From CA to UCLA: How One Indian Chartered Accountant Earned Rs. 3 Crore in Scholarships from Top US B-Schools

Janak Daswani’s journey is one that can inspire many young professionals in India. He started out like many others, focused on building a strong career in finance by becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA). But unlike most, he dreamed bigger. He wanted to use his CA qualification as a stepping stone to an MBA from a top international business school. And not only did he achieve that dream, but he also received Rs. 3 crore worth of scholarships from top business schools in the United States.

A Clear Dream, Even as a Teenager

Janak knew early in life what he wanted. While still in the 10th grade, he had already set his sights on becoming a CA and then doing an MBA abroad. After passing the CA exams, he completed three years of training (articleship) at BDOIndia, starting when he was just 19. This gave him valuable real-world experience in how businesses operate.

Like many CAs, he joined a top accounting firm, KPMG, in the transfer pricing department, where he worked with international companies. But Janak was more interested in business strategy and decision-making than just numbers. He realized that if he wanted to get into management consulting or a top leadership role, he needed an MBA.

Working Hard for a Big Goal

To move toward his goal, he joined KNAV Services, a boutique financial advisory firm. Here, he worked on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deals, helping U.S. companies with financial due diligence. These experiences improved his skills in finance and client handling, both important for an MBA.

He started preparing for the GMAT, the entrance test required for most U.S. MBA programs. His first attempt didn’t go well; he scored only 610, even though he had done better in practice tests. But he didn’t give up. He studied during weekends and took the test three more times, eventually scoring an impressive 750.

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A Difficult Start to the Application Journey

Janak began applying to MBA programs in early 2023, but progress was slow. He had signed up with a well-known consultant, but after four months, he had made very little progress. Feeling stuck, he reached out to a friend who recommended MBA Crystal Ball (MCB), a consulting service that had helped him get into a top school.

At MCB, Janak worked with mentors Vibhav and Maitabi, who helped him from scratch. They first helped him understand his strengths and weaknesses. Then, they helped him choose schools that were a good match, some ambitious, some realistic. They worked closely on his application essays and interview preparation. They also helped him talk about a career gap after becoming a CA, which was caused by a serious family health issue. Instead of hiding it, Janak used that experience to show his strength and responsibility.

Turning Weaknesses Into Strengths

Janak’s profile became stronger because of his volunteer work with an NGO called The Lighthouse Project, where he mentored underprivileged students. He used this experience in his essays to show his commitment to social change and leadership.

He applied to 10 business schools and got interview calls from 7, including top names like UCLA Anderson, Dartmouth Tuck, and Michigan Ross. He got admission offers from UCLA Anderson, Vanderbilt Owen, and UNC Kenan-Flagler, each offering scholarships of over $100,000. In total, he received $357,000 (Rs. 3 crore) in scholarships.

Life at UCLA Anderson

Janak chose the UCLA Anderson School of Management in Los Angeles because of its strong focus on consulting, its diverse student community, and its location on the U.S. West Coast, close to many major companies.

Now, five months into the MBA program, Janak says the experience has been life-changing. He is involved in many clubs, such as the management consulting association, basketball club, and the South Asian business group. He says that the learning happens both inside and outside the classroom and that he is constantly inspired by his classmates and professors.

Janak’s Message to Others

Janak believes that having a CA degree is a strong foundation, but it’s possible to aim even higher. With the right planning, support, and determination, professionals can get into top global MBA programs even with challenges like career gaps or failed test attempts.

His story shows that failure is not the end; it's just part of the journey. With persistence and the right guidance, dreams that seem far away can come true.

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