Investment banking is one of the most exciting and fast-paced fields in finance. It offers career opportunities characterized by high growth, global exposure, and many rewards in the form of pay. Hence, if one is aiming to set foot in this competitive field, proper training and extensive knowledge about the industry coupled with its working are a must.
That’s where the importance of a well-structured investment banking syllabus comes in. A good investment banking course doesn’t just teach you finance—it prepares you for real work inside investment banks. From learning how companies raise money to building financial models, handling mergers, and using banking tools like Bloomberg or Excel, every part of the syllabus matters. Whether you’re a student from a commerce background, an engineering graduate, or even a working professional looking to shift careers, you can build a strong foundation through the right investment banking program.
What is Investment Banking?
Investment banking is a special area in finance where banks and financial firms help big companies raise money, handle mergers, and manage investments. These banks do not take customer deposits like regular banks. Instead, they work with businesses, governments, and large investors.
In India, investment banking is growing fast due to global business expansion, startup culture, and increasing mergers and acquisitions. Investment bankers advise companies on big deals and help them make the right financial choices. Listing on the stock markets (IPOs) is another task that these banks do along with debt financing and corporate restructuring.
Key functions of investment banking:
-Raise capital through debt and equity.
-Facilitate mergers and acquisitions (M&A) for clients.
-Underwrite IPOs.
-Provide financial and strategic advice.
-Manage investments and portfolios for large clients.
Investment bankers often work long hours, but the job is high-paying and respected. Strong analytical, communication, and financial modeling skills are a must. You need proper training and a structured course to build these skills. That’s why investment banking courses are now in high demand in India.
What is Investment Banking Course?
An investment banking course teaches you all the required skills to work as an investment banker. It covers financial topics, technical tools, communication skills, and practical projects. The course helps you understand how to value companies, manage big deals, and work with clients.
The course usually includes both theory and practical learning. It uses real-world case studies, industry tools like Excel and PowerPoint, and live projects. Some institutes even offer placements and internships. The course also builds your confidence and soft skills through interview training and communication workshops.Some important learning outcomes from this course:
- Understand how investment banks work
- Learn financial statement analysis
- Build financial models from scratch
- Handle merger and acquisition deals
- Practice pitching ideas and presenting data
- Learn Excel, PowerPoint, and financial software
The course usually takes 6 to 12 months, depending on the institute. It may also include weekend or online options for working professionals.
Investment Banking Course Syllabus
The investment banking course syllabus covers all the essential topics and skills needed to succeed in this field. It is designed to take you from basic finance concepts to advanced skills like financial modeling, mergers and acquisitions, and global banking tools.
There are many institutes offering investment banking courses, and each institute has a different course-specific syllabus. At Plutus Education, we provide a comprehensive 8-module syllabus covering all the important topics.
Module 0: Foundation Skills for Finance Careers
Before students begin working with numbers, models, or client data, this module helps them build the core skills that are essential for any finance career. Communication, logical thinking, and professional etiquette are just as important as technical knowledge in the world of investment banking. This module also boosts self-confidence and improves job-readiness right from the start.
| Topics | Sub-Topics |
| Quantitative Aptitude & Reasoning | Problem-solving for finance roles, logic-based assessments |
| Business English | Report writing, formal emails, professional presentations |
| Professional Etiquette | Grooming, workplace conduct, meeting and communication rules |
| Self-Presentation | Elevator pitch, personal branding, interview intro practice |
What you’ll gain:
You will become confident in expressing financial ideas clearly, prepare for professional environments, and build the foundational logical skills needed to succeed in every later module.
Module 1: Foundations of Financial Accounting and Markets
Every investment banking career begins with the ability to understand and analyze numbers. This module teaches the language of finance—accounting—and explains how global financial markets function. You’ll learn how to read financial reports, use ratios to assess performance, and understand capital market basics.
| Topics | Sub-Topics |
| Accounting Basics | Journal entries, ledger maintenance, trial balance |
| Financial Statements | Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Statement |
| Financial Ratios | ROE, ROA, Current Ratio, Debt to Equity, and more |
| Financial Markets | Stock exchanges, IPOs, debt markets, regulatory environment |
What you’ll gain:
You will be able to prepare and read financial statements confidently and use them in real investment decisions and reports.
