When someone searches for an investment banking degree, they’re usually not comparing course names. They’re trying to answer a much bigger question: Is investment banking actually within reach for me, or am I already too far outside the ideal profile?
This concern arises repeatedly among commerce students, fresh graduates, engineers, CA aspirants, and early-career professionals. Everyone is looking for clarity – Is there a specific degree recruiters expect? Is there a single “right” path into banking?
The reality is more practical than most online advice suggests. There is no mandatory degree for investment banking. What matters far more is how well your education aligns with the roles you’re targeting – and whether you’ve built the skills banks actually use on the job. That’s why many candidates eventually look toward an investment banking certification: not because it guarantees entry, but because it helps bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world banking work.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through:
Which investment banking degrees genuinely work for you
How recruiters assess profiles beyond college names
What should freshers and career switchers focus on early?
By the end, you’ll have a clear, grounded view of how investment banking careers really begin – and whether this path makes sense for you.
An investment banking degree is not a single fixed qualification. Most investment bankers hold a bachelor’s degree in commerce, finance, economics, engineering, or management, combined with specialised finance training, internships, or postgraduate programs.
What Is an Investment Banking Degree?
Before getting into degrees and qualifications, it helps to first understand what is investment banking, and what it actually means in the real world.
Investment banking is not just about studying finance or memorising formulas. It’s about helping companies make big financial moves – raising money, buying or selling businesses, managing large transactions, and making decisions that can shape entire organisations. The work is fast-paced, detail-heavy, and very practical.
Because of this, there is no single, globally defined investment banking degree. Instead, investment bankers come from a range of academic backgrounds:
- Commerce and finance degrees
- Economics and accounting
- Engineering and mathematics
- MBAs and specialised master’s programs
What matters more than the degree title is:
- Your understanding of financial markets.
- Your ability to work with numbers and models.
- Your exposure to real-world banking workflows.
That’s why many aspiring bankers eventually look beyond traditional degrees and explore diplomas in investment banking or role-focused programs – not because degrees are useless, but because these programs help connect academic learning with the realities of day-to-day banking work.

Did you know?
More than half of professionals working in investment banking globally did not graduate with a degree specifically labelled “investment banking.” Most entered through commerce, engineering, or economics backgrounds and specialised later.
Which Investment Banking Degree Is Best for Your Career?
If you’re wondering which investment banking degree is best for your career, you’re asking the right question – because there isn’t one single path that works for everyone.
Banks don’t look for the same things at every stage:
- Early on, they care about strong foundational knowledge and analytical ability.
- As you progress, the focus shifts to specialised finance skills, real deal exposure, and the ability to make sound investment decisions with confidence.
The right investment banking degree depends a lot on where you’re starting from.
Are you a student choosing your first degree?
A commerce graduate looking to specialise?
Or a working professional trying to break into investment banking or accelerate your growth?
That’s why an undergraduate commerce degree may be the perfect starting point for one person, while someone else might need a master’s degree or a diploma in investment banking to move forward. Instead of chasing a perfect qualification, the smarter move is choosing a degree that fits your current stage and helps you reach the next one.
In the sections that follow, I’ll walk you through the most effective investment banking degree options based on where you are in your journey – and how each option supports long-term growth in the industry.

