Investment banking is a great job option for analytical students with strong math skills. Investment banking is a suitable career for someone skilled in math. Investment bankers should also have a good mind for laws and regulations to navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding investment banking. To become an investment banker, students pursue an education in finance. While you can begin as an investment banker with a bachelor's degree, most eventually pursue a master's degree.
Capital raising is a large component of being an investment banker which includes selling securities to investors, facilitating IPOs, and book building—the practice of estimating a company’s value before it goes public on the stock market. Investment bankers also facilitate mergers and acquisitions and provide hedge, mutual, and pension fund advisory services.
Industry |
Banking & Finance |
Eligibility |
Students must clear Class 12th along with an Undergraduate or Postgraduate Degree in Banking or Finance |
Top Recruiters |
Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan and HSBC |
Average Starting Salary |
INR 7.50 LPA – 11 LPA |
Highest Salary |
INR 47.70 LPA – 50 LPA |
You must have a bachelor’s degree in economics, finance, business, or accounting to apply for a fresher position with an investment bank. To become an investment banker after the 12th, start by completing your 10+2 with at least 50% or an equivalent CGPA from a recognized board, with a strong base in mathematics, economics, and commerce. Pursue an undergraduate degree in fields like BCom, BBA, BA Economics, or BSc Mathematics.
Alternatively, consider professional courses such as CA, CS, or CFA. Next, enrol in a master’s program like MBA, MCom, MA Economics, or MSc Mathematics, or opt for specialized courses like PGDM, PGDBM, or PGDFM to gain advanced knowledge. You may enhance your prospects with a doctorate or a master’s degree. It also helps to work on improving your interpersonal and communication skills.
Certain hard skills are required to be an investment banker-
If you’re thinking how to be an investment banker in India, consider taking these steps:
Becoming a full-fledged investment banker in India takes seven or more years. After your 10+2 examination, you must invest approximately three or four years to earn a bachelor’s degree. You may then do a two-year master’s degree course. If you plan to opt for a doctorate program, it takes you another 3 to 6 years. Also, if you want to earn certifications, it can take you anywhere between 6 months and 4 years.
Role |
Responsibilities |
Capital Raising |
Investment bankers play a critical role in helping companies raise capital through IPOs, bond issuances, or private placements. They organize such deals to maximize the client’s financial status. |
Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) |
Investment bankers counsel clients in mergers, acquisitions, or divestitures. They will analyze the financial implications, negotiate terms, and assist in executing strategic transactions such as mergers and acquisitions. |
Advisory Services |
They advise clients on strategic financial issues, including capital structure optimization, shareholder value enhancement, and challenges in Venture Capital. This can be done by assessing prospective investments, divestitures, or restructuring projects. |
Risk Management |
Investment bankers help clients manage financial risks through hedging strategies for currency fluctuations, interest rate changes, and commodity prices. This allows clients to protect their financial positions under volatile markets. |
Financial Modeling and Analysis |
Investment bankers use advanced financial models to evaluate and predict the consequences likely to result from different economic transactions. This involves carrying out valuation metrics, conducting due diligence, and assessing the financial implications of strategic decisions. |
Client Relationship Management |
Relationship with clients is one factor contributing to an investment banker’s responsibilities. They prove to be reliable counsellors, knowing the needs of customers and coming up with financial solutions customized for specific business goals. |
Following are some of the Investment Banking courses in India:
Course Type |
Description |
Duration |
Fee (?) |
Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) with Finance Specialization |
Comprehensive program covering core finance, investment banking practices, soft skills, and industry exposure. |
2 Years |
INR 10L – 30L+ |
Postgraduate Diploma in Investment Banking (PGDIB) |
Focused program on investment banking topics like M&A, financial modelling, valuation, and deal structuring. |
1 Year |
INR 3L – 10L |
Bachelor’s Degree in Finance (BCom, BBA) |
Provides core finance knowledge, quantitative skills, and foundation for further studies. |
3-4 Years |
INR 1L – 5L+ |
Investment Banking Certification Programs (CFA, FRM, NISM) |
Internationally recognized certifications demonstrating expertise in specific areas. |
Varies (CFA: 3 levels, FRM: 2 levels, NISM: Varies) |
CFA: INR 70,000+, FRM: $1,150+, NISM: Varies |
Online Courses |
Flexible, affordable options covering specific investment banking skills like financial modelling, valuation, and pitch preparation. |
Varies (self-paced) |
INR 1,000 – 10,000+ |
Boot camps |
Intensive, short-term programs focusing on practical skills like financial modelling, data analysis, and interview preparation. |
4-8 Weeks |
INR 50,000 – 1L+ |
Below are the estimated salary of Investment Bankers in India:
Experience Level |
Average Annual Salary (?) |
Range (?) |
Analyst (0-2 years) |
5-8 Lakhs |
3-12 Lakhs |
Associate (2-4 years) |
8-12 Lakhs |
5-15 Lakhs |
Vice President (5-7 years) |
15-25 Lakhs |
10-30 Lakhs |
Director (8+ years) |
25-40 Lakhs |
20-50 Lakhs |
Managing Director (10+ years) |
50 Lakhs+ |
30 Lakhs+ |
Ques. What kind of education do I need to become CEO?
Ans. Including this education:
Ques. Are there any certifications that help?
Ans. While not mandatory, these can boost your resume:
Ques. What skills are important for investment banking?
Ans. These skills are important for investment banking:
Ques. What are the typical career steps in investment banking?
Ans. These typical career steps in investment banking are:
Ques. Is investment banking a good fit for me?
Ans. Consider these factors:
Ques. Where can I find more information?