CFA Admission 2025: Registration, Qualification, Selection Process

Vidhi JainContent Writer
CFA full form is Chartered Financial Analyst, a globally recognized designation that the CFA Institute grants. The CFA Program is the gate to become a globally recognized Chartered Financial Analyst that is also known as CFA. Headquartered in the USA, the CFA Institute is a global nonprofit professional organization that measures and certifies the competence and principles of Financial Analysts.
To become a CFA Charter the students must clear 3 very much difficult exams along with fulfilling the eligibility criteria that is defined by the CFA Institute. The CFA eligibility criteria are to obtain a UG degree or to be in the final year of the UG program have 4,000 hours or a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, and pass all three levels of the CFA course, i.e., CFA Level 1, CFA Level 2, and CFA Level 3.
The CFA colleges in India help aspirants prepare for the CFA exams. Some top institute options include Financial Planning Academy, IMS ProSchool, Narayana Business School, ICOFP Delhi, etc. The CFA course fees in India range from INR 11,000 to INR 3.5 Lakh. Once awarded the designation, CFA Charterholders can become a Chartered Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Portfolio Manager, Equity Research Analyst, Risk Manager, etc.
Interested students can continue reading the article for CFA course details related to admission.
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CFA Eligibility Criteria
The CFA course eligibility criteria include both educational and working requirements, mandatory to fulfill. It is an essential part of completing the CFA certification program. students can find the detailed breakdown of the CFA eligibility in India below:
| Parameters | Details |
|---|---|
| Education |
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| Work Experience |
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| Additional Requirements |
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CFA Admission Process 2025
CFA program does not have the traditional admission process like university do have. Students can check the process below:
| Parameters | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelors degree from an accredited institution or be in the final year of your undergraduate studies. |
| Work Experience | You need a minimum of four years of professional work experience in the investment decision-making process. This experience can be gained before, during, or after taking the CFA exams. |
| CFA Exams |
|
Note: This info is taken from the official website nad may vary.
Suggested links for CFA Admission 2025:
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CFA Exams 2025
Students who want to get CFA recognition just have to clear all 3 levels of the Chartered Financial Analyst Exam that are conducted by the CFA Institute.
|
Entrance Exams |
Exam Dates |
Exam Schedule |
|---|---|---|
|
CFA Level 1 |
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CFA Exam Schedule 2025 |
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CFA Level 2 |
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CFA Level 3 |
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| Important Note: students are allowed to sit in the CFA exam a maximum of two times per calendar year (when applicable), but not in continuous windows or windows that are six months or less apart. Aspirants will have a total of six maximum attempts per exam level. |
CFA Admission Useful Information You Might Be Interested In:
CFA Level 2: What to Expect of CFA Level 2
CFA Exam Level 1: What to Expect of CFA Level 1?
How Hard Is The CFA Exam? A Comprehensive Analysis of All Three Levels of the CFA Exam
CFA Exam Syllabus
The CFA Level 1 subjects along with Levels 2 and 3, also has academic theory taught at three levels, field practice earned via employment experience, and equipping applicants with a professional and ethical foundation. The table below mentions the CFA course syllabus along with the topic weightage in the exam.
|
CFA Level 1 Syllabus |
Exam Weightage |
|---|---|
|
Ethical and Professional Standards |
15 - 20% |
|
Quantitative Methods |
8 - 12% |
|
Economics |
8 - 12% |
|
Financial Statement Analysis |
13 - 17% |
|
Corporate Issuers |
8 - 12% |
|
Equity Investments |
10 - 12% |
|
Fixed Income |
10 - 12% |
|
Derivatives |
5 - 8% |
|
Alternative Investments |
5 - 8% |
|
Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning |
5 - 8% |
Also, check topics on the CFA Curriculum:
CFA Syllabus 2025: Download Level 1, 2 & 3 Syllabus PDF
CFA Exam 2025: Cost, Curriculum and Difficulty Level
The table below covers the syllabus topic weightage for CFA Level 2:
| CFA Level 2 Syllabus | Exam Weightage |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Methods | 5 - 10% |
| Economics | 5 - 10% |
| Financial Reporting and Analysis | 10 - 15% |
| Corporate Issuers | 5 - 10% |
| Equity Valuation | 10 - 15% |
| Fixed Income | 10 - 15% |
| Derivatives | 5 - 10% |
| Alternative Investments | 5 - 10% |
| Portfolio Management | 10 - 15% |
| Ethical and Professional Standards | 10 - 15% |
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The following table covers the syllabus topic weightage for CFA Level 3:
| CFA Level 3 Syllabus | Exam Weightage |
|---|---|
| Asset Allocation | 15 - 20% |
| Portfolio Construction | 15 - 20% |
| Performance Measurement | 5 - 10% |
| Derivatives and Risk Management | 10 - 15% |
| Ethical and Professional Standards | 10 - 15% |
| Pathways (Portfolio Management or Private Markets, or Private Wealth) | 30 - 35% |
Best CFA Colleges in India: Admission Details
CFA colleges in India offer coaching and preparation for a globally recognized certification. These institutes help aspirants gain higher skills in investment management and financial analysis and help them qualify for the Chartered Financial Analyst exams. Here are some top CFA college options for students in India:
| Best CFA Colleges Admission Details | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| Centre for Financial Management, Kolkata | INR 11,000 |
| EduKart.com | INR 16,000 |
| IMS Proschool, Bangalore | INR 20,000 - 40,000 |
| IMS ProSchool, Pune | INR 20,000 - 40,000 |
| Indian School of Business Management & Administration, Surat | INR 20,900 |
| ICICIdirect Centre For Financial Learning | INR 28,500 |
| IIJT, Indore | INR 28,870 - 40,450 |
| Miles Education | INR 35,400 |
| The Indian Institute of Financial Planning | INR 40,000 |
| Financial Planning Academy | INR 3.5 Lakh |
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CFA Admission FAQs
Q. What is the CFA full form and what is CFA course all about?
A. CFA full form is Chartered Financial Analyst. It is a three-part series of exams that certifies a candidate's expertise in investment analysis, wealth management, and financial strategy. Candidates who clear all three CFA exams are awarded the CFA certification by the CFA Institute and become certified CFA Charter.
