Investment banking has been seen as one of the most prestigious and rewarding careers in finance. To enter this field, a strong foundation in financial modeling, valuation, mergers and acquisitions, and Excel is required. Fortunately, many top-quality free investment banking courses have been made available online, making it possible for students and young professionals in India and across the world to gain relevant knowledge without spending money. These courses have been designed by reputed institutions and experts, offering beginner to advanced-level content. In this article, a detailed look will be taken at the best free investment banking courses along with their features, benefits, and platforms.
Benefits of Learning Investment Banking for Free
Learning investment banking for free has helped thousands of students and professionals gain industry-ready skills without financial pressure. These free courses are often offered by top universities, industry experts, or well-known platforms. A strong base in investment banking is built by these resources without the need to pay expensive fees or attend physical classes.
The benefits of learning investment banking for free are not just limited to saving money. It also opens the doors to job opportunities, internships, and higher studies in finance-related fields. For Indian students, these resources have been seen as a major stepping stone toward entering the finance industry.
Skill Development Without Cost
A wide range of technical and soft skills can be developed by learners through free investment banking courses. These skills are essential for both entry-level and experienced professionals.
- Financial Modeling and Valuation Techniques are taught with practical case studies.
- Core topics like M&A (Mergers & Acquisitions), IPO processes, and Equity Research are explained in detail.
- Proficiency in tools like Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Bloomberg Terminals is built gradually.
- Interview readiness and resume-building strategies are often included as bonus materials.
These courses help in mastering core concepts at your own pace, which is especially useful for college students and working professionals in India.
Certification and Recognition
Many of the best free investment banking courses offer digital certificates upon completion. These certificates can be added to LinkedIn profiles, resumes, and job applications.
- Recruiters value certified skills even when gained through free platforms.
- Certificates act as proof of commitment and effort.
- Some certifications are even recognized by global financial firms.
Accessibility and Flexibility
Free courses allow students to study anytime, anywhere. Internet access is the only basic requirement.
- Courses are offered in video format, downloadable PDFs, and quizzes.
- Learning can be scheduled around exams, jobs, or internships.
- Repeated watching of difficult topics is possible for better understanding.
This level of flexibility has made online learning a preferred choice for many students in India, especially in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
Exposure to Global Knowledge
These free investment banking courses are often curated by experts from the US, UK, or global financial hubs. Students in India can benefit from the same quality of education.
- International trends in deal structuring and capital markets are taught.
- Case studies from Wall Street and global banks are shared.
- Learners get introduced to global compliance, ethics, and market regulations.
Such global exposure prepares learners for not just Indian investment banks, but also multinational firms and foreign opportunities.
Foundation for Advanced Learning
Free courses work as the perfect stepping stone for more advanced or paid certifications later, like:
- CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
- FRM (Financial Risk Manager)
- CIBPTM (Certified Investment Banking Professional)
A solid understanding of basics through free resources makes such exams easier to crack later.
Top Platforms Offering Free Investment Banking Courses
A wide range of online platforms have made quality finance education accessible to all by offering some of the best free investment banking courses. These platforms have been carefully designed to help students, graduates, and working professionals gain career-relevant knowledge without spending any money. Many of these courses are taught by experienced professors from global universities, while others are developed by working professionals in the investment banking industry. For Indian students who may not have access to premium coaching or finance colleges, these platforms serve as a powerful gateway to break into the finance sector.
Below is a detailed overview of the most reliable platforms where learners can find free, high-value courses in investment banking and related fields.
1. Coursera
Coursera is one of the most popular online learning platforms in the world, known for offering certified courses created by Ivy League universities and top institutions. Although Coursera is primarily a paid platform, it allows learners to access most course content for free through its audit option. This means anyone can watch all the video lectures, download materials, and take quizzes without paying anything.
Students can find free courses related to financial markets, investment banking operations, corporate finance, and valuation models. For example, courses like “Introduction to Corporate Finance” by the University of Pennsylvania or “Financial Markets” by Yale University are available for free. These courses are suitable for beginners and offer clear explanations, practical examples, and real-world insights from global finance professionals.
While the certificate is only provided in the paid version, the free content itself adds significant value to one’s knowledge and career readiness. For Indian learners who want to apply to global internships or master’s programs, Coursera courses act as a strong foundation in finance.
