Updated on Nov 29, 2024 05:29 IST
Jaya Sharma

Jaya SharmaAssistant Manager - Content

Investment Banking has emerged as a viable career option for people interested in banking and finance. Investment banks from both India and abroad attract finance graduates in large numbers, offering lucrative salaries and perks in exchange.

With the introduction of FDI, more and more overseas companies are now making their foray into the Indian market. Investment Banking usually involves banks offering underwriting services to governments, corporations and other media, industrial and financial institutions.

Investment bankers help companies invest their assets to increase their value over time. It is a lucrative career option. It includes various domains such as mergers & acquisitions, corporate finance, and capital markets alongside sales and trading.

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Important Facts - Investment Banking Syllabus

Mentioned below are some of the important facts about Investment Banking:

  • Scope of Investment Banking in India: The Investment Banking industry in India has been growing at a rapid pace, with FDI being a prominent catalyst. According to data compiled by Refinitiv, Indian investment bankers made a staggering INR 2,200 crore in 2021. Investment Banking received further impetus as a career, attributed to big-ticket IPOs and the emergence of tech unicorns as listed entities.
  • M.Sc. in Finance and Investment: Affiliated with the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (CISI), this course is a popular academic course for aspiring investment bankers. A two-year course is spread across four semesters and focuses on developing the candidate's finance and Investment Banking skills.
  • Diploma in Investment Banking: A short-term course, the diploma in Investment Banking helps candidates start their careers in this field. A candidate with a 50% aggregate from any stream in Class 12 can apply for the diploma courses.
  • Postgraduate Certificate Programme in Investment Banking: Offered by IIM Indore, the PG diploma programme helps candidates understand the various aspects of Investment Banking as a career. The course covers asset management, security valuations, stocks and M & M&As. The course also highlights the tools you need to minimise risk and optimise high returns. At the end of the course, students will learn the following:
  1. Basics of financial management
  2. Components of Investments and portfolio management
  3. Get industry insights from professionals to grow and understand the changing landscape of Investment Banking in India
  • General Examination Pattern: Candidates pursuing either undergraduate, postgraduate, or certification programmes in Investment Banking must clear a mix of internal assessments, quizzes, assignments and examinations. Each course has different passing criteria, fulfilling which you'll be able to start a career as an investment banker.

List of Subjects in Investment Banking

One needs to study different technical and non-technical subjects in order to become an investment banker. Listed below, are some common subjects taught as part of the curriculum.

Typical Core Subjects in Investment Banking

Core subjects in BCom Investment Management are compulsory for students to study. A critical part of the Investment Banking syllabus, here are the typical core subjects in Investment Banking:

Subject Title

Subject Description

Business Communication - I

This subject focuses on teaching professional communication skills among students. When business communication has become an important feedback tool, this course will allow candidates to develop an understanding of the importance and methods of communication.

You will get to learn the following:

  • Methods and techniques of communication.
  • Meaning, process and need for communication and feedback
  • Communication barriers and how to overcome them.
  • Basics of writing business letters
  • Resumes, Statement of Purpose and Job Applications
  • Speaking and writing skills

Business Economics - II (Macroeconomics)

This subject familiarises students with business economics concepts such as business analysis, accounting, and microeconomics. In addition, students will learn about applying economics theories to the day-to-day working of a business.

Students will get to learn the following:

  • Macroeconomics theory and data
  • Economic laws and principles affect the business.
  • Different constituents of fiscal policy
  • Money, inflation and monetary policy
  • Measuring GNP and NNP
  • Structure of the union budget
  • Concepts related to the balance of payments
  • FDI - Merits and Role of Multinational, Foreign Companies
  • The basics of foreign exchange

Security Analysis and Portfolio Management - II

This course will familiarise students with fundamental and technical analysis concepts, helping them become adept at analysing companies' financial statements and assessing risk.

If you want to start a career in portfolio management and security analysis, this course is for you.

Some concepts covered here include:

  • Introduction and Meaning of Financial Analysis
  • Financial forecasting
  • Different approaches to economic analysis
  • Model building: Opportunistic and Econometric
  • Industry life cycle
  • Analysing financial statements

Mutual Fund Management

This course explores the day-to-day use of mutual funds, the legal framework surrounding them and the role of regulatory bodies like SEBI and RBI in managing mutual funds.

Students will learn about the different types of mutual funds and understand portfolio maturity and the basics of financial planning concerning mutual funds.

