
FPM in Finance at XLRI – Xavier School of Management


East Singhbhum, Jharkhand
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About the Specialization
What is Finance at XLRI – Xavier School of Management East Singhbhum?
This Finance specialization program at XLRI – Xavier School of Management focuses on developing rigorous research skills and in-depth knowledge in various facets of financial markets, corporate finance, and investments. Given India''''s rapidly evolving financial landscape, the program is designed to create thought leaders capable of addressing complex financial challenges. Its strong emphasis on contemporary research methodologies sets it apart, catering to the increasing demand for advanced financial expertise in the Indian market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring academics, researchers, and professionals who hold a Master''''s degree in a relevant discipline and possess a strong aptitude for analytical and quantitative research. It is suited for individuals seeking to contribute original knowledge to the finance domain, fresh graduates aiming for a research career, or working professionals from financial institutions looking to transition into academic or high-level research roles. A solid academic record and a valid entrance test score are prerequisite backgrounds.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding career paths as faculty members in top business schools, research scientists in financial think tanks, or advanced analysts in banks, investment funds, and regulatory bodies across India. While specific salary ranges vary, FPM graduates typically command highly competitive packages (e.g., entry-level academic positions starting from INR 15-20 LPA). The program fosters growth trajectories into leadership roles in research and aligns with certifications relevant to advanced financial analysis and economic modeling.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Fundamentals and Quantitative Methods- (Year 1)
Dedicate significant effort to building a strong foundation in philosophy of management research, research design, and advanced statistics. Actively participate in quantitative methods workshops and utilize online platforms for statistical software proficiency. Collaborate with peers on problem-solving to deepen understanding.
Tools & Resources
SPSS, R, Python (Pandas, SciPy, NumPy), Coursera courses on advanced statistics, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong methodological base is crucial for successful dissertation work and future academic/research roles, enabling robust data analysis and interpretation.
Proactively Engage with Finance Research Literature- (Year 1)
Beyond coursework, read extensively in key finance journals (e.g., Journal of Finance, Journal of Financial Economics, Review of Financial Studies) to identify emerging research gaps and establish a strong theoretical background in finance. Attend faculty research seminars.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Scopus, Web of Science, XLRI Digital Library, Google Scholar alerts
Career Connection
Early engagement with cutting-edge research helps in identifying potential dissertation topics and understanding the academic discourse in finance.
Develop Academic Writing and Presentation Skills- (Year 1)
Focus on refining academic writing for term papers and developing compelling presentation skills for seminars. Seek feedback from faculty and senior scholars, and practice presenting complex financial concepts clearly and concisely.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly Premium, Mendeley/Zotero for referencing, XLRI Writing Center (if available), Toastmasters International (for presentation practice)
Career Connection
Effective communication of research findings is paramount for publishing in top journals and securing academic positions.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize and Identify a Dissertation Area- (Year 2)
Leverage ''''Research in Specialization'''' courses and chosen electives to hone in on a specific area within Finance (e.g., Corporate Finance, Asset Pricing, Behavioral Finance) for dissertation. Begin exploring potential mentors and preliminary research questions.
Tools & Resources
XLRI Finance Faculty Profiles, Dissertation abstracts from top universities, Industry reports and white papers
Career Connection
Defining a niche early on allows for focused research, expert mentorship, and better positioning for academic jobs requiring specialization.
Intensively Focus on Advanced Econometrics and Qualitative Methods- (Year 2)
Deepen expertise in advanced econometric techniques relevant to finance (e.g., time series, panel data) and understand the nuances of qualitative research. Apply these methods to small-scale research projects or term papers to gain practical experience.
Tools & Resources
STATA, EViews, SAS, Advanced Econometrics textbooks (e.g., Wooldridge), Online datasets (e.g., CMIE Prowess, Reserve Bank of India data)
Career Connection
Proficiency in advanced research methodologies is a core competency for doctoral researchers and vital for conducting original, publishable research.
Network and Attend Research Conferences- (Year 2 and beyond)
Actively network with faculty, visiting scholars, and peers. Attend national and international finance research conferences (e.g., India Finance Association, Western Finance Association) to present preliminary ideas, gain feedback, and build professional connections.
Tools & Resources
Conference websites (e.g., WFA, AFA), LinkedIn for academic networking, XLRI Alumni Network
Career Connection
Building a strong academic network is essential for collaborations, job market insights, and establishing one''''s presence in the research community.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Dissertation Research and Publication- (Year 3-4)
Dedicate remaining years entirely to dissertation research. Aim to develop publishable papers from dissertation chapters. Systematically target top-tier finance journals and meticulously revise based on reviewer feedback.
Tools & Resources
Journal submission platforms (e.g., Manuscript Central), Academic writing workshops, Statistical consulting services (if available)
Career Connection
Publications in reputable journals are the primary currency for academic job placement and tenure prospects, directly demonstrating research capability.
Prepare for the Academic Job Market- (Year 3-4)
Craft a compelling CV tailored for academic positions, develop a strong research statement, and prepare for job talks. Practice interview skills, focusing on articulating research contributions and teaching philosophy effectively.
Tools & Resources
CV templates for academia, Mock interview sessions with faculty/mentors, Academic job market websites (e.g., INFORMS Job Placement Service)
Career Connection
Thorough preparation is critical for navigating the competitive academic job market, particularly for positions in leading Indian and international institutions.
Cultivate Teaching Skills and Mentorship- (Year 3-4)
Gain teaching experience by assisting professors, co-teaching, or leading tutorials for PGDM students. Seek mentorship from senior faculty on pedagogy and classroom management, developing a robust teaching portfolio.
Tools & Resources
XLRI Teaching Assistantship opportunities, Faculty teaching observation programs, Educational technology platforms
Career Connection
Beyond research, teaching ability is a key criterion for academic hiring. Demonstrating teaching effectiveness enhances job market appeal.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with at least 55% marks and a Bachelor''''s degree (3 years duration after 10+2) or equivalent with at least 50% marks; OR 5-year Integrated Master''''s Degree (after 10+2) with at least 55% marks; OR Professional qualification - CA, ICWA, CS with at least 55% marks; OR 4-year/8 semesters Bachelor''''s Degree (after 10+2) with at least 60% marks. Applicants must also have a valid score in CAT, XAT, GMAT, GRE, or NET-JRF (UGC/CSIR).
Duration: 4 years (2 years coursework, 2 years dissertation)
Credits: 45 credits (for coursework phase) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified




