An MBA degree with a finance specialisation is, without a doubt, a foolproof way to ensure a lucrative and secure career that offers great employment opportunities. This degree aims to give students a comprehensive understanding of how the financial world works while offering in-depth knowledge about how to tackle various business problems and financial theories.
An MBA in Finance is a wonderful choice for people interested in working in the finance domain in the market. A good reason to pursue an MBA in Finance is the necessary skill set and the competency you will acquire to perform various administrative roles in this sector. The scope of this subject is extensive, and many students get quite confused about pursuing it due to their lack of knowledge about the ample number of job opportunities after an MBA in Finance.
Pursuing an MBA in Finance is a sure-fire way to help students develop a strong base on theories and practical knowledge related to the finance sector. Students get the opportunity to diversify their knowledge in statistics, mathematics, and economic analysis, which in turn helps them to perform their duties and handle projects that require management-level expertise in workplaces. Aspirants and students applying for this course also undergo thorough training, including teamwork activities like live projects, management simulations, and professional lectures.
MBA in Finance, a specialisation that numerous B-schools offer on a global scale, imparts in-depth management knowledge and teaches students how to monitor and review investments. Down below, we have listed some of the best colleges in the nation that offer the best MBA Finance courses with a comprehensive curriculum and a reasonable fee structure:-
1. SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai (PGDM): Often abbreviated as SPJIMR, this college is known to be one of the top b-schools in India. With their constant need to upgrade as per the market needs which is quite an advantage for newer students, they are said to hold the top rank in the quotient of Industry integration. Its influential presence in the country’s financial capital has given it the ability to offer students a virtual industrial simulation in the classrooms. The All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE), as well as the University Grants Commission (UGC), has recognized this institute as well. Its MBA programme is designed to help students attain the required financial skills to aid them in strategic planning at every management level in companies and institutions.
2. Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai (Banking): With its strategic location in Mumbai, NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies) prides itself for its active corporate association and is regarded as one of the top few colleges offering an MBA specialisation in Banking. The college offers a programme that covers every possible dimension that the domain of finance has to offer including corporate finance, risk management and insurance and the like. With its highly regarded placement cell, top-tier companies enthusiastically come to recruit students from this specialisation. It is ranked by Outlook 2020 as fourth and 24th by NIRF 2020 for Private MBA.
3. KJ Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research, Mumbai (Financial Services): This college is known for its distinctive incorporation of management concepts that are relevant to the financial domain and the techniques it follows for its practices in market analysis and policy formulation. Aspiring students looking to study in this college primarily choose it because it prepares them and enhances their knowledge of domestic and global services in finance. This enables them to comprehend the market complexity, and make the right choices and decisions. The KJ Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research holds the 56th position as allocated by NIRF ranking for Private MBA in 2021. Additionally, it is AICTE approved and holds an accreditation from the NBA.
4. Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management (Finance): Quite commonly known as LBSIM, the Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management is renowned for its course curriculum including important courses like investment management, risk management, treasury management, strategic control and accounting. The institute also offers a dual finance specialisation and is the second institute with established a financial laboratory or a terminal with Bloomberg making it one of the premier institutes to pursue a career in finance management.
6. International School of Business & Media (Finance): The ISB&M is a premium institute that specialises in creating finance executives out of students by combining various methods and courses. Its primary focus is not only on theories but also on training, comprehending financial markets as well as skill development. Students are made to participate in activities that they need to solve within a stipulated budget thereby giving them the required practical and field knowledge apart from just theoretical knowledge that they gain from books.
7. O.P. Jindal Global University: Hailed as one of the top private universities in the nation, O.P. Jindal Global University is also the youngest Indian institute to feature in the QS World University Rankings in 2021. In only eleven years, JGU has secured its place amongst the top 651-700 universities globally, according to QS WUR2021. It was also hailed as the 'Institution of Eminence' (IOE) by the Indian Government, giving JGU the place amongst the top twenty Indian universities holding this status.
The following is the admission process you must follow to apply for an MBA in Finance. This process will also mentally prepare students for every single step needed for getting admission.
Application form: The first and obvious step will be to submit the application form.
Entrance exam: The second step will be to sit for the JMAT online aptitude exam. Students scoring below average marks are exempted from attempting the JMAT- Online National Level entrance test. CAT / XAT / MAT / ATMA / CMAT scores must be over 50%, and the minimum score for NMAT should be greater than 160. Other additional scores are - GRE– 300 and GMAT– 450.
Submission of documents: The next step will be to submit the necessary academic documents as per the instructions of the institution you are applying to.
Interview: After the document submission, you must sit for an interview session with the admission committee of the institution.
An MBA is one of the most popular management studies degrees aiming to provide you with the basic fundamental knowledge about the business. The finance specialisation in MBA is the most widely chosen option by aspirants worldwide. It is designed for the convenience of freshers and experienced professionals who seek to sharpen their management insights as well as acquire holistic business knowledge while preparing for a successful future in finance.
If you are a finance aspirant, an MBA degree in Finance is the ideal upskilling option. An MBA program in Finance can help you understand a wide range of topics related to management skills and tactics used in the Finance domain. Pursuing an MBA course will prepare you for senior-level roles and give you the hands-on industrial experience you need to become a skilled professional in your role. This is something that the theoretical-based Master of Finance program won’t give you.
Compared with a Master’s degree in Finance, a finance specialisation MBA is more suited to the needs of experienced professionals, whereas a Master of Finance degree is designed to teach freshers and early experience applicants. Most MBA in Finance applicants are already finance professionals or those looking to pivot from another industry. The curriculum of an MBA finance program aims to give you a strong foundation in finance and the necessary practical knowledge for handling numerous finance roles, regardless of if you have worked in the finance sector.
A standard MBA course in any specialisation is suitable for those who want to build a startup company on their own, especially in the Fintech sector. Therefore, the question of whether an MBA degree in Finance is right for you or not is solely dependent on what your requirements are. Think it through and weigh out your options before signing up for a professional MBA program in Finance.
A major part of the tuition fees for pursuing an MBA in Finance depends on what the college administration determines and, therefore, might vary from institution to institution. On average, an MBA with a Finance specialisation usually costs between 10,000 INR to 20,00,000 INR at Indian B-schools and universities.
An MBA degree in Finance offers students and experienced professionals numerous opportunities by making the base of their foundation in knowledge strong. From imparting knowledge about analysing the money system and stocks to other financial products - all are a part of the finance specialisation of MBA.
A Masters's degree in Business Administration with a specialisation in Finance consists of a collection of courses that are finance related and usually is of a duration of 2 years. Pursuing this course will significantly boost your career by opening up multitudes of opportunities for Finance students in the financial world, such as roles in investment banking, private equity, corporate accounting, etc. This course includes many subjects like financial management and planning, corporate budgeting, managerial economics, etc.
Graduates with MBA degrees in Finance have a better shot at nailing jobs in the corporate world, making it a popular and well-sought-after MBA specialization. It has various career options in both the private and public sectors. Getting an MBA degree in finance has the following advantages -
Importance of finance: Finance is one of the predominant industries both nationally and internationally. Pursuing an MBA in finance is a lucrative and secure option because you will work in an industry on which every business, industry, and country depends. With finance being one of the most moderated industries in the world, pursuing a career is a surefire way to attain high-paying jobs.
Technological Based Course: Due to the increasing influence of technology in our lives, it has also been integrated into finance because of its significant role in every industry. The world of finance has successfully incorporated technology for betterment and development. If you pursue an MBA degree in finance, you will not only be taught the theoretical concepts but also practical and technological applications of finance.
Wide range of industries: Finance is an integral part of every sector in the market. All businesses are majorly dependent on finance and cannot commence without it. Businesses and corporate organisations and the nation and the governments cannot operate without money. With an MBA qualification in finance, you have a wide range of companies and industries to choose from per your professional choice. This course can take you closer to your dream job with high career satisfaction.
Challenging Professions: With the market and the nation heavily dependent on the finance industry, it is undoubtedly one of the most challenging professions to choose. As a finance specialist, you must be at the top of your game, alert and aware at all times and updated on the latest market trends. This sector is also known to be quite volatile and constantly keeps adding pressure. However, if you master the art of handling this pressure, you are bound to do well and reap the rewards that come with it. An MBA degree in Finance will help you acquire industry-specific skills for a promising career.
An MBA specialisation in finance is an invaluable choice for a career for everyone looking to work in the financial sector of the job market. Finance aspirants must have adequate skills in mathematics, financial theory and economics. In other words, this course addresses topics in great detail. The curriculum of MBA in finance is designed to balance mathematical rigour along with management courses. Apart from classroom-based learning, you must take a finance internship.
Before determining which career will be well suited to you, you must have a clear view of the syllabus and the subjects offered in an MBA in finance course. Down below is a generalised list of the courses and subjects offered in the program syllabus in most universities and B-schools, inclusive of both core subjects and electives.