2. edX
edX is another excellent platform where high-level academic content is offered in a self-paced, online format. Established by Harvard and MIT, edX provides access to structured courses from top global universities and Indian institutions like IIM Bangalore. Learners can choose the free audit mode to unlock course content without any cost.
Topics such as investment banking fundamentals, mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and risk management are taught through detailed video lectures, reading materials, and case studies. Courses like “Capital Markets and Investments” by IIM Bangalore and “Mergers and Acquisitions – Concepts and Theories” by NYIF are highly recommended for Indian students preparing for jobs or MBA finance programs.
Even though the certificate comes at a fee, students can still gain valuable knowledge, problem-solving skills, and exposure to global financial frameworks through the free content. The learning experience provided by edX closely resembles classroom education.
3. Wall Street Mojo
Wall Street Mojo is a specialized finance education website focused on making financial concepts easier to understand through real-world examples. It offers some of the best free investment banking courses that are well-suited for job seekers, commerce graduates, and MBA aspirants in India.
Unlike large platforms, Wall Street Mojo focuses entirely on finance, and the content is prepared by experienced industry professionals. Topics such as financial modeling, equity research, valuation techniques, and investment banking overview are covered in depth. The courses are extremely practical and come with case studies, templates, and Excel-based learning.
No signup is required, and all resources are freely available. Learners can download guides, watch step-by-step tutorials, and practice models at their convenience. Because the content is designed in simple English, it is highly effective for Indian learners at all levels.
4. Corporate Finance Institute (CFI)
The Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) is one of the most respected platforms globally for finance certifications and corporate training. While many of its courses are paid, CFI offers a limited selection of free investment banking courses aimed at beginners and early professionals.
Courses such as “Introduction to Investment Banking,” “Excel Crash Course,” and “Reading Financial Statements” are available for free. These courses are interactive and provide useful exercises, Excel templates, and industry applications. While the professional certificate requires a paid upgrade, the free material is still valuable and helps build strong basics in corporate finance, accounting, and banking.
CFI’s teaching is aligned with global finance standards, making it a good choice for students aiming to work in multinational investment banks or planning to pursue CFA and FRM in the future.
5. Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a fully non-profit educational platform that provides free learning for life, including a wide variety of topics in finance and economics. Its content is ideal for students in school or college who want to build a foundation in investment banking.
The platform offers easy-to-understand video lessons on financial markets, stocks and bonds, valuation principles, and macroeconomic systems. Although it does not offer professional-level certifications, the clarity and structure of lessons make it a reliable source for learning the basics.
For Indian students starting their journey in finance, Khan Academy is highly recommended because it simplifies difficult concepts and allows unlimited practice at no cost.
6. Udemy (Free Courses Available)
While Udemy is mostly known for paid courses, a number of free investment banking courses are available if the right filters are applied. By searching for “investment banking” and selecting the “free” filter, learners can find beginner-level courses on topics like M&A basics, financial modeling, and Excel for finance.
Courses such as “Investment Banking for Beginners” or “Introduction to LBO Modeling” are sometimes offered free during promotional periods. Although the depth may vary from course to course, they still provide useful insights, especially for learners exploring finance as a new career option.
Udemy’s platform is user-friendly, and learners get lifetime access to videos even in free courses, making it a flexible and affordable choice for Indian students.
| Platform | Key Features | Popular Courses | Benefits / Pros |
| Coursera | – Audit mode gives free access to full content- Covers core finance topics- Paid certificate | – Introduction to Corporate Finance – University of Pennsylvania- Financial Markets – Yale University | – Taught by top professors- Includes quizzes and assignments- Flexible learning with lifetime access |
| edX | – Academic-level content- Free audit available- Paid certificate upgrade | – Capital Markets and Investments – IIM Bangalore- M&A Concepts – NYIF | – High-quality university content- Valuable for placements and resumes |
| Wall Street Mojo | – No registration needed- Practical course design- Downloadable resources | – Investment Banking Overview- Financial Modeling and Valuation- Excel for Finance Professionals | – Ideal for Indian students- Simple explanations- Directly applicable skills |
| Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) | – Select courses free- Premium finance tools- Optional paid certifications | – Introduction to Investment Banking- Reading Financial Statements- Excel Crash Course | – Interactive exercises- Recognized by global firms- Real corporate learning experience |
| Khan Academy | – Entirely free- Covers basics to intermediate topics- No hidden fees | – Introduction to Stocks & Bonds- Financial Statements- Economic Analysis | – Easy to follow- Best for school/college students- Lifetime free access |
| Udemy (Filtered) | – Free courses can be found via filters- Variety of topics- Occasional promotions | – Basics of Investment Banking- Intro to M&A and LBOs- Financial Modeling Practice | – Lifetime access- User-friendly UI- Good for beginners exploring finance |
Key Topics Covered in Free Courses (Valuation, Modelling, M&A)
The best free investment banking courses focus on building strong foundational and practical knowledge across major financial topics. These courses have been designed in a way that learners can easily grasp even the most complex concepts like valuation, financial modeling, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Whether a student is preparing for a job interview or an MBA entrance, these topics are essential to crack finance roles, especially in investment banking and equity research.
In this section, the most important subjects that are commonly included in these free courses will be explained. Their practical applications and benefits for Indian students will also be discussed in detail.
Valuation – Understanding Business Worth
Valuation is one of the most essential topics in any investment banking role. It refers to the process of determining the current or projected worth of a company, asset, or investment. Free investment banking courses often include various valuation methods, both theoretical and practical, which are used by investment bankers in real transactions.
Topics Usually Covered:
- Discounted Cash Flow (DCF): A method based on forecasting future cash flows and discounting them to present value.
- Comparable Company Analysis (Comps): Comparing the company’s financial ratios with similar public firms.
- Precedent Transactions: Studying recent M&A deals in the same industry to assess fair value.
- Enterprise Value vs Equity Value: A clear breakdown of these important concepts is given.
- Relative Valuation Techniques: Includes Price/Earnings ratio, EV/EBITDA, and Price/Book ratios.
Real-World Applications:
- Used in M&A deals, IPO pricing, and private equity investments.
- Helps in analyzing undervalued or overvalued stocks for trading or investing.
- Commonly tested in job interviews and case studies.
How Free Courses Help:
- Free Excel-based templates are often provided for DCF modeling.
- Simple case studies (e.g., valuing a tech startup or a manufacturing firm) are used for better understanding.
- Suitable even for students without prior financial knowledge.
Financial Modeling – Building Practical Finance Skills
Financial modeling is the process of creating a mathematical model that represents a company’s financial performance. It is used to analyze business performance, forecast future results, and make important decisions. Almost every free investment banking course includes basic or intermediate training in Excel-based modeling.
Core Areas Covered:
- Three Statement Model: Linking the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement.
- Forecasting Revenue and Expenses: Techniques for projecting future performance based on assumptions.
- Scenario Analysis: Studying the impact of best-case, base-case, and worst-case scenarios.
- Sensitivity Analysis: Understanding how changes in key variables affect outcomes.
- Excel Formulas and Formatting: Using functions like VLOOKUP, INDEX-MATCH, and IF statements in financial models.
Importance in Investment Banking:
- Financial models are created to evaluate the profitability of a merger, acquisition, or investment.
- Analysts use models to advise clients, create pitch books, and justify valuations.
- Employers test modeling skills during internships and placement rounds.
How Free Courses Help:
- Hands-on exercises with downloadable Excel sheets.
- Guided video walkthroughs on building a model from scratch.
- Practice files to simulate real business scenarios.
Note: Platforms like CFI, Wall Street Mojo, and Coursera offer the best free content in this area, making them ideal for Indian students who want to develop job-ready skills without enrolling in expensive programs.
Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) – Deal-Making Essentials
M&A is a key area of investment banking, focusing on transactions where companies are merged or acquired. Free courses often include the entire M&A lifecycle, from deal origination to execution. Understanding this process is vital for students aiming for roles in corporate finance, strategy, or advisory services.
Covered Topics Include:
- Types of M&A: Horizontal, vertical, conglomerate, and leveraged buyouts (LBOs).
- Deal Structures: Cash vs stock deals, asset vs share purchase.