Module 2: Fundamentals of Corporate Finance and Investment Banking
This module teaches how companies make financial decisions and how investment banking companies support those decisions. You’ll learn how capital is raised, how funding decisions are made, and how investment banks play a key role in advising and executing financial transactions.
| Topics | Sub-Topics |
| Financial Products | Debt, Equity, Derivatives – purpose, pricing, risk analysis |
| Investment Banking Services | IPOs, M&A advisory, debt issuance, underwriting |
| Corporate Finance Decisions | Capital structure, debt vs. equity, dividend policy |
| Capital Budgeting | NPV, IRR, Payback Method – decision tools |
| Cost of Capital | Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC), risk ratings impact |
What you’ll gain:
You’ll understand how companies choose between different funding options and how investment bankers help structure these deals.
Module 3: Alternative Investments and Valuation Techniques
Valuation is one of the most critical tasks in investment banking. This module gives you tools and frameworks used globally to value companies and analyze investment opportunities. It also explores the world of hedge funds, private equity, and venture capital.
| Topics | Sub-Topics |
| Alternative Investments | Overview of hedge funds, private equity, venture capital |
| DCF Valuation | Forecasting cash flows, discounting, terminal value |
| Comparable Company Analysis | EV/EBITDA, P/E, P/B – how to use and compare multiples |
| Precedent Transactions | Using historical deal data for current valuations |
| Due Diligence | Process steps, risk assessment, deal-breaker factors |
What you’ll gain:
You’ll learn to build valuation models from scratch and explain company value like a professional analyst.
Module 4: Mergers, Acquisitions, and Deal Structuring
This is one of the most advanced modules in the course. It helps you understand how real deals are structured—from identifying a target to closing the acquisition. You’ll learn how to prepare M&A models and pitch books just like teams in real investment banking companies.
| Topics | Sub-Topics |
| M&A Lifecycle | Deal origination, due diligence, structuring, integration |
| LBO Modelling | Leveraged buyout model creation, debt schedules, IRR analysis |
| Deal Analysis | EPS impact, accretion/dilution calculations |
| Synergy Evaluation | Identifying cost and revenue synergies, cultural fit |
| Acquisition Pitch | Creating client-facing presentations and fairness opinions |
What you’ll gain:
You will be able to evaluate deals, perform LBO analysis, and structure acquisition terms from start to finish.
Module 5: Specialisation 1 – Securities Operations
This specialisation is for learners aiming to work in trade operations, settlements, or reconciliation roles in banks and financial services firms. These middle-office and back-office roles form the backbone of investment banking operations.
| Topics | Sub-Topics |
| Trade Lifecycle | Complete trade flow: order placement to final settlement |
| Collateral Management | Margining, haircut calculation, netting, and clearing |
| Reconciliation | Matching front-office trades with back-office records |
| AML and Fraud Detection | Know Your Customer (KYC), transaction monitoring, red flags |
What you’ll gain:
You will understand how trades are processed globally and how to detect and prevent errors or fraud in the system.
Module 5: Specialisation 2 – Wealth & Management Operations
This track is suitable for those who want to work in asset management companies or private wealth divisions. The focus is on understanding how funds operate and how high-net-worth client portfolios are managed.
| Topics | Sub-Topics |
| Asset Management Structure | Team roles, fund types, client servicing processes |
| Investment Products | PMS, Mutual Funds, AIFs, ETFs – structure and workflows |
| NAV Calculations | Subscription/redemption flows, price determination |
| Client Reporting | MIS reports, compliance reports, audit packages |
What you’ll gain:
You will learn how to manage investment portfolios, calculate NAVs, and handle client reporting requirements.
Module 6: Applied Tools for Finance Professionals
Today, finance professionals must use data tools and automation to improve accuracy and productivity. This module gives you practical experience in the tools commonly used in investment banking and finance roles.
| Tools/Skills | Topics Covered |
| Excel (Basic & Advanced) | Pivot tables, Power Query, Macros, VLOOKUPs |
| PowerPoint | Building professional financial presentations |
| Power BI | Creating interactive dashboards and financial visuals |
| Canva | Designing clean infographics and reports |
| AI Tools | Using AI for research, data analysis, screening |
What you’ll gain:
You’ll be comfortable using digital tools to automate and present financial data professionally.
Module 7: Communication, Productivity & Interview Readiness
Finance professionals not only need technical skills but also strong communication and personal branding. This module helps you build confidence for interviews and workspaces.
| Topics | Sub-Topics |
| Body Language | Presenting yourself professionally in interviews and meetings |
| Negotiation Skills | Closing deals, influencing without authority |
| Productivity Techniques | Time blocking, SMART goals, priority setting |
| Interview Preparation | Answering common questions, building confidence |
What you’ll gain:
You will be interview-ready, confident in presenting, and skilled in managing your workday productively.
