Top Banking Courses and Career Paths You Need to Know in 2024

September 28, 2024
banking course
Quick Summary

Quick Summary

  • Banking courses are not just restricted to taking Bank PO exams after B.Com. You can also consider short-term and specialised courses in banking and finance.
  • The average banking course fees in India range from ₹4,000–13,00,000 While short-term certification courses charge less, MBA or postgraduate courses are more expensive.
  • Online banking course providers include Udemy, Coursera, and Swayam. Government institutions like IITs and IIMs also offer banking courses via Swayam.

Table of Contents

Banking is traditionally concerned with the mobility and management of money across several industries. However, drastic growth and technological advancements over the years have led to shifts in the banking sector. As more banking domains develop, specialised banking experts are in high demand. Consequently, various universities and colleges have introduced several specialised banking and finance courses for interested candidates. According to Statista, the banking sector is projected to grow to $459.60 billion in India by 2024. 

If you are interested in economics, finance, and banking, consider pursuing banking courses to achieve a wholesome career path. From BBA and B.Com to M.Com and PGDM (Banking and Finance), these courses can help you choose multiple banking career options like consulting, broking, insurance, and fund management. This can eventually lead to lucrative job opportunities in top MNCs.

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Before you decide on your BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) career in 2024, it is crucial to understand the banking course details, such as fees, duration, and future prospects. This will help you make informed decisions regarding your chosen career path in the banking and finance sector.

What is a Banking Course?

A banking course teaches how banks function and how to handle finances in various forms. It helps you understand the fundamentals of banking, including banking policies, risk management, and the integration of technology in the banking sector. It also teaches you how to make loan decisions and approve customers’ loan applications.

A banking course offers a wide career scope. You may become eligible for roles like probationary officers, clerks, customer service agents, and relationship managers.

While the terms banking and finance are often used interchangeably, they have distinct ways of managing money. Let’s look at the differences between finance and banking courses to help you make a more informed career decision.

ParameterBanking Finance 
Course Purpose Teaches the fundamentals of the banking industry and how to extend financial advice to individuals and financial institutionsTeaches the concept of money and investment management 
Career Opportunities Customer service, risk management, and banking compliance Financial analysis, investment management, and corporate finance 
Duration of the course 3 years3 years 
Degree OfferedBachelor in BankingBachelor of Science in Finance

Pursuing a banking and finance course offers a range of benefits. Let’s examine why it is beneficial to consider banking as your career goal.  

High-Paying Jobs

As every firm looks for finance solutions to manage investments and cash flow, banking professionals are well-compensated. Completing banking courses from reputed institutes can lead to a competitive pay scale and a strong start to your professional career.

Networking

A career in banking and finance provides extensive networking opportunities. Professionals and alumni with solid work experiences in dealing with complex challenges can offer valuable insights. Banking courses allow you to learn alongside candidates from diverse backgrounds, helping you expand your peer network and connect with industry specialists.

Career Prospects

Banking courses allow you to build a career in various fields, including banking, investment, consulting, insurance, broking, and fund management. Completing a certification course in banking from a reputed institute makes you eligible to work for multinational corporations (MNCs), government organisations, or financial markets.

Banking Courses After 12th 

There are numerous banking course options after 12th grade. From certification or diploma to bachelor’s degree or master’s, these courses are widely available. Surprisingly, you can take up these courses regardless of the stream you had in 12th grade.

Let us discuss the banking courses after 12th in detail. 

  1. Banking Certification Courses

Banking certification courses equip students with the fundamentals of banking, recent trends, and multiple specialisations in the field. These certification courses in India allow students to gain expertise in their specialised job profiles. Some popular certification courses include Certification in Bank Analysis, Banking Management, and Bank Law.

  • Admission Process: You don’t need to take an entrance exam to pursue banking certification courses. All you need to do is to apply on their website and you are good to go. Some offline banking certification courses institutions admit students on the basis of marks obtained in class 12th. 
  • Eligibility: You should have completed your 12th grade under a recognised board.  
  1. Diploma in Banking Courses

The Diploma in Banking and Finance is a popular course post-12th. It aims at improving students’ skills related to banking processes and methods. It covers subjects that are rapidly changing the finance sector. Some popular diploma banking courses include Diploma in Banking and Finance and a Post-Degree Diploma in Global Banking and Economics.

