Financial Analyst
Uses company data to assess profitability, liabilities, strengths, weaknesses and future potential.
Overview
A Financial Analyst is responsible for helping a company manage its overall financial status. They make use of the company's data to identify its profitability, liabilities, strengths, weaknesses, and future potential.
Where they work
- Banking Companies
- Non-Banking Financial Companies
Work environment
It is a desk job. 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 40 hours a week. Entrepreneurship: you can choose to work as an independent financial 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
- 2Complete a Bachelor's in Finance or related subjects
Alternative route 2
- 1Pursue Chartered Accountant program followed by the Chartered Financial Analyst exams
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by an MBA in Finance
Alternative route 4
- 1Pursue a Diploma in Finance or any related subjects, earn four years of work experience and then take the three exams of the Chartered Financial Analyst
Forms, exams and applications
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) examinations, or the Chartered Accountant route, depending on the pathway 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
- Manbhum Mahavidyalaya, Purulia, West Bengal
- Government College, Madappally, Kerala
- Adarsh College of Arts and Commerce, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- SNDT Arts and Commerce College for Women, Pune, Maharashtra
- Digboi College, Digboi, Assam
- Guru Nanak Dev University College, Jalandhar, Punjab
- Mumbai University, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Patna Women's College, Patna, Bihar
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar, Punjab
- Acharya Institute of Graduate Studies, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Institute of Management & Computer Studies, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- St Xaviers College, Ranchi, Jharkhand
- Kanya Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar, Punjab
- Indira College of Commerce and Science, Pune, Maharashtra
- Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Mysuru, Karnataka
- Rathinam College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
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
- 1Financial Analyst
- 2Senior Financial Analyst
- 3Financial Manager
Expected income
₹45,000 – ₹84,000 per month or more
The figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Equity Research Analyst
Researches and analyses stocks to recommend what clients should buy or sell.
Finance Manager
Distributes a company's financial resources and leads budget planning, advising senior management.
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
Prakash Gaba — A SEBI registered Research Analyst, who is also a certified Financial Technician. Gaba is the winner of Viewer's Choice 'Best Technical Award'. Gaba has over 20 years of experience in the market. Currently he appears on CNBC TV18 & CNBC Awaaz.
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 223 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Financial_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.