Banking and Money Management
Management Control
Risk Management in Finance
International Finance
Markets of Fixed Income
Structured Finance
Futures, Options and Derivatives
Finance Infrastructure
Corporate Restructuring
Valuation of Business
Management of Portfolio and Investment Analysis
Behavioural Finance
Strategies for Trading
Modelling of Finance
Infrastructure Finance
Mergers and Acquisitions
Commodity Finance
Management of Corporate Investment
Management of Hedge Fund
Finance in Small Business
Analysis of Securities
Borrowing
Fundraising
Collections
Disbursements
There are a plethora of industries offering job roles and positions to graduates who have completed an MBA in finance. The choice of industry depends on which sector piques your interest and attracts you. Some of the industries hiring MBA graduates specialising in finance are listed below:-
Finance
Banking
Marketing and Sales
Educational Institutes
E-commerce
Consultancies
Insurance
Government Sectors
Technology
FMCG
Be assured that an MBA degree in Finance will not only open multiple doors and avenues in the job sector. Some of the best career options to pursue after graduating with an MBA degree in finance are -
2. Portfolio Manager: The job role of portfolio managers involves managing investment portfolios for various clients or organisations. One of their primary jobs is to make solvent investments for their clients and get the best returns. As a portfolio manager, you will need to have a thorough knowledge of different financial markets. Portfolio managers can work not just for companies but also as expert consultants. In this profession, you can make a lot of money.
3. Financial Advisor: Financial advisors in companies must provide expert advice on investments. Their role is similar to that of portfolio managers with the only difference being that financial advisors are only limited to providing advice on investing. In addition to being investment experts, they must have in-depth market knowledge. They charge a certain amount for offering expert advice.
4. Treasury Manager: A treasury manager is the manager of the capital or money in an organisation. Their job requires them to oversee and monitor the company’s finances. This is one of the most important and highest paying professions in the finance domain where you will need to have a sharp financial mind and in-depth knowledge about financial management. There might also be a need for them to travel nationally or internationally to the company's various branches if it has many.
As a finance aspirant or an MBA in Banking and Finance student, it is important to know about the top companies that hire MBA finance graduates. Prior knowledge about such companies is bound to give you a motivational boost and more zeal to work in this sector.
The hiring companies listed below are world-renowned and are dream companies for many.
Barclays
HDFC
ICICI
HSBC
Morgan Stanley
Lehman Brothers
Citi Group
BCG
HDFC
Genpact
There are a few specialisations in an MBA finance course based on your chosen courses. These will land you particular jobs specific to that specialisation itself, such as Portfolio Management, Corporate investment management, Corporate finance, Hedge fund management, Securities analysis, Investments, Fundraising, Collections, Borrowing, Disbursements, Coverage of global financial institutions, International Finance, Fixed Income Securities, and the like.
Traditional coursework and projects primarily include financial modelling, private equity projects, global macro and microeconomics, entrepreneurship projects, stock market pitch projects, mergers and acquisitions, development and design, real estate investment, investment strategies and more.
In general, there are a few Finance MBA specialisations available -
Advanced Corporate Finance
International Finance
Financial Institutions and Markets
Exclusive Finance Topics
Derivatives and Risk Management
Fixed Income Securities
Banking
Valuation
If you choose to sign up for the premium MBA course in Finance from upGrad, it is essential to know that upGrad provides an MBA degree in Digital Finance.
With the rising advancement of technology, the financial services industry is also advancing considerably technologically at multiple levels. It has redefined the work culture and significantly impacted the workforce, workplace, and job roles. Technology being heavily integrated into every avenue of our lives has also considerably impacted the educational sector. Hence, if we consider whether an online finance course is better than an offline one, there will be much debate on the pros and cons of the two. Both online and offline courses have their advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, you will need to weigh out your options on this one.
However, with the rising demand for online financial courses, we have listed below some of the advantages of an MBA In Finance Online Course:-
1. Flexibility: Unlike conventional on-campus MBA degrees, online MBA courses will give you enough flexibility to sign up for the programme even if you have a packed schedule. You can complete an online MBA course at your convenience without having any geographical constraints. MBA In Finance Online Courses additionally offer a great learning experience by setting up flexible schedules, with added coursework where you have the option to watch pre-recorded or live video lessons. You can participate in discussion forums with fellow students and participate in quizzes or collaborative projects.
2. Credibility: You need to understand before joining an online MBA program that not all are the same and can differ from institution to institution. One thing to remember while choosing the right program for you is the accreditations which affect the program’s credibility. Reputable companies always look for MBA pass-outs from renowned institutions with proper certification. Accreditation enhances the value and credibility of an institution. On the other hand, the choicest online MBA programs integrate technology in their courses. Pursuing an MBA In Finance Online Course is a surefire way of finding out the credibility of the course because nearly every detail is available online once you start researching it.
