Department of Financial Studies (DFS), Delhi University: An Overview

The Department of Financial Studies (DFS), University of Delhi, is one of India’s leading institutions for education and research in the areas of finance and business economics. Established in 1987, DFS is known for its flagship program, the Master of Finance and Control (MFC), which has since been rebranded as the MBA in Financial Management (FM). The department provides a rigorous academic curriculum, coupled with industry-relevant exposure, to shape students into finance professionals equipped to meet the challenges of the modern financial world.

Key Highlights

Programs Offered

1. MBA in Financial Management (FM)

• Duration: 2 years, full-time
• Eligibility: Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% aggregate marks. Admission is based on CAT scores, followed by group discussion and personal interview.
• Specializations: The program covers a wide range of subjects including corporate finance, investment banking, risk management, financial analytics, and insurance.
• Curriculum: The program blends theory with practical exposure. Key subjects include Financial Derivatives, Portfolio Management, Financial Econometrics, and International Finance.

2. PhD Program

• Duration: 3-5 years (depending on research progress)
• Eligibility: Candidates must have a master’s degree in finance or a related field with at least 55% marks.
• Research Areas: Students can pursue advanced research in areas like corporate finance, financial markets, risk management, and financial econometrics.

Faculty

The Department of Financial Studies boasts an experienced faculty, many of whom are recognized experts in the fields of finance and economics. They bring a mix of academic rigor and industry experience, providing students with a solid grounding in both theoretical concepts and practical applications.

Notable Faculty Members:

• Dr. Sanjay Sehgal: Specializes in asset pricing, financial econometrics, and market microstructure.
• Dr. Kalpana Satija: Focuses on behavioral finance, corporate governance, and financial risk management.
• Dr. Saurabh Bhatia: Expertise in portfolio management and international finance.

Infrastructure and Facilities

Admission Process

Admission to DFS is highly competitive, particularly for the MBA (Financial Management) program. The department follows a rigorous admission process to ensure only the most deserving candidates are selected.

1. Eligibility Criteria:

• Candidates must have a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in their undergraduate degree from a recognized university.
• A valid CAT score is essential for admission.

2. Selection Process:

• Shortlisting is based on CAT scores.
• Shortlisted candidates are then invited for a Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI).
• Final selection is made based on CAT scores, GD-PI performance, academic profile, and work experience (if any).

3. Important Dates:

• Application Start Date: Typically in November
• CAT Exam Date: November-December
• GD/PI Rounds: March-April
• Course Commencement: July

Placements and Career Opportunities

DFS has a robust placement cell that regularly connects students with top companies across diverse industries, primarily in the financial sector. The department has consistently maintained a high placement rate with attractive salary packages.

Placement Statistics (2023):

• Average Salary: ₹13.3 LPA
• Highest Salary: ₹26 LPA
• Top Recruiters: Deloitte, EY, ICICI Bank, KPMG, PwC, HDFC Bank, American Express, SBI Capital Markets.

DFS graduates are placed in diverse roles such as investment banking, corporate finance, risk management, portfolio management, financial analysis, and consulting. The department’s alumni network is well-established, with former students holding key positions in reputed organizations worldwide.

Alumni Network

The alumni of the Department of Financial Studies are highly regarded in the financial industry. They hold leadership positions across sectors like investment banking, corporate finance, consulting, and academia.

Notable Alumni:

• Anand Sinha: Former Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• Varun Beverages Executives: Several executives from DFS have joined leading FMCG companies and investment firms globally.
• Consulting and Banking Executives: Many alumni are employed with top consulting firms and global banks, providing a strong network for current students to tap into.

The DFS Alumni Association organizes annual meets and offers mentoring opportunities for current students, fostering a sense of community and ongoing professional development.

Research and Collaborations

The research output at DFS is highly regarded both nationally and internationally. Faculty members and students collaborate on research projects focusing on current issues in the financial world, including market trends, policy impacts, and risk management strategies.

Key Research Areas:

• Financial Derivatives
• Risk Management
• Corporate Governance
• Asset Pricing
• International Finance

DFS also maintains partnerships with various research institutions and global universities, facilitating student exchange programs and collaborative research initiatives.

Industry Interface

DFS emphasizes a strong connection with the industry to ensure students gain real-world exposure during their academic journey. The department regularly invites industry experts for guest lectures, workshops, and seminars to discuss the latest trends in finance and business.

• Workshops: Frequent workshops on financial modeling, derivatives, and econometrics are held, helping students develop practical skills.
• Internships: All MBA students are required to undergo a mandatory summer internship with reputed companies, offering them a glimpse into the professional world.

DFS also organizes an Annual Finance Symposium, where leaders from the finance industry, alumni, and academics come together to share insights on evolving market trends and challenges.

Conclusion

The Department of Financial Studies (DFS) at Delhi University is an excellent choice for students aspiring to build a career in finance. Its strong academic programs, experienced faculty, excellent placement record, and active alumni network make it one of the top institutions in India for finance education. Whether you’re looking to enter corporate finance, investment banking, consulting, or academia, DFS provides the skills, knowledge, and connections necessary for success in the global financial landscape.

Address:
Department of Financial Studies (DFS),
University of Delhi,
South Campus,
Benito Juarez Road,
New Delhi – 110021,
India

This location is easily accessible via public transport, including the Delhi Metro (Durgabai Deshmukh South Campus station on the Pink Line).