University of Delhi, Department of Financial Studies - [DFS]

The Department of Financial Studies (DFS) is a department of the University of Delhi (DU). It was set up in 1987 and is recognised by the CFA University Affiliation Program USA. MyKollege ranked it 55th for Management in 2025.

DFS Delhi offers doctoral programmes in various streams. The MBA (Finance) is its flagship programme.

MBA at DFS Delhi: Key Details

• Annual cost: INR 48,500
• Eligibility: Graduate (under 10+2+3) in any discipline with 50% aggregate; Mathematics/Business Mathematics at Class 12th level.
• Admission process: CAT exam followed by a Personal Interview.
• CAT Cutoff: 95th percentile (2024)

The placement drive at DFS Delhi saw participation from companies such as DeShaw, Arcesium, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG, Axis Bank, SBI Capital Markets, and Mahindra Group.

• Highest CTC: INR 32 LPA
• Average CTC: INR 19.1 LPA
• Lowest CTC: INR 10.78 LPA

DFS Delhi has started its admission process for the session 2026-27. For the MBA programme, candidates can follow the CAT and institutional schedule.

The institute has released an admission timeline starting from November 5, 2025, to January 11, 2025.

DFS Delhi 2026 Dates

CAT 2026 Dates

CAT scores hold significant weightage in the admission process at DFS Delhi. Based on past trends, the CAT 2025 results may be out in the last weeks of December 2025.

DFS Delhi has been ranked 55th by MyKollege in 2025 in the management category.

DFS Delhi offers an MBA in finance and a PhD in multiple disciplines. The MBA is the flagship program.

Curriculum Review

• Faculty-to-student ratio: 1:5
• Faculty: Alumni from IIM-A and other top B-schools

The fee details for the MBA program are given below.

Verdict

If a candidate has calls from Tier-2 institutes such as the new IIMs, IMT, IMI D, XIMB, IIM V, or IIM N, and money is not a constraint, then DFS should not be chosen. If a candidate only has Tier-3 calls, or colleges where the average package is less than INR 10-12 LPA, then DFS makes sense.

Two factors to consider are the type of offers one has and monetary constraints.

MBA (Finance) Comparison

DFS Delhi, in terms of cost, is one of the best for MBA (Finance) in the country.

Student Insight

Hitesh Mandru (MBA, Finance, 2020) said: "Faculty-to-student ratio is around 1:5, which is one of the best in the industry. We have a few of the best faculty here, as there are alumni from IIM A and other top B-Schools. The course curriculum is totally finance-specific. If the student is into Finance, DFS is undoubtedly the best in the industry."

The table below lists the key dates for the CAT 2025 exam.

The electives that MBA students at DFS can opt for are: Fixed Income securities, Corporate governance & Business ethics, Tax Planning, Behavioural decision making & Negotiation skills, Business strategy, Management of financial institutions, Business Analytics & financial modelling, and more.

DFS Delhi’s admission process for MBA incorporates the CAT score, shortlisting for PI and then the final selection. The DFS Delhi Admission requires the following:

• Minimum Eligibility: 50% aggregate in graduation (in any discipline) with Mathematics/Business Mathematics at Class XII level.
• Students in the final year of UG can also apply. However, they should meet the above-mentioned eligibility requirements by mid-September of the new session or a date as specified by the University of Delhi in this regard.

Criterion for the Final Selection

Merit for the final selection is based on CAT score, PI score, Marks in Class X and Class XII examinations and weightage to graduate degrees and to female candidates. The following weightage system will be followed for short-listing for the final selection.

DFS Delhi PhD Admission

Admission to the PHD programme is based on UGC NET or JRF exam score, followed by a research proposal presentation and a personal interview. To be eligible for admission to the PHD program, candidates must pass a Post-Graduation or equivalent degree with a minimum 60% marks or an equivalent Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).

Debarun (MBA, Finance, 2016) about the admission process at DFS Delhi: “Admission notification published during October DFS has a joint admission process with the Department of Business Economics, which offers an MBA in Business Economics. However admission process is conducted separately DFS office administration is very cordial and helpful.”

Is there a reservation for the MBA program at DFS Delhi?

DFS Delhi follows the University Norms regarding the reservation of seats for EWS (Economically Weaker Sections), SC/ST, OBC, Physically Challenged candidates, and Children/Widows/Wives of the Officers and Men of the Armed Forces, including Para-Military Personnel killed/disabled in action at wars. Admissions of the candidates to the programmes eligible under reserved categories will be subject to verification of relevant certificates (e.g. caste/medical certificate).

