Home
Blog
MBA
Investment Banker Salary in India: For Beginner & Experienced [2025]

Investment Banker Salary in India: For Beginner & Experienced [2025]

Q: 1. Who is an entry-level investment banker?

An entry-level investment banker works as an analyst who conducts financial analysis, prepares presentations, and assists with executing transactions. A few professionals also work on financial modeling, valuation, and transaction structuring in the same role. Refer to this guide to learn more about an average investment banking analyst salary.

Q: 2. Can freshers become investment bankers?

Any fresher can become an investment banker if they have the correct qualifications and skills. If you are an aspiring professional in this field, consider doing a three- or four-year bachelor’s degree in finance. You can either pursue a BA, B.Com, or BBA in finance based on your requirements. These qualifications also impact an investment banker's salary in India in the long run.

Q: 3. Which is the lowest position in investment banking?

Analysts are the lowest in the hierarchy chain of becoming an investment banker in India. They are also responsible for doing the majority of the work. After completing two years in investment banking, top-performing analysts are often given the opportunity to work for a third year. Successful analysts are promoted to investment banking associate after completing three years in the organization.

Q: 4. Who earns more, an investment banker or a chartered accountant (CA)?

Investment bankers often earn better than CAs in the long run because of increased performance-based bonuses, equity stakes, and a higher salary scale at senior levels. For instance, Managing Directors or Partners in investment firms earn anywhere between ₹24,00,000 to ₹4,00,00,000 in India. This makes the average investment banker's salary better than that of a CA in the country.

Q: 5. Is the investment banking job in India risky?

Investment banking is a lucrative career path in India that has become increasingly popular over the years. The profession usually involves assisting clients with mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, securities issuance, financial restructuring, and more. Despite these rewards, the profession also comes with significant risks and often demands high expertise and skills.

Q: 6. Which certifications or degrees are the best for investment banking?

Several leading investment banks in India prefer candidates with advanced degrees, such as an MBA in finance, due to the specialized knowledge and skills gained through the program. However, aspiring students can also enter the field with a Bachelor's degree in finance and gain relevant experience through internships or other entry-level positions.

Q: 7. Is a CFA program compulsory in investment banking?

The CFA program usually covers plenty of material that goes beyond the job of an investment banking analyst or associate across industries. However, you are not required to pursue the certification to pursue a career in investment banking. For example, several companies won't ask you about derivatives, quantitative methods, or portfolio management in a standard investment banking interview.

Q: 8. What are the benefits of becoming an investment banker?

There are several perks to becoming an investment banker, especially in India. You can gain skills and expertise in several financial domains when working in this profession. Moreover, the average investment banker salary in India is quite high, which gives you excellent earning potential. You can also get promoted to higher positions like a manager or a director after spending around 4-5 years in the investment banking profession.

Q: 9. How many hours do investment bankers work in India?

Investment bankers in India usually work for around 60-80 hours per week. However, an occasional high-intensity workweek may require these professionals to work for a few more hours in certain situations. Moreover, the work hours are usually decided based on the company you are working in, including its policies and guidelines.

Q: 10. Does investment banking require coding skills?

Programming is one of the key skills in the investment banking profession. It means you must be proficient in at least one of the common languages used in the finance and banking industry. This includes learning more about Java, Python, SQL, or C#. Pursue a management course from upGrad to learn more about these programming languages and enhance your coding skills.

By Dilip Guru

Updated on Feb 07, 2025 | 15 min read

Table of Contents

Do you want to become an investment banker in India? This requires you to understand the scope and opportunities available for these professionals across the country. Investment banking helps any company garner more capital and manage relevant financial transactions. Due to the same reason, there is an increase in demand for these professionals across industries. This demand is also reflected in the average investment banker salary, which is currently ₹29,50,000 per year.

The market for financial services sales agents is estimated to grow by around 4% in 2029. This also suggests that investment bankers will help promote further economic growth over time. Skilled professionals with expertise and experience in investment banking can advance their careers during this period because they can find several opportunities.

