How to Become an Investment Banker After 12th in India: Courses, Exams, and Career Guide

Curious about the professionals who manage major financial deals and guide companies through growth?

Investment bankers are the architects of capital, guiding firms through Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), mergers and acquisitions, debt placements, and restructuring.

In India, with its ambitious vision of becoming a $30-trillion economy by 2047, these professionals are more critical than ever. They design the pathways for businesses to access public and private capital, steer complex transactions, and fuel job creation, infrastructure development, and industrial growth.

If you are curious about how to become investment banker after 12th in India, you have reached the right place. This blog will offer all insights on the topic to help you make an informed decision.

Who is an Investment Banker?

Investment bankers advise corporations and governments on raising capital through instruments such as stocks and bonds.

An investment banker in India and abroad manages and guides large financial transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and company sales, to help clients make informed and strategic decisions.

Investment bankers also advise clients when to issue financial securities such as bonds or stocks, the quantity to be issued, and appropriate pricing. Investment bankers also help clients save time and costs by assessing potential risks associated with a project.

How to Become Investment Banker After 12th in India?

Investment banking is a demanding profession, as you need to assist corporations, governments, and investors with sensitive financial data. Here is the step-by-step guide on how to be a investment banker in India:

Complete 10+2

You must complete your higher secondary education from a recognised board with at least 50% marks. You are eligible to apply regardless of the stream you pursued in 10+2.

If you have chosen Commerce as a major, including subjects like Mathematics, Accountancy, Economics, and Business Studies, it can be helpful for further studies.

Clear Investment Banking Exams

There are no subject-specific investment banking exams. Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes often requires qualifying in state or national-level entrance examinations.

Entrance exams after 10+2 include:

1. Common Entrance Test (CET)
2. Common University Entrance Test (CUET)
3. Institute-specific entrance exams such as JAIN Entrance Test-Undergraduate (JET-UG)

For Master’s programmes such as MBA:

1. Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
2. NMAT by Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies
3. Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP)
4. Common Admission Test (CAT)
5. Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT)

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

You must pursue a Bachelor's degree in a relevant area to start a career as an investment banker in India. Appropriate alternatives are Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) and Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance.

You can consider an integrated B.Com degree in Investment Banking that includes the US CMA and the CFA Investment Foundations as part of the curriculum.

Pursue a Master’s Degree

You can also pursue an MBA in Banking and Finance or a Master of Science (M.Sc) in Finance.

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) Academy also provides certification courses of six to nine months in investment banking, capital markets, financial planning, business analytics and management accounting.

Obtain Professional Certifications

Professional certifications can help improve your career prospects in various sectors. Some of the top certifications are as follows:

Best Investment Banking Courses in India

The investment banker courses in India are in high-demand currently, as they play a key role in shaping successful careers and meeting industry requirements.

These courses provide you with comprehensive knowledge in financial analysis, mergers and acquisitions, and capital markets. Some of the best investment banker courses in India are as follows:

1. Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.) in Investment Banking with Global Qualification - Certified Management Accountant (US CMA) and Chartered Financial Analyst (US CFA) Investment Foundation
2. Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.) in Finance
3. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance
4. Integrated BBA + MBA in Investment Banking
5. MBA in Banking and Finance
6. National Institute of Securities Management (NISM) Certifications in the following areas:

• • Securities Markets Foundation Certification
  • Securities Market Primer (SMP)
  • Research Analyst Certification
  • Corporate Restructuring
  • Merchant Banking

Key Soft Skills Required for Investment Bankers

In addition to technical knowledge, you should invest time and efforts to develop soft skills in order to establish a successful career in this sphere.

1. Client Relationship Management: Establish trust with good people skills and understanding of client needs
2. Communication Skills: Understand and convey complex financial issues to the senior management, investors and other stakeholders in a convincing and understandable manner
3. Curiosity/Resilience: Remain calm under pressure and deadlines; constantly seek new knowledge of businesses, markets and technologies
4. Empathy: Learn to empathise and understand clients and counterparties to achieve a win-win ratio and be a negotiator and build long-term relationships
5. Focus: Be committed despite failures and sleepless days
6. Time Management: Be able to manage several projects by prioritising and organising

Key Takeaways

Becoming an investment banker in India is a journey that combines education, practical experience, and professional certifications.

A career in investment banking offers not only high earning potential but also the opportunity to play a pivotal role in India’s financial future.

If you are interested in kickstarting your career as an investment banker, enrol today in B.Com in Investment Banking with Global Certification at JAIN (Deemed-to-be-University)!

FAQs

Q1. What does an Investment Banker do?

A1: An investment banker is an individual who assists companies, individuals, and governments to raise capital by issuing stocks or borrowing funds. They also give financial advice on major transactions and analyse the risks of a project.

Q2. What qualifications do I need to be an Investment Banker?

A2: If you are curious how to be a investment banker, you must pursue a Bachelor’s degree such as B.Com in Investment Banking, BBA in Finance, B.Com (Hons) in Banking, etc. Professional certifications, such as the CFA or an MBA, can further enhance your career prospects.

Q3. Is it hard to become an Investment Banker?

A3: Yes. Investment banking is demanding due to high client loads, short-term projects, and intense commitment. To succeed, you must possess strong technical skills, soft skills, and the right mindset to handle a challenging job role.

Q4. How long does it take to become an Investment Banker?

A4: The time required to become an investment banker can vary depending on the institution and specific job responsibilities.

It can take around seven or more years to become an investment banker in India. After completing 10+2, a Bachelor’s degree usually takes 3 to 4 years, followed by a 2-year Master’s programme.

A PhD may require an additional 3 to 6 years, while professional certifications can take anywhere from 6 months to 4 years.

Q5. How much an Investment Banker can earn in India? 

A5: An Investment Banker can earn INR 6-10.2 Lakhs Per Annum (LPA) with 0-3 years of experience. With better experience, added expertise and niche skills, you can earn up to INR 22.5 LPA or more.

Q6. Is Investment Banking a good career?

A6: Investment banking is one of the coveted career pathways, as it offers high salaries, abundant networking opportunities, and exposure to global opportunities.