In today's competitive environment there is a pervasive need to develop a financial foundation as an essential life skill for students to ease their entry into professional life from their present comfort zone. Financial literacy will help improve their critical personal choices of lifestyle, cash flow and investment portfolios. The purpose of this study is to explore the perception of new job entrants on the importance of financial awareness and their present knowledge of financial investments and various instruments in the market. Further, it conducts an empirical investigation into the differences on the above on the basis of key variables such as gender, educational background and geographical regions. It is expected that the findings would provide a reflection of the gaps between the present financial knowledge of students and the practical wisdom they will need to make sound judgements. The results will throw light on the areas that demand attention to achieve the required financial base in graduating students.