Module 8: Capstone Project
This final module is where you put everything into action. You’ll work on a simulated deal project that includes valuation, modelling, structuring, and pitching. You’ll work in teams to solve real business cases—just like analysts in investment banking companies.
| Project Components | Details |
| Valuation | Building a DCF and comps-based valuation model |
| Deal Structuring | Choosing funding methods and presenting an acquisition plan |
| Presentation | Delivering a full deal pitch to faculty/client panels |
| Feedback & Revision | Reviewing inputs, refining outputs to professional standards |
What you’ll gain:
You will complete a real-life deal simulation that proves your readiness to work in a live investment banking environment.
Investment Banking Course Duration
The average investment banking course duration is 3 to 6 months. It depends on your choice of full-time, part-time, or weekend batch.Online courses take about 3 months. Classroom or hybrid courses may go up to 6 months. Institutes may also offer internship or placement assistance during or after the course.Choose a course duration based on your learning speed, time availability, and career needs.
Diploma in Investment Banking Operations ( DIBO) by Plutus Education is an online certification for 9 months.
Investment Banking Key Skills
To build a successful career in investment banking, you need more than just textbook knowledge. Investment banking is a fast-paced and demanding field. You must think quickly, solve problems, work with numbers, and communicate clearly. The investment banking key skills you develop during the course play a big role in shaping your future in this industry.
Whether you’re working in mergers and acquisitions, equity research, or client operations, you will deal with high-pressure tasks, large financial data, and global clients. That’s why investment banks prefer candidates who are trained in both technical and soft skills.
Top Technical Skills You’ll Need
- Financial Modeling: Building detailed financial models in Excel to analyze company performance and forecast future growth.
- Valuation Techniques: Understanding how to value businesses using methods like DCF, comparable company analysis, and precedent transactions.
- Advanced Excel Skills: Using formulas, pivot tables, and financial templates to manage and analyze big data.
- Market Research and Analysis: Studying trends, industries, and companies to support investment decisions.
- Knowledge of Financial Products: Understanding equity, debt, derivatives, mutual funds, and structured products.
- Familiarity with Tools: Working with Bloomberg Terminal, Power BI, Refinitiv, and SQL for data analysis and reporting.
Soft Skills That Make You Stand Out
- Communication Skills: Writing clear emails, reports, and giving professional presentations.
- Problem-Solving Ability: Analyzing complex data and offering logical financial solutions.
- Attention to Detail: Catching small errors in financial statements or transaction reports.
- Time Management: Meeting tight deadlines, managing multiple tasks, and working efficiently.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: Working smoothly with cross-functional teams in high-pressure environments.
- Adaptability: Being open to feedback, learning new tools, and adjusting to changing client needs.
These skills are not just useful during your course—they are essential for day-to-day roles in investment banking operations, mergers and acquisitions, trading desks, risk management, and beyond.
Investment Banking Career Opportunities
Investment banking offers a wide range of exciting and high-paying career paths. After completing a professional course like the DIBO program from Plutus Education, you become eligible for several entry-level and mid-level roles in the finance industry. The skills you learn in valuation, financial modeling, M&A, and technology tools prepare you for real jobs in global banks, financial institutions, and consulting firms.
Investment banking is not just one job—it includes many areas like client services, risk management, research, trade support, and operations. Let’s take a look at some of the top career opportunities available after completing an investment banking course.
Financial Analyst
A Financial Analyst is responsible for studying company performance, building financial models, and preparing reports for senior bankers or clients. Analysts work with large data sets to find insights that support business decisions. In this role, you will:
- Forecast company growth and revenue
- Analyze industry trends
- Prepare Excel-based financial models
- Support M&A and funding deals
This is one of the most common and high-demand entry-level roles in investment banking.
Investment Banking Operations Analyst
Operations analysts work on the back-end processes that keep the bank running smoothly. They handle settlements, trade confirmations, compliance checks, and account reconciliations. As an Operations Analyst, you will:
- Process and confirm financial transactions
- Work with internal teams to fix trade breaks
- Ensure compliance with banking rules
- Communicate with global clients and partners
This role is ideal if you enjoy working with systems, processes, and financial data management.
