What is CFA: Full Form, Admission 2025, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Top Colleges, Career Scope

Akansha BishtContent Writer
CFA full form is Chartered Financial Analyst, which is a universally recognized professional designation awarded by the CFA Institute. CFA Institute is an entity that evaluates and recognizes the knowledge and ethical standards of Financial Analysts.
The CFA Institute, headquartered in the United States, formerly known as the Association for Investment Management and Research (AIMR), offers postgraduate professional certification to investment and financial professionals worldwide through the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) course.
The program offers a generalist understanding of various areas of finance in addition to teaching a wide range of CFA syllabus related to advanced investment analysis, such as Statistics, Probability Theory, Fixed Income, Derivatives, Economics, Financial Analysis, Corporate Finance, Alternative Investments, and Portfolio Management.
After completion of this course, the candidate becomes a "CFA Charter-Holder" and can seek career opportunities in job roles such as Chartered Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Portfolio Manager, Equity Research Analyst, and Risk Manager.
The CFA eligibility criteria to become a CFA Charter-Holder is to obtain a bachelor's degree or to be in the final year of the bachelor's program, have 4,000 hours or over a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience, and pass all three levels of the CFA course, i.e., CFA Level 1, CFA Level 2, and CFA Level 3.
Exams for all three levels are conducted by asking questions related to Economics, Security Analysis, Accounting, and Wealth Management. The top CFA colleges in India that help students prepare for CFA exams include Financial Planning Academy, IMS ProSchool, Narayana Business School, ICOFP Delhi, etc. The CFA course fees range between INR 1 Lakh to INR 3.5 Lakh.
The average starting salary of a Chartered Financial Analyst in India is around INR 6 - 12 LPA. Interested candidates can continue reading the article to get more CFA course full details.
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CFA Course Details: Highlights
The CFA Institute established the CFA program to prepare charter holders for careers in finance. Following completion of the course, the charter holder is regarded as an investing expert, which benefits them throughout their career. Candidates who take the course acquire insights into the finance and investment industries, which helps them add value to their talents.
The CFA program is widely regarded as the most prestigious and well-known accreditation in finance and investment management. Interested candidates can have a look at the table below for all the important highlights relating to CFA course fees, exam levels, subjects, salary, and top recruiters.
Parameters | CFA Course Details |
---|---|
CFA Full Form | Chartered Financial Analyst |
CFA Conducting Body |
CFA Institute |
CFA Eligibility in India |
A bachelor's degree or be in the final year of the bachelor's program, have 4,000 hours or over a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience, and pass all three levels of the CFA course. |
CFA Course Duration | Takes about 2-3 years to complete. |
CFA Course Fees |
INR 1 Lakh to INR 3.5 Lakh |
CFA Colleges in India |
Financial Planning Academy, IMS ProSchool, Narayana Business School, ICOFP Delhi, etc. |
CFA Levels of Exam |
CFA Level 1, CFA Level 2, and CFA Level 3. |
CFA Subjects | Ethical and Professional Standards, Economics, Quantitative Methods, Investments etc. |
CFA Job Profiles | Chartered Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Portfolio Manager, Equity Research Analyst, Risk Manager, etc. |
CFA Starting Salary | INR 6 - 12 LPA |
CFA Job Sectors | Corporate Banking, Equity, Risk Management, Research etc. |
CFA Top Recruiters | Deloitte, ICICI, SBI, HDFC, Bharti Airtel etc. |
Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.
CFA Relevant Information You Might Be Interested In:
How Hard Is The CFA Exam? A Comprehensive Analysis of All Three Levels of the CFA Exam
The US-based CFA Institute, formerly the Association for Investment Management and Research, or AIMR, offers postgraduate professional certification to investment and financial professionals worldwide through the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program. The program offers a generalist understanding of various areas of finance in addition to teaching a wide range of subjects related to advanced investment analysis, such as business analysis, statistics, probability theory, fixed income, derivatives, economics, financial analysis, corporate finance, alternative investments, and portfolio management.
Those who hold a charter as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) can use their expertise in a variety of roles across the international finance sector. Prominent for their dedication to elevating the bar for excellence, they are in high demand as experts in investment management.