- Due Diligence: Steps involved in legal, financial, and operational checks.
- Synergies: Identifying cost and revenue synergies from M&A deals.
- Regulatory Approvals: Introduction to legal frameworks and compliance.
- Post-Merger Integration: Challenges and planning for smooth integration after the deal closes.
Industry Relevance:
- Real-life examples from companies like Tata Group, Reliance, or Flipkart are often used.
- Understanding M&A is important for roles in private equity, corporate law, and strategic consulting.
- It prepares students to analyze transactions published in business newspapers and reports.
How Free Courses Help:
- Breakdown of deal stages using real M&A transactions.
- Explanation of financial documents like Term Sheets and Confidential Information Memorandums (CIMs).
- Case-based quizzes and examples are provided for better learning.
Limitations of Free Courses vs Paid Certifications
Free investment banking courses have played an important role in providing access to quality financial education. However, while these free resources are excellent for building foundational skills, they come with certain limitations when compared to paid certifications. These limitations are often felt by students when they begin applying for internships, job roles, or advanced programs where recognized credentials and in-depth training are expected.
In this section, the key differences between free investment banking courses and paid investment banking certifications will be explored. This will help Indian students make informed decisions based on their goals, resources, and career plans.
Limited Depth and Coverage
Free courses usually provide only surface-level knowledge of key finance concepts. They focus on introductions and overviews rather than mastery.
- For example, a free course may explain what discounted cash flow (DCF) is but may not go into the advanced Excel techniques used in actual DCF models.
- Concepts such as LBO modeling, sensitivity analysis, financial restructuring, and debt financing are often not covered in full detail.
- Some free courses may also skip important modules like pitch book preparation, deal advisory process, or live deal case studies.
In contrast, paid certifications provide a complete and structured curriculum. Platforms like CFI, Wall Street Prep, or NSE Academy include advanced case studies, capstone projects, and deep technical content.
No Industry Recognition or Credentials
One of the biggest drawbacks of free courses is the lack of formal certification or industry recognition.
- Most free courses on Coursera, edX, and CFI offer certificates only when learners upgrade to the paid version.
- Free certificates, if available, are often not recognized by employers, especially in competitive hiring processes.
- In investment banking, credentials matter. Having a recognized certification like the CFA, CIBPTM, or FMVA helps build credibility and improves job prospects.
Paid programs not only provide verified certificates but also often have global acceptance, which is a big plus for those applying to multinational banks or overseas roles.
No Access to Mentorship or Career Support
Unlike paid courses, free investment banking courses do not offer:
- Placement assistance
- One-on-one mentorship
- Live classes or doubt-clearing sessions
- Resume reviews or mock interviews
Career services are a major advantage in paid certifications. Platforms like EduPristine, Imarticus Learning, or The Wall Street School provide students with real-time guidance from ex-bankers, helping them navigate interviews and career paths effectively.
For Indian students preparing for competitive roles, access to mentorship can be the difference between getting shortlisted or getting rejected.
Limited Practical Exposure
Investment banking is a highly skill-based profession, and practical exposure is essential. Free courses tend to use limited datasets or theoretical examples.
- Many free courses do not offer live projects, Excel case studies, or industry datasets.
- They often miss practical tools like Bloomberg Terminal, PitchBook, or CapIQ that are used in real IB roles.
Paid courses offer hands-on simulations, financial modeling assignments, and practice on tools used in investment banks. This makes the learner job-ready and builds confidence.
No Community or Alumni Network
Free courses are mostly self-paced, with no active peer or alumni network. This reduces opportunities for:
- Networking with finance professionals
- Getting job referrals
- Collaborating on projects
Paid certifications often include access to closed LinkedIn groups, alumni forums, and live events, creating a support ecosystem that lasts beyond the course.
