How to Become an Investment Banker in India? Complete Guide [2025]

If you’re aiming to build a career in finance, knowing how to become an investment banker in India is crucial. Investment bankers play a vital role in helping companies raise capital, advising on mergers and acquisitions, and navigating complex financial transactions. A structured approach to education, skills, and experience is essential to succeed in this competitive field.

This blog provides a complete guide for 2025, covering the step-by-step career path, essential skills, top courses, earning potential, leading recruiters, and practical tips to help aspiring professionals establish a successful career in investment banking. It also highlights the best investment banker course options to equip you with the knowledge and skills required for this demanding role.

Enroll in our MBA Courses and enhance your skills to become a successful Investment Banker in India.

How to Become an Investment Banker in India? 

Understanding how to become an investment banker in India starts with building the right foundation in education, skills, and industry exposure. Investment bankers play a critical role in raising capital, managing IPOs, mergers, and acquisitions, and guiding businesses through complex financial decisions. 

A strong educational background in finance, economics, or business administration gives you the core knowledge of markets, financial principles, and corporate strategy. To stand out, you can also pursue industry-recognized investment banking courses and certifications that add practical expertise. 

Advance your career with industry-recognized programs designed to equip you with practical skills and expert insights. Enroll now to gain a competitive edge and unlock opportunities in HR analytics, product management, or international finance  

• HR Analytics Course Certification from IIM-K  
• Post Graduate in Product management Course from Duke CE  
• B.Com. in International Accounting & Finance 

To stand out in investment banking, mastering tools like Excel is crucial. Enhance your skills with these 60 Advanced Excel Formulas to boost your career prospects and excel in financial analysis 

Here’s a step-by-step roadmap on how to become an investment banker in India: 

Step 1: Complete Higher Secondary Education 

Focus on subjects like mathematics, economics, and business studies in Class 11-12 to develop analytical and problem-solving skills early. 

Step 2: Obtain a bachelor's degree 

Pursue a relevant investment banker degree such as BCom, BBA Finance, or BA Economics. These programs provide a strong base in financial management, accounting, and economics. 

Step 3: Consider a master's degree 

While not mandatory, an MBA in Finance or a postgraduate course in financial management significantly boosts your chances of entering top investment banks. 

Step 4: Earn Relevant Certifications 

Global certifications like CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), CA (Chartered Accountant), or FRM (Financial Risk Manager) strengthen your resume and show domain expertise. Many aspirants also enroll in specialized investment banking courses in India for hands-on skills. 

Take the next step with the Professional Certificate Program in Financial Modelling and Analysis with PwC Academy. Build the skills investment bankers use every day and move closer to your career goals in finance. 

Step 5: Gain Industry Experience 

Apply for internships in investment banks, financial institutions, or consulting firms. This real-world exposure helps you learn financial modeling, valuation, and client interaction. 

Step 6: Build Key Skills 

Strengthen core investment banking skills like Excel modeling, financial analytics, and valuation. At the same time, develop communication and negotiation skills to work effectively with clients and teams. 

Also Read: Top 18 Crucial Finance Skills That Employers Value in 2025 

Step 7: Grow Your Network 

Attending finance seminars, workshops, and webinars. Platforms like LinkedIn are excellent for connecting with professionals and learning about investment banker jobs in India. 

Step 8: Apply for Investment Banking Roles 

Craft a strong resume and cover letter highlighting your education, skills, and certifications. Target analyst or associate positions at both Indian and global investment banks. 

Step 9: Prepare for Interviews 

Brush up on financial modeling, valuation methods, and case studies. Be ready for both technical and behavioral questions. Practicing with common investment banking interview questions helps you stand out. 

Educational Path to Become an Investment Banker 

Becoming an investment banker in India requires the right education at the right stage. From choosing the right subjects after 12th to pursuing advanced degrees and certifications, every step helps build the foundation for a successful career in finance.  

After 12th 

If you’re wondering how to become an investment banker after 12th, your subject choices matter. Students should opt for Commerce, Economics, and Mathematics in higher secondary school. These subjects strengthen your analytical base and prepare you for undergraduate programs in finance, economics, or management. 

Best Investment Banker Degrees 

Both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) degrees play a crucial role in shaping your career as an investment banker. 

UG Options: These degrees provide a strong foundation in financial principles, business, and economics. 

• BCom (Bachelor of Commerce) - 3 years 
• BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) - 3 years 
• BA Economics - 3 years 
• BAF (Bachelor of Accounting & Finance) - 3 years 
• BMS (Bachelor of Management Studies) - 3 years 

PG Options: These courses provide advanced exposure to financial strategies, investment analysis, and global business practices. 

• MBA Finance - 2 years 
• MFC (Master of Finance & Control) - 2 years 
• M.Com (Master of Commerce) - 2 years 
• Master's in economics - 2 years 
• MS Finance - 2 years 

Certifications & Courses 

Alongside degrees, specialized certifications, and online programs boost your employability in investment banking. These courses validate your expertise and open doors to global opportunities. 