Best Undergraduate Investment Banking Degree Options
For students beginning their journey into investment banking, these are the most common and practical undergraduate degree options.
The table below compares popular investment banking degree pathways, outlining what each program teaches and how it supports a career in investment banking.
| Degree | What You Learn | Why It Works for Investment Banking |
| B.Com in Investment Banking / Finance | Accounting, corporate finance, and financial markets | Direct Finance Foundation; one of the best options for commerce students targeting investment banking roles. |
| B.Com Investment Management | Portfolio management, securities analysis, market instruments | Strong fit for research, asset management, and entry-level analyst tracks. |
| Economics / Statistics / Mathematics | Economic analysis, data modelling, quantitative methods | Highly valued for valuation, risk, and capital markets support roles. |
| Engineering (any stream) | Quantitative problem-solving, analytical thinking | A common background for analysts, when combined with finance training, internships, or certifications. |
What Degree Is Required To Become an Investment Banker?
This is one of the most searched questions: what degree is required for investment banking?
Well, there is no mandatory degree required to become an investment banker. But most investment bankers hold:
- A bachelor’s degree (any discipline).
- Plus specialised finance training or a relevant postgraduate qualification.
- That’s why you’ll see people with commerce, engineering, and even law backgrounds working in banks.
Diploma in Investment Banking: A Practical, Job-Focused Alternative
Many aspirants now choose a diploma in investment banking or a diploma in investment banking and financial analysis to bridge the gap between academics and industry.
These programs focus on:
- Financial modelling and valuation
- Capital markets operations
- Trade lifecycle and deal execution
- Compliance and risk basics used by global banks
For freshers and career switchers, diplomas often provide faster employability than long academic routes.
Did you know?
Investment banks rarely list a specific “investment banking degree” in job descriptions. Instead, they screen for analytical ability, financial understanding, and role readiness, regardless of the degree title.
Investment Banking Master’s Degree Programs
A master’s degree isn’t mandatory – but it can accelerate growth. Some of the popular postgraduate investment banking degree options are:
Master’s in Investment Banking / Finance
A master’s in investment banking or finance helps with:
- Advanced valuation
- M&A analysis
- Leadership-track roles
These are common for associate-level hiring.
MBA (Finance)
Still one of the most popular post-graduation routes in investment banking, especially for:
- Career switchers
- Front-office aspirations
Specialised Investment Banking Graduate Programs
Some banks and top finance institutes run investment banking graduate programs that combine training with on-the-job exposure.
Colleges and Institutes Offering Investment Banking Degrees in India
When people search for colleges for investment banking or an investment banking degree in India, what they’re really looking for is placement relevance.
Instead of ranking colleges purely by brand name, focus on:
- Industry-aligned curriculum.
- Practical exposure.
- Alumni working in global banks.
- Internship and placement support.
That’s also why many learners choose professional training institutes alongside or after their degrees.
If you’re still asking what degree you need for investment banking, here’s a clear takeaway:
- Undergraduate Level – B.Com (Finance / Investment Banking), Economics, Engineering
- Postgraduate Level – MBA (Finance), Master’s in Finance, Master’s in Investment Banking
- Skill-Focused Route – Diploma in Investment Banking and Financial Analysis
There is no single perfect investment banker degree – but there is a smart, structured path depending on your background.

Quick insight: Recruiters evaluate profiles differently at each stage. For freshers, academics and fundamentals matter more. For experienced candidates, skills, deal exposure, and execution ability carry far greater weight than degrees.
Is It Possible To Get Into Investment Banking Without a Degree?
Technically, investment banking without a degree is possible – but rare, and it usually doesn’t happen in the way people imagine. Most global investment banks still use a degree as a basic screening filter, especially at the entry level.
Global Investment Banks typically require at least:
- A bachelor’s degree
- Demonstrable finance skills
- Strong analytical capability
That said, not having a finance degree doesn’t automatically shut the door. Investment banking jobs are sometimes accessible to candidates from non-finance backgrounds who take a more strategic route into the industry.
For example, investment banking jobs without a finance degree become more realistic if you:
- Build finance expertise through certifications or diplomas.
- Gain relevant internships that show hands-on exposure.
- Start in operations or support roles and grow internally over time.
Many professionals who enter this way don’t begin in front-office deal roles. Instead, they prove themselves through execution-heavy positions, build credibility on the job, and then move closer to core banking functions. It’s a slower path, but for motivated candidates, it’s still a viable one.
The key takeaway is simple: while a degree makes entry easier, skills, consistency, and real exposure are what ultimately determine how far you go in investment banking.
Why Skills Matter More Than an Investment Banking Degree
An investment banking degree can help you get noticed, but skills are what determine how far you actually go. In a field where mistakes are costly and timelines are tight, banks care much more about whether you can do the work than where you studied it.
Recruiters tend to look beyond degree titles and focus on:
- How well you understand core financial concepts
- Whether you can execute tasks accurately under pressure
- How ready are you to step into real banking roles with minimal hand-holding

This focus on execution is also why investment banking salary grows so sharply with experience and capability. Early in a career, compensation reflects your ability to support teams and deliver accurately. As your skills deepen – through deal exposure, modelling, and decision-making – your value increases, and so does your earning potential.
Once you stop chasing labels and start building role-ready skills, investment banking becomes far more achievable, regardless of where you start. The degree may open the door, but it’s your ability to deliver consistently that keeps you in the room – and helps you grow faster over time.
Important insight:
In India, placement outcomes often depend more on industry alignment and practical exposure than on college branding alone – especially for non-front-office roles.
Investment Banking Course vs Generic Degree
Most people entering investment banking already have some degree. The real question isn’t whether a degree is useful – it’s whether it’s enough on its own.
A generic degree builds an academic foundation, but investment banking is a skill-heavy industry where execution matters from day one. This is where many aspirants struggle. They qualify, but not the practical exposure banks expect at the entry level.
This gap matters because investment banking roles typically offer higher earning potential than many other finance or management career paths, especially as professionals gain experience and take on greater responsibility.
This comparison breaks down how a job-focused investment banking course differs from a traditional degree, and why candidates who add role-aligned training often find it easier to move from education to actual banking roles.
| Hiring Factor | Generic Degree (B.Com / Engineering / MBA) | Investment Banking Course |
| Understanding of financial markets | ✅ | ✅ |
| Financial modelling & valuation | ❌ | ✅ |
| Exposure to real banking workflows | ❌ | ✅ |
| Job-ready execution skills | ❌ | ✅ |
| Alignment with entry-level banking roles | ❌ | ✅ |
| Internship/deal simulations | ❌ | ✅ |
| Recruiter relevance | ❌ | ✅ |
| Suitable for freshers & switchers | ❌ | ✅ |
| Placement & interview support | ❌ | ✅ |
| Time to become job-ready | ❌ | ✅ |

