Finance Professional banner
a Finance Professional thumbnail
Finance Professional

Overview, Education, Careers Types, Skills, Career Path, Resources

Finance professionals manage money, investments, and financial risks. They work in banking, insurance, and corporate finance, ensuring financial stability and growth.

Average Salary

₹6,00,000

Growth

high

Satisfaction

medium

Home/Careers/finance and banking/finance professional
Educational Requirements

Education Requirements for Becoming a Finance Professional

A career as a finance professional typically requires a strong educational foundation in finance, economics, or a related field. Here's a detailed breakdown:

  • Bachelor's Degree:
    • A bachelor's degree in finance, economics, accounting, or business administration is generally the minimum requirement.
    • The curriculum should cover financial accounting, corporate finance, investment analysis, and financial modeling.
  • Master's Degree (Optional but Recommended):
    • A Master's degree in Finance (MFin), MBA with a concentration in Finance, or a Master's in Economics can significantly enhance career prospects.
    • Advanced coursework includes portfolio management, derivatives, risk management, and international finance.
  • Certifications:
    • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): A globally recognized certification for investment professionals.
    • Certified Financial Planner (CFP): Focuses on personal financial planning.
    • Financial Risk Manager (FRM): Specializes in risk management.
  • Skills Development:
    • Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze financial data and make informed decisions.
    • Technical Skills: Proficiency in financial software and tools.
    • Communication Skills: Effective communication of financial information to clients and stakeholders.
  • Internships:
    • Gaining practical experience through internships in finance-related roles is highly beneficial.
    • Internships provide exposure to real-world financial scenarios and help build a professional network.
Study Path
Top Colleges

To pursue a successful career as a finance professional in India, choosing the right educational institution is crucial. Here are some of the top colleges and courses that can provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge:

  • Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs):
    • Courses: MBA in Finance, PGDM in Finance
    • Campuses: IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow
  • Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi:
    • Course: MBA in Finance
  • Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai:
    • Course: MBA in Finance
  • Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune:
    • Course: MBA in Finance
  • Delhi School of Economics (DSE), University of Delhi:
    • Course: Master of Economics with specialization in Finance
  • Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Delhi:
    • Course: MBA in International Business with focus on Finance
  • Loyola College, Chennai:
    • Course: Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) with specialization in Finance
Fees

The cost of pursuing a career as a finance professional in India can vary widely depending on the type of institution, course, and location. Here's a general overview of the fees associated with different educational paths:

  • Bachelor's Degree:
    • Government Colleges: ₹10,000 - ₹30,000 per year
    • Private Colleges: ₹50,000 - ₹2,00,000 per year
  • Master's Degree:
    • Government Colleges (e.g., Delhi School of Economics): ₹20,000 - ₹50,000 per year
    • Private Colleges (e.g., NMIMS, Symbiosis): ₹3,00,000 - ₹8,00,000 per year
    • IIMs and Top B-Schools: ₹10,00,000 - ₹25,00,000 for the entire program
  • Professional Certifications:
    • CFA Program:
      • Enrollment Fee: $350 (one-time)
      • Exam Fee (per level): $700 - $1,000
    • CFP Certification:
      • Education Program: ₹30,000 - ₹50,000
      • Exam Fee: ₹15,000 - ₹20,000
    • FRM Certification:
      • Exam Fee (per part): $400 - $800
Related Exams

To excel as a finance professional in India, several exams can significantly enhance your career prospects. These exams provide specialized knowledge and certifications that are highly valued in the finance industry.

  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA):
    • The CFA Program is a globally recognized certification for investment professionals. It covers topics such as investment tools, asset valuation, portfolio management, and wealth planning. Passing the CFA exams demonstrates a high level of competence and ethical standards.
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP):
    • The CFP certification focuses on personal financial planning. It covers areas such as retirement planning, investment planning, insurance, and estate planning. CFP professionals help individuals manage their finances and achieve their financial goals.
  • Financial Risk Manager (FRM):
    • The FRM certification is designed for professionals involved in risk management. It covers topics such as risk measurement, risk management techniques, and risk modeling. FRM certification is highly valued in banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions.
  • NISM Certifications:
    • The National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) offers various certifications for professionals in the Indian securities market. These certifications cover areas such as equity derivatives, mutual funds, investment advisory, and securities operations. NISM certifications are mandatory for certain roles in the Indian financial industry.
Exam NameExam Date
Gmat logoGMATMay 8, 2024
Cat logoCATNov 30, 2025
Xat logoXATJan 4, 2026
Nmat by Gmac logoNMAT by GMACNov 5, 2025
Cmat logoCMATJan 15, 2026
Mat logoMAT--
Mah Mba Cet logoMAH MBA CETMay 15, 2025
Apicet logoAPICETMay 7, 2025
Tsicet logoTSICETJune 8, 2025
Tancet logoTANCET--
Karnataka Pgcet logoKarnataka PGCETMay 31, 2025
Jemat logoJEMATJune 11, 2025
Kmat Kerala logoKMAT KeralaMay 31, 2025
X Gmt logoX-GMTFeb 16, 2025
Ugc Net logoUGC NETDec 6, 2024
Related Courses
Pros And Cons

Pros

  1. High earning potential and career growth.
  2. Intellectual stimulation and problem-solving.
  3. Opportunities in diverse industries and roles.
  4. Continuous learning and professional development.
  5. Global career opportunities and exposure.
  6. Chance to make impactful financial decisions.
  7. High demand for skilled professionals.
  8. Opportunities for entrepreneurship and consulting.

Cons

  1. High stress and long working hours.
  2. Intense competition for top positions.
  3. Economic downturns impact job security.
  4. Ethical dilemmas and regulatory scrutiny.
  5. Constant pressure to perform and deliver.
  6. Requires continuous learning and adaptation.
  7. Can be monotonous in certain roles.
  8. Responsibility for significant financial decisions.