Investment Banker Salary for Freshers in India

Investment banking compensation in India depends on several factors. In many industries, remuneration depends on your level of experience and expertise. If you are a fresher searching for new opportunities as an investment banker, refer to the following sections.

Average Investment Banker Salary for Freshers in India

The average annual investment banker salary for freshers in India is between ₹11 lakhs to ₹22 lakhs. It usually depends on your employer type, location, and educational qualifications. This is an impressive starting package for freshers seeking promising career paths as recent graduates.

Leading firms such as Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and Morgan Stanley offer higher compensation packages to attract top talent to their organizations.

Freshers with advanced degrees, such as an MBA from a reputed institution or CFA certification, often secure higher salaries when they become investment bankers. Bonuses and performance incentives can also boost annual earnings in addition to fixed salaries. Freshers joining boutique investment banks may earn slightly less than those in global firms. However, they may gain broader exposure to certain projects, which can accelerate career growth.

The following table gives an overview of the current investment banker earnings for freshers:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (in INR)
0-1 year	₹11,00,000 to ₹22,00,000

Source: Glassdoor

Paris School of Business

MBA from Paris School of Business

1-Year MBA and Triple Accreditation

Master's Degree12 Months

View Program

O.P.Jindal Global University

MBA from O.P.Jindal Global University

Live Case Studies and Projects

Master's Degree12 Months

View Program

Skills and Certifications for Higher Pay

India faced a worsening pandemic in 2019. Over the years, the country has also dealt with uncertainty around equity and debt issuance. However, despite these economic challenges, investment banking continues to be one of the booming sectors.

You must have the skills and certifications to join the investment banking sector. These qualifications also affect an investment banker's salary in India across organizations. Professional skills like financial modeling, validation analysis, and knowledge of advanced excel formulae are required in such cases.

You may also pursue certifications like Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Financial Risk Manager (FRM), or an MBA from a recognized institution to increase your earning potential in this field. These certifications showcase your expertise and understanding of financial markets.

Here is an overview of the key courses that you can enroll in to pursue a career in investment banking:

Course	Level	Duration
Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)	Undergraduate	3 years
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)	Undergraduate	3 years
Bachelor of Economics	Undergraduate	3 years
Bachelor of Accounting and Finance (BAF)	Undergraduate	3 years
Business Analytics Certificate Program Studies (BMS)	Certification	3 months
Master of Business Administration (MBA)	Postgraduate	2 years
Master of Finance and Control (MFC)	Postgraduate	2 years
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)	Postgraduate	2-3 years
Master’s in Economics	Postgraduate	2 years
Master of Commerce	Postgraduate	2 years

Source: Glassdoor

Do you want to strengthen your knowledge of banking and finances? Consider pursuing the management essentials course by upGrad.

Investment Banker Salary for Experienced Professionals in India

An investment banker's salary for experienced professionals is ₹29,50,000 per year, with the average salary accounting for ₹11,00,000. Moreover, the estimated additional pay for these experienced professionals is around ₹18,50,000 per year.

This additional pay often comprises bonuses, profit sharing, and commissions, which are performance-driven. However, this investment banker's salary growth varies significantly based on the firm and individual achievements. Experienced investment bankers handle high-value transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic financial advisory roles. These responsibilities demand advanced expertise, strong client networks, and skills related to different types of leadership in management, justifying the higher compensation.

Mid-level Investment Banker Professionals Salary

A mid-level investment banker's pay scale ranges from ₹14.4 lakhs to ₹15.5 lakhs per year. These professionals typically have 4 to 6 years of experience working in investment banking across industries. Here, an investment banking analyst's salary is around ₹13,00,000. Conversely, an investment banking associate salary is ₹12,10,000.