CFA full form is Chartered Financial Analyst. It's a professional certification program that teaches students about investment analysis and other areas of finance. The CFA program is offered by the CFA Institute, a US-based organization. The CFA program is designed to:
- Provide students with the skills and knowledge to advance their careers,
- Demonstrate a candidate's skills and knowledge,
- Prepare students for today's market.
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program is quite easier than the Chartered Accountancy (CA) program. While both programs are demanding and difficult, the CA program calls for more focus, dedication, and experience than the CFA program. Completing the CFA program requires at least two years of study. With an average passing percentage of 0.5%, CA is regarded as the hardest course in the world. When compared to CA, the passing percentage for CFA is substantially higher. It appears that the pass rate is 10% on average.
- CFA Eligibility Criteria & Admission Process 2025
- CFA Entrance Exams 2025
- CFA Course Syllabus
- Best CFA Colleges in India
- Popular Private CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Level 1,2 & 3 Colleges in India
- CFA Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary & Top Recruiters
- CFA Course FAQs
CFA Eligibility Criteria & Admission Process 2025
The CFA Institute's certification is recognized in over 160 countries throughout the world. A Chartered Financial Analyst can expect to earn between INR 3.5 Lakh and INR 35 Lakh per year after completing the course. Graduates of CFA programs are frequently hired in higher-level roles in the financial industry. Aspirants willing to pursue CFA must meet specific eligibility conditions beforehand. The space below mentions the CFA eligibility criteria in India.
- Being a postgraduate certification, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (irrespective of the discipline) before enrolling in a CFA course.
- Candidates in the final year of the bachelor’s program at the time of the CFA registration are also eligible for the course.
- Candidates must have a relevant work experience of 4,000 hours or not least three years at the time of registration.
Students also liked the topics on the CFA course:
CFA Level 3 Specialized Pathways
CFA Admission Process 2025
The CFA program doesn't have a traditional "admission" process like a university. Instead, it focuses on meeting specific eligibility requirements and passing a series of rigorous exams. Here's a breakdown:
- Education: You must have a bachelor's 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.
The CFA Exams
The core of the CFA program is a series of three challenging exams:
- CFA Level 1: This is the foundational level, covering a broad range of topics in finance, including ethics, financial reporting and analysis, economics, quantitative methods, portfolio management, and equity investments.
- CFA Level 2: Builds upon Level 1, delving deeper into equity investments, fixed-income securities, derivatives, alternative investments, and portfolio management.
- CFA Level 3: Focuses on portfolio management and wealth planning, emphasizing the ethical and professional responsibilities of investment professionals.
Holding a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent), enrolling in their final year of college, having four years of relevant professional work experience, or four years of combined work and college experience, fulfills the admission requirements for professional conduct.
Mathematics is covered in some of the Chartered Financial Analyst course material. The positive aspect is that most of these concepts just require basic math with an understanding of statistics and algebra. Therefore, you need to have your calculator ready before you appear for your CFA exams.
The answer to this question is a yes. You can pursue a CFA in the last year of your graduation, however, it is not possible to take the CFA course right after the 12th. The minimum eligibility for CFA is an undergraduate qualification or bachelor's degree from a renowned university.
Follow the steps mentioned below to learn how to fill out the CFA application form
- Visit the official website of the CFA institute
- Click on the application link or copy https://login.cfainstitute.org/LoginApplication.
- Create a login account with the candidate’s email ID.
- The candidate will be asked to enter their name, email ID, and password, and enter a security question.
- After they’ve created an account, they can log in and fill up the form.
- They can pay the enrollment fee online through Credit cards: American Express, Diner’s Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, UnionPay, or Visa
- The CFA registration fee can also be paid offline through wire transfer, ACH, check money or postal orders. Receipt of payment of the fees will be emailed to the candidates.
CFA Entrance Exams 2025
Aspirants willing to get a CFA certification must qualify for all three levels of the Chartered Financial Analyst Exam conducted by the CFA Institute. Candidates fulfilling the eligibility conditions laid down by the institute can register for level 1 of the CFA exam. In contrast, only the candidates qualifying for CFA Level 1 are eligible for the CFA Level 2 exam; only the candidates qualifying Level 2 exam are eligible for the CFA Level 3 exam.
