CFA student | 1st year analyst in India

Hi, This is Andy from New Delhi, India. This is my first post here. I am doing CFA course and plan to complete by mid next year. I want to give my best to secure a place as a 1st year analyst/PE analyst. Indian GDP growth is expanding and reputed investment banks/PE firms have set up a shop here.

I know it is tough to get into IB/PE without previous financial research experience. But one thing i know: If i can prove that i can do a first year analyst job well, there is a good chance for me to get an entry level position.

My main question is:

To get trained as a 1st year analyst, should i start off with learning financial analysis with excel? I guess that will be the basic start and excel is needed to do modelling etc.

Advice and suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks.