Does an Indian life sciences graduate with a master's from USC need an MBA to break into life science consulting in India?

No. For life science consulting in India, a master's from a reputed institution is treated as equivalent to an MBA in practice. Domain knowledge matters more than the degree label. The bigger issue is targeting the right firms.

• Avoid the Big Four, BCG, Deloitte, and large generalist firms, at entry level. Their screens are stricter and they undervalue a scientific master's.
• Right targets: Bagchi Consulting, IQVIA, Decimal Health (digital health), and Accenture's life sciences arm.
• Boutique experience first makes entry into larger strategy firms much easier later, you arrive with both the track record and the technical depth.