A PhD in Banking & Finance is a doctoral program that helps students learn about banking and financial systems. The PhD Banking & 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 PhD 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 Banking & Finance average package for freshers ranges between INR 5 LPA and INR 10 LPA.
- PhD Banking & Finance Course Highlights
- What is a PhD in Banking & Finance?
- Why Study a PhD in Banking & Finance?
- PhD Banking & Finance Admission Process
- PhD Banking & Finance Eligibility
- PhD Banking & Finance: Entrance Exam
- PhD Banking & Finance Syllabus
- Colleges in India for PhD Banking & Finance
- PhD Banking & Finance Job Opportunities
- PhD Banking & Finance Future Prospects
- PhD Banking & Finance FAQs
PhD Banking & Finance Course Highlights
The table below shows the PhD Banking & Finance coursehighlights:
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 & Finance?
A PhD in Banking and Finance is a professional degree that helps students gain knowledge about finance and economics. A PhD in Banking and Finance 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 Finance 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 & Finance?
A PhD in Banking and Finance opens diverse career options for candidates. PhD in Banking and Finance professionals can explore careers in the banking and finance sector. A few reasons to pursue a PhD in Banking and Finance are listed below:
- Those with a PhD in Banking and 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.
PhD Banking & Finance Admission Process
PhD Banking & Finance admissionis merit/ entrance-based. The PhD Banking & Finance admission is mostly the same for all institutions; however, the admission process of R.A. Podar College of Commerce and Economics is mentioned below:
- Fill out the Application form available in the College Office
- The filled application form must be submitted to the Registrar of the College
- Next, appear for the entrance test
- Students who have passed the NET/ M.Phil./ SET/ JRF Examination are exempted from the entrance exam
- The merit list will be published on the official website
- Selected candidates must appear for the interview and document verification process
- After selection, candidates must submit the Research Proposal to the respective committee
PhD Banking & Finance Eligibility
PhD Banking & Finance eligibility criteria can vary for different institutions. Aspirants with a graduate degree are eligible for the PhD 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 Master’s degree or equivalent professional degree
- 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 Banking & Finance: Entrance Exam
The table below shows the PhD Banking & Finance entrance exam that is accepted for admission to the course:
Exams | Registration Date | Exam Date |
Mumbai University PET 2025 | Oct 2025 | Nov 2025 |
SVU Ph.D Entrance Exam 2025 | June 2024 | July 2025 |
UGC NET 2025 | May 2025 | 2nd week of June 2025 |
PhD Banking & Finance Syllabus
The PhD Banking & Finance syllabus is similar across the colleges in India. However, the year-wise syllabus of the PhD Banking & Finance at Pondicherry University is mentioned below:
Semester | Courses |
Sem 1 (Background Coursework) | Indian Banking & Financial Systems |
Accounting and Finance for Managers | |
Management Concepts & Organizational Behavior | |
Financial Information Systems | |
Business Intelligence | |
Banking Technology Management | |
Sem 2 (Pre-PhD Coursework) | Research Methodology |
Advanced Topics in Banking Technology | |
Data Analytics in Banking | |
Sem 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 Banking & Finance
The table below shows the list of PhD Banking & Finance colleges along with their annual course fee:
College Name | Location | Courses | 1st year Fees |
Jindal School of Banking & Finance | Sonepat, Haryana | PhD Banking & Finance | INR 50,000 |
K J Somaiya Institute of Management | Vidyavihar, Mumbai | PhD Banking & 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 Banking & Finance | - |
Nagindas Khandwala College | Mumbai, Maharashtra | PhD Banking & Finance | - |
PhD Banking & Finance Job Opportunities
After completing theDoctor 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 & 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 Banking & Finance Future Prospects
Candidates with a PhD in Banking and Finance have diverse job opportunities in the banking and finance sector. A PhD in Banking and Finance graduate can work as a Market Research Analyst, Risk Manager, and Chief Financial Officer. The other options that are available for a PhD in Banking and Finance graduate are mentioned below:
- Entrepreneurship: PhD in 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 Banking & 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.
Is a PhD in Banking & Finance hard?
Yes. A PhD in Banking & Finance is considered challenging. The program required students to conduct original research, analyse the data, and publish the results. However, with dedication and analytical skills, candidates can complete the PhD in Banking & Finance program.
Can I pursue a PhD in Banking & 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.
Is a PhD in Banking & Finance in the USA worth it?
A PhD in Banking & Finance is worth it as it offers career advancement opportunities. The University of Pennsylvania, the University of California, and the University of Texas are some of the top universities offering a PhD in Banking & Finance. The PhD graduates can work as financial consultants or government policymakers.