Different Business Schools in India are known for their excellence in specific domains like Marketing, Finance, Consulting or Business Analytics. This article will help the candidate to know about the top MBA (Master of Business Administration) in India designed for these different career paths.

Pursuing an MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a transformative step for students and working professionals aiming to sharpen their business skills and advance their careers. However, choosing the right MBA program goes beyond just rankings. It becomes equally important for the candidate to align their specialisations in the MBA program with the career the candidate wants to pursue.

What are the Best MBA Colleges for a Career in Finance in India?

If your goal is to pursue a career in the field of investment banking, corporate finance, fintech or equity research, then some MBA colleges across India stand out for their finance curriculum, faculty, placement records and corporate connections. The right business school can provide not only a solid academic foundation but also access to reputed recruiters and practical skills.

Below is a list of some of the best MBA colleges for a career in finance in India, along with the list of some of their top recruiters:-

These are some of the best colleges for those candidates who wish to pursue a career in the Finance sector.

Career Opportunities Available:-

Several career opportunities are available for those of you who have pursued a career in the finance management field or are willing to pursue their higher academic studies in the finance management field. Below is the list of opportunities available in the finance management sector:-

Career Opportunities Investment Banker

Risk Manager

Equity Research Associate

Corporate Finance Manager

Financial Analyst

Portfolio Manager

Fintech Product Analyst

Also, check:-

What are the Best MBA Colleges for a Career in Marketing in India?

If you are creative, persuasive and strategic, a career in marketing could be the perfect fit for you. Marketing roles today go far beyond traditional advertising; they now involve consumer behaviour, building strong brand identities, creating impactful digital campaigns, and driving business growth through innovative strategies.

Whether your interest lies in brand management, digital marketing, sales strategy, market research or content marketing, choosing the right MBA program can give you the tools and exposure needed to succeed in dynamic fields. Some business schools in India are especially renowned for their marketing-focused curriculum and industry-aligned faculty, and placement records.

Below is the list of some of the business schools in India which are renowned for their marketing-focused curriculum:-

Also, check:-

Leading MBA Colleges for a Career in the Consulting Sector in India

If you are a strategic thinker who enjoys solving complex problems, the consulting domain of the Master of Business Administration may be your calling. Consulting roles offer a variety of exposure to different industries and also offer fast career growth. Prestigious business schools often have strong relationships with top and global consulting firms, offering their students an opportunity to achieve various placement offers.

Below is the list of some of the leading MBA colleges across India offering a good consulting curriculum for those of you who wish to pursue a career in the consulting sector:-

Career Opportunities Available:-

If you are interested in tackling difficult problems and adopting a strategic approach, here is a summary of some of the employment prospects available once you complete your academic studies in the consulting business:-

Strategy Consultant

Development Consultant

Business Transformation Consultant

Management Consultant

Operations Consultant

Technology and IT Consultant

Choosing an MBA college isn’t just about reputation, but also about the program that prepares you for your target career domain. Whether you are aspiring to be an investment banker, marketing leader, or management consultant, choosing your specialisations with the right business schools significantly impacts your journey.

Also, check:-

To stay updated on current trends, join the Jagran Josh Telegram community!

https://t.me/jagranjoshofficial

Applications for finance roles among UK graduates have consistently risen over the past five years. Data from the Institute of Student Employers (ISE) highlights this, as in 2024, there were 188 applicants for every available graduate role within finance and professional services across the UK.

What does this growing demand tell us? Many would consider it a reflection of a shift in graduate priorities toward long-term security, practical skills, and defined career trajectories – rather than a strong starting salary.

Although earning high sums is desirable, today’s students are more focused on return on investment when choosing their university courses and career paths. It’s likely why finance, by design, continues to meet this demand.

Thanks to competitive graduate schemes, broad application of skills, and a reputation for stability, the sector remains high on the list for graduates evaluating their options. But what exactly is behind this continued interest, and how are educational and professional structures influencing student decisions? Let’s dive into some of the reasons!

