How to get into LSE from India?What GPA, test scores, or internships do Indian applicants usually need for MSc Finance?Does CFA or RA experience help in admissions?

Question

Divakshi Arora · Accepted Answer

Getting into LSE MSc Finance from India is very competitive, so the profile needs to be strong across academics, tests, and experience.
A GPA of at least 8/10 or around 70&ndash;75% is usually expected. For well-known colleges like SRCC, St. Xavier&rsquo;s, or IITs, slightly lower can still be fine if other parts are strong. GMAT scores above 700 or GRE with quant 165+ are common among admits.
Internships in investment banking, consulting, or Big 4 advisory are important, especially if they include financial modeling or valuation work. Research assistant roles also help because they show strong quantitative skills.
CFA isn&rsquo;t required, but completing Level 1 or 2 adds weight and shows commitment to finance. Applicants who combine solid academics with strong test scores and relevant internships usually stand out the most.

Hema A · Answer

Most Indian applicants underestimate how selective LSE MSc Finance is. The program doesn&rsquo;t just want good grades , it looks for a mix of academics, test scores, and relevant experience.
&bull; GPA: Above 8/10 is the safe zone. From IITs or top commerce colleges, slightly lower can still work. &bull; GMAT/GRE: GMAT 700+ or GRE with quant 165+ is common among admits. &bull; Internships: IB, consulting, or Big 4 roles with hands-on finance tasks stand out. &bull; CFA: Levels 1 or 2 help, especially when paired with internships. &bull; Research Assistantship: Useful for LSE, since it values research ability alongside industry experience.
For more details you can read this blog on "LSE MFin"
What matters most is balance. A strong test score can offset an average GPA, or solid internships can balance out a weaker CFA background.

V Gupta · Answer

Getting into LSE MSc Finance from India usually comes down to a mix of strong academics and relevant exposure. A GPA above 3.5/4.0 (or first-class distinction if from Indian universities) tends to be the norm for competitive applicants. GMAT scores around 700+ or GRE equivalents are common, though LSE doesn&rsquo;t always set a hard cutoff.
Internships in finance, consulting, or related roles matter a lot because the program is practical in nature. Even short stints with credible firms can strengthen the profile if they show analytical or quantitative skills. CFA Level I or II adds weight but isn&rsquo;t a requirement; it signals serious commitment to finance. Research assistant experience can also help, especially if it highlights quantitative or data skills, but it&rsquo;s not weighed as heavily as professional internships. A clear career goal in the application often makes the difference between a good and a great profile.

Jayant M · Answer

Not everyone at LSE has a perfect profile, but the ones who stand out usually share some common elements:

GPA on the higher side, ideally first-class or above 70% in Indian universities.
GMAT scores that push above 700, or GRE Quant in the 165+ range.
At least one solid finance internship with real exposure, not just clerical tasks.
Evidence of strong math skills, often shown through undergrad courses or projects.

CFA exams do get noticed, especially if cleared beyond Level I, because they prove technical knowledge. Research assistant roles matter if they&rsquo;re tied to economics or finance and involve real analysis, not just admin support. A practical way to strengthen the application is to show how each experience connects to the skills LSE values &mdash; quantitative ability, global outlook, and motivation for finance. Applicants who link their past work directly to their future goals usually leave a stronger impression.