Why Choose Imarticus Learning for an Investment Banking Degree?
If you already have a degree – or are completing one – the next challenge is becoming job-ready.
The Investment Banking Certification is designed for learners who want to bridge the gap between an academic investment banking degree and real-world banking roles.
It focuses on:
- Practical exposure to investment banking operations and workflows.
- Skills used by global banks across the trade lifecycle, settlements, and compliance.
- Role-aligned training suited for freshers and career switchers.
- Career and placement support to convert learning into interviews.
For many learners, this structured, skills-first approach becomes the missing link between education and actual investment banking jobs – without relying solely on degree labels.
FAQs About Investment Banking Degree
If you’re exploring an investment banking degree, it’s completely normal to have questions – about required qualifications, career paths, and whether a specific degree actually improves your chances of getting hired.
These frequently asked questions can help you focus on making informed decisions rather than second-guessing your path.
Which degree is best for investment banking?
The best investment banking degree depends on your stage. A B.Com or economics degree works well at the undergraduate level, while an MBA or master’s degree helps at the associate level. Diplomas are effective for job-ready skills.
What are the investment banking degree requirements?
There are no fixed global investment banking degree requirements. Most banks expect at least a bachelor’s degree in commerce, finance, economics, engineering, or management, along with strong analytical skills and relevant finance exposure through internships, diplomas, or postgraduate programs.
Is an MBA or a CA better for investment banking?
An MBA in Finance is generally more aligned with investment banking roles, especially for career switchers and leadership-track positions. CA is valuable but more specialised toward accounting and compliance-heavy functions.
Do you need CFA for investment banking?
No, CFA is not compulsory for investment banking. However, it can strengthen your profile for research, valuation, and capital markets roles, particularly when combined with practical investment banking training.
How to become an investment banker after 12th?
After 12th, the typical path to becoming an investment banker is:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree like B.Com, Economics, Engineering, or Management.
- Build finance skills through internships or certifications
- Consider a diploma or postgraduate investment banking program
- Apply for analyst or operations roles and grow internally.
What is the investment banker’s salary?
An investment banker’s salary varies by role and experience. Entry-level roles typically offer moderate fixed pay, while senior roles include significant performance-linked bonuses. Compensation increases sharply with deal exposure, skill depth, and experience.
Is an investment banking degree available online?
Yes, parts of an investment banking degree or diploma can be completed online. However, programs that include practical workflows, real-world case studies, and placement support tend to be more effective than purely theoretical online courses.
How to become an investment banker in India?
To become an investment banker in India:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree (any relevant discipline).
- Build strong financial and analytical skills.
- Gain exposure through internships or a job-oriented investment banking program.
- Start in analyst, operations, or support roles and progress over time.
Why Skills Matter More Than an Investment Banking Degree?
An investment banking degree helps you enter the conversation, but skills determine how far you go.
Banks prioritise candidates who can:
- Understand financial instruments and transactions
- Work accurately under pressure
- Execute real banking workflows from day one
That’s why many professionals complement their degrees with role-focused investment banking training designed around how banks actually operate.
The Real Value of an Investment Banking Degree
Most people don’t miss out on an investment banking degree because they chose the wrong course. They miss out because they keep waiting for the perfect qualification to appear before taking action.
Your degree – whether it’s commerce, engineering, economics, or a master’s program – is just your entry point. What really matters is whether you’ve taken the time to understand how investment banking roles actually work and whether you’re building skills that make sense for those roles. That’s also why many candidates eventually look at an investment banking certification – not as a shortcut, but as a way to feel more confident and job-ready.
If this career genuinely interests you, start where you are. Learn how deals are executed, aim for realistic entry-level roles, and continually improve your profile step by step. An investment banking degree isn’t out of reach – it just rewards people who move with clarity instead of hesitation.










