PhD Banking & Finance: Admission 2025, Eligibility, Syllabus, Salary, Career Scope

• Updated on  Aug 18, 2025, by Poulomi Dey

A PhD in Banking and Finance is a doctoral program that helps students learn about banking and financial systems. The PhD in Banking and Finance curriculum covers subjects like Principles of Banking, Investment Analysis, Corporate Finance, etc.

 

Students interested in the Doctor of Philosophy in Banking & Finance course must have completed their postgraduation studies in a relevant field. Admission to the PhD in Banking & Finance is typically based on merit or entrance exams like UGC-NET. Jindal School of Banking & Finance, K J Somaiya Institute of Management, and R.A. Podar College of Commerce and Economics are a few Doctor of Philosophy in Banking & Finance colleges.

 

PhD in Banking & Finance graduates can explore diverse career options in the finance and banking sectors. Some job roles that a PhD in Banking & Finance professional can pursue include Financial Analyst, Financial Manager, Budget Analyst, etc. The PhD in Banking and Finance average package for freshers ranges between INR 5 LPA and INR 10 LPA.

 

Table of Contents

  1. PhD in Banking and Finance Course Highlights
  2. What is a PhD in Banking and Finance?
  3. Why Study a PhD in Banking and Finance?
  4. Who should pursue PhD in Banking and Finance?
  5. PhD in Banking and Finance Admission Process
  6. PhD in Banking and Finance Eligibility
  7. PhD in Banking and Finance: Entrance Exam
  8. PhD in Banking and Finance Syllabus
  9. Colleges in India for PhD in Banking and Finance
  10. PhD in Banking and Finance VS PhD Finance
  11. PhD in Banking and Finance Job Opportunities
  12. PhD in Banking and Finance Future Prospects
  13. PhD in Banking and Finance FAQs

 

PhD in Banking and Finance Course Highlights

The table below shows the Doctor of Philosophy in Banking & Finance course highlights:

Category

Details

Course Name

PhD in Banking & Finance

Duration

3 - 6 years

Eligibility

Master's degree in Finance, Banking, Economics, Commerce, or related fields with a minimum of 55-60% marks (or equivalent CGPA). Some institutions may require a NET/JRF qualification.

Admission Process

Entrance Exam + Interview

Exams Accepted

UGC-NET, Mumbai University PET, etc

Average Course Fee

INR 23,000 - INR 53,000

Top Colleges

R.A. Podar College of Commerce and Economics, Jindal School of Banking & Finance, Pondicherry University, etc

Career Prospects

Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Policy Analyst, Banking Consultant, Academic Researcher, Professor

Average Salary

INR 5 - 10 LPA (1-4 years)

Top Employers

Central Banks (RBI), Commercial Banks, Financial Institutions, Consulting Firms

 

What is a PhD in Banking and Finance?

A PhD in Banking and Finance is a professional degree that helps students gain knowledge about finance and economics. Its curriculum deals with subjects such as financial management, according to finance, quantitative finance, etc. Students pursuing a PhD in Banking and Finance gain a deep understanding of financial theory, which helps them address financial issues.

 

PhD in Banking and professionals are in high demand because of their expertise in financial analysis and forecasting. The graduates of a PhD in Banking and Finance have adequate theoretical and practical knowledge that helps them work in financial institutions or the banking industry.

 

Why Study a PhD in Banking and Finance?

A Doctor of Philosophy in Banking & Finance opens diverse career options for candidates. Professionals can explore careers in the banking and finance sector. A few reasons to pursue this course are listed below:

  • Those with a Doctor of Philosophy in Banking & Finance get the opportunity to work in top organisations like the World Bank, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan Chase.
  • A PhD in Banking and Finance helps candidates enhance their knowledge in investment strategies and corporate finance, which enables them to develop new economic policies.

Also Read: PG Diploma in Banking

 

Who should pursue PhD in Banking and Finance?

Mentioned below are the points of who can pursue this course:

  • Candidates who wish to build a career in finance and are interested in financial systems, banking regulation, risk management, and economic modeling.
  • Applicants who would like to work on original research contributions to areas such as financial markets, fintech, or monetary policy.
  • Individuals with good quantitative, analytical, and mathematical ability and who have an interest in teaching at the university level in finance or banking.
  • Candidates who are interested in taking up senior positions in financial institutions based on research-based knowledge.

 

PhD in Banking and Finance Admission Process

PhD in Banking and Finance admission is merit/ entrance-based. The admission to this course is mostly the same for all institutions; however, the admission process of R.A. Podar College of Commerce and Economics is mentioned below:

 

Step 1: Fill out the Application form available in the College Office

 

Step 2: The filled application form must be submitted to the Registrar of the College and appear for the entrance test

 

Step 3: Students who have passed the NET/ M.Phil./ SET/ JRF Examination are exempted from the entrance exam

 

Step 4: The merit list will be published on the official website and the selected candidates must appear for the interview and document verification process

 

Step 5: After selection, candidates must submit the Research Proposal to the respective committee.