- CFA Level 1 exam is conducted quarterly
- CFA Level 2 exam is conducted thrice in each calendar year
- CFA Level 3 exam is conducted twice in each calendar year
CFA Level 1 exam has as many as 180 multiple-choice questions conducted in a computer-based mode. The CFA exam result is made available online within 60-90 days of the test date.
Entrance Exams |
Exam Dates |
Exam Schedule |
---|---|---|
CFA 2025 |
Level I:
Level II:
Level III:
|
Note: The information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.
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Other Important CFA Exam Dates
Check out the table below to know the other important CFA exam dates for 2025:
Events | Dates |
---|---|
CFA Level 1 November Exam 2025 | 12-Nov-2025 to 28-Nov-2025 |
CFA Level 2 November Exam 2025 | 19-Nov-2025 to 23-Nov-2025 |
Note: The information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.
Important Exam Dates
Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
---|---|
07 May ' 25 - 24 May ' 25 | URAT PG 2025 Application Process (Phase 1) ONGOING |
09 Jun ' 25 - 13 Jun ' 25 | URAT PG 2025 Course-Wise Answer Keys |
09 Jun ' 25 - 13 Jun ' 25 | URAT PG 2025 Exam Dates |
16 Jun ' 25 | URAT PG 2025 Course-Wise Revised Answer Keys (if required) |
19 Jun ' 25 - 25 Jun ' 25 | URAT PG 2025 Phase II Application |
27 Jun ' 25 | URAT PG 2025 Document Submission for Admission |
To Be Notified | URAT PG 2025 First Merit List |
Dates | Past Exam Dates |
---|---|
To Be Notified | AMU BA LLB Answer Key 2025 |
20 Apr ' 25 | AMU Entrance Exam 2025 Exam Date - BA LLB |
02 Jan ' 25 - 15 Feb ' 25 | AMU Entrance Exam 2025 Online Registrations for LLM |
The Level 3 CFA Exam is considered by many CFA charterholders as the most challenging due to the amount of time and consideration required to successfully complete the constructed responses. Only about 56% of CFA candidates pass the exam, despite the fact that the Level 3 CFA Exam typically has the highest pass rates of any CFA Exam.
There is no fixed time limit on the validity of the CFA Registration. Candidates will get access to the digital curriculum once your registration is complete. It is refundable within 14 days of payment. Candidates who wish to appear for the CFA exam, can register on the official website of CFA institute by filling up the registration form. The candidates must note that there is no option of offline form filling hence, they must apply online.
There is no specific age limit for candidates who wish to take the CFA exams. The CFA Institute, which administers the CFA Program, does not impose age restrictions on candidates. The CFA Program is open to individuals from a wide range of educational and professional backgrounds, and candidates can pursue the CFA charter at any age, provided they meet the educational and work experience requirements.
However, it's important to note that to become a CFA charterholder, candidates must meet the following minimum eligibility criteria, which do not include an age requirement:
- Candidates must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or be in the final year of their bachelor's degree.
- Candidates must have four years of qualified work experience in the investment decision-making process. This experience can be obtained before, during, or after taking the CFA exams.
- Candidates must agree to adhere to the CFA Institute's ethical and professional standards.
CFA Charter Holders have the distinct advantage of applying their skills in several professional roles. They can work in areas like wealth management, hedge funds, fixed income, insurance and equity research.
CFA Course Syllabus
To get an idea of what one will have to study if they were to take up a course in CFA, we have listed down the course curriculum. The candidate needs to clear three levels of the examination conducted by the CFA Institute: Level I, Level II, and Level III. The CFA course syllabus for all three sections is identical. The difference lies in the weightage given to each topic at a particular exam level.
The CFA Level 1 syllabus, along with Levels 2 and 3, includes academic theory taught at three levels, field practice earned via employment experience, and equipping applicants with a professional and ethical foundation. Candidates understand advanced investing characteristics as well as the ethics of portfolio management.
The CFA subjects teach finalists how to make financial decisions in stocks, industries, businesses, and on an individual level. The table below mentions the CFA course syllabus along with the topic weightage in the exam.
