB before the MBA.

"Getting my MBA sponsored"

Be a strong performer and don't get counseled out! (i.e. fired)

"Building strong foundations for a future startup?"

MBB is a great school, but usually better to learn how to manage a corporation or a scale up, not as good in teaching you on how to build a startup.

I would say however, that being exposed to Private Equity (due diligence work) is great to help you think about business models and competitive strategy; transformation is great to learn how different parts of a (large) company operate

Answer 3

Hi there,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your questions:

First of all, yes, getting into strategy consulting directly after graduation is certainly possible.
Moreover, there is really no better or worse way to get into strategy consulting, as it highly depends on your individual situation. However, I would always advise you to try to join your target consulting firm directly, and if that is not possible, reconsider your options.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare your application files, for your upcoming pre-interview assessments and/or interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen