Application for PNP Ontario--International student question

Hi,

I did my masters at a canadian university. I have a valid work permit until Sept 15th 2012. However the job situation hasn't been looking good over the past few months. Therefore I was considering going back to India and lay low till I get my PR card. I will be applying for the Ontario PNP program this week (Jan 23, 2012) from which point i expect 90 days for the process to be approved. My question is:
   1) Can I leave the country, wait till my PNP application is approved, and then apply for the PR card through the Canadian consulate in India?
   2) If I can't apply to the Canadian consulate in India, is it possible to mail in my application to the Nova Scotia office/Buffalo office, from India?

   3) Any suggestions on the matter are much appreciated.

Take care,

Anurag