Are you also a BCom graduate and looking for interesting career options? In that case, the investment banking career path is a good catch! Investment banking can generally be described as raising capital for a business, managing risks, and making financial decisions. The best part is that professionals specialising in investment banking are now highly sought after.
This investment banking sector is expected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032. It’s way more than any other sector that is growing. You will have more jobs coming up and even better opportunities through which you could get your foot in, as a result, you will have an excellent career.
The investment banking career path is one of the most structured and rewarding journeys in finance. An investment banking certification makes it easier to get started by giving you a strong base, practical skills, and a real-world understanding of how the industry actually works, so you feel more confident and prepared.
This guide explains the complete career path for investment banking in India, including the roadmap to becoming an investment banker, salary progression, and different specialisations such as core investment banking and investment banking operations.
Why People Prefer the Investment Banking Career Path
The investment banking career path is popular because it offers a rare combination of learning, growth, and financial reward. If you’re still wondering what is investment banking, you can think of it as the part of finance that helps big companies raise money, manage major deals, and make important strategic decisions that shape entire industries.
Few careers allow you to understand how large companies raise capital, merge, expand, and plan their future so closely.
People prefer this career path because:
- It offers strong salary growth and bonuses.
- It builds high-demand financial and analytical skills.
- It provides global exposure and international career opportunities.
- It opens doors to leadership roles in finance, consulting, and corporate strategy.
- It creates a strong professional profile early in your career.
For ambitious students and professionals, the investment banking career path is not just a job choice. It is a long-term career investment.
This video breaks down what investment banking is, what investment bankers do, and how their work connects to real financial decisions – perfect for anyone trying to understand the industry before diving deeper.
Investment Banking Career Path Structure
The investment banking career path follows a clear hierarchy. Each level comes with more responsibility, authority, and compensation, and in India, this also means a steady rise in salary as you move up, from entry-level packages to high-paying leadership roles with significant bonuses.
If you are wondering how to become an investment banker, here’s how the investment banker roadmap looks:
| Level | Role | Description |
| 1 | Analyst | Entry-level execution, financial modelling, research, and analysis |
| 2 | Associate | Deal execution, client communication, and analyst supervision |
| 3 | Vice President | Deal management, team leadership, and client coordination |
| 4 | Director | Client relationships, revenue generation, and strategic planning |
| 5 | Managing Director | Business development, firm strategy, and major client ownership |
This structure defines the complete investment banking career path and shows how the roadmap for an investment banker evolves from execution-focused work to leadership and revenue responsibility.

Did You Know?
As you move up the investment banking career path, your role shifts from working on numbers to bringing in business. Senior bankers are valued more for client relationships and deal generation than for technical skills.
Investment Banking Career Path in India
The investment banking career path in India is growing rapidly as global banks expand their valuation teams, deal-support centres, and financial research divisions. India has become a preferred destination for high-quality finance talent.
Major hiring hubs include:
- Mumbai
- Bangalore
- Gurgaon
Most professionals begin their investment banking career path in India as Analysts or Operations Analysts. With experience and skill development, they move into core investment banking roles such as valuation, mergers and acquisitions support, and transaction advisory.
With the growing demand for skilled professionals and the rise in investment banking salary in India, this career path has become especially attractive for commerce graduates, MBA students, and finance professionals seeking global exposure and long-term growth.
This video breaks down what investment banking really is, how different roles fit into the industry, and what you can expect day-to-day.
Investment Banking Career Options After BCom
There are many careers in investment banking. One good job would be a Sales and Trading Analyst if one is interested in market trends and trading. It is mainly engaged in buying or selling different kinds of financial products so as to enable its clients to manage their portfolio.
You might just find yourself fitting very well in this career if you are a detail freak who enjoys digging deep into companies and industries. You might be that equity research analyst analysing businesses, giving insight, and coming up with recommendations on trends within the market. More clients would mean an Asset Management Analyst job title, and assisting them in doing the right thing in managing investments for you to realise your financial objectives.
The options are endless, and each role has its own exciting challenges. All you need to do is begin with the right investment banking course in India.
Investment Banking Roles After BCom
So, what roles can you aim for if you’re interested in an investment banking career path? After completing your BCom, you can start in positions like Investment Banking Analyst or Corporate Finance Associate, especially if you focus on getting strong investment banking placement support through the right training, certifications, and industry connections.
Generally speaking, such roles in those profiles expose you to a lot of financial data and support regarding mergers and acquisitions towards business activities, and fundraising activities. Thus, if numbers and finance really attract you, these entry-level types of positions are never bad at all.
For those who want to go deeper into financial strategy and protecting businesses from potential losses, roles like a Risk Management Analyst could be a good fit. In this role, you’ll identify potential risks in financial transactions, understand what could go wrong, and help to manage those risks. Many investment banking roles after BCom prepare you to make sure things run smoothly and that businesses avoid unnecessary risks.
Quick Tip:
Your first role after BCom doesn’t lock your entire career. Many professionals start in research, operations, or risk roles and later move into core investment banking as their skills and experience grow.
