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Investment Banker

Investment bankers in India advise corporations and governments on raising capital, executing mergers and acquisitions, and structuring complex financial transactions. They work at bulge-bracket banks like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, domestic leaders like Kotak Mahindra and Axis Capital, and boutique advisory firms. Entry typically requires an MBA from a top IIM or equivalent, with elite quantitative and communication skills.

Salary range
₹12–80 LPA
Job growth
high
Work type
Office
Paths to entry
4 routes

Actions for your grade

  • Study compound interest, ratio analysis, and introductory economics deeply
  • Open an NSE Paathshaala virtual trading account to simulate investing
  • Read simplified books like 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' to spark financial thinking

Your complete path from Grade 10 to Investment Banker

Every step you need — from now to your first job.

MBA Finance (IIM Route)
Any Stream

Top IIMs are the primary feeder pipeline for bulge-bracket IB analyst and associate roles in India.

  1. Now
    Any Stream Stream
  2. Exams
    CAT
  3. Degree
    B.Com / BBA / B.Tech (3-4 yr) → MBA Finance (2 yr)
  4. Colleges
    IIM Ahmedabad · IIM Bangalore · IIM Calcutta
  5. Career
    Investment Banker
Chartered Accountancy
Commerce

CA opens doors to IB advisory and Big 4 transaction services, especially in mid-market deals.

  1. Now
    Commerce Stream
  2. Exams
    CA Foundation
  3. Degree
    CA qualification (3-stage, ~5 yr post Class 12)
  4. Colleges
    Icai
  5. Career
    Investment Banker
B.Com (Hons) + MBA
Commerce

SRCC or St. Xavier's followed by a top IIM is a well-trodden IB entry path.

  1. Now
    Commerce Stream
  2. Exams
    CUET UG or CAT
  3. Degree
    B.Com Hons (3 yr) → MBA Finance (2 yr)
  4. Colleges
    Srcc Delhi · St Xaviers Mumbai · Christ University Bangalore
  5. Career
    Investment Banker
Engineering + MBA
Science

IIT engineers dominate quant-heavy structured finance and derivatives desks at top IB firms.

  1. Now
    Science Stream
  2. Exams
    JEE Main or CAT
  3. Degree
    B.Tech (4 yr) → MBA Finance (2 yr)
  4. Colleges
    IIT Bombay · IIT Delhi · IIT Kharagpur
  5. Career
    Investment Banker

Entrance exams

ExamEligibilityDifficultyWindow
JEE Main
NTA
Class 12 PCMVery HardJan & Apr
CUET UG
NTA
Class 12 (any stream)MediumMay-Jun
CAT
IIMs
Bachelor's degree 50%+Very HardNov
CA Foundation
ICAI
Class 12 passHardJun & Dec

Where to Study

Institutes known to offer this career pathway in India.

IIM Ahmedabad
IIM Bangalore
IIM Calcutta
IIM Lucknow
Xlri Jamshedpur
Fms Delhi
Icai
Srcc Delhi
St Xaviers Mumbai
Christ University Bangalore
Hansraj College Delhi
IIT Bombay
IIT Bombay
Central GovtMumbai, Maharashtra
JEE Advanced + JoSAA
IIT Delhi
IIT Delhi
Central GovtNew Delhi, Delhi
JEE Advanced + JoSAA
IIT Kharagpur
BITS Pilani
BITS Pilani
Deemed UniversityPilani, Rajasthan
BITSAT
Recommendations only — verify eligibility, seat availability, and admission rules from official portals before applying.