Concepts covered here include:

  • History, origins and characteristics of mutual funds
  • Norms related to taxation, accounting and valuation.
  • How to calculate NAVs and Portfolio Maturity
  • How to interpret funding ratings - CRISIL, CARE and ICRA?
  • How to develop a model portfolio for investors.

Basics of Accounting - I

This course helps students understand the different concepts associated with financial accounting and how to utilise it during investment.

Students will gain conceptual knowledge of accounting, apart from identifying the events which need to be recorded in their financial accounts.

Concepts covered here are:

  • Introduction to Accounting: Need and meaning of accounting
  • Accounting principles and objectives
  • Trading and non-trading account
  • Accounting standards in India
  • Capital vs Revenue accounts

Typical Elective Subjects in Investment Banking

Some of the important elective subjects in Investment Banking studied across institutes are mentioned in the table below:

Subject Title

Subject Description

Financial Management I & II

This course introduces students to the decisions involved in financial planning, time and goal constraints, and financial planning objectives.

These become essential to understanding money management and taking other involved decisions.

Topics covered here are:

  • Introduction to Finance
  • Financial Goal Setting
  • Capital Budgeting
  • Capital Structure Decisions

Marketing of Investing Products

This module explores the commercial nature of investment-related products and services and how they are marketed.

The topics covered here include:

  • Introduction to marketing
  • Introduction to Financial Products
  • Buying behaviour
  • E-market

Fundamentals of Capital Market

This topic introduces students to the circulation of capital in an economy and how it interacts with other resources and businesses. It gives quintessential knowledge about market securities. The arenas explored by this elective are-

  • Introduction to Capital market
  • Market Infrastructure
  • Introduction to collective Investment Scheme
  • Resource mobilisation in International Market

Cost and Management Accounting

Accounting and bookkeeping are very important processes that record financial transactions. Cost and management accounting are types of accounting that deal with resource costs and their management.

The topics covered under this elective include-

  • Introduction to Costing
  • Job costing
  • Process costing
  • Marginal Costing
  • Introduction to standard costing

Direct Taxation

Knowing how taxes work and when and how to calculate them is essential to any financial entity and responsible citizen.

This elective sheds light on various sources of income and how they are taxed. Its heads include-

  • Introduction to direct taxation
  • Heads of Income I & II
  • Computation of total and taxable income for an individual

Detailed Syllabus for B.Com(Investment Management)

The Bachelor's in investment management is a degree that combines disciples such as investment, planning and management, and finance. Here's a detailed description of the subjects.

Semester Subject Title Subject Description

1

Introduction to Financial System

It is a core subject taught in investment management. It covers the framework within which the exchange of funds is facilitated.

The topics covered are-

  • Regulators of Banks and Financial Institutions
  • Reserve Bank of India- Functions of RBI and conduct of monetary policy,
  • Banking System in India
  • Financial Institutions – SIDBI, EXIM, NABARD, NHB

2

Business Communication -II

This subject is designed to prepare students to communicate in corporate surroundings efficiently. It includes heads like-

  • Communication in practice
  • Cross-functional communication
  • Communicating for public relations

3

Cost and Management Accounting

Cost and management accounting focuses on handling costs and revenue to maximise profit.

It sheds light on its various processes, such as-

  • Methods of Costing
  • Cost Accounting Techniques
  • Operations Management
  • Strategic management

4

Direct Taxation

The study of direct taxation teaches students the process of determination, computation and collection of taxes.

The topics covered revolve around-

  • Income Tax
  • Wealth Tax
  • International Taxation

5

Risk Management

Risk management is an essential component of any business environment. It teaches students to assess risk and control it.

  • Risk assessment
  • Risk analysis
  • Risk Financing
  • Loss Forecasting

6

Commodity Markets and Derivatives

This module is designed to make the students understand the intricacies of operating in a commodities market. It includes heads such as:

Introduction to commodities and markets

  • Futures and Hedging
  • Options and options pricing models
  • Trading in commodities and types of risk

Specialisations Offered in Investment Banking

There are various specialisations one can pursue in an Investment Banking degree. Some of these are-

Specialisation

Specialisation Subjects

Subject Details

Security Analysis and Portfolio Management

?        Portfolio Management- Introduction

?        Portfolio analysis and selection

?        Portfolio revision and evaluation

?        Bond Valuation

This is a crucial course for students looking to pursue an Investment Banking career.

It involves topics such as meaning, objectives and types of investment. In addition, various collections of investment bundles called portfolios are explored.

