u/GoDoFDeAth6 — reddlx

my_qualifications

Graduating B.Tech CSE in 2026 from a tier-3 college in India
CGPA: ~7/10
Age: 25 (had a 2-year gap between 12th and B.Tech due to family reasons, started in 2022)
Zero work experience or internships
Planning to apply for Fall 2027 intake, so roughly a 1-year gap after graduation
No financial backup... will have to take a significant education loan

I'm targeting funded MS programs (TA/RA) to minimize the loan burden, but I'm not sure if my profile even makes me competitive for funding.

My questions:

Is it even worth pursuing MS from the USA with this profile, or will the ROI be bad given the loan risk?
Does the 2-year gap before B.Tech hurt my chances significantly?
Would getting work experience in India first improve my chances meaningfully or should I just apply directly in 2027?
Any honest advice from people who've been in a similar situation?

I'd really appreciate brutally honest opinions over sugarcoating. Thanks.