Why Finance Offers More Than Stability

Graduates entering the job market in recent years have done so in uncertain conditions. Inflation, cost-of-living pressures, and shifting labour trends have made career stability a key consideration for young people looking to go to university. Despite many graduates finding it difficult to secure a job, even if they have work experience, networked tirelessly, achieved first-class honours, or graduated from some of the country’s top universities- there is still an interest in young people going to university.

One of the industries many view as having relatively high levels of employment security, especially compared to others, is finance. It’s a perception that remains strong among students.​ However, stability alone is not driving decisions, as many graduates see finance as a sector where skills are transferable, progression is structured, and the roles offer variety. From financial analysis to risk consultancy, the number of entry-level opportunities available through formal programmes is wide enough to appeal to students with different interests and strengths.​

Crucially, finance still retains predictability that appeals to early-career professionals. Progression pathways tend to be clearly defined, with set criteria and performance markers. These pathways help graduates to plan more effectively and assess where they stand in comparison to their peers, which is particularly valued by those aiming for upward mobility in their first five years post-university.​

How Graduate Schemes and Internships Influence Early Decisions

Networking and experience are two important pillars that can change a person’s career path. However, for many students interested in finance, their exposure to the financial section more than likely begins after completing their degree. Applying and working paid internships, spring insight weeks, and early talent schemes help to give students a first-hand of what professional life is like. And, aside from being great additions to CVs, they are often instrumental in shaping a graduate’s decision to commit to a career in the field.​

One thing you will notice when looking at graduate schemes in finance is that they are often well-structured. Many offer formal training, mentorship, and rotational placements – all of which can help graduates get work opportunities.

All of this sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? Seeing as it could make a difference in whether or not a graduate secures a job, it comes as no surprise that they are highly competitive. However, that competitive nature is part of its appeal. Students are increasingly aware that securing a place on one of these schemes sets a clear path into a stable, well-compensated role with room for growth.​ So, why would they not give it all they have?

Additionally, early engagement through internships often removes much of the ambiguity around career choice. A three-month placement in asset management or compliance can be far more informative than lectures alone. Students who have had these experiences are more likely to be confident in their applications and more decisive in their career goals. The knock-on effect is that it helps with increasing their overall interest in finance.​

What Finance Employers Look for in Graduates

If you focus on recent years, a trend you might notice is recruiters in the financial sector adapting their expectations. Why is that? There is greater emphasis on practical capability and readiness to contribute from the outset. Academic performance is still important, of course, but skills in financial modelling, using analytical software, and an understanding of regulatory frameworks are now seen as essential, not optional.​

Of course, this trend hasn’t gone undetected. As such, many students are responding by seeking out university courses that are aligned with current industry requirements. This could be looking for programmes that offer modules in data analytics, economics, and compliance tend to attract higher interest from applicants who are already thinking about employability.​

From an employer standpoint, many businesses expect graduates to demonstrate more than technical knowledge. Communication skills, time management, and the ability to work under pressure are consistently mentioned in graduate recruitment briefings. As a result, students are approaching their degree choices with a stronger focus on outcomes, favouring finance courses that blend theory with hands-on learning.​

How Degree Programmes Steer Career Ambitions

Students are making more intentional choices when selecting undergraduate courses. With a competitive graduate job market and high tuition fees, many are looking for degree programmes that offer tangible links to employment. All of this is particularly relevant in finance, where course content can directly reflect the sector’s expectations.

Modules in quantitative analysis, portfolio management, and corporate finance give students practical insights into roles they may eventually pursue. As a result, more universities now structure their programmes to include real-world applications and collaborative projects with industry links. In turn, this gives students a chance to experience the decision-making processes and analytical tools used by professionals in the field.

Additionally, prospective students can compare universities based on academic rankings, and how well their finance degrees prepare them for the workplace. Finance degrees that include exposure to financial technology, case-based learning, and career mentoring are proving especially popular. These features reassure that the course aligns with current job market demands.

