Equity Research Analyst
Researches and analyses stocks to recommend what clients should buy or sell.
Overview
Equity Research Analysts recommend to their clients what stocks they should buy or sell and provide reliable research that backs those recommendations. For this they conduct research and analyse stocks and other securities.
Where they work
- Investment Banks
- Asset Management Companies
- Insurance Firms
Work environment
It is a desk job. You may not handle a team. Local travel is a part of the job role as you may travel to meet your clients. Unless you choose to work independently, you are likely to work more than 45 hours a week. You may have to put in more hours to meet the investment demands and tight deadlines of the stakeholders. Entrepreneurship: you can choose to work as an independent analyst.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You pay attention to details while working
- You can keep accurate records of expenses and income
- You like to work with numbers
- You like to solve problems
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Commerce stream
- 2Pursue a Bachelor's in Business Administration/Finance/Banking/Commerce or related subjects
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Bachelor's and follow it up with a Master's in the same or allied field
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete Bachelor's and then take up Chartered Accountancy/Chartered Financial Analyst exams
Alternative route 4
- 1Complete a Diploma in Financial Management/Banking and Finance/Banking and Capital Markets and any related subject, then work for a minimum of four years and then take the Chartered Financial Analyst exams
Forms, exams and applications
Chartered Accountancy or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) examinations, depending on the route chosen. Check the official notification for current eligibility and dates.
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Commerce.
Government institutes
- University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- University of Mumbai, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana
- University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
- Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore, Madhya Pradesh
- Bangalore University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Burdwan University, Bardhaman, West Bengal
- Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- J.D. Birla Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal
- St. Xavier's College, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Christ University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Chandigarh University, Chandigarh
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan
- Galgotias University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
- Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Equity Dealer
- 2Equity Manager
- 3Portfolio Manager
Expected income
₹35,000 – ₹1,65,000 per month or more
The figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Financial Analyst
Uses company data to assess profitability, liabilities, strengths, weaknesses and future potential.
Actuary
Expert in assessing the financial impact of uncertain events, projecting future risk using data and models.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Commerce.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to analysing.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Tabassum Inamdar — Has over 25 years of experience in the BFSI sector. She has a Bachelor's in Business/Commerce from R.A. Podar College of Commerce & Economics Matunga, Mumbai following which she became a Chartered Accountant. She worked as an Equity Analyst between 1992–2008, and is now one of the directors at Indifi Technologies.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 217 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Equity_Analyst/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.