If you already have a Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Express Entry application in progress and are now also considering a study permit, you generally do not need to withdraw the PR application first.
What group members advised:- Don't withdraw your Express Entry profile. Instead, apply for the study permit under the Student Direct Stream (SDS) using your IELTS General Training (GT) score.
- IRCC does accept "dual intent" — having both a PR application in progress and a study permit application at the same time is legally recognized and doesn't disqualify you. Your study permit won't necessarily be assessed in isolation from your PR queue status.
- The real challenge is demonstrating strong ties back home. Because you're also in the FSW queue (showing PR intent), you'll need to build a stronger case in your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and supporting documents for why you'll return to India after your studies, since the visa officer will weigh your PR application against the temporary-resident requirement.
Bottom line: keep your EE profile active, apply for the study permit under SDS with your IELTS GT scores, and invest extra effort into demonstrating genuine ties to home and return intent in your SOP.