How Perception of Employers Influences Career Direction

One noticeable trend is how students are focusing on more than the job title and what the role entails. Now, the reputation of the company they work for and how it’s perceived in academic and professional circles is influencing their career decisions early on.

Of course, big-name firms continue to draw applications, even when similar roles are available elsewhere. Why? Brand recognition signals legitimacy and long-term opportunity

There’s also a growing awareness that early career credentials matter. A first role at a respected firm can open doors later, even outside finance. That makes perceived status part of the calculation, not a secondary concern. Students are weighing their options accordingly.

What Students Should Be Considering

Students looking ahead should be asking different questions. Does the course align with hiring trends? Will it lead to roles that stay relevant?

If employers and educators respond to shifting expectations, then those entering the workforce are in a better position when they understand what the sector demands. As you can see, finance remains a choice that balances ambition with practical thinking, and that’s unlikely to change soon.

(‘The Right Choice’ is a series by The Indian Express that addresses common questions, misconceptions, and doubts surrounding undergraduate admissions. You can read the stories here.)

— Subhash Kumar Verma

Story continues below this ad

The Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) are two of the most respected and well-known qualifications in the world for anyone who wants to work in finance. Even though both can lead to good jobs in the financial business, they are meant for different career paths and should be chosen based on your career ambitions.

Many people think that the CFA charter is the best standard for people who work in finance. Its full curriculum focuses on wealth planning, portfolio management, asset appraisal, and investment analysis. People who have a CFA charter often work as portfolio managers, research analysts, investment bankers, or risk analysts. There are three levels in the curriculum, and each one is hard and takes about 300 hours of study. It normally takes between two and four years to get the CFA credential. This includes the required 4,000 hours of relevant work experience. The tests are hard, but getting the charter shows that you know a lot about investing.

Story continues below this ad

On the other hand, the CPA license is the highest level of certification in the accounting field. It is mostly about audits, taxes, corporate law, and financial reporting. CPAs are very important in jobs like being an auditor, a tax counsellor, a controller, or a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). There are four parts to the CPA exam, and most people can do it in 18 months to two years, which is shorter than the CFA exam. Candidates must also complete state-specific education requirements, which are usually 150 semester hours, and have 1 to 2 years of supervised work experience under a certified CPA.

CPAs are very important in many fields, such as public accounting, corporate finance, government, and non-profit. They make sure that rules are followed and that money is handled properly. People who work in investment-related sectors, including asset management, hedge funds, private equity, and financial advising businesses, admire CFA charter holders.

Story continues below this ad

Pay for both jobs is competitive and depends on the industry, location, and level of expertise. Senior CFA experts who work in investments usually make more money, while CPAs who work as executives, like CFOs, also make a lot of money.

Your career goals should ultimately help you decide whether to get a CFA or a CPA. The CFA qualification is a good fit for you if you love analysing investments, making financial plans, and working in the capital markets. The CPA license is the best way to go if you want to work in accounting, auditing, taxes, or making sure that rules are followed. Both certifications are valuable tools that can help you get ahead in your career and get a lot of professional recognition. They will also show that you are an expert in the ever-changing world of finance.

Who should choose the CFA?

The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation is ideal for individuals who are passionate about investment management, financial analysis, and capital markets. It is best suited for those who enjoy working with data, evaluating financial performance, and making strategic investment decisions. If you’re analytical, detail-oriented, and interested in understanding how economies, industries, and companies operate financially, the CFA path is a strong fit.

Story continues below this ad

You should consider the CFA if you aspire to roles such as:

– Portfolio Manager

– Research Analyst

– Equity or Credit Analyst

– Investment Banker

– Financial Strategist

– Risk Manager

– Wealth Manager or Private Banker

Candidates who thrive in finance-focused environments like investment banks, asset management firms, hedge funds, mutual funds, and private equity will find the CFA highly valuable. The program’s global recognition also makes it particularly advantageous for those aiming for international finance roles.

Story continues below this ad

Who should choose the CPA?