  • Eligibility: You are qualified to pursue diploma in banking of you have completed 12th final year examination through a recognised central/state board. 
  • Admission Process: To pursue banking diploma courses, your 12th-grade final examination score is crucial. Additionally, having computer certificates can be an added qualification for this course.
  1. Bachelor’s in Banking

A bachelor’s course in banking encompasses the fundamentals of risk management, security analysis, financial management, derivatives markets, etc. During the coursework, you get equipped with solutions to various financial problems in the banking sector. Popular full-time banking undergraduate courses include BBA and B.Com in Banking and Finance.

  • Eligibility: To pursue banking certification, diploma courses, or a bachelor’s degree, you must have scored at least 50-60% marks in class 10th and class 12th examinations from a recognised board (ICSE, CBSE, state board, etc.).
  • Admission Process: Students are admitted to B.Com and BBA in Banking courses based on merit and the marks secured in 12th grade. Some top national entrance exams for BBA in banking include IPU CET, MET, and SET.
  1. Masters in Banking

Masters in banking courses cover various finance topics, such as using accounting statements and assessing financial information for better decision-making. Popular Masters in banking courses include M.Com and MBA in Finance and Banking or Insurance.

  • Eligibility: To be eligible for banking courses after graduation, you must have scored a minimum of 50-60% marks in graduation. For MBA/PGDM in banking, you must score minimum cutoff marks in MBA entrance exams like CAT, XAT, CMAT, CET, etc.
  • Admission Process: Students are accepted for Masters courses on merit. They are selected based on minimum cutoff marks in the entrance exam followed by group discussion and/or interview. 

Career Opportunities After Completing a Banking Course Post-12th

Banking courses open doors to various job opportunities after class 12th. Here are a few popular career opportunities:

  • Financial Advisor

The average national salary of a financial advisor is ₹4,70,000 per annum. Financial advisors help clients with financial planning and provide overall financial assistance. To excel in this role, you must have good communication skills and strong acumen in data analysis.

  • Bank Manager 

The average national salary of a bank manager is ₹8.7 lakh annually. Bank managers supervise specific bank branches, oversee daily activities, and manage employees. Good managerial skills and leadership qualities are essential for this role.

  • Loan Officer

A loan officer provides loans to customers, offering comprehensive knowledge about different types of loans. The average national salary of a loan officer is ₹2,51,434 per year. 

  • Market Analyst

A market analyst conducts research to assist companies with their products or services in market terms. Observation and data analysis skills are crucial for this role. The average salary of a market analyst is ₹6,59,500 per year. 

  • Account Manager

An account manager manages sales and maintains good relationships with customers. Proficiency in calculation skills and a high IQ are beneficial. The average salary of an account manager is ₹8,80,000 per annum.

Online and Government Banking Courses

Distance learning has become a new norm in 2024. It provides an opportunity to advance your career despite professional or personal commitments. Here’s why it’s important to consider online banking courses:

  • You can advance your career in your job role. For example, if you are working as an assistant account manager in an MNC, completing a banking course can enhance your job profile in the same or a different company.
  • You can learn from industry experts and participate in discussion forums for personal and professional development, all without compromising your current work.

Wondering how to pursue these career-enriched banking courses? Let us dive into the list of government and private platforms, offering online banking courses. 

  1. Management of Commercial Banking by IIT Kharagpur via NPTEL
  2. Post Graduate Certificate in Retail Banking (PGCRB) by NIT Jalandhar 
  3. Investment Banking: The Complete Financial Ratio Analysis by Udemy
  4. Certificate Course in Banking by Welingkar Mumbai 
  5. Economics of Money and Banking by Coursera

There are various online banking courses led by the government of India. It has taken the initiative to provide comprehensive knowledge of finance. These courses are beyond traditional knowledge and of high repute, offering quality content to candidates. The benefits of taking up government baking courses are: 

  • You get recognition from a reputable organization under the government of India. It helps you to start a stable career. 
  • You equip yourself with the necessary skills that provide various career opportunities in banking and finance. 
  • You grow as a person because you learn critical thinking and analytical skills to deal with problems. It, thus, impacts all aspects of your life, including  career.

Banking Course with Placement

Certain banking certification courses offer placement opportunities along with a deep understanding of relevant skills related to banking and finance. These courses cater to both freshers and experienced professionals. Here are some platforms that provide banking course with placement:

  • IIM SKILLS 
  • Imarticus Learning
  • The Wall Street School
  • Edubridge
  • Hindustan Institute of Capital Market

Candidates value pursuing banking courses with guaranteed placement support. Let’s understand why it is essential to have placement support while taking banking courses. 

  • Industry Connections

Banking courses with placement programs often have strong industry connections, which help bridge the gap between your education and your first corporate job. This connection facilitates easier access for employers to find suitable candidates.

