Top 4 Diploma in Finance & Banking Courses in India

Today’s commerce students are tomorrow’s banking magnates and finance leaders. However, you need highly valued skills to rise to the top to become an influential member of the financial industry. To enter this complex and intricate world of number-crunching and money-making, you need the proper credentials to secure your spot among the industry giants.

A diploma in banking and finance can help you secure your future and give you the education you need to rise through the ranks. It also ensures recruiters that you have the training and knowledge to work with the organization. It gives you an edge over other job applicants along with a significant head start to your career.

After all, this field contains high-pressure environments, volatile markets and stiff competition. If you are up to the challenge, you will find that it also offers incredible rewards, work satisfaction and immense growth opportunities. Financial institutions constantly update their products and strive to appeal to more customers. They need qualified and efficient employees with technical knowledge and specialized skills. If your end goal is to work in the investment advisory arena or with one of the top global banks, you can apply for a finance or banking course after 12th or graduation.

What are those? Keep reading to find out.

Essential skills needed for a diploma in banking and finance

1. Strong understanding of the industry 

You need to know your core finance concepts and professional knowledge like the back of your hand. A financial expert is well-informed about business, economics and financial analysis.

A solid academic foundation in banking and finance can help you become proficient in your career.

2. Good verbal and written communication skills 

It is important to express yourself coherently to your team members and supervisors. You should be fluent and professional when speaking in a meeting or writing emails. You also need to translate complex numbers into simple words for your clients.

3. Problem-solving abilities 

Due to the erratic nature of the finance sector, you can never be complacent. There will always be a challenge or obstacle that will require your troubleshooting capabilities from time to time.

4. An aptitude for numbers and accountancy

While no one expects you to have Shakuntala Devi’s prowess with numbers, a working knowledge of mathematical concepts is required. Your job primarily deals with figures, whether creating financial statements or raising capital. So be sure to polish up your number-crunching skills. Any high-quality finance or banking courses after 12th will help you prepare for the job.

5. Competent technical and software skills 

When looking for potential hires, employers expect a certain amount of expertise in specialized skills. Those who know how to use MS Excel, financial modeling, Tableau and other technical methods have a clear advantage.

Read How to Get a Job in a Private Sector Bank – A Detailed Guide

4 courses that offer a diploma in banking and finance

1. PGDM in Investment Banking and Capital Markets

The All India Management Association (AIMA) in association with IMS Proschool has designed a highly sought-after post-graduate course that enables students to become investment specialists. The intensive program offers a comprehensive syllabus that includes corporate finance, economics, quantitative methods and financial analysis. The course strikes a meaningful balance between theory and practical skills, ensuring all students emerge as well-rounded professionals on completion. So should you do this course? If you have a passion for investment markets, love doing research and enjoy creating value, then this is the career for you.

Features of the diploma course:

• It is a one-year full-time course
• The program is approved by the AICTE board
• There is a strong focus on investment concepts and technical learning
• The syllabus includes financial modeling, MS Excel, Tableau, etc.
• The PGCM is recognized as the 16th year of education by many universities abroad
• After completing the PGCM course, you can apply for the second year of the PGDM program by AIMA (within five years)
• The PGDM certificate is equivalent to an MBA
• You will receive PGCM and NSDC certifications
• It is one of the best courses for a diploma in banking and finance 

 
Eligibility requirements:

• You should be a graduate of a recognised university
• A minimum average of 50 per cent is needed to apply
• If you don’t meet the above requirement, you can sit for the AIMA management entrance exam
• You don’t need a background in finance to do this course

 
Career opportunities:

• You are qualified to work in various fields, such as investment banking operations, financial advisory services or equity research

 
Salary expectations:

1. The average salary of an investment professional in India is Rs 12 to Rs 15 lakhs a year, depending on the company and location of the job

2. PGDM Banking and Finance (NIBM)

If you want to get a diploma in banking and finance, the National Institute of Bank Management (NIBM) has one of the most prestigious courses in business. The NIBM institute was established in 1969 in Pune to offer research and training facilities for all banking purposes. In collaboration with the Reserve Bank of India, this post-graduate diploma in management is known for producing quality banking professionals in India. They have an intensive curriculum that explores key banking topics and concepts such as risk, treasury, forex and asset management.

