Dream college brand with median placements vs Tier-2 college with a ₹20 LPA package: What are you picking?

Here is a classic B-school dilemma that splits every MBA aspirant group right down the middle:

Option A: Getting into an iconic legacy brand (think older IIM / top-tier university) but ending up in the middle or lower quartile of the batch with an average CTC of ~₹14-16 LPA in a generalist role.

Option B: Heading to a reputable Tier-2 institute where you're in the top 5% of the batch, landing a solid ₹20–22 LPA fixed package with an established consulting/tech product firm.

On paper, Option B looks like an immediate win: quicker student loan payoff, instant financial comfort, and higher starting baseline.

But Option A advocates argue that the alumni halo effect and network equity compound over 10–15 years, giving you higher ceilings during leadership pivots when starting CTC no longer matters.

If you had to lock in your decision today with ₹25L in student loans on the line:

Which trade-off are you taking, and why? Immediate cash flow & role security, or long-term brand equity?