

PGP in Finance at Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad


Ahmedabad, Gujarat
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About the Specialization
What is Finance at Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad Ahmedabad?
This Finance specialization program at IIM Ahmedabad PGP focuses on developing advanced financial acumen, analytical skills, and strategic decision-making capabilities critical for the dynamic Indian and global financial landscapes. It emphasizes a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical applications relevant to various financial sectors. The program is designed to create future leaders in finance within India''''s rapidly growing economy.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates seeking entry into investment banking, asset management, and corporate finance roles. It also suits working professionals aiming to upskill for leadership positions in finance or transition into specialized financial domains. Individuals with strong quantitative skills and an analytical mindset, eager to contribute to India''''s financial growth story, will thrive here.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure roles in leading Indian and international financial institutions, including investment banks, private equity firms, and corporate finance departments. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 18-35 LPA, with significant growth trajectories for experienced professionals. The curriculum aligns with requirements for certifications like CFA, enhancing career prospects across Indian financial markets.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Financial Concepts- (Trimester 1-2)
Thoroughly grasp fundamental financial reporting, corporate finance, and quantitative methods taught in the first year. Focus on conceptual clarity and problem-solving techniques, as these form the bedrock for advanced finance electives. Engage actively in case discussions to apply theoretical knowledge to real business scenarios.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks on Financial Accounting/Corporate Finance, Bloomberg Terminal (if available at IIMA library), Excel for financial modeling exercises
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures readiness for finance roles, providing the necessary toolkit for financial analysis and strategic decision-making required by recruiters.
Build a Strong Quantitative Skillset- (Trimester 1-2)
Dedicate extra effort to quantitative methods and managerial computing. Proficiency in statistics, econometrics, and spreadsheet modeling is crucial for finance. Utilize practice problems and online resources to strengthen these skills beyond classroom learning.
Tools & Resources
R/Python for data analysis, Coursera/edX courses on Financial Econometrics, Practice problems from past exams/quizzes
Career Connection
Quantitative aptitude is a key differentiator in finance placements, especially for roles in risk management, investment analysis, and financial engineering.
Network with Peers and Seniors in Finance- (Trimester 1-2)
Actively participate in finance club activities, workshops, and speaker sessions. Connect with senior students who have undertaken finance internships or specialized in the field. Learn from their experiences and seek guidance on elective choices and career paths within the Indian financial ecosystem.
Tools & Resources
IIMA Finance Club events, LinkedIn for networking, Alumni mentorship programs
Career Connection
Early networking helps in understanding different finance careers, securing internships, and building a professional circle that can be invaluable for future career growth in India.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Finance Electives- (Trimester 3-4)
Strategically select finance electives in the second year that align with your career aspirations (e.g., investment banking, asset management, corporate finance). Engage deeply with course material, participate in advanced case studies, and explore research papers relevant to your chosen sub-specialty.
Tools & Resources
Financial Times/Wall Street Journal, CFA curriculum readings, Faculty consultation for elective selection
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge from electives directly prepares you for specific roles and provides talking points in interviews, demonstrating focused interest and expertise to recruiters.
Pursue Finance-focused Internships- (Trimester 3-4)
Actively seek and prepare for summer internships in financial firms. This practical exposure is indispensable for applying classroom knowledge, building industry contacts, and gaining real-world experience. Focus on learning as much as possible and making a tangible contribution to the firm.
Tools & Resources
IIMA Placement Committee resources, Internshala/Naukri.com, Industry contacts through networking events
Career Connection
A successful internship often leads to pre-placement offers (PPOs), significantly easing the final placement process and providing a critical launchpad for your finance career in India.
Participate in Finance Competitions & Live Projects- (Trimester 3-4)
Engage in national and international finance competitions (e.g., stock pitch, case competitions) and undertake live projects with companies. This enhances problem-solving skills, teamwork, and ability to perform under pressure, highly valued by employers in the Indian financial sector.
Tools & Resources
IIMA student clubs, Company websites for project opportunities, Industry mentors for guidance
Career Connection
Winning competitions and successfully completing projects can significantly boost your resume, providing concrete examples of your analytical and practical skills to potential employers.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Placement Preparation- (Trimester 5-6)
Tailor your resume and cover letters to specific finance roles. Practice extensively for quantitative aptitude tests, technical finance interviews, and group discussions. Leverage IIMA''''s placement resources and alumni network for mock interviews and career advice relevant to the Indian job market.
Tools & Resources
IIMA Career Development Services, Mock interview platforms, Networking with placed alumni
Career Connection
Robust preparation ensures you present your best self to top financial recruiters, maximizing your chances of securing a high-quality placement in a desired finance role.
Develop Advanced Financial Modeling Skills- (Trimester 5-6)
Beyond basic spreadsheet applications, master advanced financial modeling techniques for valuation, M&A, and project finance. This practical skill is highly sought after across investment banking, private equity, and corporate finance roles in India.
Tools & Resources
Financial Modeling courses (e.g., Wall Street Prep, CFI), Advanced Excel functions and VBA, Building models for real company case studies
Career Connection
Strong financial modeling skills are a prerequisite for many front-office finance roles, enabling you to hit the ground running and add immediate value.