  • Diverse Opportunities

These courses offer a variety of job opportunities in the banking and finance sector, such as risk management, retail banking, and more. You can choose your niche within the banking world.

  • Career Readiness

Placement cells in these courses help you prepare for job interviews by providing industry-ready training, resume building, and interview preparation. These programs act as grooming sessions to enhance your skills and personality for the corporate world.

Tips for Maximizing Placement Opportunities

To enhance your chances of securing a good placement after completing a banking course, consider the following tips:

  • Decide on a specific job role within banking, such as investment banking, retail banking, asset management, or accounting. Pursue relevant degrees and courses to specialise in your chosen field.
  • Gain proficiency in software operations like Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Basic computer skills are essential for most banking job roles.
  • Work on your communication skills. Customer service and networking are crucial in banking. It is key to build relationships and communicate effectively.

Banking Courses Fees and Duration

To have a deeper understanding, refer to the table below comprising banking courses fees and total duration. It will help you understand the course details in a better way. 

  1. Certification or diploma courses in Banking 
CourseFeeAverage Duration 
Diploma in Banking and Finance Management ₹91,0001 year 
Diploma in Banking and Finance₹7,0001 year
  1. Undergraduate Banking Courses 
CourseFeeAverage Duration 
BBA in Banking and Insurance ₹ 1,20,0003 years
BCom in Banking and Insurance ₹ 5,17,5004 years
  1. Banking Courses After Graduation 
CourseFeeAverage Duration 
MBA in Finance Management (online)₹1,69,2002 years
MBA in Banking and Finance₹16,00,0002 years
M.Com in Banking and Insurance ₹1,04,0002 years 

The cost of these courses depends on several factors:

  • Location: Institutions in Tier 1 cities charge higher fees compared to colleges in Tier 2 or 3 cities due to greater amenities and higher maintenance costs.
  • Course Duration: The duration of the course affects overall educational expenses. Consider the return on investment before joining any institution.
  • Program Syllabus: Course fees increase with industry-relevant study materials. Frequently updated syllabi require industry professionals to provide students with current tools and knowledge.

Banking Courses: Bright Career Ahead 

Banking professionals have vast opportunities for success with lucrative pay scales. From wealth managers to investment bankers, the banking and finance sector offers some of the best job roles globally.

To excel in your academic journey and emerge out as a successful banking professional, consider pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate banking and finance courses. Whether you take diploma courses or graduate programs, don’t miss interacting with industry experts and joining discussion forums. This will enhance your learning and expand your network.

Banking courses are suitable for those dreaming of a career in banking and finance. Despite the challenging roles, these courses help professionals develop their knowledge and skills. From job security to working with the latest technologies, there are several reasons to opt for banking courses. With greater financial inclusion and higher demand for banking and finance professionals, these career opportunities will significantly impact the BFSI industry in the coming years.

What are the primary topics covered in a banking course?

A banking course syllabus includes topics such as the fundamentals of banks and insurance, accounting, bank functions in India, money management, the role of the Reserve Bank of India, bank laws, financial management, the Indian economy, finance systems, marketing financial services, and risk management.

How much does a typical banking course cost?

There are several banking course options that you can consider after 12th grade. Certification or diploma in banking and finance course fees can cost up to ₹50,000 for a duration of 2 years. A bachelor’s degree in banking may cost ₹8-10 lakhs for 3 years. Master’s courses, like an MBA in banking, can cost up to ₹20 lakhs for 2 years.

Can I take a banking course online?

Yes, you can take banking courses online. Popular options include:
Diploma in Financial Engineering and Risk Management by NISM
Online MBA in Investment Banking and Equity Research by Jain University
Axis Bank – Priority Banking Programme by NIIT

What is the duration of a typical banking course?

Generally, bachelor’s courses in banking take about 3 years to complete. On the other hand, postgraduate or master’s programs in banking vary from 1 to 2 years. If you are considering banking certification courses, they can be as brief as 6 months, though some may extend up to a year.

Are there government banking courses available?

Yes, there are multiple govt banking courses available, and many can be pursued online. Some of the popular ones include:
Management of Commercial Banking by IIT Kharagpur via Swayam
Digital Banking Business Model by State Bank of India via Edx
Basics of Banking Course by Institute of Industrial Development 
Post Graduate Certificate in Retail Banking (PGCRB) by NIT Jalandhar

Also read:

Most Common Bank Interview Questions and Answers for Sure Success

Fresher Resume for Bank Jobs with Examples  

How to become a bank manager

The Ultimate Guide to Become an Investment Banker

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