Just as the Finance sector is thriving, all significant investments, valuations, and strategic decisions originate from a primary skill: Financial Modeling! To secure yourself a promising career in Investment Banking or Equity Research, or even Corporate Finance, you will need to obtain a recognised qualification through a reputable Financial Modeling Course.
In this article, you will discover all about Financial Modelling, what the definition of Financial Modelling is, what to look out for when selecting a Financial Modelling Course, and provide you with examples of some of the leading Financial Modelling Courses in India to help you choose wisely.
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What is Financial Modeling?
Financial Modelling is creating a mathematical representation of a Financial Situation, using a Spreadsheet Program such as Excel. The Purpose of Financial Modelling includes:
To Estimate the Value of a Business or Asset?
To Predict Future Financial Performance (Revenue, Expenses, and Profit)?
To Perform Scenario analysis or Sensitivity Analysis for decision-making purposes (e.g., in relation to an Acquisition or Raising Capital).
A quality Financial Modelling Course will not only teach you how to apply the appropriate formula(s) in a Financial Model, but will give you the ability to create more powerful tools in helping you make better financial decisions when presented with complex scenarios.
What to Look for in Financial Modeling Courses?
Selecting the right Financial Modeling courses in India is key to being successful in your career. When you are looking at different Financial Modeling courses in India, use these criteria as your basis for comparison:
A truly top-notch Financial Modeling course will also provide additional training covering topics such as Fundamental Analysis of the Stock Market and advanced Excel functions.
Top Financial Modeling Courses in India
Following is a list of the top Financial Modeling education programs in India. The best course for you to select will ultimately depend upon your own budget, time restrictions, and long-term career goals, including whether or not you plan to continue working in the Investment Banking industry in India.
1. NIFM (National Institute of Financial Markets)
Highlight: This well-regarded training institution offers practical job-oriented programs with a focus on preparing individuals for careers in the stock market/equity research sectors (generally 2-month programs).
Focus: The NIFM Certified Financial Modelling course specifically covers Equity Research, Company Valuation using Advanced Excel, DCF Methodology, and Financial Statement Analysis.
Best For: The NIFM Financial Modelling course provides participants with a thorough understanding of how the Indian market operates and offers participants a pathway to careers in Equity Research or roles within Investment Management.
Mode: The training for the course is offered via either a classroom or Live Online format and lasts approximately 2 months (approximately 48 hours of classes) at a fee of between Rs. 30,000 - Rs. 35,000 plus GST.
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2. Online NIFM
Highlight: The Online NIFM training program delivers the same caliber of specialized courses and subject material as the classroom setting; however, it allows participants to learn at their own pace through an online platform.
Focus: The Online Financial Modelling course offers investment banking concepts, Valuation Methods (DCF, Relative Valuation), and Financial Statement Projections to individuals with a requirement for a structured learning environment.
Best For: The course is most suited for those employed in the workforce or attending university outside of major metropolitan areas who desire to acquire a depth of knowledge through an introduction to an Indian Institute certification program with flexibility.
Mode: Availability of both Self-Paced and instructor-led Online courses allows students the flexibility to complete the course on their own schedule while still receiving structured support from the Institute.
3. The WallStreet School (TWSS)
Highlight: A highly practical and job-oriented program that has an emphasis on placement. The majority of TWSS's programs include a "success fee" that is directly tied to job placement.
Focus: DCF Valuation, M&A, and LBO financial modeling.
Best For: New graduates and those who want to make a change in their careers to find jobs in Financial Modeling with Placement in India who are looking to be job-ready immediately upon completing the program.
Mode: Classroom and Live Online.
4. Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) - Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA)
Highlight: CFI offers a globally recognized Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA) certification in India.
Focus: CFI has a large selection of modular course offerings that cover the fundamentals of Financial Modeling as well as other areas of accounting, Excel, valuation, and modeling.
Best For: Working professionals or those looking for an online self-paced course who want an internationally-recognized credential that gives them the flexibility to complete the program on their own time and on their own schedule.
Mode: 100% online and self-paced.
5. IMS Proschool (Certification from NSE Academy)
Highlight: This course has institutional credibility because it is co-branded with NSE Academy.
Focus: This course focuses on giving you the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in Investment Banking and Equity Research, as well as Corporate Finance and FP&A. You will learn Financial Statement Analysis, Financial Modeling, and Equity Research.
Best For: If you want an internationally-recognized qualification backed by an Indian institution, with a defined curriculum, this is the right course for you.
Mode: Classes are offered in-person at various locations in India and online.
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How to Choose the Right Course for You?
There are so many great Financial Modeling courses available in India, how do you select which one is right for you?
1. Clarify Your Career Goal
Investment Banking/Equity Research: Interested students should look for programs with a robust DCF valuation and M&A modelling component.
Corporate Finance/FP&A: Students should look for programs with an emphasis on budgeting, forecasting, and expense modelling.
2. Scrutinize the Fees and ROI
The cost of Financial Modelling courses offered in India will vary between Rs. 20,000 and over Rs. 100,000. While it's important to consider the cost of this program, reviewing the ROI is equally critical to making your decision. Is the ROI of their placement statistics sufficient to validate the cost of the course?
3. Check for Practical Case Studies
The process of developing financial models is a complex subject. Confirm that the institution provides students with access to a number of dedicated modules dedicated to assisting students in creating their own models from scratch, rather than simply modifying existing templates. Inquire about the availability of an opportunity for live projects or a mentor-guided programme(s).
4. Certification and Recognition
In addition to local recognition, such as NIFM, there are international certifications - FMVA - that can improve your profile if you plan on working for a multinational firm. Additionally, if you want to compare it to other forms of finance certifications, you might want to consider CFA vs. CAIA: Which type of Finance Certification is Right for You?
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Conclusion
The need for Financial Modellers in India is growing, and investing in a top Financial Modelling Course in India is going to be an investment in a highly specialized and lucrative career path. Whether you choose to take an NIFM program (which is highly practical to India) or a CFI-FMVA (that is globally recognised), make sure that the course you take is rigorous and offers practical training through real-world case studies. Start your journey today and become a Financial Modeller, giving yourself access to top finance positions!