 

PhD in Banking and Finance Eligibility

PhD in Banking and Finance eligibility criteria can vary for different institutions. Aspirants with a graduate degree are eligible for the Doctor of Philosophy in Banking & Finance. The eligibility criteria for the Doctor of Philosophy in Banking & Finance at K J Somaiya Institute of Management are mentioned below:

  • Candidates must have a MBA in Banking or related.
  • A minimum of 55% marks in aggregate
  • Students awaiting their final results are also eligible to apply
  • Candidates having a Master’s degree from a recognised foreign institution are also eligible

 

PhD in Banking and Finance: Entrance Exam

The table below shows the entrance exam that is accepted for admission to the course:

Exams

Registration Date

 

(tentative)

Exam Date

 

(tentative)

Cut offs

Mumbai University PET 2025

Oct 2025

Nov 2025

-

SVU Ph.D Entrance Exam 2026

June 2026

July 2026

-

UGC NET 2026

May 2026

June 2026

40–45%

 

PhD in Banking and Finance Syllabus

The syllabus for this course is similar across colleges in India. However, the year-wise syllabus of the Doctor of Philosophy in Banking & Finance at Pondicherry University is mentioned below:

Semester 1

Semester 2

Indian Banking & Financial Systems

Research Methodology

Accounting and Finance for Managers

Advanced Topics in Banking Technology

Management Concepts & Organizational Behavior

Data Analytics in Banking

Financial Information Systems

-

Business Intelligence

-

Banking Technology Management

-

Semester 3 to 6

Thesis/Dissertation Work – Conduct research and prepare a thesis on a topic related to Banking Technology.

Public Viva Voce examination upon completion of the thesis.

 

Colleges in India for PhD in Banking and Finance

The table below shows the list of PhD in Banking and Finance colleges along with their annual course fee:

College Name

Location

Courses

1st year Fees

Jindal School of Banking & Finance

Sonepat, Haryana

PhD in Banking and Finance

INR 50,000

K J Somaiya Institute of Management

Vidyavihar, Mumbai

PhD in Banking and Finance

INR 53,000

Pondicherry University

Pondicherry, Puducherry

PhD in Banking Technology

INR 23,301

R.A. Podar College of Commerce and Economics

Matunga, Mumbai

PhD in Banking and Finance

INR 80,000

Nagindas Khandwala College

Mumbai, Maharashtra

PhD in Banking and Finance

INR 80,000

 

PhD in Banking and Finance VS PhD Finance

Mentioned below is the comparison between a PhD in Banking and Finance and a PhD in Finance:

Category

PhD in Banking and Finance

PhD in Finance

Focus Area

Combines core finance with banking systems, regulation, and risk management

Deep knowledge about financial theory, asset pricing, corporate finance, and markets

Course Content

Banking regulation, monetary policy, risk modeling, and financial institutions

Investment analysis, corporate finance, behavioral finance, econometrics

Ideal For

Those interested in central banking, commercial banking, or financial regulation

Those aiming for careers in financial research, asset management, or academia

Career Opportunities

Central banks, regulatory bodies, the banking sector, and international financial institutions

Investment firms, universities, research organizations, and financial consulting firms

Popular Employers

IMF, World Bank, Reserve Banks, BIS, commercial banks

Universities, hedge funds, investment banks, and think tanks

Global Demand

High in developing economies and policy-focused institutions

High across global financial centers, especially in academic and research roles

 

PhD in Banking and Finance Job Opportunities

After completing the Doctor of Philosophy in Banking & Finance, graduates can explore a variety of job prospects such as Investment Banker, Financial Consultant, Economist, and much more. Some of the PhD Banking and Finance job roles, along with the average package, are mentioned below:

Job Profile

Average Salary (INR)

Years of Experience

Financial Analyst

6 LPA - 12 LPA

2-5 years

Investment Banker

10 LPA - 20 LPA

3-7 years

Risk Manager

8 LPA - 15 LPA

3-6 years

Financial Consultant

7 LPA - 14 LPA

2-5 years

Banking Research Analyst

5 LPA - 10 LPA

1-4 years

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

15 LPA - 30 LPA

8-15 years

Economist

9 LPA - 18 LPA

3-6 years

Professor/Lecturer in Finance

6 LPA - 12 LPA

3-5 years

 

PhD in Banking and Finance Future Prospects

Candidates with this course have diverse job opportunities in the banking and finance sector. A Doctor of Philosophy in Banking & Finance graduate can work as a Market Research Analyst, Risk Manager, and Chief Financial Officer. The other options that are available for a Ph D in Banking and Finance graduate are mentioned below:

  • Entrepreneurship: PhD Banking and Finance professionals can begin their entrepreneurial journey by establishing consulting firms that provide financial or risk management advice.
  • Short-term Courses: The PhD in Banking and Finance graduates can pursue online courses in risk management or financial modelling.

 

PhD in Banking and Finance FAQs

Is work experience required for a PhD in Banking & Finance?

Work Experience is not mandatory for a PhD in Banking & Finance. However, it is beneficial to have work experience as this helps to add some insights during the research work.

Can one pursue a PhD in Banking and Finance without a finance background?

Candidates having a finance background are preferred by universities offering a PhD in Banking & Finance. However, many institutes accept applications from candidates in the related field and with strong analytical skills.

What salaries can PhD candidates expect in banking and finance roles?

PhD candidates in banking and finance roles in India can expect salaries depending on their experience, role, and sector. Entry-level positions, including research or academic roles, usually start around INR 3 to 8 lakh per annum. Mid-level professionals with a few years of experience can earn between INR 12 to 26 lakh annually.

Does PhD increase salary?

Yes, a PhD generally increases salary potential, especially in academia, research, and specialized industries. PhD holders in India can earn from ₹8 to ₹24 lakhs annually on average, depending on the field and experience. It also opens access to higher-level roles with better pay and benefits.

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