At this level, investment bankers are often responsible for managing key aspects of transactions, including valuations, preparing financial models, and assisting in mergers, acquisitions, and fundraising activities. Their growing expertise and ability to manage complex deals make them valuable assets to their organizations.

Mid-level professionals frequently supervise junior analysts and associates, bridging the gap between senior management and operational execution. Their contributions significantly impact successful deal closures, which is reflected in their competitive investment banker remuneration.

Here is an overview of the roles of mid-level professionals, along with their salary ranges:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (in INR)
4-6 years	₹14,40,000 to ₹15,60,000

Source: Glassdoor

Senior-level and Executive Investment Banker Role Salaries in India

Experienced and senior-level investment bankers with more than five years of experience earn an average annual salary ranging from ₹3,00,000 to ₹33,00,000. The compensation depends on the complexity of the deals they manage, their expertise in handling client relationships, and their ability to drive revenue for their firms. For instance, an investment banking vice president's salary is ₹45,00,000. Conversely, an investment banking managing director's salary accounts for ₹15,00,000.

Senior investment bankers often hold leadership roles such as Vice Presidents, Directors, or Managing Directors. These professionals oversee large-scale transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and IPOs. Their responsibilities also encompass mentoring junior staff, building client trust, and making strategic decisions that influence the company’s growth.

At this level, performance bonuses and profit-sharing arrangements significantly enhance overall investment banker salary. Senior-level investment bankers contribute to the success of high-stakes deals, making their roles both challenging and rewarding. Their leadership skills and industry reputation further improve their earning potential.

The following table showcases the investment banker salary comparison based on various roles across organizations.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (in INR)
7-9 years	₹24,70,000 to ₹4,10,00,000

Source: Glassdoor

Do you want to earn a certification in digital banking to learn more about the investment banking profession? Enroll in our Digital Banking course now!

Key Factors Influencing Investment Banker Salaries in India

The average investment banker's salary across India is significantly high. However, understanding the factors that affect your pay in this sector is the key to estimating your earning potential. Currently, two primary factors influence salaries in this field:

Location
Industry Impact

Being aware of these factors will help you better assess your potential earnings as an investment banker.

Location and Industry Impact on Investment Banker Salaries in India

As of 2025, the investment banking sector in India is experiencing exponential growth, with competitive salaries reflecting the rising demand for skilled and experienced professionals.

The table below outlines the average investment banker salary by city:

City Name	Average Annual Compensation (in INR)
Bengaluru	₹2,40,000 ₹29,00,000
Chennai	₹2,00,000 to ₹9,00,000
Delhi	₹2,00,000 to ₹50,00,000
Hyderabad	₹2,00,000 to ₹50,00,000
Mumbai	₹4,00,000 to ₹30,00,000

Source: Glassdoor

Here is an overview of the investment banker's salary by company or industry impact.

Company Name	Average Annual Compensation (in INR)
HDFC Bank	₹44,00,000
Wells Fargo	₹30,00,000
BNP Paribas	₹3,00,000
Wipro	₹4,00,000
Lotus	₹5,00,000

Source: Glassdoor

Importance of Continuous Upskilling Your Investment Banking Expertise

Obtaining certifications in areas such as financial modeling, risk management, and corporate finance is essential for achieving substantial salary growth as an investment banker. Continuous upskilling through executive education programs and certifications is the key to staying competitive in today’s financial sector.

Pursuing advanced certifications or executive programs can deepen your industry knowledge and improve your earning potential. For example:

Investment bankers with an MBA degree generally earn higher salaries compared to those with other qualifications.
Professionals with a CFA designation can also expect significant salary growth across industries and sectors.

upGrad offers specialized courses in finance that can help you build a career in investment banking. The table below highlights professional courses and certifications you can enroll in to enhance your expertise in finance in minutes:

Course or Certification	Duration	Cost (In INR)
Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)	12 Months	₹12,00,000
Advanced Certificate in Digital Marketing and Communication	4 Months	₹79,999
Post Graduate Diploma in Management	24 Months	₹2,75,000
Advanced General Management Program	11 Months	₹1,53,000
Accelerated Management Program	6 Months	₹2,75,000
Master’s in International Accounting and Finance	12 Months	₹2,75,000
Management Essentials Program	3 Months	₹25,500

What Does an Investment Banker Do?