Mutual Fund Management

?        Introduction to Mutual Fund

?        Classification of Mutual Fund

?        Fund Selection Criteria

?        Financial Planning in Mutual fund

Mutual fund management is essential for everyone to know for becoming a financially responsible individual.

Mutual fund management teaches the meaning, limitations and ethics involved in mutual fund trading.

Capital Markets

?        Introduction to Capital Market

?        Market Infrastructure for Capital Markets

?        Introduction to Collective Investment Scheme

?        Resource Mobilisation in the International Market.

This specialisation covers the working of the capital market in an economy.

It builds up an understanding of markets in students and how money circulates in an economy.

Cost and Management Accounting

?        Methods of Costing

?        Cost Accounting Techniques

?        Operations Management

?        Strategic management

Cost and Management accounting focuses on determining various types of costs and managing resources to maximise revenue.

Financial Services

?        Introduction to Traditional Financial Services

?        Securitisation

?        Financial Services - I

?        Financial Services - II

It introduces various concepts such as securitisation, lease, venture capital, housing finance, etc.

Understanding financial services are essential to an understanding of investment.

Books and Authors Related to Investment Banking

 There are various books related to Investment Banking in the market. If you're looking for recommendations, here are a few:

Book Title

Author(s)

Description

Investment Banking: Valuation,  Leveraged Buyouts, and Mergers and Acquisitions

Joshua Rosenbaum and Joshua Pearl

This book gives an overall understanding of valuation methodologies used in the real world.

It revises essential concepts and explains them in depth through practical examples.

Financial Modeling and Valuation: A Practical Guide to Investment Banking and Private Equity

Paul Pignataro

This book teaches the students how to create a financial model step-by-step. In addition, it explains various pre-existing models.

Paul Pignataro is the CEO of the New York School of Finance.

 Vault Career Guide to Investment Banking

Tom Lott

This book sheds light on the more interpersonal nature of Investment Banking. It shows the insight needed to have an edge in the financial world.

The Business of Investment Banking: A Comprehensive Overview

Thomas Liaw

This book enumerates the various changes the Investment Banking industry has been facing. It gives an overview of the various practices and shows students the opportunities they can explore.

Entrance Exams for Investment Banking in India

Students can appear for various entrance exams for an Investment Banking course/degree that can then enrol them in the top colleges offering this course. The eligibility criteria are passing Class 12 from a recognised board. Some of these exams are CAT, XAT, and SNAP.

An MBA in Finance degree is the most common pathway to becoming an investment banker.

  • CAT: The Common Admission Test is an entrance to an MBA degree in which you can choose your specialisation. An MBA in Finance is the first choice for Investment Banking enthusiasts. This exam can get you admission into the IIMs and other colleges.
  • XAT: Xavier Admission Test is an entrance exam for an MBA degree in Mumbai's XLRI. One of the top colleges for this course also offers various specialisations in the MBA degree.

Also Read: MBA specialisation guide

Syllabus for Distance Program in Investment Banking

Students can also pursue an MBA or a B.Com (Investment Banking) degree in a distance learning format. In addition, various colleges such as NMIMS, Symbiosis, and IGNOU offer correspondence courses. The curriculum is almost the same as the on-campus programs except for some practical courses.

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Top Colleges for Investment Banking in India

An MBA degree is one of the most sought after degrees in the financial and investment sector. The top colleges for an Investment Banking course in India along with average fee are mentioned in the table below:

College/University/Institution

Average Fee (in INR)

Syllabus PDFs

IIM Ahmedabad

10 L - 23 L

To be uploaded soon

IIM Bangalore

19.1 L - 23.15 L

To be uploaded soon

IIM Calcutta

23.2 L - 24 L

To be uploaded soon

FMS, University of Delhi

1.92 L

To be uploaded soon

XLRI, Jamshedpur

35 K - 25.8 L

To be uploaded soon

NMIMS, Mumbai

3.04 L - 37 L

To be uploaded soon

IIM Kozhikode

10 L - 22.5 L

To be uploaded soon

K J Somaiya Institute of Management Studies & Research, Mumbai

2.97 L - 18.78 L

To be uploaded soon

IMT, Ghaziabad

6 L - 19.53 L

To be uploaded soon

FAQs

Q1. Is Investment Banking a good career?

A: Investment Banking is one of the most well-endorsed and sought-after professions globally, with various opportunities to grow. 

Q2. What college should I go to for Investment Banking?

