India’s finance education system is in the middle of a major transformation. With the BFSI sector rapidly adopting technology, regulation and sustainability goals, institutions and ed-tech platforms are racing to prepare students for roles that didn’t exist even a few years ago. From AI in finance to ESG compliance, the new classroom looks very different from the old.
According to Shantanu Rooj, Founder and CEO of TeamLease EdTech, learners are no longer satisfied with traditional banking or accounting courses. “We’re witnessing strong traction for courses that combine core finance with digital skills. AI in Finance, Fintech & Financial Modelling, Credit Risk Analytics, Blockchain for BFSI, and Cybersecurity in Financial Services are among the most sought-after,” he said.
Employers too are changing their hiring lens. Rooj points out that entry-level roles today are more specialised – “product analyst, compliance technologist, KYC automation associate” – instead of generic finance executive tags.
Smaller cities driving demand
The boom is not restricted to metros. Experts note that Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are becoming strong drivers of BFSI skilling. “Demand for BFSI roles in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities has grown by over 30% in recent years, and Tier-3 hiring grew nearly 37% last year,” Rooj said. Young professionals from states like Rajasthan, Bihar, and the North-East are increasingly taking up certifications in retail credit appraisal, mutual funds, and KYC compliance.
These skills, he adds, are helping them tap into remote and hybrid jobs, overcoming the need to migrate to bigger cities.
Placements favour the digitally fluent
The placement market also mirrors these shifts. “In the last 12 months, candidates completing programmes in AI-enabled Risk Analytics, Fintech Operations, and Financial Data Visualization have had higher placement rates and better compensation packages,” Rooj explains.
Entry-level salaries reflect this too. According to Imarticus Learning’s Founder and CEO Nikhil Barshikar, freshers in metros earn between Rs 4-6 lakh per annum, but “digital finance and analytics skills bring a Rs 2-3 lakh premium.” In non-metro cities, fresher salaries average around Rs 3-4 lakh.
Business schools playing catch-up
Business schools are finding it hard to keep up with the pace of industry change. “A recent report highlighted that even graduates from top MBA programs face notable skill gaps, particularly in emerging technologies, sustainability metrics, and customer-focused tools,” Kamal Joshi, Assistant Professor and HOD at Medhavi Skills University, explained.
He argues that MBA finance specialisations must embed hands-on learning. “The next generation of professionals must go beyond accounting and economics to master scenario planning, data-driven forecasting, regulatory technology, and ESG risk modelling,” he said.
ESG and sustainability in focus
Barshikar confirms that ESG and sustainability are reshaping finance classrooms. “Popular specialisations today include ESG and Sustainable Finance – covering ESG reporting, carbon markets, and sustainable finance,” he said. These courses are gaining traction as firms increasingly demand talent in green finance and compliance roles.
Smita Mazumdar from Great Lakes Institute of Management adds: “While recruiters seek domain knowledge, they are also looking at data analysis and interpretation skills. The focus has shifted from simply using tools to being able to tell a story with the analysis.”
Recruiters want skills, not just degrees
Employers are also moving away from rigid qualification filters. “Around 14% of job listings in BFSI now prioritise competencies over formal qualifications, up from 4% in 2023,” says Barshikar. He notes that adaptability, communication skills and regulatory awareness are especially critical for client-facing roles.
A major expectation is digital fluency. “Seventy-nine percent of Indian employees emphasize acquiring digital skills as essential over the next five years,” Barshikar said.
The future of finance education
Looking ahead, experts agree that finance education must balance theory with practice. Joshi sums it up: “Future-ready financial leaders won’t emerge from outdated classrooms, but from ecosystems built on innovation, adaptability and purpose.”
The numbers back him up – with enrolments in digital-finance courses doubling, Tier-3 hiring rising by over a third and recruiters paying premiums for hybrid skills, finance education in India is clearly in flux. And for students, the message is clear: learning finance today means learning technology, regulation and sustainability – all at once.