Investment bankers are an inevitable part of the financial sector in India. These professionals provide a range of services to companies, governments, and institutions. They also advise organizations on financial transactions, capital-raising requirements, and market insights, helping clients make informed investment decisions. Below is a closer look at their key responsibilities, which often influence investment banker salaries in India.

Advisory on Financial Transactions

Investment bankers devise strategies to assist businesses involved in mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring. They also help companies resolve financial issues to maximize value and ensure smooth transitions.

These professionals support clients in achieving optimal outcomes while using tools of financial statement analysis to calculate transactions. They do this by conducting thorough due diligence, analyzing potential synergies, and negotiating terms. Their expertise minimizes risks and enhances the probability of long-term success.

Investment bankers also understand the importance of financial planning and raise funds for businesses to drive innovation and improve infrastructure. They guide organizations on strategic decisions related to changes in capital structure, mergers and acquisitions, and capital reallocation. Their goal is to streamline operations and promote sustainable business growth. For instance, a few bankers focus on the importance of understanding green marketing to promote businesses dealing in eco-friendly products.

Raising Capital for Clients

Investment bankers assist banks and businesses in raising funds by navigating complex financial markets. They help organizations manage Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), bond issuances, and private placements, ensuring companies secure the capital needed for expansion or debt management.

These professionals facilitate organizational growth and development by underwriting new securities, such as stocks and bonds, and ensuring their placement in the market over time.

By connecting issuers with investors, investment bankers provide the necessary capital, promoting further economic activity and innovation. Their understanding of capital markets and investor sentiment enables businesses to access the right financing solutions at competitive rates.

Market Analysis and Risk Assessment

Investment bankers help organizations analyze market trends and assess risks. They know how to do market research to guide their clients' investment decisions. This helps financial institutions and businesses understand the economic environment and act accordingly.

The professionals also analyze various market conditions, interest rates, and potential risks to offer insightful recommendations that inform corporate strategies. Their ability to identify opportunities and mitigate risks helps secure profitable deals and minimize losses.

Building and Maintaining Client Relationships

Strong client relationships always help ensure the success of investment banking initiatives. That is why investment bankers work closely with business executives and other stakeholders to understand their goals. This enables them to provide ongoing support and customized financial advice and ensure transparency throughout the transactions to build trust and loyalty.

These long-term relationships help ensure repeat business across any organization you work in. This allows investment bankers to continue securing profitable opportunities for their clients over time.

Investment bankers promote market liquidity and efficiency through various trading and market-making activities. This helps facilitate transactions in capital markets by reducing costs and risks related to conducting the same transactions.

Creating Financial Models

Investment bankers have extensive expertise in financial modeling. They can easily create such models to calculate and analyze a company’s financial health. This enables the business to project its future growth and calculate the value of its assets. Financial models usually calculate the required outcomes by considering multiple scenarios. This provides the decision-makers or businesses with better insights into their respective financial conditions.

Investment bankers often use financial models to help clients make informed decisions about investments, mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic initiatives.

Do you want to pursue a successful profession in investment banking? Pursue an MBA in finance course from upGrad now!

Future Salary Trends for Investment Bankers in India

India has witnessed a rapid pace of economic development in the past decade. As a result, the investment banking industry is also undergoing a huge transformation. Several factors will shape an investment banker's salary in India over the coming years. You must be aware of these factors and trends to analyze whether the profession is the perfect fit for your goals.

Here is an overview of the investment banker salary trends that will shape the future of professionals in India:

Impact of Digital Transformation

The rise of digital transformation and AI technology has greatly reshaped the financial sector. Activities like data analysis, risk assessment, and trading are automated with the latest AI and machine learning (ML) techniques.