A:  In India, the top B-schools, such as IIMs, NMIMS, FMs, etc., are the best options for a finance degree that can lead to a good career in Investment Banking.

Q.3 Can I pursue Investment Banking after class 12th?

A: Although the best route would be to do an MBA in Finance, an undergraduate degree in Investment management can also get you started in an Investment Banking career.

Q4. What are some common subjects taught in an Investment Banking course?

A: Some common subjects taught as part of an Investment Banking course include Financial Reporting and Analysis, Corporate Finance, Mergers and Acquisitions, Equity Investments.

Q.5 How do I become an investment banker?

A: You will need an MBA in Finance degree to become an Investment Banker in India. Alternatively, you can also pursue a B.com degree in investment management among others.

Q6. What is the cost of pursuing a Diploma in Capital Markets?

A: A Diploma in Capital Markets goes on for a period of 1 year. The cost of pursuing it usually starts from INR 36,000.

Q.7 What subjects are needed for pursuing a professional course in Investment Banking?

A: Subjects such as finance, mathematics, and accounting are necessary to study to become an investment banker. Therefore, the mentioned degrees have these subjects as these parts.

Q8. Do I need to pursue any certification course in order to become an investment banker?

A: Yes, you might need to pursue the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) certification to start your Investment Banking career.

Q9. Is it important to do an MBA if you want to pursue a career in Investment Banking?

A: While roles such as financial analyst and trader require specialised knowledge in finance and investment management, one must pursue an MBA if they want to work in the top management of such firms.

Q10. What are some good books to learn more about Investment Banking?

A: Some good books to learn about Investment Banking are Investment Banking for Dummies, Financial Modelling and Valuation, The Business of Venture Capital, Investment Banks, Hedge Funds and Private Equity.

Q11. What is the duration of a distance learning course in Investment Banking?

A: The average duration of a distance learning course in Investment Banking is around two years (MBA in Investment Banking and Equity Research).

Q12. What are some necessary skills for an aspiring investment banker?

A: Some necessary skills for aspiring investment bankers are: Communication and spoken English skills, Finance, accountancy and research skills, IT skills.

Q.13 Is pursuing Investment Banking hard?

A: Investment Banking requires acute business acumen and a sturdy understanding of the working of the financial world. Therefore it is not very easy. But with the right spirit, it is doable.

Q.14 Can I become an Investment banker after doing BBA?

A: Yes, Investment Banking can be pursued after only doing a BBA degree. However, professionals with an MBA in Finance are preferred in the market since they are more specialised and possess a greater understanding.

Popular Investment Banking Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Investment Banking Colleges in India. Learn more about these Investment Banking colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1 Course
24.2 L
25 LPA
90 K
5.0
2 L - 10 L
3.75 - 7.25 LPA

Banking, Finance & Insurance Applications open. Apply Now

389 - 8.64 K
6.75 L
4.9
4 Courses
540 - 27.5 K
9.72 LPA

Popular Private Investment Banking Colleges in India

2 Courses
10.85 L
5.0
12.05 L
3.9

Banking, Finance & Insurance Applications open. Apply Now

8 L - 10.8 L
8.6 LPA

Banking, Finance & Insurance Applications open. Apply Now

1.95 L
3.5
3 Courses
2.25 L
2.25 - 4.27 LPA
99 K - 1.2 L

Popular Investment Banking UG Courses

Following are the most popular Investment Banking UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Investment Banking PG Courses

Following are the most popular Investment Banking PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Investment Banking. Students interested in pursuing a career on Investment Banking, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

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Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
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Answered 3 weeks ago

Corporate banking is a long-term relationship that involves traditional banking, risk management, and financing services to corporations. If you value a balanced lifestyle and a steady career with growth opportunities, corporate banking may be the better choice. Corporate banking focuses on the long

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Surbhi Sahu

Guide-Level 13

Answered 2 months ago

Certificate Program in Investment Banking Operations is a 7-month advanced-level certification program offered by BSE Institute Ltd. Here are the subjects covered in the program:

Subjects Topics Covered
Financial MarketsFinancial System
Investment Banking
Equity
Debt
Securitisation
Money Market
Foreign Exchange
Commodity Markets
Derivatives
Investment BankingInvestment Banking
Trade Life Cycle
Reference Data Management
Global Security Operations & Settlements
Corporate Actions
Collateral Management
Reconciliations
Asset Management
Risk ManagementRisk Management
DFAST
CCAR
Recovery & Resolution Plan
Introduction to Regulators

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

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Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

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