In addition to the number of seats specified for these programmes, supernumerary seats are available for foreign students. All foreign students need to apply through the Foreign Students’ Registry, University of Delhi. The foreign students will be shortlisted on the basis of their GMAT and TOEFL scores.

What is the shortlisting criteria for PI at DFS Delhi?

Overall and sectional cutoffs in CAT percentile results would be applied for short-listing General Category candidates for PI. Short-listing will be done on the basis of candidates’ CAT percentile and marks scored in Class X and Class XII Examinations. Female candidates will be given some extra weightage.

Candidates with the following undergraduate degrees will receive extra weightage:

• B. Com. (Hons.)
• B. A./B.Sc. (Hons.) (Economics)
• B. A. (Hons.) (Business Economics)
• BBS/BMS
• BFIA/BBA(FIA)

DFS Delhi accepts admission based on CAT exam scores. The CAT 2024 cutoff for MBA in Business Economics for round 1 was 95 for the General category (HS) quota. Further, the CAT cutoff for MBA in Finance for round 1 was 95 for the General category (HS) quota. The DFS Delhi Cutoff for MBA is provided in the tables below:

The CAT 2024 cutoff for the 1st round of the General Category (HS quota) is provided in the table below:

DFS Delhi has released the placement data for the 2023-25 MBA batch.

Top recruiters in the DFS Delhi Placement drive include companies such as DeShaw, Arcesium, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG, Axis Bank, SBI Capital Markets, Mahindra Group and others.

Shreya (MBA, Finance, 2018) shared her views on placement at DFS Delhi: "Opportunities at DFS in terms of placement are enough for every student to get placed. Having started a career with a salary and profile offered at DFS is a very good start for anyone. The highest package here is about 18lacs, with median and average package being 10 and 12, respectively. Most of the roles offered here are in the finance domain, with no fewer opportunities in analytics, operations, business development, consulting, etc. Some of the companies for placements that visit campus are Amazon, HUL, Bank of India, Bajaj Finance, etc."

The MBA Batch of 2025-27 represents a dynamic and talented group of students with strong academic and professional backgrounds.

DFS Delhi is often compared with similar colleges such as the Faculty of Management Studies, Delhi, Jagan Institute of Management Studies, Rohini, and Bharati Vidyapeeth University Institute of Management & Research, New Delhi. The comparison below covers Location, Fees, Rank, flagship course, and Highest Packages.

The table below shows the DFS Delhi Notable Alumni.

The Department of Financial Studies, University of Delhi, has alumni working in senior roles across the finance and analytics sectors. The table below lists some of these alumni and their current positions.

The Department of Financial Studies, University of Delhi, is one of India’s top institutions for finance and management education. It is located in the South Campus of Delhi University and offers a peaceful academic environment.

• The campus has modern classrooms, computer labs, and a well-stocked library with the latest books, journals, and online databases. Classrooms are designed for interactive learning with projectors and digital facilities.
• Students have access to Wi-Fi, seminar halls, and discussion rooms for group projects and presentations. The green surroundings and clean spaces provide a calm and focused study atmosphere.
• DFS organises guest lectures, workshops, and industry sessions with financial experts, company leaders, and alumni from reputed organisations. These sessions help students understand real-world financial challenges and prepare for careers in banking, investment, analytics, and consulting.

Which academic programs are offered at DFS Delhi?

DFS Delhi offers a full-time MBA in Financial Management and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program. The MBA covers finance, economics, accounting, and elective specialisations, while the PhD offers research in various business and finance areas.

What campus facilities are available at DFS Delhi?

DFS Delhi campus facilities include a library, separate hostels for girls (Geetanjali) and boys (Aravali & Saramati), and an auditorium. The campus also has sports facilities, a cafeteria, and banking services.

Does DFS Delhi have dedicated research facilities?

Yes, DFS Delhi has facilities for finance and business research, with access to financial software and library resources. Research is supported for doctoral students and faculty, and the institute collaborates with international institutions for academic exchange.

What makes DFS Delhi notable for management studies?

DFS Delhi is part of the University of Delhi and is recognised by the CFA University Affiliation program (USA). It has been rated among India's top business schools and is known for its experienced faculty, robust curriculum, and industry collaboration.

What student support services are available at DFS Delhi?

DFS Delhi offers a placement cell, student clubs, seminars and workshops, and active alumni connections. Students receive career guidance, placement assistance, internship opportunities, and extracurricular activities on campus.