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Best IIM for Finance and Banking - The best IIM for Finance and Banking is a difficult question to answer as almost every IIM offers the specialization of FInance. However, some IIMs are specifically recommended by experts and preferred by the candidates for building a strong foundation in the field of finance and banking. Five IIMs are considered to be the best IIMs for finance and banking. These IIMs include IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, and IIM Indore. Among all the 21 IIMs across the country, these are considered the best IIMs for leaving a strong mark in the finance and banking field.
The CAT 2025 results are scheduled to be released in the first week of January 2025. Based on trends from the previous year, the results could potentially be announced in the last week of December.
Finance and Banking is a promising career domain and is looked forward to by many management candidates studying across various IIMs. It is one of the most preferred specializations for pursuing an MBA. For choosing the best IIM for finance and banking out of the five IIMs mentioned candidates must consider certain factors involved. Based on these factors candidates can figure out the best IIM for finance and banking for themselves. These factors are explained in detail below.
Curriculum: Look for IIMs that offer rigorous and comprehensive finance and banking curriculum including advanced courses in financial management, investment banking, corporate finance, and financial markets.
Faculty Expertise: Research regarding faculty expertise and experience. Get to know the frequency of guest speakers and interactions with professionals from the finance and banking field.
Placement Records: Examine the average and highest salary packages offered to the candidates at particular IIMs. Check for recruiters that actively recruit for important roles related to the finance and banking domain.
Alumni Network: Evaluate the presence and success of alumni in the financial and banking sector for specific IIM. Consider the strength of the alumni network and its strength and ability to provide mentorship and career opportunities in the respective field.
Location: It is much more ideal if the IIM is located in a city that has either possibility or is a growing hub for the finance and banking sector. This will provide more opportunities for relevant industry exposure.
Rankings: Review the IIMs rankings in various national and international B school rankings. Check the NIRF rankings under the management category also.
Review: Finally, after all the checkpoints make sure to read student reviews of the IIM for the experience of studying the particular specialization.
Based on the factors discussed above the top 5 best IIMs for finance and banking domain are mentioned below.
IIM Ahmedabad: Known for its rigorous curriculum and strong emphasis on finance, IIM Ahmedabad consistently ranks at the top for MBA/PGDM. Its finance specialization is highly regarded, and its graduates often secure important roles in finance and banking.
IIM Bangalore: Recognised for its finance faculty and finance-related courses, the institute’s focus on finance and analytics makes it a strong choice for those aiming for a career in finance and banking.
IIM Calcutta: IIM Calcutta has a long-standing reputation for its finance programs. It is especially recognized for its emphasis on economics and finance. It has a robust placement record in the finance sector.
IIM Lucknow: IIM Lucknow also offers a solid finance curriculum and is known for its finance-related electives and placements. It is also a great option for building finance careers.
IIM Indore: IIM Indore’s finance program has a growing reputation, with a good mix of theoretical and practical finance training. It is a popular choice for finance enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
MBA finance is a great option for candidates who are looking to build a great career in the banking sector. It is the most sought-after MBA specialization offered by almost all the B-Schools.
The eligibility criteria for IIM MBA finance involves a valid CAT exam score clearing the cutoff required by the particular IIM and graduation with at least 50% aggregate marks (45% for reserved category candidates).
The best IIMs for making an excellent career in the banking domain are IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Ahmedabad, and IIM Lucknow. Finance and Banking is a promising career domain and is looked forward to by many management candidates studying across various IIMs.
For banking an MBA or PGDM in the finance domain is preferred. Some colleges offer an MBA in a specific Banking specialization too. For choosing the best IIM for finance and banking out of the five IIMs mentioned candidates must consider certain factors involved like curriculum, faculty, placement, rankings, etc.
On Question asked by student community
Hello,
For a raw score of 56 in CAT 2025 Slot 3, your expected overall percentile is likely to be in the range of the 90th-95th percentile. The exact percentile can vary slightly on the final normalization process and the process and performance of all test-takers. In this article you'll find more about the CAT result.
I hope it will clear your query!!
Hello,
With a projected CAT percentile of 87% but not clearing sectional cutoffs, your chances at top IIMs are limited because they require both overall percentile and sectional minimums. However, you still have a good shot at other reputed management institutes and non-IIM B-schools. Consider colleges like NMIMS, SPJIMR, IMT, TAPMI, Great Lakes, and other well-ranked private or state-level B-schools that accept CAT scores and weigh your profile holistically. Your academic record, BSc in Animation with 80%, and 5 years of work experience at Ubisoft India are strong points and may help in institutes that value work experience in their selection process. Also, explore institutes that accept XAT, MAT, or CMAT, where your profile can be competitive.
Hope this helps you.
Good Morning,
NIT Rourkela CAT cutoff range is between 70-85 percentiles for the general category. 70 is the minimum percentile needed to apply, and 85 is the highest percentile. However, the maximum percentile depends on the particular year competition. It can be changed.
Thank You.
If you filled the UGC NET form under EWS but you don’t have a valid EWS certificate, then forget using the EWS category. They won’t accept it. You’ll automatically be treated as General category during document verification.
And no, this won’t make your form “invalid” or “illegal.” It just means you won’t get the EWS benefit.
So yes — you can still go for General category posts and Professor recruitment. Just don’t try to submit a fake/invalid certificate; that will get you disqualified.
Hello,
If your CAT admit card shows your surname first followed by your first name as entered in the form, it is correct. You do not need to worry about this format as long as it matches the details you provided. Ensure all other information on the admit card is accurate and carry it to the exam along with the required identification documents.
Hope this helps you.
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