The demand for certified CFA Charters is high worldwide and they can get highly rewarding jobs in the BFSI sector as a Chartered Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Portfolio Managers, Equity Research Analysts, Risk Managers, and more.
Q. What is the CFA course duration?
A. The CFA course duration is generally around 2 years, however, it can take 3 to 4 years depending on the time spent studying by the aspirant. CFA exams are relatively difficult to crack and require at least 300 hours of study.
Q. How much are the CFA course fees in India?
A. There has been an update in the CFA pricing that will be effective from 2026. Here is the new pricing:
| Levels | CFA Course fees 2025 | CFA Course Fees 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| CFA One-Time Enrollment Fee | $ 350 | $ 0 |
| CFA Level 1 Early Bird Registration Fee | $ 990 | $ 1.140 |
| CFA Level 1 Registration Fee -Standard | $ 1.29 K | $ 1.49 K |
| CFA Level 2 Early Bird Registration Fee | $ 990 | $ 1.14 K |
| CFA Level 2 Registration Fee -Standard | $ 1.29 K | $ 1.49 K |
| CFA Level 3 Early Bird Registration Fee | $ 1.09 K | $ 1.24 K |
| CFA Level 3 Registration Fee -Standard | $ 1.39 K | $ 1.59 K |
Note- The information is taken from external sites and may vary.
Q. Which are the easiest CFA subjects for Level 1 to study?
A. Portfolio Management (PM), Corporate Issuers (CI), and Equity Investments (EI) are the easiest CFA level 1 topics among students. Portfolio Management holds around 8-12% weightage, Corporate Issuers hold 6-9%, and Equity Investments hold 11-14% weightage.
Q. Can I know more about the CFA institute?
A. Established in 1947, the CFA Institute is a global, Non-Profit professional organization that offers financial education. It aims to promote standards in ethics, education, and professional excellence in the worldwide investment services industry.
Q. Which is the best CFA institute in India?
A. Some of the top CFA institute options in India include IMS ProSchools, ICICI direct Centre for Financial Learning (ICFLs), The Indian Institute of Financial Planning, Financial Planning Academy, and Indian School of Business Management & Administration.
Q. What score do I need to pass the CFA Level 1?
A. There's no rigid passing score for the CFA Level 1 exam. However, the CFA Institute uses a Minimum Passing Score (MPS) that differs from exam window to exam window. The bar for passing can shift slightly depending on the difficulty of the test and the performance of the aspirants.
Recent MPS estimates for CFA Level 1 in India:
- November 2023: 68%
- August 2023: 67%
- May 2023: 69%
- February 2023: 69%
- 12-year average MPS for CFA Level 1 globally: 65%
Q. Is it worth of pursuing a CFA course in India?
A. Yes, a CFA course in India is worth pursuing as the CFA charter is globally recognized and highly preferred by employers in the BFSI sector. A certified CFA charter can get better job opportunities and higher salary packages in India and globally.
Q. What are the CFA exam eligibility requirements?
A. Having an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or being in the final year of graduation at the time of applying for the CFA exam.
- The aspirant must have 4 years of minimum work experience with a bachelor's degree or in the final year of the UG program, or have at least 4,000 hours of working experience over a minimum of 3 years.
- Candidates pursuing internships or owning businesses are also eligible to apply for the exam. The only requirement is to have a paycheck.
- Additionally, the aspirant must have an international passport, be fluent in English, fulfil the professional conduct admission criteria, and live in a participating country.
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News & Updates
Oct 14, 2025
Student Forum
Answered 2 months ago
The passing rate for CFA exams helps you set realistic goals and track progress. As per the official website of the CFA Institute, the pass rate of the CFA Level I exam is between 43 and 45%; for CFA Level II exams, the passing rate usually fluctuates between 39 and 54%; and the CFA Level III exam p
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The general CFA course duration is 3 years to 4 years, which includes the completion of all 3 levels with a recommended study time of 300 hours per level. It is important for you to note that if you wish to use the CFA Charterholder designation, you should have a minimum of 4,000 hours of relevant w
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes. You need a valid international travel passport to register for the CFA exam. The passport needs to be original, without any scope for falsification, make sure it is not expired, and your credentials should match with those in your CFA Institute account.
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Work experience is a mandatory requirement for obtaining the CFA charter. You need to have at least 4,000 hours of work experience and/or higher education that was acquired over a minimum of three years. If you plan to combine both to achieve the minimum hours and years, it is assumed that higher ed
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The average CFA salary in India differs based on the experience and the certification level obtained by you. I guess that the estimated CFA level I salary is around INR 4 LPA to 6 LPA, and if you complete CFA level II your salary will increase to around INR 7 LPA to 12 LPA. The highest CFA level III
V
Contributor-Level 10
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