IIM Bangalore Personal Finance Program | CFP Certification

The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) has launched a Certificate Programme on Personal Finance and Wealth Advisory. This program targets professionals seeking to build careers and establish enterprises within financial planning and wealth advisory sectors. The program’s classes are scheduled to commence on March 27, 2026 , and conclude on March 13, 2027 .

IIMB offers this new certificate program in collaboration with Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) India. FPSB India serves as a subsidiary of the global Financial Planning Standards Board. It also functions as the administrator for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification. The curriculum is designed to equip participants with essential technical financial knowledge. It also fosters entrepreneurial skills required to successfully launch and expand a personal finance or wealth advisory practice.

Program Benefits and Certification

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a formal program completion certificate from IIM Bangalore. Graduates also gain eligibility for a distinct fast-track pathway towards CFP certification. This specific pathway includes exemptions from three specialist examinations, streamlining the certification process. Additionally, all individuals who successfully complete the program attain IIMB Executive Education Programme (EEP) Alumni status. This status provides them with access to IIMB’s extensive alumni benefits and professional networks, fostering ongoing growth and connections.

Curriculum and Delivery Model

The program curriculum is structured around five core modules. These modules aim to provide comprehensive training across critical areas relevant to financial services and personal wealth management:

• Financial Planning Fundamentals: This module covers the foundational principles, theories, and practical methodologies crucial for effective personal financial planning.
• Wealth Management: Participants will learn advanced strategies for managing, preserving, and growing client assets, focusing on investment vehicles and portfolio management.
• Retirement and Employee Benefits: This section addresses the complexities of planning for retirement, including pension schemes, provident funds, and various corporate employee benefit structures.
• Insurance and Tax Planning: The module explores risk management techniques through different insurance products and strategies for optimizing financial outcomes by efficient tax planning.
• Business Acumen: This module is dedicated to developing the necessary entrepreneurial and managerial skills for professionals looking to establish, operate, and scale their own financial advisory firms effectively.

Training within the program emphasizes client-centric advisory practices. It also covers crucial aspects of ethical decision-making, proficiency in utilizing current digital tools for financial analysis, and effective firm-building strategies. These components are all directly relevant and essential for operating within modern financial planning environments.

The program spans a total of 140 sessions. These sessions are delivered through a blended mode, integrating both in-person and online learning. Specifically, 50 sessions will be conducted in person on the IIMB campus, providing direct interaction and immersive learning. The remaining 90 sessions are live online, enabling remote participation and offering flexibility for working professionals. This format combines intensive on-campus instruction with accessible remote learning.

Admission Requirements and Fees

Eligibility criteria require prospective applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution. Acceptable fields of study include engineering, science, commerce, or arts. Candidates must also demonstrate a minimum of three years of relevant work experience. Preference in admissions is given to professionals with prior experience specifically within financial services sectors. The program is designed for and targets professionals currently working in diverse financial entities. These include commercial banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), Asset Management Companies (AMCs), insurance companies, and various investment firms. Professionals from family offices and Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) are also considered suitable candidates.

IIM Bangalore has independently designed, developed, and certified the entire program curriculum and delivery. FPSB India’s involvement focuses on enabling the direct linkage to the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification process, enhancing the program’s professional value. The fee for the program is ₹4,90,000 . This amount specifically excludes Goods and Services Tax (GST) and applies to the non-residential format of the program. The final date for submitting applications is February 23, 2026 . Prospective candidates must ensure their applications are complete and submitted before this stipulated deadline to be considered for admission.

Key Program Information Summary