Career Updates

Hey there, fresh grad! Landing your first job can feel overwhelming, especially in a fast-paced field like banking and finance. The good news? This sector is packed with entry-level opportunities that don't always need years of experience—just enthusiasm, basic skills, and a willingness to learn.

In this post, we'll break down the best jobs in banking and finance for freshers, what they involve, required skills, salary expectations (based on India averages in 2025), and tips to get started. Whether you're into numbers, customer chats, or tech, there's something here for you.

Why Choose Banking & Finance as a Fresher?

Banking and finance offer stability, growth, and perks like health insurance, bonuses, and skill-building programs. India's sector is booming with digital banking, fintech, and RBI reforms creating lakhs of jobs yearly.

• High demand: Over 2 lakh fresher roles expected in 2025 (per Naukri.com reports).
• Quick growth: Many roles lead to promotions in 1-2 years.
• Diverse paths: From back-office to front-facing customer roles.

Perfect for commerce, B.Com, MBA, or even engineering grads eyeing finance.

Top 8 Best Jobs in Banking & Finance for Freshers

Here are the most accessible roles, ranked by ease of entry and growth potential. Salaries are entry-level averages in metros like Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore (source: AmbitionBox, Glassdoor 2025 data).

1. Bank Probationary Officer (PO)

Lead branches, handle loans, and manage teams after training.

Key Duties:

• Customer service and account opening.
• Loan approvals and KYC checks.
• Branch operations.

Skills Needed:

• Graduation (any stream).
• Good communication and basic math.

Salary: ₹4-6 LPA + perks.
How to Get In: Crack IBPS PO/SBI PO exams.

2. Customer Service Representative (CSR) / Relationship Officer

Be the friendly face helping customers with queries and accounts.

Key Duties:

• Phone/email support for transactions.
• Cross-selling products like insurance.
• Resolving complaints.

Skills Needed:

• B.Com or equivalent.
• Patience, empathy, and bilingual skills (English + regional).

Salary: ₹3-5 LPA.
How to Get In: Apply via bank career pages or Indeed.

3. Finance Analyst / Back-Office Executive

Crunch numbers behind the scenes for reports and compliance.

Key Duties:

• Data entry, reconciliation, and Excel analysis.
• Audit support and MIS reports.
• Risk assessment basics.

Skills Needed:

• Tally/Excel proficiency.
• Attention to detail; CA Inter or BBA helps.

Salary: ₹3.5-5.5 LPA.
How to Get In: Campus placements or fintech firms like Paytm.

4. Investment Banking Analyst (Junior)

Assist with deals, research stocks, and support mergers.

Key Duties:

• Financial modeling in Excel.
• Market research and pitch decks.
• Client data handling.

Skills Needed:

• MBA Finance or CFA Level 1.
• Analytical mindset.

Salary: ₹6-10 LPA (higher in bulge-bracket firms).
How to Get In: Internships at HDFC, ICICI, or Goldman Sachs.

5. Fintech Roles: Business Analyst or Product Associate

Work in cool startups revolutionizing payments and lending.

Key Duties:

• User testing apps like PhonePe or Razorpay.
• Process optimization and data analytics.
• Agile project support.

Skills Needed:

• Basic coding (Python/SQL) or commerce background.
• Tech-savvy freshers welcome.

Salary: ₹5-8 LPA + stock options.
How to Get In: LinkedIn jobs or AngelList.

6. Insurance Underwriter Assistant

Evaluate risks for policies in finance giants like LIC or Bajaj.

Key Duties:

• Review applications and claims.
• Use AI tools for risk scoring.
• Customer follow-ups.

Skills Needed:

• Commerce grad; IRDAI certification bonus.
• Logical thinking.

Salary: ₹3.5-6 LPA.
How to Get In: Entry tests via insurance portals.

7. Credit Analyst (Trainee)

Assess loan eligibility for businesses or individuals.

Key Duties:

• Credit scoring and report writing.
• CIBIL checks and collateral review.
• Portfolio monitoring.

Skills Needed:

• Finance degree; knowledge of RBI norms.
• Research skills.

Salary: ₹4-7 LPA.
How to Get In: NBFC roles at Bajaj Finserv.

8. Mutual Fund Distributor / Wealth Management Associate

Help clients invest in stocks, funds, and SIPs.

Key Duties:

• Client advisory and portfolio tracking.
• AMFI certification-based sales.
• Market updates.

Skills Needed:

• NISM/AMFI certified (easy online course).
• Sales flair.

Salary: ₹3-6 LPA + commissions (₹1-2L extra possible).
How to Get In: Zerodha, Groww openings.

Essential Skills Every Fresher Needs

No fancy degree? No problem. Build these:

• Tech Tools: Excel, Tally, Power BI.
• Certifications: NISM, NSE modules (free/cheap online).
• Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, ethics.
• Bonus: Digital banking knowledge (UPI, blockchain basics).

Pro Tip: Free courses on Coursera (Google Data Analytics) or Khan Academy boost your resume.

How to Land Your Dream Banking Job as a Fresher

Step 1: Prepare Your Resume

Keep it 1-page: Highlight internships, projects (e.g., stock analysis), and exams.

Step 2: Crack Entrance Exams

• IBPS Clerk/PO, SBI, RBI Grade B.
• Practice on Oliveboard or Adda247 apps.

Step 3: Network & Apply

• LinkedIn: Follow recruiters from Axis, Kotak.
• Portals: Naukri, Monster, bank sites.
• Campus drives if in final year.

Step 4: Ace Interviews

Expect GK, aptitude, and "Why banking?" Be honest and enthusiastic.

 

Final Thoughts: Your Banking Journey Starts Now!

Banking and finance isn't just jobs—it's a launchpad for careers in wealth management, consulting, or even entrepreneurship. Start small, learn fast, and watch your salary double in 3 years.

Ready to apply? Update your LinkedIn today!