3. Cost Effective: This is the best advantage you can have if you choose to pursue an online MBA course. If you compare an offline MBA Finance Online Course with one available online, you will notice the significant difference in the fees, with the online course being lesser than one available online due to their low costs for operation. You can enrol in an online MBA course for a more extended period by opting for a monthly payment scheme which is more affordable.
Course | Duration |
| 12 weeks |
| 12 weeks |
| 12 weeks |
| 12 weeks |
| 12 weeks |
| 12 weeks |
| 9 weeks |
| 9 weeks |
As per the research conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a 5% increase in recruitment in management positions from 2019 to 2029. This is significantly faster than the average percentage for the other roles. It is forecasted to generate more than 500,000 job roles in the US, making the scope of finance professions, especially in management, look quite promising in the US. Careers in finance management have a high reputation because they handle strenuous work daily and are rewarded handsomely for their skills and expertise. This has spiked the growing demand for MBA in Finance Management courses in the later years.
With finance management being the broadest MBA specialisation, financial professionals must be highly skilled and focused while preparing an organisation's budget, overseeing the operations in the financial division, and ensuring that your company makes the maximum profits by achieving its monetary goals.
In 2021, the US finance sector was recorded to have a market size of $5.2 trillion, including the insurance industry, a major component of the financial sector. The finance industry has grown significantly quicker than the economy overall and is expected to grow at a rate of 1.7%. Finance MBAs are growing in popularity for highly sought-after roles that graduating from this course provides. The role of a financial manager is among the most sought-after roles ranking #3 in Best Business Jobs and #17 among 100 Best Jobs in rankings.
High demand: An MBA course in finance helps students develop the mandatory skills and the knowledge required for handling and managing financial roles in a company. In addition to analytical thinking, it also helps students learn about managerial decision concepts, continuous processes, coordination processes, and balancing profitability and risk. Aspirants prefer this specialisation because of the numerous study options it offers to students, namely, corporate finance, international finance, costing, budgeting, management of working capital and securities and investment.
Job security: An MBA course in Finance teaches about finance administration and is responsible for managing and maintaining the capital and the costs needed for every possible sector in the industry. Therefore, job roles for MBA in Finance Management graduates are readily available. Therefore, this specialisation ensures job security once you graduate.
Explore numerous fields: A Finance MBA allows you to expand your reach, giving you more opportunities in many sectors. From financial advisors to stock traders, managers of hedge funds, equity analysts, and the like, numerous jobs are available in the private and public sectors. This allows you to switch between job roles and industries. Upon completing an MBA in finance, you can even attain internationally acknowledged job roles by becoming a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and increase the chances of securing a job abroad.
In India, MBA in Finance Management graduates can earn an average salary of INR 710,780 annually. Some of the similar job roles offering lucrative salaries are listed below:-
Finance Jobs | Average Salary in India |
Financial Analyst | ₹516,000 |
Finance Manager | ₹10,00,000 |
Senior Business Analyst | ₹10,00,000 |
Accountant | ₹278,000 |
Senior Financial Analyst | ₹627,000 |
Operations Manager | ₹799,000 |
Relationship manager | ₹532,000 |
An MBA graduate in India is offered a salary that is highly dependent on their qualification and experience. The premier India MBA colleges offer excellent placements with outstanding salary packages, making it one of the most sought-after MBA courses. The MBA in Finance Management starting salary is completely dependent on the following five factors:-
MBA specialisation
A candidate’s professional experience
Industry
Institute or college
Designation and job description
A financial manager in the US is paid 129,890 USD (1,03,28,722.91 INR) on an average per annum. The salary for this job role usually begins from 92,000 USD (73,16,336.80 INR) and can even go up to 181,980 USD (1,44,72,032.29 INR).
Like most other countries, an MBA graduate abroad is offered a pay package that depends on the qualification and the candidate's experience. Many premium B-schools offer this course and have a placement cell via which freshers get great pay packages for starters. However, other factors like the candidate’s professional experience, the industry, the institute or college's reputation, and the designation they are applying for are essential for determining the salary.
1000+
Top Companies
50%
Average Salary Hike
Top 1%
Global Universities
Put the presentation skills learned in the course into practice through a video presentation.
Find and describe a major change management case (e.g. Apple upon Job’s return, Tesla, Rimac, Microsoft under Nadella, Shell under Watts, etc.)
Because an MBA in Finance Management prepares students for multiple lucrative careers like corporate accounting, private equity, investment banking, etc., by imparting knowledge on controlling and reviewing financial collections, investments, and resources.