CFA Level 1 Syllabus |
Weight Given in CFA Level 1 |
---|---|
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% |
Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
Also, check topics on the CFA Syllabus:
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CS vs CFA: Salary, Eligibility, Career Scope, Exams
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% |
Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
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The table below 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% |
Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
Popular Specializations
- Financial Planning & Analysis
46 Colleges
- Chartered Accountancy
1 College
The CFA Level I exam covers a broad range of topics. Here are the major subject areas included in the Level I syllabus:
Ethical and Professional Standards: This section emphasizes the ethical and professional responsibilities of investment professionals, including the CFA Institute's Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.
Quantitative Methods: This area focuses on quantitative techniques and methods used in investment analysis, including statistical concepts, probability theory, time value of money, and basic regression analysis.
Economics: The economics section covers microeconomics and macroeconomics, including supply and demand analysis, market structures, monetary and fiscal policy, and international trade.
Financial Reporting and Analysis: This section explores the principles and analysis of financial reporting, including the interpretation of financial statements, financial ratio analysis, and understanding key accounting concepts.
Corporate Finance: This area covers topics related to corporate finance, including capital budgeting, cost of capital, capital structure, dividend policy, and corporate governance.
Equity Investments: The equity investments section focuses on equity markets, equity valuation models, industry and company analysis, and equity portfolio management.
Fixed Income: This section delves into fixed income securities, bond valuation, yield measures, fixed income markets, and fixed income portfolio management.
Derivatives: This area covers derivatives instruments, including options, futures, forwards, and swaps, along with their valuation and strategies for their use.
Alternative Investments: This section introduces alternative investment types, such as real estate, private equity, hedge funds, and commodities, along with their characteristics and valuation.
Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning: This final section addresses portfolio management concepts, including portfolio theory, risk management, performance evaluation, and wealth planning strategies.
These topics provide a general overview of the major subject areas covered in the CFA Level I syllabus. Each subject area encompasses various subtopics, and the CFA Institute provides a detailed curriculum that outlines the specific learning outcomes for each level. It's essential to refer to the official CFA Institute curriculum and study materials for a comprehensive understanding of the exam content.
The major subjects of CFA include Ethical and professional Standards, Quantitative Methods, Economics, Financial Reporting and Analysis, Corporate Finance, Equity Investments, Portfolio Management, Alternative Investments, Derivative, and Fixed Income.
The CFA Program enables candidates to customize their preparation to match their individual needs and circumstances. Following are some numbers to consider in planning a study strategy for the CFA Level II exam.
- Successful candidates report studying on average over 300 hours for each level of the CFA Exam.
- About half of the successful candidates passing the LIII exam passed each exam on the first attempt (i.e. sat a total of three exams) while about a quarter sat a total of four exams.
Here are some practical tips to help you perform your best on the CFA exam.
- Financial Statement Analysis: Questions on this topic are based on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) unless otherwise noted. If a question references U.S. GAAP, this will be explicitly stated.
- No penalty for guessing: There is no penalty for incorrect answers, so be sure to answer every question.
- Know your calculator: Ensure you’re comfortable with the calculator features needed to address the Learning Outcome Statements (LOS). Familiarity with your calculator will save valuable time during the exam.
- Dress for comfort: There’s no official dress code, but dressing in layers will allow you to adjust to the room temperature and remain comfortable during the exam.
- Exam hardware and software: Make sure you’re aware of how hardware and software at test centres might affect your experience.
- Practice: Take a mock exam in the Learning Ecosystem to practice answering exam questions.
The CFA Level I exam comprises a total of 180 multiple-choice questions to be answered in two sessions of 135 minutes each. There are 90 MCQ questions for each session. The first session includes topics such as professional standards, financial reporting, and quantitative methods, while the second session includes questions about corporate finance, fixed income, derivatives, alternative investments, and portfolio management. This exam is given twice a year, once in June and once in December.
Best CFA Colleges in India
The CFA course is extremely challenging because applicants must pass the Level I, Level II, and Level III tests to get the CFA credential. Due to the increasing popularity and importance of the program, several colleges are offering this course. Students can shortlist a few of them according to their suitability.
