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Banking & Financial Services

Move capital, manage risk and run the financial backbone of the economy.

Job Roles in this field

Typical Career Progression

  1. 1Officer
  2. 2Senior Officer
  3. 3Manager
  4. 4AGM
  5. 5DGM
  6. 6GM / Executive Director

Entrance Exams

IBPS PO/ClerkSBI PORBI Grade BNISM/CFA

Typical Tuition Fees

₹0–25L (India) · ₹50L–1.2Cr (Abroad)

Indicative ranges across reputed institutions. Scholarships available at most colleges.

Top Colleges in India

  • IIMs (PGDM Finance)
  • NMIMS
  • NIBM Pune
  • ICICI Manipal Academy

Top Colleges Abroad

  • LSE
  • Wharton
  • Booth Chicago
Deep dive

Jobs in Banking & Financial Services

Salary, career path, pros & cons, the personality it suits — and the personality it doesn't.

Disclaimer: Salaries vary by city, company, skills and economic conditions.

Bank PO (Probationary Officer)

Entry-level managerial role in PSU/private banks — operations, lending, customer service.

Beginner salary (per month)
₹45,000 – ₹65,000 (gross)

Career Progression

  1. 1Probationary Officer
  2. 2Asst Manager
  3. 3Manager
  4. 4Chief Manager
  5. 5AGM
  6. 6GM

Personal attributes needed

  • Quantitative aptitude
  • Customer service mindset
  • Discipline

Pros

  • Job security (PSU)
  • Pan-India transfers
  • Strong perks (housing/medical)

Cons

  • Tough exams
  • Frequent transfers
  • Slow promotions

This job is NOT for…

  • People avoiding rule-based work
  • Those uncomfortable in small towns

How to keep learning & stay motivated

  • Pursue CAIIB/JAIIB
  • Move into specialised roles (treasury/credit)

Popular recruiters / employers

  • SBI
  • PNB
  • Bank of Baroda
  • Canara Bank
  • Union Bank
  • HDFC Bank
  • ICICI Bank
  • Axis Bank
  • Kotak Mahindra Bank
  • RBI

Indicative list — includes private companies, government bodies and institutions. Hiring varies by role, location and year.

Wealth / Private Banker

Manages investments and financial planning for HNI/UHNI clients.

Beginner salary (per month)
₹40,000 – ₹90,000 + bonuses

Career Progression

  1. 1RM
  2. 2Senior RM
  3. 3Team Lead
  4. 4Vice President
  5. 5Head of Wealth

Personal attributes needed

  • Trustworthy
  • Numerate
  • Polished social skills

Pros

  • Variable bonuses are huge
  • Build long client relationships
  • Premium clients & exposure

Cons

  • Sales targets
  • Market volatility hurts AUM
  • Long client meetings

This job is NOT for…

  • People uncomfortable selling
  • Those who dislike client small talk

How to keep learning & stay motivated

  • Pursue CFP/CFA
  • Track global markets daily

Popular recruiters / employers

  • Kotak Wealth
  • ICICI Private Banking
  • HDFC Bank Wealth
  • Axis Burgundy Private
  • Julius Baer
  • UBS
  • Edelweiss Wealth
  • IIFL Wealth
  • Centrum
  • Morgan Stanley PWM

Indicative list — includes private companies, government bodies and institutions. Hiring varies by role, location and year.

Risk / Credit Analyst

Analyses borrower creditworthiness or assesses portfolio/operational risks for banks.

Beginner salary (per month)
₹35,000 – ₹75,000

Career Progression

  1. 1Analyst
  2. 2Senior Analyst
  3. 3Manager
  4. 4Risk Head
  5. 5CRO

Personal attributes needed

  • Detail-obsessed
  • Statistical mind
  • Skeptical thinker

Pros

  • Crucial post-2008 role
  • Analytical depth
  • Strong WLB vs IB

Cons

  • Very Excel-heavy
  • Slow advancement
  • Defensive role (limit growth)

This job is NOT for…

  • People who want creative work
  • Those who avoid spreadsheets

How to keep learning & stay motivated

  • Pursue FRM
  • Read RBI Financial Stability Report

Popular recruiters / employers

  • CRISIL
  • ICRA
  • CARE Ratings
  • Moody's
  • S&P Global
  • Fitch
  • HDFC Bank
  • ICICI Bank
  • SBI
  • Bajaj Finance

Indicative list — includes private companies, government bodies and institutions. Hiring varies by role, location and year.

RBI Grade B Officer

Central bank officer — monetary policy, supervision, currency, financial inclusion.

Beginner salary (per month)
₹85,000 – ₹1,10,000 (in-hand + perks)

Career Progression

  1. 1Manager (Grade B)
  2. 2AGM
  3. 3DGM
  4. 4GM
  5. 5CGM
  6. 6Executive Director

Personal attributes needed

  • Strong economics base
  • Disciplined reader
  • Policy-curious

Pros

  • Prestige
  • Excellent perks
  • Policy-shaping role

Cons

  • Tough 3-phase exam
  • Procedural work
  • Limited private exits

This job is NOT for…

  • People wanting fast private-sector growth
  • Those who avoid macroeconomics

How to keep learning & stay motivated

  • Read RBI Bulletin
  • Pursue PhD/sabbaticals

Popular recruiters / employers

  • Reserve Bank of India
  • SEBI
  • NABARD
  • IRDAI
  • PFRDA
  • Finance Ministry (deputation)

Indicative list — includes private companies, government bodies and institutions. Hiring varies by role, location and year.

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