• Home
  • News
  • How To Become A Business Consultant In India A Step By Step Guide

How to Become a Business Consultant in India: A Step-by-Step Guide

A Business Consultant advises companies on improving efficiency, growth, and decision-making. This guide walks you through the path—from education and skills to top colleges, internships, certifications, salaries, and career prospects in India.
UniList Desk

Updated Jul 9, 2025 | 06:51 PM IST
Verified By
In today’s competitive business world, companies often need expert guidance to grow faster, improve operations, and deal with changing markets. Business consultants play a key role by offering professional advice to organisations in areas like finance, marketing, strategy, operations, and human resources. Whether it’s a small startup or a large multinational firm, consultants help businesses make better decisions.
In India, as industries grow and technology evolves, the demand for skilled business consultants is increasing. This career offers a mix of learning, leadership, and opportunities to work with top companies and brands. It is also an excellent option for those who enjoy problem-solving, teamwork, and planning.

What Does a Business Consultant Do?

A business consultant provides expert guidance to help businesses improve their performance and achieve their goals.
Their day-to-day work includes:
  • Understanding client issues and identifying problems in business processes
  • Suggesting improvements in marketing, finance, operations, or management
  • Analysing reports, budgets, and data to develop better strategies
  • Helping design new business models and policies
  • Creating plans for growth, cost-saving, or market expansion
  • Assisting with the implementation of changes and reviewing outcomes
  • Consultants may work independently or with consulting firms. They can specialise in sectors like IT, healthcare, finance, education, retail, or energy.
Step-by-Step Career Path
a) Choose Commerce in 10+2
A good first step is selecting the commerce stream in school after Class 10. Subjects like Business Studies, Economics, and Accountancy help build a basic understanding of how businesses function. These subjects also prepare you for entrance exams and college courses in the business field.
b) Complete Relevant Degrees
You’ll need to pursue higher education in business or related areas. There are two main academic stages:
Undergraduate courses:
  • Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
  • Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
  • Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS)
  • BSc in Economics or Finance
Postgraduate courses:
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Master of Financial Management (MFM)
  • PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management)
  • An MBA or similar postgraduate qualification is highly preferred, especially if you want to work in top consulting firms.
c) Most Popular Colleges in India & Abroad
Here are some popular institutions that offer strong programs in business and consulting-related fields:
College / University Program
Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) IPMAT → MBA
NMIMS Mumbai BBA/BCom/MBA via NPAT
Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, DU BMS via CUET
St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai BMS Entrance Exam
IBS Hyderabad BBA, MBA
Christ University, Bangalore BBA via CUET
Global Options (for MBA) Harvard, INSEAD, LBS
These colleges are known for their high-quality education, experienced faculty, and excellent placement records. Studying at such institutions also improves your chances of getting internships and jobs at top consulting companies.
d) Earn Certifications
Certifications are an extra advantage that add value to your resume. Some useful ones include:
Certified Management Consultant (CMC) – Global recognition in consulting
Certified Management Accountant (CMA) – Best for finance and cost consulting
PMP (Project Management Professional) – Useful for consultants involved in project handling
Other short courses in sales, marketing, data analytics, and business intelligence
Online platforms like Coursera, edX, LinkedIn Learning, and Skillshare offer certification programs that are globally recognised and flexible.
e) Internships & Portfolio Building
Practical experience is very important in this career. Try to apply for internships during your undergraduate or postgraduate studies. You can explore:
  • Internships at top consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Accenture, Deloitte, or PwC
  • Internships in marketing, finance, or HR departments of large companies
  • Case study competitions and business simulation programs
  • Volunteering or freelance projects for startups or NGOs
  • Campus clubs and business events to build leadership and networking skills
  • Creating a portfolio of real-world problem-solving work can significantly improve your job prospects after graduation.
f) Enter the Job Market
After completing your studies and gaining internship experience, you can apply for entry-level roles such as:
  • Junior Business Consultant
  • Associate Consultant
  • Business Analyst
  • Strategy Analyst
  • Project Assistant
As you gain experience, you can move to senior roles, lead teams, and even start your own consulting business. The consulting field allows fast career growth for those who continuously learn and perform well.
3. Key Skills Required
  • Business consulting is not just about education—it’s also about practical skills. Here are the key ones:
  • Analytical thinking – Ability to break down problems and find smart solutions
  • Communication skills – Writing clear reports and presenting ideas confidently
  • Interpersonal skills – Working well with clients and teams
  • Problem-solving – Offering logical and effective business advice
  • Project management – Planning and executing tasks on time
  • Technical knowledge – Familiarity with Excel, PowerPoint, data analysis tools, and CRM software
  • Strong soft skills combined with business acumen make a successful consultant.
4. Certifications That Add Value
Even after starting your career, you can boost your profile with additional certifications such as:
CMC – Offers global recognition in consultancy
CMA – Ideal for consultants interested in financial planning and management
PMP – For those working on multiple business projects
Other online certifications – Covering leadership, sales, digital marketing, or data analytics
Such certifications help you stand out and adapt to changing industry needs.
5. Salary & Job Outlook
Business consulting offers competitive salaries and long-term career growth. Entry-level consultants earn moderate salaries that grow steadily with experience and skill.
On average:
  • Entry-level consultants earn (approx) Rs 5 lakh per year
  • Mid-level consultants earn (approx) Rs 10 lakh per year
  • Senior consultants and specialists earn even more, depending on the firm and role
Your salary depends on factors like company size, job location, skills, certifications, and negotiation. Consulting roles also offer perks like bonuses, travel opportunities, and chances to work with top leadership teams.
6. Internships & Recruiters
Internships:
Morgan Stanley – Summer internships in HR and finance
Accenture – Business analyst and consulting internship roles
Deloitte, KPMG, EY, PwC – Regular internship drives for students
Startups and NGOs – Freelance or virtual internships in strategy, marketing, or business planning
Top Recruiters in India:
Here are some leading companies that hire business consultants:
Accenture
Deloitte
EY (Ernst & Young)
KPMG
PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
McKinsey & Company
Bain & Company
Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
Infosys
Wipro
HCL
L&T Infotech
Morgan Stanley
Indigo
These companies offer excellent work culture, learning opportunities, and career progression for both freshers and experienced professionals.
Becoming a business consultant is a rewarding and exciting career choice. It allows you to work with companies across various sectors and make real impact through your ideas and strategies. The journey begins with a strong academic base, practical skills, and continuous learning.
If you enjoy analysing situations, solving problems, and working in dynamic environments, consulting might be the perfect path for you. Start early, stay curious, and make the most of every opportunity, from your college to internships and beyond. For more such information, visit unilist.in

Latest Articles

Learn More, Grow Faster

Get Updates Straight to Your Inbox!
SUBSCRIBE NOW