Question 1

How do I find a job in India before moving back, and should I ask for an internal transfer?

Accepted Answer

Start by asking your current employer about an internal transfer to their India office, since this typically preserves your pay grade and seniority better than restarting externally. If no transfer path exists, begin networking on LinkedIn and targeting your industry's top 10 India-based employers roughly 6 months before your move.

Question 2

Dear NRIs, think hard before deciding to return to an Indian metro — I did, couldn't tolerate it, and now I'm leaving India again.

Accepted Answer

Metro-city friction (traffic, pollution, civic infrastructure) is the most common regret among NRI returnees, especially those coming from low-density Western suburbs. Choosing the right city — not just 'India vs abroad' — is often the real decision, and Tier-2 cities or planned communities suit many returnees better than Tier-1 metros.

Question 3

Can NRIs and OCI holders actually buy health insurance in India, and what documents are needed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, NRIs and OCI holders can buy Indian health insurance, but insurers vary in which KYC documents (passport, OCI card, India address proof) they accept, so it's worth confirming with the specific insurer before applying.

Question 4

School admissions for returning NRI kids — will my child be asked to repeat a grade if we move back mid-year?

Accepted Answer

Age-cutoff rules (not academic ability) usually determine grade placement, and moving mid-academic-year (India's school year starts May-July depending on region) makes it harder to slot into the same grade. Private/IB-affiliated schools tend to be more flexible than government-board schools on this.

Question 5

What are the best schools in India for NRI kids — CBSE, IB, or IGCSE — and when should admissions start?

Accepted Answer

The right board depends on whether your child plans to stay in India long-term (CBSE) or may move abroad again (IB/IGCSE, which map better to international systems). Admissions for the next academic year typically open in October-November, so researching by August-September gives enough runway to shortlist and visit 2-3 schools.

Question 6

I want to plan my move back to India — where do I start?

Accepted Answer

Start with the free downloads on this resources hub — each guide covers one slice of the move (country exit, tax, schools, shipping, family planning). When you want a dated sequence, open the planner; use tools for RNOR and tax calculations; read the blog when you need deeper research. Book a quick call if your situation has edge cases the guides do not cover on their own.

Question 7

Is Pune really cheaper than Bengaluru?

Accepted Answer

Pune runs roughly 10-15% cheaper overall in 2026 comparisons—mostly rent, where Bengaluru landlords often ask 8-10 months deposit vs Pune's 2-3 months. Groceries and daily costs are close; the bigger swing is salary bands—Bengaluru pays more for core tech and AI roles.

Question 8

Are salaries lower in Pune?

Accepted Answer

For core tech, AI, and startup roles, Bengaluru tends to pay more and has more openings. Pune is strong in IT services, engineering, and automotive.

Question 9

Which city has better weather?

Accepted Answer

Bengaluru is generally milder year-round. Pune has hotter, drier summers that can touch 40°C.

Question 10

What about the security deposit difference?

Accepted Answer

Bengaluru landlords often ask for 8–10 months of rent upfront. Pune usually asks for 2–3 months—a meaningful upfront cash difference.

Question 11

Is Pune good for families?

Accepted Answer

Many returning families find Pune more relaxed and family-friendly, with good schools, parks, and reasonably priced housing.

Question 12

Should I rent or buy when I move back?

Accepted Answer

For most returning families, rent for the first 6–12 months to learn neighbourhoods before locking capital into property.

Your go-to library for a smooth move back to India.

Did these resources actually help?

Questions people ask

Your go-to library for a smooth move back to India.

Did these resources actually help?

Questions people ask