The CPA (Certified Public Accountant) designation is tailored for individuals who have a strong interest in accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial reporting. If you are detail-driven, have a strong ethical foundation, and enjoy working with compliance frameworks, legal standards, and organisational financial structures, the CPA is an excellent choice.

You should consider the CPA if you aim to become a:

– Public Accountant or Auditor

– Tax Advisor or Consultant

– Financial Controller

– Forensic Accountant

– Budget Analyst

– Internal Auditor

– Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Story continues below this ad

The CPA license is especially valuable in public accounting firms, corporate finance departments, consulting firms, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. It is also a critical credential for professionals aspiring to senior leadership positions in finance and accounting.

Career prospects of a CFA

CFA charter holders are in high demand in the global investment and financial services industries. The designation opens doors to advanced roles that involve managing investment portfolios, conducting complex financial analysis, and advising institutional or high-net-worth clients. Some of the top industries hiring CFAs include:

– Investment Banking

– Asset and Wealth Management

– Hedge Funds

– Private Equity and Venture Capital

– Financial Advisory and Consulting

– Corporate Finance and Strategy Teams

Story continues below this ad

As CFAs gain experience, they often move into senior roles such as:

– Director of Investments

– Chief Investment Officer (CIO)

– Head of Research

– Risk Director

– Senior Analyst or Fund Manager

The CFA designation is also globally portable, allowing professionals to work across countries and financial hubs such as New York, London, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Singapore.

Career prospects of a CPA

CPAs enjoy robust and stable career opportunities across a wide range of sectors. Their expertise in financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and tax planning makes them indispensable to organizations. CPAs often begin their careers in public accounting or auditing firms, and with experience, progress into higher management and executive roles.

Industries and sectors hiring CPAs include:

Story continues below this ad

– Public Accounting Firms (Big Four and mid-sized firms)

– Corporations (especially in accounting, FP&A, and compliance teams)

– Government and Regulatory Bodies (e.g., IRS, State Audit Departments)

– Non-Profit and Educational Institutions

– Internal Audit and Risk Departments

With experience, CPAs can grow into roles such as:

– Finance Director

– Corporate Controller

– Vice President of Finance

– Partner in a Public Accounting Firm

– Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

CPAs also have an edge in entrepreneurial ventures such as starting a tax consultancy, audit firm, or boutique advisory practice.

Story continues below this ad

Both the CFA and CPA offer distinguished career paths, but they cater to different professional passions:

– Choose CFA if your goal is to build a career in investment analysis, portfolio management, or finance strategy on a global stage.

– Choose the CPA if you’re inclined toward accounting, auditing, taxation, or corporate finance with a focus on compliance and financial reporting.

– Your choice should align with your interests, long-term goals, and the type of financial work you find most fulfilling. Both credentials are well-respected, offer excellent career advancement, and will significantly strengthen your professional profile.

(Dr Subhash Kumar Verma is Dean School of Business Management at Noida International University –Greater Noida, India)

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the nation’s premier space agency, has been achieving great strides in the field of space technology and exploration. Over the last decade, the humble space agency has achieved new heights with landmark missions, cementing itself as a premier entity among space-faring nations of the world. The Chandrayaan missions have established India as a key player in the race to the Moon and with Gaganyaan missions aiming to take humans to space, the allure of being a part of ISRO only gets more tempting.

ISRO offers diverse opportunities for engineers and scientists across various disciplines. For students dreaming of a career in space and contributing to India’s ambitious space missions, a clear pathway exists, typically beginning right after Class 10.

The foundational step for aspiring space professionals is to opt for the science stream in Classes 11 and 12, with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) being essential subjects.

Hence, as hordes of students wish to pursue new academic paths this year, we have listed the ideal subjects that young aspirants should pursue in order to achieve their dream of being among the stars.

Pathways to ISRO

Undergraduate Degrees:

A Bachelor of Technology (BTech) or Bachelor of Engineering (BE) is the minimum requirement for most technical positions. Recommended specialisations include Mechanical, Electronics and Communication, Electrical, Computer Science, or Aerospace Engineering. For those inclined towards research, a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Physics, Mathematics, or Astronomy, followed by a Master’s degree, also serves as a viable entry point.