Top Certifications for Investment Bankers: 

• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) - 2–3 years 
• CA (Chartered Accountant) - 3–4 years 
• FRM (Financial Risk Manager) - 1–2 years 

If you want to earn a certification in Digital Banking for free, enroll in our Digital Banking Course today! 

Investment Banker Salary in India [2025] 

Investment banking is one of the highest-paying careers in finance, with the average investment banker's salary rising sharply with experience. According to Glassdoor, entry-level salary of investment bankers is between ₹6 LPA and ₹20 LPA, while senior professionals such as directors and managing directors can make anywhere from ₹25 LPA to ₹60 LPA.

Earnings depend on factors like experience, location, and employer. Professionals in cities like Mumbai and Delhi NCR typically earn more than those in smaller cities, and global investment banks often offer higher pay than domestic firms.

Average Annual Salaries for Top Investment Banking Roles in India (2025): 

Source: Glassdoor (2025) 

Top Companies Hiring Investment Bankers in India 

Investment bankers in India are recruited by both global financial giants and leading domestic firms. These companies are active across sectors like technology, healthcare, energy, and infrastructure, offering diverse opportunities for professionals. 

Top 10 Recruiters for Investment Bankers in India (2025): 

These firms regularly open analyst and associate-level roles for freshers and experienced professionals. Building the right skills in financial modeling, valuation, and capital markets can increase your chances of landing investment banker jobs with top recruiters. 

Skills Required to Become an Investment Banker 

To succeed in investment banking, you need a blend of technical expertise and soft skills. Here are the most essential ones:

Skills required to become an investment banker 

• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze financial statements, market trends, and data to make informed decisions. If you want to strengthen these skills further, check out this guide on the top skills and tools every data analyst should master. 
• Quantitative Skills: Strong math skills to perform complex calculations and financial modeling. 
• Communication Skills: Effective verbal and written communication to present ideas clearly to clients and colleagues. 
• Attention to Detail: Accuracy in analyzing data and preparing reports to avoid costly errors. 
• Problem-Solving Skills: The Capability to identify issues quickly and develop strategic solutions. 
• Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across different departments. 
• Time Management: Skill in managing multiple tasks and deadlines, especially during busy periods. 
• Negotiation Skills: Proficiency in negotiating terms and conditions to benefit clients and the firm. 
• Financial Knowledge: Strong understanding of financial markets, instruments, and investment strategies. 
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to changing market conditions and client needs is crucial in investment banking. Learn more about how to build this trait in our guide on cultivating an adaptive mindset. 

Challenges in Becoming an Investment Banker 

Pursuing investment banking as a career in India comes with several challenges: 

• Intense Competition - Thousands of graduates and MBAs apply each year, making it tough to stand out. 
• Long Working Hours - 80-100 hour work weeks are common, especially at the analyst and associate levels. 
• High Entry Barriers - Top investment banks prefer candidates from premier institutes, MBAs, or CFA-certified professionals. 

Future of Investment Banking in India [2025] 

The future scope of investment banking in India looks highly promising, driven by fintech growth, private equity deals, and global capital inflows. With India emerging as the fastest-growing major economy, demand for investment bankers is set to rise across mergers, acquisitions, and fundraising. 

• According to Fortune Business Insights, the global investment banking market is projected to grow from USD 110.12 billion in 2025 to USD 183.28 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 7.5 %. 
• In Asia, corporate and investment banking (CIB) revenues are expected to grow at 7% annually through 2027, outpacing global averages (McKinsey). 
• India’s fintech industry is forecasted to reach USD 150 billion by 2025, making it a hub for new opportunities in investment banking. 
• Investment banking fees in India have already scaled to USD 1.3 billion in 2023, compared to just USD 100 million in 2000, reflecting the strong deal pipeline. 

Key Drivers of Growth 

• Fintech & Startups: Huge fundraising requirements from India’s startup ecosystem. 
• Private Equity & M&A: Increasing cross-border acquisitions and private equity deals. 
• AI & Automation: Use of advanced tools for financial modeling and applying risk management strategies using AI . 
• Global Opportunities: Indian investment bankers are gaining exposure to global capital markets. 

Conclusion 

Investment banking in India is one of the most exciting and high-paying career paths for finance professionals. With the right degree, certifications, and practical skills, you can build a strong career and work with some of the top global and Indian banks. While the journey requires hard work and preparation, it also opens doors to big opportunities. 

Looking ahead, the future scope of investment banking in India is very bright with growth in fintech, startups, and global investments. If you want to enter this field, start by focusing on the right courses and skill development. With consistent effort, you can secure a stable, rewarding, and globally recognized career in investment banking. 

However, if you are still confused about what to do after engineering you can talk to our expert counsellors for a wide range of options and find the right fit for yourself. 

You can also check out our online courses  to upskill yourself in this dynamic world! 

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