A candidate for the CFA program must have four years of relevant professional experience and a thorough understanding of the modern investment business. Students must take the required entry tests for the course. The course has no upper age limit for enrollment. Here are some top CFA colleges in India, candidates can look for:
Best CFA Colleges in India | CFA Course Fees |
---|---|
EduKart.com | INR 16,000 |
ICFL Bangalore | NA |
ICFL Mumbai | NA |
ICICIdirect Centre For Financial Learning | INR 28,500 |
Indian School of Business Management & Administration | INR 20,900 |
Indian School of Business Management and Administration, Nagpur | INR 20,900 |
Miles Education | INR 35,400 |
Narayana Business School | NA |
Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
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The average CFA fee in India ranges between INR 11,000 to INR 3.5 Lakh. There are around 52 CFA institutions in India. Among them, Financial Planning Academy, IMS Pro School, etc., are some best options.
It is estimated that joining CFA colleges in India can be affordable as most of the colleges have a total tuition fee of less than INR 1 lakh. Listed below are some of the colleges along with their total tuition fees:
Low-cost Colleges | Total Tuition Fee |
---|---|
IMS ProSchool, Pune | INR 20,000 - INR 40,000 |
IMS Proschool, Chennai | INR 20,000 - INR 40,000 |
IMS Proschool, Navi Mumbai | INR 20,000 - INR 40,000 |
IMS Proschool, Andheri West | INR 32,000 - INR 40,000 |
IIKMFE Financial Education | INR 70,000 |
It is not impossible but very difficult to crack any Level of the CFA exam without a Teacher's guidance. You can prepare a study timetable and follow it religiously to achieve the difficult. You'll need to stay disciplined with your study plan, practice regularly, take mock exams, use good quality study materials, and so on.
No, you cannot apply for the CFA Level 2 exam before completing and passing the CFA Level 1 exam. The CFA Program has a strict sequential order. This progression ensures that candidates have a solid understanding of the foundational concepts covered in Level 1 before advancing to the more complex and specialised material in Levels 2 and 3.
Popular Private CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Level 1,2 & 3 Colleges in India
CFA Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary & Top Recruiters
Demand for CFA graduates is growing rapidly in both domestic and foreign markets. The Chartered Financial Analyst syllabus is extensive and prepares applicants for the required profession through internship, training, projects, and so on. Being a CFA takes a lot of dedication because this is a constantly changing sector. A CFA is responsible for a variety of tasks, including the maintenance and management of accounts, appraisals, and taxation.
CFAs are expected to work effortlessly and with full dedication. A CFA charter holder gets the opportunity to pursue a plethora of career options. A Chartered Financial Analyst has the benefit of working in various fields, like:
CFA Job Fields |
|
---|---|
Corporate Banking |
Quantitative Analytics |
Asset Management |
Investment banking M&A |
Derivatives |
Wealth management |
Private Equity |
Equities |
Research |
Trading |
Risk management |
Capital Markets |
Note- This information is sourced from external sites and may vary.
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CFA Job Profiles and Salary
CFA jobs in India are accessible to people who have completed the three successive levels. Students can work in a variety of areas, including banking, auditing, companies and firms. Looking at the job opportunities, generally, CFA charter holders choose to work as Research Analysts, Portfolio Managers, Investment Banking Analysts, and Chief-level Executives, among other job roles
The CFA Course is in high demand since acquiring the certificate is difficult, and as a result, alumni of this course tend to outperform their colleagues. Some of the job profiles offered to a Chartered Financial Analyst are as follows.
Job Profile | Description |
Average Salary
|
---|---|---|
Investment Banking Analyst | Analyzing financial statements, building financial models, conducting due diligence, and presenting investment recommendations. | INR 14.9 LPA |
Equity Research Analyst | Researching industry trends, company financials, and competitive landscape, creating valuation models, and writing research reports. | INR 10.6 LPA |
Portfolio Manager | Constructing and managing diversified portfolios, monitoring performance, rebalancing as needed, and communicating investment strategies to clients. | INR 12.8 LPA |
Wealth Management Advisor | Understanding client needs, recommending investment strategies, managing wealth portfolios, and providing estate planning and tax advice. | INR 4.3 LPA |
Risk Management Analyst | Analyzing financial data, identifying potential risks, implementing risk mitigation strategies, and reporting to senior management. | INR 9.8 LPA |
Credit Analyst | Analyzing financial statements, conducting credit checks, and assessing repayment risk to determine loan eligibility and terms. | INR 8.7 LPA |
Investment Product Analyst | Evaluating investment products based on risk-return profiles, fees, and market trends, and creating research reports or presentations. | INR 13.3 LPA |
Financial Analyst | Analyzing financial statements, conducting industry research, building financial models, and presenting findings to stakeholders. | INR 6.2 LPA |
Note: The salary information is taken from Ambitionbox.com.