| Parameter | Free Investment Banking Courses | Paid Investment Banking Certifications |
| Cost | ₹0 (Free) | ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000+ depending on platform |
| Depth of Content | Basic to Intermediate | Intermediate to Advanced |
| Certificate Recognition | Mostly not verified or industry-accepted | Recognized by employers and global firms |
| Hands-on Practice | Limited exercises and basic case studies | Real projects, Excel models, and simulations |
| Mentorship Support | Not available | Available (Live classes, doubt sessions, career counseling) |
| Placement Help | Not provided | Often included (Mock interviews, resume reviews, referrals) |
| Access to Tools | Mostly Excel, no premium tools | Includes Bloomberg, CapIQ (in some advanced courses) |
| Networking Opportunities | None | Strong alumni and peer community |
| Best For | Beginners and early learners | Job seekers, MBA students, finance professionals |
How to Transition from Free to Advanced Paid Courses
Starting with free courses is a smart and risk-free way to begin your learning journey in investment banking. However, once the basics have been mastered, many students and professionals find it necessary to move toward advanced, paid investment banking certifications that offer deeper knowledge, recognized credentials, and job support. This transition must be planned strategically to ensure maximum benefit from both free and paid resources.
Step 1: Build a Strong Foundation Through Free Courses
Before investing in paid training, a clear understanding of core topics should be developed. This can be achieved by completing the best free investment banking courses available on platforms like Coursera, edX, Wall Street Mojo, and CFI.
Focus Areas:
- Understand the basics of financial statements, valuation methods, and investment banking roles.
- Learn the logic behind financial modeling, even if you don’t master Excel yet.
- Watch beginner-friendly videos, complete quizzes, and attempt practice cases.
Goal:
By the end of this stage, you should be familiar with concepts like DCF, comparable company analysis, M&A processes, and three-statement modeling.
Step 2: Identify Your Career Goal in Finance
Once the basics are clear, the next step is to identify your specific career interest within investment banking. Paid courses are often domain-specific, so your decision must align with your future goals.
Possible Career Paths:
- Investment Banking Analyst (Corporate Finance)
- Equity Research Associate
- Private Equity or Venture Capital Analyst
- Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
- Risk and Compliance Officer
Ask Yourself:
- Do I want to work in M&A advisory or valuation?
- Do I need job support or just a certificate?
- Am I targeting Indian firms or global investment banks?
By answering these questions, you can choose a paid program that matches your path.
Step 3: Evaluate Paid Course Options Wisely
There are many paid investment banking certifications available, both online and offline. After learning the basics through free courses, you’ll be in a better position to judge which course offers value.
Top Paid Programs to Consider:
| Platform / Provider | Popular Paid Certification | Ideal For |
| CFI (Corporate Finance Institute) | FMVA® – Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst | Global job seekers, MBA students |
| Plutus Education | Diploma in Investment Banking Operations(DIBO) | Global job seekers, provides placement assistance |
| Wall Street Prep | Premium Package – Modeling & IB Bootcamp | Professionals targeting bulge bracket banks |
| The Wall Street School (India) | Investment Banking & Valuation Course | Indian students looking for job placement |
| Imarticus Learning | Certified Investment Banking Operations Program | Beginners and career switchers in India |
| EduPristine | Financial Modeling and Valuation Course | Students preparing for CFA, FRM, or MBA roles |
Things to Check Before Enrolling:
- Syllabus depth: Does it cover advanced topics like LBOs, IPO modeling, Pitch Books?
- Placement support: Are internships, job referrals, or mock interviews offered?
- Certificate value: Is the certificate industry-recognized?
- Trainer experience: Are the instructors real IB professionals or academics?
Step 4: Use Free Knowledge to Fast-Track Paid Learning
When you join a paid course, your free course background will help you move faster through initial modules and focus more on advanced content.
How to Leverage Prior Learning:
- Revise basics before starting the paid course to avoid confusion.
- Focus on practical tasks like case studies and financial model building.
- Ask better questions in live sessions, based on your earlier exposure.
Instructors in paid programs appreciate students who show readiness, and it also helps in building stronger networking opportunities with peers.
Step 5: Update Resume and LinkedIn with Both Free and Paid Credentials
After completing both free and paid courses, it’s important to show your efforts to recruiters by updating your professional profiles.
Tips to Showcase Learning:
- Create a certification section on your resume.
- Add free course certificates from Coursera, edX, or CFI with course names and completion dates.
- Mention advanced certifications with bullet points on skills learned (e.g., “Built 3-statement model in Excel”, “Completed real M&A case study”).
- On LinkedIn, add each certification with a short description of your learning outcome.