As a result, investment bankers who know how to leverage AI, data science, and financial analytics will be in high demand across industries. They know how AI is transforming digital marketing due to their expertise in fintech solutions, algorithmic trading, and blockchain technology. Professionals with these additional skills are likely to earn more than their peers in the coming years.

Growing Demand in Tier 2 Cities

In the past few years, several tier 2 cities in India, such as Pune, Hyderabad, and Chennai, have emerged as hubs for financial services. This has significantly increased the earning potential for investment bankers working in these regions.

These cities have become major hubs for international business, and many global firms are already establishing themselves there. Investment bankers from tier 2 cities with expertise in international regulations, cross-border transactions, and global market trends will be in high demand. This global outlook will boost the investment banker's salary in India as firms try to attract top global talent.

The following table shows a comparison of the salaries of investment bankers across tier 2 cities in the country:

City Name	Average Annual Compensation (in INR)
Pune	₹2,00,000 to ₹10,00,000
Chennai	₹2,00,000 to ₹9,00,000
Hyderabad	₹2,00,000 to ₹50,00,000
Ahmedabad	₹2,00,000 to ₹50,00,000
Coimbatore	₹2,00,000 to ₹4,00,000

Source: Glassdoor

Do you want to learn more about investment banking? Enroll in upGrad’s financial analysis courses now!

The Global Factor

Global market conditions heavily influence an investment banker salary in India because the profession is intricately tied to international financial trends. Collaborations with foreign banks expose Indian investment bankers to global deals, mergers, and acquisitions. This enables every professional to handle complex financial transactions and gain further expertise in diverse markets.

Economic conditions such as currency fluctuations, interest rates, and foreign investments also impact the demand for skilled professionals. Indian investment bankers working on cross-border transactions or with multinational clients often earn higher compensation because of extensive global exposure and the strategic importance of these deals.

Wrapping Up!

Investment banking is one of the most well-paying and promising careers in the finance sector, not only in India but worldwide. The demand for investment bankers is also rising with the advent of the finance sector, giving rise to excellent career opportunities. This also impacts an average investment banker's salary in the long run.

If you want to upgrade your career with a professional degree, upGrad offers an MBA in Digital Finance & Banking course in collaboration with the Jindal Global Business School. The program includes a future-oriented curriculum suited for professionals working in or aspiring to work in finance across domains. Through this course, you can take advantage of continued engagement and networking with academia, policy, and industry.

You may also pursue MBA courses from the world’s top universities to earn your Master’s, Executive PGP, or Advanced Certification to fast-track your career as an investment banker. Want to know more about courses in finance management? Talk to our expert counselors now.

Enhance your expertise with our Popular MBA Courses. Explore the programs below to find your ideal fit.

Explore our Popular MBA Courses

Master of Business Administration from Golden Gate University	Master of Business Administration (MBA) Liverpool Business School	MBA from Deakin Business School
MBA in Digital Marketing from Dekin University	Executive MBA from SSBM	View all MBA Courses

Expand your knowledge with our Popular Articles Related to MBA. Browse the programs below to discover your ideal match.

Read Our Popular Articles Related to MBA

Financial Analyst Salary – Freshers and Experienced	Top Interview Questions and Answers for HR	Free Finance Courses Online With Certification[2025]
Best Career Options In USA After MBA In Human Resource	Top 7 Career Options in Sales	Highest Paying Finance Jobs in 2025: Average to Highest
Top 7 Career Options in Finance in the USA : Must Read	Top 11 Marketing Trends	MBA Salary in USA [All Specializations]

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is an entry-level investment banker?

