How to Become a Financial Advisor in India

Embarking on a career as a Certified Financial Advisor in India offers a promising path to those interested in personal finance and investment management. Given that India is a booming economy, being a financial advisor is a lucrative career.

This blog will guide you through the essential qualifications, certifications, and steps required to enter this rewarding profession. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or looking to switch careers, discover how you can achieve expertise and recognition in the financial advisory landscape.

Roles & Responsibilities of Financial Advisor

1. Financial Planning

Assess clients’ financial situations to establish short-term and long-term goals, and devise comprehensive strategies to reach these objectives efficiently.

2. Retirement Planning

Advise on optimal investment options, healthcare insurance, and high-interest recurring accounts to ensure a secure and financially stable retirement.

3. Tax Planning

Ensure compliance with tax laws while implementing effective tax-saving strategies that maximize benefits within legal boundaries.

4. Investment Advisory

Manage and execute investment strategies with the primary goal of minimizing risks while maximizing returns.

Financial advisors combine technical expertise with personalized service to ensure their clients’ financial well-being and long-term security.

How to Become a Financial Advisor in India in 2025

To become a successful financial advisor in India, you need to acquire the right educational qualifications, certifications, and regulatory approvals. Follow these steps:

1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree

The first step in becoming a financial advisor in India is to obtain a bachelor’s degree. While a specific field of study is not mandatory, pursuing a degree in finance, economics, business, or accounting is highly beneficial. These fields provide a strong foundation for understanding financial markets, economic principles, and business operations, which are crucial for a successful career in financial advising.

2. Pursue Relevant Certifications

Professional certifications help establish your expertise and credibility. Among the various certifications available, Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) are two of the most preferred options.

Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

The Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification is a globally renowned certification. This credential, awarded by the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB), is designed for professionals who want to specialize in personal financial planning, wealth management, yax and estate planning and client advisory services.

Interested In Becoming A CFP?

Key Benefits Of The CFP Certification

Obtaining a CFP certification significantly enhances a financial advisor’s credibility and expertise. It allows professionals to guide clients in managing their personal finances, investments, taxes, and estate plans.

CFPs can work in various sectors, including wealth management, banks, insurance companies, and even start their own financial advisory practices. The certification also offers career growth by opening doors to roles involving high-level financial decision-making and client relationship management.

Also Read – A Step-by-Step Guide to the CFP Certification Process

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is one of the most prestigious and globally recognized certifications in the field of investment management and financial analysis. Awarded by the CFA Institute, this qualification is ideal for professionals aiming to specialize in investment analysis, portfolio management, and financial research.

The CFA program is widely respected for its rigorous curriculum, comprehensive coverage, and emphasis on ethical practices in the finance industry.

Interested In Becoming A CFA?

Key Focus Areas

The CFA curriculum covers topics such as financial analysis, equity research, portfolio management, ethics, fixed income, and alternative investments. By completing the CFA program, professionals gain in-depth knowledge of global financial markets, risk management, and asset allocation strategies.

This certification is particularly beneficial for those pursuing careers in investment banking, asset management, and financial research. The CFA certification is highly respected worldwide, offering exceptional career opportunities and a competitive edge in the finance industry.

3. Register with SEBI

To legally practice as a financial advisor in India, you must register with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). This step ensures that advisors comply with the regulatory framework, maintaining transparency and accountability.

You can register as an individual, corporate or a partnership firm. You may also have to complete 2 certifications from the National Institute of Securities Market (NISM) –

• NISM Investment Advisor Level 1
• NISM Investment Advisor Level 2

Once you complete these certifications, you can obtain the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) credential by filling an online form.

4. Apply for Jobs or Start Your Own Practice

After obtaining the necessary qualifications and regulatory approval, you can choose between working for established financial institutions or starting your advisory practice.

• Working for Organizations: Banks, wealth management firms, and insurance companies frequently hire certified advisors. These roles provide you with good knowledge and good exposure.
• Starting Your Own Practice: Independent advisors enjoy greater flexibility and earning potential. However, this path requires building a strong network and earning clients’ trust.

Networking, continuous learning, and adaptability are crucial in either career path.

Also Read – Scope of financial planning in India | All about financial planning

Important Skillset for Financial Advisors

To be a successful financial advisor, possessing the right skillset is crucial. Here’s a deeper look at the three essential skills that every financial advisor should cultivate:

1. Excellent Research & Analytical Skills

The financial landscape is vast and complex. Hence, good financial planners should possess excellent research and analytical skills to navigate this landscape effectively. These skills enable them to identify optimal investment opportunities, assess risks accurately, and tailor strategies to client-specific goals, ultimately ensuring informed decision-making and maximizing client satisfaction and financial growth.

2. Good Communication Skills

As a financial advisor, the ability to communicate complex financial concepts in a clear and understandable manner is critical. Clients often have varying levels of financial knowledge, and a good advisor must explain strategies, risks, and investment options in a way that is accessible and reassuring. Good communication skills also help build trust with clients, which is essential for long-term relationships.

3. Wealth Management Skills

Wealth management goes beyond just managing investments—it’s about taking a holistic approach to a client’s financial well-being. Advisors must help clients navigate decisions that secure their financial future while balancing risk and reward. Mastery of wealth management ensures advisors can create strategies that not only grow their clients’ wealth but also preserve it for generations to come.

Also Read – Detailed Guide on CFA vs CFP & How to Choose the Best Course?

Average Earnings of Financial Advisors in India

The earnings of financial advisors in India vary based on experience, qualifications, job profile and client base.

• Entry-level advisors earn between ₹3,00,000 to ₹6,00,000 annually.
• Mid-level advisors with 3-5 years of experience can earn between ₹6,00,000 to ₹12,00,000 as per Ambitionbox.
• Experienced advisors can make ₹15,00,000 to ₹30,00,000 annually or more, especially with advanced certifications like CFA or CFP.
• Independent advisors running their own practices may earn significantly higher, from ₹12,00,000 to ₹50,00,000, depending on their clientele and business scale. Factors like experience, location, and client type influence overall earnings.

Also Read – Here’s What CFP’s Earn In India In Different Job Roles

How Can Proschool Help You Become a Financial Advisor in India?

IMS Proschool is a leading institution in India for finance courses. We have trained over XX+ financial advisor over the last 5 years.

Our faculty members are industry veterans who use hands-on training techniques, and real-world case studies to engage students.

Our CFA course includes both online and classroom lectures. We provide 250+ hours of training and 2000 practice questions for each of the CFA levels to help our students build the right skills for the exam.

For the CFP course, you can enrol with us and save $250 on FPSB’s study materials.Our average passing rate is 70%.

Conclusion

Becoming a financial advisor in India is a rewarding career path that requires a blend of education, certifications, and interpersonal skills. By obtaining the necessary qualifications, registering with SEBI, and continually enhancing your knowledge and expertise, you can build a successful career in financial advising. This profession offers the opportunity to positively impact clients’ lives by helping them achieve their financial aspirations.