An MBA in Finance is undeniably one of the most sought-after specializations among students pursuing an MBA, due to its attractive career prospects.
This specialized MBA program helps students to develop and apply mathematical knowledge, as well as equipping them with a practical management skill set. Covering courses in topics such as economics, investment, mergers and acquisitions, and accounting—the MBA in Finance focuses on preparing grads to be industry-ready through practical work, internships and projects.
Graduates of this program are presented with a wide range of lucrative job opportunities that offer significant growth potential.
An MBA in Finance opens up a wide array of rewarding career opportunities across industries such as banking, investment firms, consulting, corporate finance, and financial services.
Top b-schools for MBA In Finance
Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad
©IIM Ahmedabad
IIM Ahmedabad is the number one business school in India, according to the NIRF 2023 Management ranking. Combining managerial expertise with financial knowledge, IIM Ahmedabad's Postgraduate Program in Management/MBA in Finance equips individuals with a valuable skill set. The school was the first in India to adopt the case study method, which sees its students learn through real-life problem-solving. IIM Ahmedabad has been teaching business students for more than half a century and is a very prestigious institution, with a rigorous admissions process.
Exams accepted: CAT, GRE, GMAT
Course offered: Postgraduate Program in Management (PGPM) leading to an MBA
Fees: INR 23 lakh (around US $28,000)
Average placement: 25.83 lakh per annum (US $32,000)
Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta
A renowned public business school in India, IIM Calcutta holds the distinction of being one of only two triple-accredited business schools in the country, signifying its exceptional quality and standards. This means that its degrees are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) and Association of MBAs (AMBA) and meet international standards. The first year of IIM Calcutta's MBA covers business fundamentals with compulsory courses in areas such as economics, finance, marketing, operations, systems and organizational behavior. IIM C claims to offer more electives than any other Indian b-school in students' second year, allowing a focus on finance or other business areas.
Exams accepted: CAT, GMAT, GRE
Course offered: PGPM/MBA
Fees: INR 27 lakh (US $33,000)
Average placement: 25.33 LPA (US $31,000)
Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore
IIM Bangalore is a public business school established in 1973 and holds second position in NIRF Ranking 2023. It has 106 full-time faculty members and around 1,200 students across various degree-granting programs. Its first-year MBA finance courses cover topics such as Accounting for Financial Decisions, Corporate Finance and Macroeconomics and the school offers dual degrees with a number of European schools and is ranked 52nd in the 2023 Financial Times MBA Ranking.
Exam accepted: CAT
Course offered: PGPM/MBA
Fees: INR 21 lakh (US $25,620)
Average placement: 24.54 LPA (US $30,000)
Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS)
JBIMS is a well-known business school located in Mumbai, India. It has gained a reputation as a 'CEO factory' due to its notable alumni who have gone on to become successful CEOs. Some prominent figures among its alumni include Ajay Piramal (chairman of the Piramal Group) and Uday Kotak (executive vice chairman and managing director of Kotak Mahindra Bank). The two-year Master in Management Studies program at the school covers the major areas of business and management, with a strong emphasis on entrepreneurial as well as managerial skills.
Exams accepted: MAH-CET, CAT, CMAT, MAT, ATMA
Course offered: Master in Management Studies (MMS)
Fees: INR 6 lakh (US $7,300)
Average placement: 20.13 LPA (US $24,500)
Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur (XLRI)
Founded in 1949 and formerly known as Xavier Labor Relations Institute, XLRI is the oldest management institute in India. It is a private business school run by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. XLRI is accredited by AACSB, AMBA, and the National Board of Accreditation (NBA). Finance specialists will study core courses in financial management and management accounting, and opt for electives from a wide range of courses such as Behavioral Finance, Capital Expenditure Planning and Control, Corporate Taxation and International Financial Management.
Exams Accepted: XAT, GMAT
Course offered: Postgraduate diploma in Business Management (PGDBM)
Fees: INR 16.8 lakh (US $20,500)
Average placement: 24.3 LPA (US $29,650)
Faculty Management Studies (FMS), Delhi
The Faculty of Management Studies is a leading business school located in New Delhi, India. It was established in 1954 under the umbrella of the University of Delhi. It provides the best ROI (return on investment) among MBA-awarding schools in India with its students commanding top-tier company roles. Follow an MBA specialism in finance and you could study courses such as Quantitative Analysis of Financial Decisions, Security Analysis or Portfolio Management and Mergers and Corporate Restructuring, among many others.
Exams accepted: CAT
Course offered: MBA
Fees: INR 1.92 lakh (US $2,350)
Average placement: 35 LPA (US $42,700)
S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai (SPJIMR Mumbai)
SPJIMR is a leading Business School located in the heart of India’s financial capital, Mumbai. It consistently ranks amongst the top management institutes in India. SPJIMR is approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and a Tier 1 MBA institute accredited by AACSB and AMBA. Finance is one of four specialisms offered at the school or students can elect to take it as a minor.
Exams accepted: CAT, GMAT, XAT
Course offered: PGDM
Fees: INR 17.5 lakh (US $21,350)
Average placement: 26.36 LPA (US $32,200)
Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune (SIBM Pune)
Established in 1978, SIBM Pune is one of the premier b-schools in India. It has been ranked among the top 20 B-Schools in India by NIRF and the MBA in Finance specialism is designed to provide students with a strong base in applied financial management. It equips them in financial decision-making, providing a deep understanding of the financial aspects of the economy and the corporate world.
Exam accepted: SNAP
Course offered: MBA
Fees: INR 20.5 lakh (US $25,000)
Average placement: 17.48 LPA (US $21,300)
Careers after an MBA In Finance
Dr Ashwani Kumar Varshney, dean of Jaipuria Institute of Management explains the benefits of studying an MBA in Finance:
"An MBA in finance represents a passport to a global of possibilities, combining analytical acumen with enterprise acuity. Whether you aspire to triumph over the sector of corporate finance, investment banking, hazard management, entrepreneurship, or global finance, this diploma equips you with the necessary abilities and knowledge to make a good-sized effect. The scope of an MBA in finance is sizeable, permitting experts to carve out satisfying careers in numerous sectors and enjoy the rewards of their knowledge."
In short, job options available after completing an MBA in Finance are diverse and include:
Financial analyst
Financial analysts assess investment opportunities, analyze financial data, and provide recommendations for businesses and individuals. They need strong analytical and quantitative skills, along with the ability to interpret financial statements and market trends.
Investment banker
Investment bankers work with corporations and institutions to facilitate financial transactions, such as mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings (IPOs), and debt or equity financing. This role demands a deep understanding of financial markets, excellent communication skills, and the ability to structure complex deals.
Portfolio manager
Portfolio managers oversee investment portfolios for individuals or institutions, making strategic decisions to maximize returns and manage risk. They require expertise in asset allocation, investment analysis, and a strong grasp of market dynamics.
Financial manager
Financial managers are responsible for the financial health of organizations, preparing financial reports, managing budgets, and making investment decisions. They need a comprehensive understanding of corporate finance, financial planning, and accounting principles.
Risk manager
Risk managers identify and mitigate potential risks for organizations, ensuring they have strategies in place to handle adverse events. They should possess knowledge of financial risk assessment, insurance, and regulatory compliance.
Corporate treasurer
Corporate treasurers manage an organization's financial assets, including cash flow, liquidity, and risk management. They play a crucial role in financial planning, investment strategies, and capital budgeting.
Financial consultant
Financial consultants provide expert advice to individuals or businesses on various financial matters, such as investment planning, retirement planning, tax optimization, and risk management. They should have strong interpersonal skills, financial acumen, and the ability to tailor recommendations to clients' specific needs.
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