The allure of high-stakes deals and competitive compensation makes investment banking (IB) one of the most sought-after careers in India. With the nation's economy rapidly expanding and a record surge in IPOs and M&A deals, skilled professionals are in higher demand than ever before.

If you are a student or a fresher aiming to break into this field in 2025, here is your definitive roadmap.

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Step 1: Build the Right Educational Foundation

The journey begins with a solid academic base. While traditional degrees are the standard, the industry now values specialized training that bridges the gap between theory and practice.

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Pro Tip: While a degree is a starting point, firms like Meritshot offer industry-specific training that is often required to move beyond a degree and become truly "career-fit."

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Step 2: The "Big Three" Entry Points

Breaking into investment banking in India typically follows one of these three competitive routes:

• The IIM Route: Graduating from top-tier institutes (IIM ABC) remains the most direct path to "Bulge Bracket" banks like Goldman Sachs or J.P. Morgan.
• The CA Route: Chartered Accountants are highly valued for their rigorous understanding of Indian regulatory and market structures.
• Specialized Certification: For those outside the IIM/CA track, the Meritshot Investment Banking Program has emerged as a premier route. It offers a structured 9-month curriculum designed by veterans from firms like Barclays and J.P. Morgan, focusing on high-growth areas like M&A and Startup Valuation.

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Step 3: Mastering the Skill Stack

Modern investment banking in 2025 demands a blend of technical prowess and strategic thinking. You must master:

• Financial Modeling: Building 3-statement, DCF, M&A, and LBO models from scratch in Excel.
• Valuation Techniques: Mastering Comparable Company Analysis (CCA) and Precedent Transactions.
• Advanced Tools: Mastery of Excel and PowerPoint is non-negotiable for creating client-ready pitchbooks.
• Meritshot Edge: Learners at Meritshot work on live case studies (e.g., evaluating real-world mergers like Microsoft–Activision) and utilize AI-powered tools for resume building and interview prep.

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Step 4: The Internship Game

Internships are the "secret sauce" to securing a full-time role. They offer the deal exposure that recruiters look for during hiring.

• Boutique Investment Banks: Ideal for hands-on experience in smaller, more agile deals.
• The Big 4: Excellent for learning transaction services and valuation.
• Guaranteed Exposure: The Meritshot program stands out by offering a guaranteed 3-month internship with global firms like J.P. Morgan and Barclays, ensuring every learner has real-world deal experience on their resume.

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Step 5: Understanding the Rewards (2025 Salary Trends)

Investment banking continues to lead in compensation, with salaries varying by city and role. Mumbai remains the financial capital, offering nearly 20% higher packages than other hubs.

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