Postgraduate and Doctoral Studies:

For advanced research roles or specialised positions, a Master’s (MTech/ME/MSc) or a PhD in relevant fields significantly enhances a candidate’s prospects.

Key disciplines for space careers:

ISRO’s work spans a broad spectrum of scientific and engineering domains. Aspiring candidates should focus on fields such as:

Mechanical Engineering

Electronics and Communication Engineering

Computer Science

Aerospace Engineering

Physics

Mathematics

Astronomy

Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Recruitment process:

The primary recruitment method for technical roles at ISRO is through the ISRO Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB) exam. This rigorous process typically involves a written test followed by an interview. Those who qualify are eligible for admission to the top institutes for technical studies in India.

Top institutes for space education in India:

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram:

Directly supported by ISRO, IIST is a top choice, offering specialised undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in space science and technology.

Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and National Institutes of Technology (NITs):

These prestigious institutions also offer a wide range of relevant engineering and science programs for aspiring space technology candidates.

Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS):

IIRS provides valuable outreach and e-learning programs focused on remote sensing, GIS, and related applications, crucial for many ISRO projects.

Beyond formal degrees, ISRO also offers various academic programs and internships, providing students at different levels with hands-on experience and exposure to the organisation’s cutting-edge work.

AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images

College commencement is a time of optimism for newly minted graduates. But this year, there’s also more uncertainty about the economy and employment — and grads in some unexpected majors may find they have a leg up. Majors in nutrition, art history and philosophy all outperformed STEM fields when it comes to employment prospects, according to a recent analysis of labor market outcomes of college graduates by major by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

For computer science and computer engineering, the unemployment rate in those fields was 6.1% and 7.5%, respectively — notably higher than the national average. By comparison, the unemployment rate for art history majors was 3%, and for nutritional sciences, the unemployment rate was just 0.4%, the New York Fed found. The New York Fed’s report was based on Census data from 2023 and unemployment rates of recent college graduates.

Economics and finance majors also fared worse than those in theology and philosophy when it came to the employment rates for recent college graduates, according to the New York Fed. Philosophy majors have an unemployment rate of 3.2%, for example, and for finance, it’s 3.7%.

Employment prospects are shifting

As young adults enter the real world, they are facing an increasingly tight labor market. The number of Gen Z households receiving unemployment grew nearly 32% year over year in February and the unemployment rate for recent college grads rose to 5.8% in March, up from 4.6% the same time a year ago, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

In general, what you choose to major in has significant implications for your job prospects and future earnings potential. Majoring in a STEM subjectis often touted as the ticket to a well-paying position in good times and bad, and that is mostly true. In fact, students who pursue a major specifically in computer science or computer engineering — both STEM disciplines — are projected to earn the most right out of school with median wages of $80,000. More from Personal Finance:

College grads face a ‘tough and competitive’ job market

How college savers can manage 529 plans

Is college still worth it? It is for most, but not all Even so, demand for humanities majors is on the rise, and with good reason. At a conference last year, Robert Goldstein, the chief operating officer of BlackRock, the world’s biggest money manager, said the firm was adjusting its hiring strategy for recent grads. “We have more and more conviction that we need people who majored in history, in English, and things that have nothing to do with finance or technology,” Goldstein said. This demand for liberal arts degrees is due in part to the rise of artificial intelligence, which drives the need for creative thinking and so-called soft skills.

Opportunities in health care

Meanwhile, jobs in the health-care sector continue to be in high demand in 2025. The U.S. economy added 902,000 health care and social assistance jobs last year and employment in health-care occupations is “projected to grow much faster than the average” for all U.S. jobs through 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The unemployment rate among nursing majors is just 1.4%, the New York Fed also found. “Nursing is extremely resilient in times of economic uncertainty, like we are seeing right now,” said Travis Moore, a registered nurse and health-care strategist at job site Indeed.