How to Transition from BCom to Investment Banking
You must be wondering how to transition from BCom to an Investment Banking Degree. The good news is that you can do this, very much possible, if only you are willing to learn how to do things the right way. Of course, your BCom degree definitely provides you with a broad-based foundation, but it is always helpful to formally enrol in a course which will enable you to prepare for investment banking. You will understand securities, you will understand financial markets, and even risk management through these courses. All these are very important characteristics for an investment banker.
Apart from networking and hands-on experience, there could be more practical pathways that might make one ease into the industry. Besides, an internship provides an experience of what it might feel like working in an investment banking scenario, and this is the opportune time for some very vital connections to be forged. For instance, there is a way that, with slight effort, a person might have a chance for an investment banking role.
Also Read: Investment Banking Course Fees & Planning Guide
Skills Required for Investment Banking
When people talk about the skills required in investment banking, strong analytical ability always comes first. In the job of investment banking, one would have to go through immeasurable data on finance or market trends while developing analytical skills. Extreme importance would be given to skills related to financial models, as reports drawn from the numbers would involve specific jobs.
Communication skill is equally important to share such results with a client or one’s seniors in the team. At some point, somebody has to get things right lest tiny errors made could have vast consequences in finances. Time management skills are really of high importance as this person may also be required, more often than not, to do myriad tasks under crunch time.
Investment banking is a skill-driven career. Your degree may help you get noticed, but it’s your skills that decide how far you go. If you’re aiming to build a strong investment banking career path, these are the core skills you must develop.

Skill Insight:
In investment banking, technical skills may get you hired, but attention to detail, communication, and time management are what help you grow and succeed long-term.
Investment Banking Operations Career Path
The investment banking operations career path is ideal for people who enjoy structure, accuracy, and well-defined processes rather than front-end deal pressure. If you like knowing how things work behind the scenes and making sure everything runs smoothly, this path can suit you really well.
This role usually includes work like:
- Trade settlement
- Compliance and risk reporting
- Process optimisation
- Deal documentation support
When it comes to investment banking eligibility for this path, the requirements are more flexible and approachable. You don’t always need an elite finance background or a top-tier MBA. A degree in Commerce, Finance, Business, Economics, or even Accounting is usually enough to get started. What matters more is your attention to detail, basic financial knowledge, and willingness to learn.
Even fresh graduates and career switchers find this path easier to enter compared to core investment banking. With the right certification or training in banking operations, compliance, or financial processes, you can become job-ready much faster.
The investment banking operations career path offers:
- Better work-life stability
- Strong international exposure
- Clear promotion structure
- Consistent demand from global banks
It’s a great choice for professionals who want a stable, long-term career in finance, global exposure, and a predictable growth path without the extreme pressure that comes with front-end deal roles.
To help you better understand what it takes to break into investment banking and succeed in interviews, this video walks you through common questions and real-world advice straight from industry perspectives.
Core Investment Banking Career Path
The core investment banking career path is where things really get exciting. This is the front line of banking, where you’re actually part of big, real-world deals. You’re not just learning about finance from books anymore; you’re using it to help companies make huge decisions like buying another company, going public, or raising massive funds. Following a clear roadmap for investment banking helps you understand exactly how to build the right skills and move step by step into these high-impact roles with confidence.
Your work usually involves:
- Helping with M&A deals.
- Supporting IPOs and fundraising.
- Building financial models and doing valuations.
- Putting together pitch decks and client presentations.
Most people begin by clearing the investment banking exams and take the entry route as an Analyst whereyou’re deep into numbers, spreadsheets, and getting every detail right. As you move up to Associate and then Vice President, you start managing parts of deals and guiding juniors. Later, as a Director or Managing Director, your focus shifts more to clients, relationships, and bringing in business.
This path is a great fit if you:
- Enjoy a fast-moving, high-energy environment.
- Like work that actually impacts big business decisions.
- Can handle pressure and tight deadlines.
- Are motivated by strong growth and earning potential.
It’s demanding, and some days will feel long. But if you enjoy being challenged and want a career where your work truly matters, core investment banking can be incredibly fulfilling.
Did You Know?
The core investment banking career path is where professionals work on real M&A deals, IPOs, and fundraising transactions that shape major companies and industries.
Investment Banking Career Path: India vs UK vs Global Markets
The investment banking career path differs slightly across regions:
India: Investment Banking jobs here are focused heavily on valuation, financial modelling, deal support, and operations. You can expect strong career growth in Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
UK: More front-end client exposure, strong presence of global banks, higher competition, and longer working hours.
US: Highest compensation potential, intense workload, and deeper involvement in live deal execution make this market especially attractive for professionals who are driven by high investment banking salary growth and fast-paced career progression.
