30-40% pay cut worth for a better role?

I graduated last year and have ~1.5 years of back-office experience at a BB bank, earning ~1.4M INR (~$75k PPP). I live away from home, so I save ~40–45% of my take-home.

The role has little to no finance exposure, and I’m getting bored. I’ve cleared CFA Level II and expect to pivot internally to a middle-office role (possibly DCM) by next July, with comp rising to ~2M INR (~$95k PPP). I also plan to pursue an MBA in 2–3 years, where my current firm’s brand might help.

Meanwhile, I have an opportunity for a pure valuations role (think one of Houlihan Lokey, Kroll, or Lincoln International) in my hometown. Pay would drop to 900k–1M INR (~$50k PPP), but I'd save more due to no rent. The role is strong, but I’m hesitant about the pay cut and its impact on future hikes.

Should I go for the better role or stay put for a better-paying, though less fulfilling, role? Long-term, I’m targeting IB (product/coverage) or private credit.

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