Hi, I’d like some honest guidance regarding my university plans and what my best path forward would

Hi, I’d like some honest guidance regarding my university plans and what my best path forward would be.

I recently completed Grade 12 with PCM through the Gujarat Board, which is a state board in India, and I scored 72%. I’m currently enrolled in a local university in my city for my bachelor’s degree.

My long-term goal is to study at a T20 university for my bachelor’s or, if that isn’t realistic, for my master’s. I’m open to universities anywhere in the world. A major factor for me is financial aid, as I would ideally need a full-ride or very substantial scholarship to make studying abroad possible.

I’m willing to put in the work required over the next few years, so I’d like an honest assessment rather than generic encouragement.

Specifically, I’d like to understand:

1. Given my Gujarat Board background and 72% in Grade 12, do I still have a realistic pathway to a T20 university for a bachelor’s degree?
2. If yes, what universities/countries should I realistically consider, and what would I need to do to make my application competitive?
3. Would transferring from my current local university to a T20 university be a viable option, or would applying as a first-year applicant make more sense?
4. How realistic is a full-ride scholarship given my academic background and financial situation?
5. If a T20 bachelor’s is not the strongest route, I’m willing to complete my bachelor’s here and target a T20 university for my master’s. In that case, what should I do during these four years to build a profile strong enough for a T20 master’s program?
6. What should I prioritize right now — academics, research, internships, projects/startups, competitions, extracurriculars, networking, standardized tests, or something else?
7. If you were advising me from the beginning, what would you consider the smartest strategy over the next 4 years?

I’m particularly interested in building a strong profile in technology/business and eventually pursuing opportunities at a globally top-ranked university. I’m prepared to work consistently toward that goal; I just want to make sure I’m investing my time in the right things.

I’d appreciate a realistic assessment of both the bachelor’s and master’s routes, including the risks, requirements, scholarship opportunities, and what I should start doing immediately.