Recruiters value consistency and self-driven learning. By showing both free and paid efforts, you can prove your seriousness and discipline.
Career Scope After Investment Banking Course
Completing an investment banking course, whether free or paid, opens a wide range of career opportunities in the finance industry. While many people assume that only investment bankers benefit from these courses, the reality is far broader. The skills learned through best free investment banking courses—such as financial modeling, valuation, Excel, and mergers and acquisitions—are highly transferable and in demand across multiple finance roles in both India and abroad.
In this section, we will explore the career scope after completing investment banking training and explain how Indian students and professionals can make the most of it in today’s competitive job market.
Entry-Level Roles for Freshers and Graduates
After completing a foundational or intermediate-level investment banking course, freshers can apply for several high-potential roles. These roles are best suited for commerce, BBA, or MBA students who want to start a career in core finance profiles.
Top Entry-Level Job Roles:
- Investment Banking Analyst
Responsible for creating pitch books, financial models, and performing valuation for deals. - Equity Research Associate
Prepares research reports and forecasts on publicly listed companies. - Credit Analyst
Evaluates creditworthiness of individuals or companies for financial institutions. - Financial Analyst (FP&A)
Involved in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning inside corporations. - M&A Analyst (Advisory)
Assists in transaction execution and client communication for mergers and acquisitions.
Skill Demand in Entry-Level Jobs:
| Skill | Why It Matters |
| Financial Modeling | Used to build company projections and analyze performance |
| Excel Proficiency | Core tool for financial analysis, automation, and dashboards |
| Valuation Techniques | Essential for deal pricing, stock recommendations |
| Presentation Skills | Required for creating investor-ready pitch decks |
| Analytical Thinking | Helps in understanding market trends and competitor data |
Even companies that do not directly deal in investment banking (like startups, consulting firms, and fintech companies) look for candidates with these skills.
Mid-Level Career Progression
For professionals with some experience or those who have taken paid investment banking certifications after free courses, there is a wider scope of mid-level opportunities. With 2–5 years of experience, professionals can expect higher-level roles involving client management, deal execution, and strategy advisory.
Popular Mid-Level Roles:
- Senior Financial Analyst – Works on strategic planning, board presentations, and investor updates.
- Associate – Investment Banking – Manages client relationships, reviews junior work, and contributes to execution.
- Corporate Strategy Analyst – Helps CEOs and CFOs plan M&A, partnerships, and business growth.
- Private Equity Analyst – Involved in deal sourcing, investment analysis, and portfolio management.
- Consultant – Financial Services – Works with global clients on business restructuring or capital raising.
At this level, having certifications like CFA, FMVA, or CIBPTM (after completing free investment banking courses) can increase hiring chances, especially at multinational banks or Big 4 firms.
Career Opportunities in India vs Abroad
In India, cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Pune, and Hyderabad are major hubs for finance jobs. Many global investment banks have back-office and front-office roles here, including Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, and Deutsche Bank.
- KPOs (Knowledge Process Outsourcing firms) such as TresVista, Evalueserve, and Aranca regularly hire candidates trained in valuation and modeling.
- Tier-1 MBA graduates often land front-end IB roles; however, skilled graduates with solid training from free and paid courses also get entry-level roles in boutique IB firms.
Abroad, the same skills are applicable in countries like the USA, UK, UAE, Singapore, and Canada where investment banking is more mature. Certification from international platforms like CFI, edX, and Coursera is recognized globally, improving job mobility.
Best Free Investment Banking Courses FAQs
Which course is best for investment banking?
The FMVA by CFI and CIBPTM are considered among the best for practical, job-ready investment banking training. They cover financial modeling, valuation, and M&A in depth with real-world examples. For beginners, starting with the best free investment banking courses on Coursera or Wall Street Mojo is highly recommended.
Which is better, CFA or Investment Banker?
CFA is a qualification, while investment banker is a job role.CFA is better for asset management and research, not deal execution.For core IB roles, practical skills and certifications like FMVA are more relevant.
Is CA better or Investment Banker?
CA is accounting-focused, while investment banking is deal and finance-focused. CAs earn well in compliance roles; investment bankers grow fast but work longer hours. Choose CA for accounting, or investment banking for corporate finance and M&A careers.