This table highlights a quick comparison of the investment banking career path in India, the UK, and the US, what each market is best known for, so you can instantly see which country aligns better with your career goals, learning style, and long-term growth plans.
| Feature | India | UK | US |
| Strong Financial Modelling Exposure | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Early Client Interaction | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Front-End Deal Execution | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Operations & GCC Opportunities | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Global Bank Presence | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Highest Compensation Potential | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Better Work-Life Balance (comparatively) | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Strong Entry Point for Beginners | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Technical Skill Building | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bonus-Heavy Salary Structure | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
On platforms like Reddit, discussions around the career path for investment banking often highlight that professionals in the UK and the US work longer hours than in India but earn significantly higher compensation. Meanwhile, India is seen as an excellent entry point for building strong technical skills and global exposure.
Along with the excitement and learning, the investment banking career path salary also grows significantly as you move forward, with higher roles bringing stronger compensation and performance-based bonuses that reflect your increasing responsibility and impact on deals.
This video covers the most frequently asked interview questions in investment banking and provides practical answers and tips, making it a great resource if you’re preparing for interviews or want to understand what recruiters are really looking for.
Why Choose Imarticus Learning for Your Investment Banking Career Path
When you’re planning your investment banking career path, it’s natural to look at course fees or salary outcomes first. But what really matters is what you actually get in return. Some programs stop at theory, while others actually prepare you for the real world of banking. If you want skills that employers value, real exposure, and confidence about your future, Imarticus Learning stands out.
Industry-Relevant Curriculum – The Investment Banking program helps you understand how investment banks actually work, from financial products to complete trade life cycles, so you’re not just learning concepts but seeing how things happen in real life.
Flexible Learning Options – With flexible options like a 3-month full-time or 6-month part-time format, it fits easily whether you’re a student or already working.
Practical, Hands-On Training – Practical Learning with projects, case studies, and hands-on exercises that make you feel job-ready, not just exam-ready.
Strong Placement Support – The certification is backed by a strong placement record and a wide network of hiring partners, which adds real value to your profile.
Classroom & Online Flexibility – You can choose between classroom and live online learning, so you don’t have to compromise on structure, support, or flexibility.
In simple terms, Imarticus Learning doesn’t just help you get an investment banking course certificate. It helps you build confidence, clarity, and the skills you need to take your first real step into an investment banking career.
FAQs About Investment Banking Career Path
This frequently asked questions section answers the most common and practical questions about the investment banking career path, helping you make an informed and confident career decision.
Is investment banking a good career in India?
Yes. The investment banking career path in India offers strong salary growth, global exposure, and long-term career stability, especially with the expansion of global banks and GCCs.
What is the best roadmap to become an investment banker?
The best roadmap includes a finance-related degree, strong financial modelling and valuation skills, entry-level analyst roles, and gradual progression into core investment banking or operations.
Do I need an MBA or CFA to enter investment banking?
It is not mandatory, but having an MBA or CFA can significantly improve your job prospects, credibility, and growth speed in the investment banking career path. You can also go for certified investment banking courses from institutes like Imarticus Learning to target roles in top investment banks.
What is the starting salary in investment banking in India?
Freshers usually earn between ₹6-12 LPA depending on role, company, and skill set, with rapid growth as experience increases. Institutes like Imarticus Learning help you secure placement upto ₹9 LPA for their investment banking certificate courses.
What is the difference between core investment banking and operations?
Core investment banking focuses on M&A, IPOs, and fundraising, while investment banking operations deals with trade processing, compliance, and backend deal support. In terms of pay, there’s a noticeable difference too. In India, professionals in core investment banking roles often start with salaries roughly in the ₹6-15 LPA range, while operations roles tend to start lower, typically around ₹4-7 LPA for entry-level support positions.
Can BCom students build a career in investment banking?
Absolutely. Many professionals in the investment banking career path in India come from BCom, BBA, and economics backgrounds. You can gain experience through internships or enrol into short term certification courses that target investment banking operations and practical training.
How long does it take to become an investment banker?
On average, it takes anywhere between 1 to 3 years of focused preparation, training, and entry-level experience to establish yourself in investment banking. You start as an entry-level analyst, gain exposure, and later on move onto the associate level by gaining deep expertise in specialised domains.
Which cities in India offer the best investment banking career path?
Mumbai, Bangalore, and Gurgaon are the biggest hiring hubs. These cities host major global banks and financial institutions. Most entry-level roles are concentrated here. However, due to globalisation, tier 2 cities also offer great opportunities for investment banking careers.
Is the Investment Banking Career Path Right for You?
The investment banking career path is not just about high salaries or big job titles. It’s about building a career where you constantly learn, grow, and work on decisions that actually shape businesses and industries. It challenges you, sharpens your thinking, and gives you exposure that very few other careers in finance can match.
Whether you choose core investment banking or the investment banking operations career path, what matters most is having the right foundation and a clear roadmap. With India becoming a global hub for investment banking talent, this is one of the best times to start your journey.
If you are serious about building a future in investment banking, invest in the right skills, get practical exposure, and choose a learning path that prepares you for real roles, not just exams.
Your investment banking career path starts with one smart decision. Take that step today, build your skills with the right training with an Investment Banking Courseand move closer to a career that is both rewarding and future-ready.




