The eligibility criteria required to pursue an MBA in finance are similar to the admission process for any MBA degree. It is a mandate to have a minimum of 50% average scores in Graduation.
Some of the most popular MBA finance roles are Financial analyst, Accountant, senior business analyst, finance manager, relationship manager, and the like.
A degree in MBA in finance can offer various lucrative high-paying jobs. Finance is a field where one can opt for high-paying finance or consulting jobs. Nonetheless, gaining multiple insights into the business is a bonus. The degree provides all the necessary information regarding finance in business; therefore, it is very worth trying.
Amongst the MBA specialisations that have prepared the most number of CEOs in the past include finance, marketing, IT, environmental sustainability, and public policy. Therefore, there is a high chance for an individual with MBA in finance to become a future CEO
After completing an MBA in Finance, there are plenty of options. One can work at the firm as a financial analyst, risk manager, investment banker, cash manager, credit manager, accounting manager, and insurance manager. Or the person can start with financial consulting services and eventually build their own company.
MBA in finance syllabus includes but is not limited to subjects like Micro and Macroeconomics, CSR, Principles of accounting, SCM, strategic management, organisational behaviour, corporate finance, marketing research, business law, operations management, optimisation and project research, project management, business intelligent and quantitative methods and statics.
Questions related to investment, banking and insurance are some of the most common areas from which MBA interview questions are chosen. Some of the examples include: What is a cash flow statement? What is meant by working capital? Elaborate on the concept of capital budgeting? How can a company go bankrupt yet show positive net income simultaneously? Are profit and revenue the same? Explain the difference.
Yes. MBA in finance can be pursued after the compilation of any graduation degree, be it BTech, Bcom, Bsc, or BA. On that note, having an engineering background can often be a perk with accomplished mathematics and problem-solving skills. Therefore, it is often seen that engineers do well in MBA.
To pursue an MBA in finance, the candidate needs work experience anywhere between three to five years. Along with that, the person also has to have a graduation degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate or equivalent CGPA from a recognised university. Apart from that, if a person is inclined toward finance and money management, they can become the best-suited candidate to pursue MBA in finance.
Both marketing and finance are two essential aspects of a business. The average salary for both degrees is quite the same, yet students with a finance degree often get paid more. MBA in finance provides opportunities in the sectors such as banks, investment portfolios, and accounts departments of the companies, whereas an MBA in marketing will bring jobs in sectors such as brand management, advertising, sales, etc. Therefore, finding the better one depends upon the preference of the candidate.
MBA in finance is as complex as any other MBA program. However, it is considered comparatively tough as it includes subjects more inclined towards mathematics, such as statistics and probability. Hence, it is often referred to as one of the toughest MBA specialisations in MBA.
To pursue an MBA in finance, it is not required to have maths as a subject either in 10+2 or in graduation. However, in order to crack the entrance exam for MBA, one needs to know the basics of maths. On that note, after taking MBA in finance, one has to deal in various areas of maths, especially statistics, algebra, calculus, and probability.
Investment banking is one of the highly picked careers one can choose after completing an MBA in finance. While roles like trader and analyst are available for graduates from various streams, to become an investment banker, one needs to have an acute knowledge of business that can only be acquired through a degree of MBA
An MBA in finance will provide a broader perspective regarding finance in business. Even if the course has some analytical parts if you aim to become a data analyst, the most suitable course would be MBA in data analytics. While it is not impossible, the process of becoming a data analyst with a degree in finance can be lengthy.
There are a handful of job roles to choose from after completing an MBA in finance. Some of the top picks for entry-level candidates include Financial analysts, cash managers, Credit managers, Risk managers, Management consultants, Accounting managers, Equity analysts and insurance managers.
A fresher can earn anywhere between INR 7 to 20 LPA. The salary also varies with the country. In the US, the average salary ranges from $142K to $148K. However, there are always exceptions that depend on several factors such as location, experience, and more.
It depends on the type of job role one goes for. One can work remotely after doing MBA in finance, but options will be very limited and might not be very high paying. One can also start consulting remotely or work as a freelancer to guide clients with financial advice. However, some small firms hire remotely working employees for roles such as head of finance, SVP finance, FP&A analyst, finance business, etc.
MBA in finance focuses on different financial aspects of a business. In comparison, a master's in finance focuses more on the different finance topics and closely related fields such as financial theory, quantitative finances, investments, valuation, etc. The number of institutions providing MS degrees is also very limited, but in terms of salary, an MS graduate can expect to earn less than an MBA graduate.