Equity Research Associate
Equity Research professionals track the stock market and study the performance of companies. They publish reports and give buy/sell recommendations to investors or internal teams. Your job as an Equity Research Associate will include:
- Analyzing financial statements
- Building valuation models
- Writing detailed research reports
- Giving investment suggestions based on data
This role combines analytical thinking with clear communication and is perfect for students who enjoy market trends and stock analysis.
M&A Associate
If you’re interested in large business deals, the M&A (Mergers & Acquisitions) role is for you. M&A associates help companies buy, sell, or merge with other businesses. In this career path, you will:
- Perform due diligence and valuation analysis
- Structure deal terms and financing models
- Prepare pitch books and client presentations
- Work directly with CEOs and decision-makers
This is a high-responsibility role that demands deep financial and negotiation skills.
Risk and Compliance Officer
Every bank needs to follow strict rules. Risk and compliance professionals make sure the bank follows local and international laws. They prevent fraud and report risks to management. As a Risk and Compliance Officer, your duties include:
- Monitoring transactions for suspicious activity
- Performing KYC (Know Your Customer) checks
- Updating policies and control systems
- Ensuring regulatory compliance
If you have a sharp eye for detail and enjoy rule-based roles, this career option is a good fit.
Trade Support Analyst
Trade support teams assist traders by investigating trade details, resolving discrepancies, and updating records. Trade support acts as a bridge between the front office (trading) and back office (settlements). The key responsibilities of this function encompass:
- Trade capture and confirmation
- Trade details are matched with counter-parties
- Discrepancies or mismatches are investigated
- Working through the different time zones
Today, trade support jobs are much sought after in global banks like JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs and Citi.
Private Equity Analyst
Though slightly more advanced, private equity roles are a natural next step for investment banking professionals. These analysts study private companies, evaluate investments, and support fund managers. Your responsibilities may include:
- Evaluating startup or mid-sized companies
- Running cash flow and ROI models
- Supporting fundraising and due diligence
- Preparing investor reports
This role is ideal for those who want to work closely with growing businesses and investment portfolios.
Corporate Finance Executive
Corporate finance professionals work inside companies, helping them manage capital, reduce costs, and raise funds. As a corporate finance executive, you’ll:
- Plan budgets and manage company investments
- Handle business expansion funding
- Work with banks for loan structuring
- Support financial strategy and planning
This path gives you a chance to work with large businesses directly and be involved in decision-making.
Investment Banking Syllabus FAQs
1. Who is eligible for the Diploma in Investment Banking Operations?
Anyone who has completed or is in the final year of graduation can apply. The course is ideal for:
- B.Com, BBA, BA (Economics), or MBA students
- Freshers looking for finance jobs
- Working professionals planning to switch to investment banking operations
No prior experience in finance is required, as the course starts from fundamentals.
2. Is the course available offline or online?
This is a fully online course. Live instructor-led sessions, recorded videos, assignments, and project work are delivered through a digital platform. You can attend the program from anywhere in India.
Online delivery includes:
- Live classes with expert faculty
- 1:1 doubt-clearing support
- Placement preparation workshops
- Digital access to tools like Excel, Power BI, and Canva
3. What is the average and highest salary after completing the course?
Salary depends on your background, location, and interview performance. However, typical packages in investment banking operations roles are:
| Category | Salary Range (INR per annum) |
| Average for Freshers | ₹3.5 – ₹5.5 LPA |
| For Experienced | ₹6 – ₹10 LPA |
| Highest Package | ₹10 – ₹12 LPA (offered in top firms) |
Note: Salaries may vary by city and company. Roles in global capability centers and large banks usually offer higher pay.
4. What job roles are available after completing this course?
This diploma prepares you for core operations roles in the investment banking and finance industry. Common job roles include:
- Investment Banking Operations Analyst
- Trade Lifecycle Analyst
- KYC/AML Analyst
- Fund Operations Executive
- Wealth Management Associate
- Reconciliation & Collateral Analyst
These roles are in demand at investment banks, finance KPOs, global firms, and asset management companies.
5. Does the course offer placement support?
Yes. The course includes placement assistance and 7 guaranteed interviews after completion. Support includes:
- Resume & LinkedIn profile building
- Interview preparation (technical + HR)
- Mock interviews with feedback
- Career guidance from mentors
You’ll be connected with recruiters from investment banks, finance BPOs, and related companies.