Features of the diploma course:

• It is a 2 year, full-time program
• The institution offers a vast collection of learning resources such as textbooks, audiotapes, international journals and conference papers
• It is approved by the AICTE board

 
Eligibility requirements:

• You need a bachelor’s degree with an average grade of 50 per cent (45 per cent for reserved categories)
• You can also apply if you have finished your final exams and are waiting for the results
• You will have to take entrance exams such as CAT or CMAT
• There is a written test and interview as part of the selection process

 
Career opportunities:

• The course offers internship placements after completion within organisations such as Axis and HDFC bank

Salary expectations:

• Professionals with a BSE diploma in banking and finance can expect a starting salary between Rs 11 to Rs 15 lakhs per annum

3.BSE PG diploma in banking and finance

Set up by the Bombay Stock Exchange, the BSE institute offers a renowned post-graduate program in banking and finance, with a strong focus towards investment services. Students who apply for the course are taught subjects like international trade, forex markets, bank credit and banking laws. Once you clear the program, you are eligible to work in management positions in various financial firms.

Features of the diploma course:

• The full-time course is for one year
• There are 21 subjects across two semesters in the program
• Subjects include commercial banking operations, wealth management, foreign exchange markets and international finance

 
Eligibility requirements:

• You need a degree from a recognised college with a minimum average grade of 50 per cent
• There is a written test and interview as part of the selection method

 
Career opportunities:

• You can apply to several financial companies such as banks, insurance agencies, mutual fund houses, asset management firms and NBFCs

 
Salary expectations:

• The average salary for a professional with a diploma in banking and finance is Rs 5 to Rs 10 lakhs a year

4.Actuarial Science

An Actuary is a finance professional qualified to assess financial risks in the insurance industry. The Institute of Actuaries in India (IAI) has designed a well-structured course to fill the high demand for actuaries in India and abroad. This course is a good option for those looking for a finance or banking course after 12th. The syllabus includes designing and pricing policies, determining premium rates and due diligence procedures.

Once you clear the exams and work requirements, you can work for many reputed insurance companies.

Features of the diploma course:

• The course is for two years
• You can take the course online, but they offer some classroom sessions as well
• You need to clear 15 actuarial exams and have three years of practical work experience before you receive your certification

 
Eligibility requirements:

• You need to have passed your 12th-year exams or are waiting for the results at the time of application
• Diploma holders or professionals from other programs can also apply
• Proficiency in maths and statistics is preferred

 
Career opportunities:

• You can work for a number of esteemed insurance companies like Allianz or Future Generali

 
Salary expectations:

• The average salary for an actuary is around Rs 10 lakhs a year, but senior professionals can make over Rs 50 lakhs

 
About Proschool’s PGCM IBCM course 

IMS Proschool is a well-known coaching institute in India that offers a range of professional courses in various industries, such as accountancy, finance and data science. It is the ideal place to be if you want to study for a diploma in banking and finance or you are looking for a banking course after 12th.

One of their more popular courses is the PGCM in Investment Banking And Capital Markets. It is a well-designed and flexible program that uses active learning methods for effective results. Proschool also provides additional learning resources to ensure the students master their courses. Another advantage of studying with Proschool is the highly experienced faculty. The staff contains well-established industry specialists who have a natural flair for teaching. At the end of the course, you also receive placement assistance and interview grooming to ensure you kickstart your career with a bang.

In conclusion 

If you are undecided about your career or unable to determine how to enter the world of finance, hopefully, this post has helped you with some vital information. There are quite a few financial and banking courses after 12th and graduation for you to consider. These qualifications will help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to apply for entry-level jobs.

Learn more about the PGCM IBCM certification here