Overview
Investment bankers raise capital for companies (IPOs, debt issuances) and advise on M&A. India's IPO boom, GIFT City build-out and rising deal activity have revived hiring at top firms. Compensation is among the highest entry-level packages in India — ₹35-50L base + ₹15-30L bonus for analysts at Goldman/JPM/Citi/MS.
Day-to-day responsibilities
Build financial models (DCF/LBO/comps); prepare pitch decks for client meetings; due diligence on target companies; coordinate with lawyers and accountants on deal documentation; cold-call CFOs for mandates; work 80-100 hour weeks during live deals; run sensitivity analyses; support MDs in client presentations.
Skills required
- Financial modelling (Excel)
- Valuation (DCF/Comps/Precedents)
- Accounting fluency
- PowerPoint mastery
- Stamina for long hours
- Client communication
- Industry research
- Attention to detail
Education path
IIT/NIT B.Tech + IIM-ABC MBA is the gold standard. Top CAs (rank-holders) and top NLU/NLS law graduates also break in. SRCC/St. Stephens BCom + IIM also possible. ISB, IIM-A/B/C have dedicated IB recruitment cycles. CFA Level 2/3 boosts profile substantially.
Career progression
- 1Analyst (2-3 yrs)
- 2Associate (3 yrs)
- 3VP (3 yrs)
- 4Director (2-3 yrs)
- 5Managing Director
Top employers in India
Useful certifications
- CFA (Levels 1-3)
- FMVA (CFI)
- BIWS Modelling
- NISM Series VIII (India)