Cultivate a Strong Professional Network- (Trimester 5-6)
Continuously expand your professional network by attending industry conferences, alumni events, and professional body meetings. Building relationships with finance professionals in India can open doors to opportunities and provide mentorship throughout your career.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, IIMA Alumni Association events, Industry association memberships (e.g., CFA India)
Career Connection
A robust network is vital for long-term career success, facilitating job transitions, business development, and access to industry insights and leadership opportunities in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A Bachelor''''s Degree or equivalent (minimum 15 years of education) with at least 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) or an equivalent GPA. Valid CAT/GMAT/GRE score. Candidates must meet age and work experience criteria as per admission guidelines.
Duration: 2 years / 6 trimesters
Credits: Credits not specified
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGPC001 | Financial Reporting and Analysis | Core | 3 | Financial Statements, Accounting Principles, Ratio Analysis, Cash Flow Statement, Revenue Recognition |
| PGPC002 | Microeconomics | Core | 3 | Demand and Supply, Consumer Behavior, Firm Theory, Market Structures, Pricing Strategies |
| PGPC003 | Quantitative Methods for Management I | Core | 3 | Probability Theory, Statistical Inference, Regression Analysis, Hypothesis Testing, Decision Making Under Uncertainty |
| PGPC004 | Individual and Group Behaviour | Core | 3 | Organizational Behavior, Motivation Theories, Leadership Styles, Team Dynamics, Conflict Management |
| PGPC005 | Managerial Computing | Core | 3 | Spreadsheet Modeling, Data Analysis Tools, Database Management, Business Analytics, Information Systems |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGPC006 | Marketing Management | Core | 3 | Marketing Mix, Consumer Behavior, Market Segmentation, Product Management, Branding Strategies |
| PGPC007 | Operations Management | Core | 3 | Process Analysis, Inventory Management, Supply Chain Management, Quality Control, Service Operations |
| PGPC008 | Corporate Finance | Core | 3 | Time Value of Money, Capital Budgeting, Cost of Capital, Capital Structure, Working Capital Management |
| PGPC009 | Macroeconomics | Core | 3 | National Income Accounting, Monetary Policy, Fiscal Policy, Inflation and Unemployment, International Trade |
| PGPC010 | Quantitative Methods for Management II | Core | 3 | Linear Programming, Forecasting Models, Simulation, Decision Trees, Optimization Techniques |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGPC011 | Human Resource Management | Core | 3 | HR Planning, Recruitment and Selection, Performance Management, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Relations |
| PGPC012 | Strategic Management | Core | 3 | Strategic Analysis, Competitive Advantage, Business Level Strategy, Corporate Level Strategy, Strategy Implementation |
| PGPC013 | Business Law | Core | 3 | Contract Law, Company Law, Intellectual Property, Consumer Protection, Competition Law |
| PGPC014 | Managerial Ethics | Core | 3 | Ethical Decision Making, Corporate Governance, Social Responsibility, Whistleblowing, Ethical Dilemmas |
| PGPC015 | Economics of Strategy | Core | 3 | Industrial Organization, Game Theory, Information Economics, Market Power, Firm Boundaries |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGPF001 | Investment Management | Elective | 3 | Equity Valuation, Portfolio Theory, Asset Pricing Models (CAPM), Performance Evaluation, Market Efficiency |
| PGPF002 | Derivatives and Risk Management | Elective | 3 | Forwards and Futures, Options Pricing (Black-Scholes), Swaps, Hedging Strategies, Value at Risk (VaR) |
| PGPF003 | Financial Institutions and Markets | Elective | 3 | Banking Systems, Money Market, Capital Market, Regulatory Environment, Financial Crises |
| PGPF004 | Fixed Income Securities | Elective | 3 | Bond Valuation, Yield Curve, Interest Rate Risk, Credit Risk, Securitization |
| PGPF005 | International Finance | Elective | 3 | Exchange Rate Regimes, Foreign Exchange Markets, International Capital Budgeting, Currency Risk Management, Balance of Payments |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGPF006 | Venture Capital and Private Equity | Elective | 3 | VC/PE Fund Structure, Deal Sourcing, Valuation of Startups, Due Diligence, Exit Strategies |
| PGPF007 | Mergers and Acquisitions | Elective | 3 | M&A Strategy, Valuation Techniques, Deal Structuring, Integration Challenges, Regulatory Aspects |
| PGPF008 | Behavioral Finance | Elective | 3 | Cognitive Biases, Heuristics in Decision Making, Investor Psychology, Market Anomalies, Neurofinance |
| PGPF009 | FinTech and Financial Innovation | Elective | 3 | Digital Payments, Blockchain and Crypto, Lending Platforms, Robo-Advisors, Regulatory Sandboxes |
| PGPF010 | Advanced Corporate Finance | Elective | 3 | Real Options, Advanced Capital Structure, Dividend Policy, Corporate Restructuring, Agency Theory |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGPF011 | Project Finance | Elective | 3 | Project Appraisal, Risk Allocation, Financing Structures, Lender Perspectives, Case Studies in Project Finance |
| PGPF012 | Wealth Management | Elective | 3 | Financial Planning, Asset Allocation, Retirement Planning, Estate Planning, Tax Planning |
| PGPF013 | Credit Risk Management | Elective | 3 | Credit Scoring Models, Default Probability, Loss Given Default, Credit Derivatives, Basel Accords |
| PGPF014 | Quantitative Finance | Elective | 3 | Stochastic Processes, Numerical Methods in Finance, Monte Carlo Simulation, Econometrics in Finance, Algorithmic Trading |
| PGPF015 | Real Estate Finance | Elective | 3 | Real Estate Valuation, Property Markets, REITs, Mortgage-Backed Securities, Real Estate Investment Decisions |