2. Can freshers become investment bankers?

3. Which is the lowest position in investment banking?

4. Who earns more, an investment banker or a chartered accountant (CA)?

5. Is the investment banking job in India risky?

6. Which certifications or degrees are the best for investment banking?

7. Is a CFA program compulsory in investment banking?

8. What are the benefits of becoming an investment banker?

9. How many hours do investment bankers work in India?

10. Does investment banking require coding skills?

11. Is it mandatory to pursue an MBA in investment banking?

References
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/investment-banker-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/mobile/securities-commodities-and-financial-services-sales-agents.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/investment-banker-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/investment-banker-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/investment-banker-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/investment-banker-salary?experience=10
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/investment-banking-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,26.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/investment-banking-associate-salary-SRCH_KO0,28.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/investment-banking-vice-president-salary-SRCH_KO0,33.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/director-investment-banking-salary-SRCH_KO0,27.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/investment-banking-analyst-salary/bengaluru-location
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/investment-banking-analyst-salary/chennai-location
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/investment-banker-salary/new-delhi-location
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/investment-banker-salary/hyderabad-location
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/investment-banking-analyst-salary/mumbai-location
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/investment-banker-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/investment-banking-analyst-salary/pune-location
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/investment-banker-salary/ahmedabad-location
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/investment-banking-analyst-salary/coimbatore-location
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/managing-director-salary/investment-banking-or-venture-capital-or-private-equity-industry

Dilip Guru

119 articles published

Get Free Consultation

By submitting, I accept the T&C and
Privacy Policy

Are you being paid well enough?

Top Resources

Recommended Programs

bestseller

Liverpool Business School

MBA from Liverpool Business School

Integrated with GenAI modules

Master's Degree

18 Months

View Program

popular

Golden Gate University

MBA from Golden Gate University

#1 Program for Working Professionals

Master's Degree

15 Months

View Program

popular

Birla Institute of Management Technology

Post Graduate Diploma in Management (BIMTECH)

Placement Assistance

PG Diploma

24 Months

View Program

Suggested Blogs

Business Administration Salary in India: Career Growth, and Insights for 2025

A career in business administration opens doors to industries like technology, finance, and healthcare. In India, the employability rate for MBA graduates has risen to approximately 71% in 2024, reflecting a growing demand for skilled professionals. Salaries are also on the rise, with corporate India projecting a 9.5% increase in 2025.

21 Feb 2025 | 21 min read

What is Business Ethics, and Why is it Important?

Rapid advancements and global interconnectedness have greatly transformed the business world. Customers expect companies to deliver high-quality products and services while demonstrating accountability, fairness, and integrity. This is where business ethics come in. As businesses are scrutinized for what they

21 Feb 2025 | 16 min read

Best Business Analyst Courses & Certifications in 2025

All businesses operate on a set of working procedures. In an expansion from small-scale businesses to large corporate houses, all systems run on a set of defined standard procedures. All departments work together toward a common goal of business development, wherein SOPs and business models influence outcomes.&nbs

21 Feb 2025 | 8 min read

What is Autocratic Leadership? Benefits, Skills & Examples

To run any organization, state, or even nation, you need to have a system in place for efficient and effective management. In the system, a top spot can be called a 'leader' loosely. However, leadership depends on different leadership styles. For example, many leaders follow the democratic style of leadership. On the contrary, several people for whom autocratic leadership fits best.

20 Feb 2025 | 10 min read

What is Holistic Marketing? Meaning, Concepts, Examples

Every organization competes for the attention of potential clients in the fast-paced and ruthless world of business. Businesses require a smart and comprehensive marketing approach to distinguish out in this competitive world. Enter holistic marketing, a strong idea that has transformed the way businesses interact with their target audiences. What is Holistic Marketing meaning? Holistic

20 Feb 2025 | 8 min read

Management Consultant Salary in India (2025 Update)

If you’ve looked at job postings lately, you’ve probably seen “Consultant” as a role in high demand. Companies across industries value consultants for their ability to solve problems and guide important decisions. This demand is reflected in management consultant salary trends, making consulting one of the most rewarding career paths.

20 Feb 2025 | 9 min read

Explore all