Become an Investment Banking Analyst
How to become an investment banking analyst in India and abroad — the CFA/MBA edge, skills, and salary.
Salary range
₹12–25 LPA → ₹75 LPA – ₹3 Cr+
Certifications
None mandatory
Where
India + Global
About this career
An investment banking analyst is the engine room of deal execution — building financial models, valuation and pitchbooks, running due diligence, and supporting M&A, IPOs, and debt/equity raises for corporate clients. It is one of the most prestigious, highest-paid and most demanding entry points in finance, with strong global mobility including to GCC and offshore desks. No single certification is mandatory, but top hires come from strong finance/engineering backgrounds and often hold or pursue a CFA and/or an MBA from a top school, which many use to move from analyst to associate. The work rewards elite financial-modelling skill, stamina and precision.
Certifications for a Investment Banking Analyst
Chartered Financial Analyst · CFA
Issued by CFA Institute
A strong differentiator for IB and buy-side moves; not mandatory.
MBA (Finance) — top-tier · MBA
Issued by Business schools
The classic route from analyst to associate at bulge-bracket and boutique banks.
Your path to becoming a IB Analyst
- 1
Get hired
Land a IB Analyst role
Employers like Bulge-bracket & boutique investment banks, GCC / offshore IB desks
Eligibility
- check_circleStrong degree in finance, commerce, economics or engineering.
- check_circleElite financial-modelling and valuation skills.
- check_circleHigh attention to detail and work capacity.
What the role does
- arrow_rightBuild financial models and valuations (DCF, LBO, comps).
- arrow_rightPrepare pitchbooks and client materials.
- arrow_rightRun due diligence and deal execution.
- arrow_rightSupport M&A, IPO and capital-raising mandates.
Salary bands
Plus bonus
Deal leadership
Origination & client coverage
Key skills
Who hires
Career progression
Entry
Analyst
Modelling & execution
Mid
Associate
Own workstreams (often post-MBA)
Senior
VP → MD
Client origination
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a CFA or MBA for investment banking?expand_more
Neither is strictly mandatory, but they are common and valuable. A CFA strengthens technical credibility; a top-school MBA is the classic route from analyst to associate.
Can I do investment banking from India?expand_more
Yes — there are domestic IB desks and a large and growing number of GCC/offshore investment-banking roles supporting global banks from India.
What are the exit options from IB?expand_more
Common exits include private equity, venture capital, corporate development, hedge funds and startup finance leadership — the modelling and deal skills transfer widely.
Ready to start your Investment Banking Analyst journey?
Prep the required certifications free with PrepClever: lessons, mocks and AI explanations.
Start preparing free arrow_forwardCertifications that open this career
Each is a one-time payment with no subscription. Start free to try the question bank, or open an exam's page for its syllabus and pattern.
IC-38 · IRDAI Insurance Agent Exam
IC-38 Premium
₹99₹29967% offOne-time payment · no subscription
- Full-length mock tests
- Chapter-wise MCQs
- English + Hindi
Mutual Fund Distributors
NISM Series V-A
₹399₹79950% offOne-time payment · no subscription
- 1,500+ Series V-A questions
- Unlimited full-length mocks
- AI study plan
IBPS Clerk · CRP Clerical Cadre
IBPS Clerk Premium
₹249₹59958% offOne-time payment · no subscription
- Prelims + mains mocks
- Speed drills
- Accuracy analytics
IBPS PO · CRP Probationary Officer
IBPS PO Premium
₹349₹79956% offOne-time payment · no subscription
- Prelims + mains mocks
- PO-level puzzle & DI bank
- Banking awareness packs
JAIIB · IIBF Certification
JAIIB Premium
₹499₹99950% offOne-time payment · no subscription
- Paper-wise mock tests
- Numericals with solutions
- Case-based MCQs
SEBI Grade A · Officer (Assistant Manager)
SEBI Grade A Premium
₹599₹1,29954% offOne-time payment · no subscription
- Phase 1 & 2 full mocks
- Paper 2 subject banks
- Descriptive English prep