Links relevant to the CFA Levels:
CFA Top Recruiters
There are numerous career opportunities for CFA students both in India and overseas. CFA is a specialisation that is in high demand worldwide, not just in India. It can give pupils a diverse range of reading opportunities as well as lucrative jobs. The table below includes the names of companies that look for CFA experts:
Recruiters Hiring Chartered Financial Analyst |
|
---|---|
Pricewaterhouse Coopers |
Bank of America |
JP Morgan Chase |
HSBC |
Morgan Stanley |
Credit Suisse |
Wells Fargo |
CitiGroup |
RBC |
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. |
Ernst & Young |
UBS |
Crisil |
Wells Fargo |
Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.
One of the most well-known financial courses in India is CFA, which leads to positions as a Corporate Financial Analyst, Investment Banking Analyst, Risk Manager, Portfolio Manager, and Research Analyst. The skills that these professionals possess are in greater demand.
The average salary of a Chartered Financial Analyst is INR 4 LPA in India. With relevant experience and skills, you can get higher positions and hikes in your salary package.
In India, CFAs earn better than CAs as average salary for CAs is INR 7 to 15 LPA, while for CFAs it is INR 9 to 40 LPA. However, it can vary based on the location, experience and designation.
Some of the highest paid CFAs are as follows:
- Junior Analyst: INR 6 Lacs to INR 10 Lacs per year
- Chief Investment Officer: INR 40 Lacs to INR 1 crore+ per year
- Investment Banker: INR 10 Lacs to INR 30 Lacs per year
- Portfolio Manager: INR 18 Lacs to INR 40 Lacs per year
First, there is an educational benefit; you will learn a great deal and add a great credential to your CV. Then, there is a boost to your reputation. People in the business know the time and dedication it takes to earn the charter. When they see you have earned it, they will likely believe you have the ability, dedication, ethical grounding, and analytical skills necessary to do the job in question.
There also may be financial benefits. You may see your salary increase after you've become a CFA or you may surpass other applicants who don't have this designation when competing for a new job.
The operative word here is "may." Hard work, skill, luck, dedication, political savvy, and character have just as much to do with one's success in the investment profession as education, so don't view the charter as your golden ticket to financial paradise.
CFA Course FAQs
Interested candidates can check this section for CFA Course FAQs.
Choosing between a CFA and an MBA for investment banking depends on your individual goals and desired career trajectory. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
Aspect | CFA | MBA |
---|---|---|
Focus | Technical skills in investment analysis, portfolio management, and financial markets. | Broader business knowledge, leadership skills, and strategic thinking. |
Career Path | Entry-level analyst roles like equity research, credit analysis, or portfolio management. | Broader range of roles including investment banking (M&A, IPOs, etc.), private equity, venture capital, or corporate finance. |
Salary Potential | Can reach high levels in specialised roles, potentially higher in asset management. | Starts high but can reach even greater heights in leadership positions (CEOs, Managing Directors). |
Work Style | Quantitative analysis, research, and attention to detail. | Deal-making, communication, negotiations, and teamwork. |
Study Duration and Cost | Self-paced study, 3 exams over 1-2 years, costlier exam fees. | 2 years full-time program, high tuition fees, potential scholarships. |
Network Building | Smaller, professional network focused on finance. | Extensive alumni network across various industries. |
- Choose CFA if: You have a strong quantitative background, prefer technical analysis, and want a specialised career path in investment analysis or portfolio management.
- Choose MBA if: You value broader business knowledge, leadership skills, and networking opportunities, and aspire to diverse roles in investment banking or other finance sectors.
The table below shows the various specializations offered by the best CFA colleges in India along with their number of colleges:
Top Specialisations | Number of Colleges |
---|---|
Financial Planning & Analysis | 46 |
Accounting | 12 |
Chartered Accountancy | 1 |
Candidates can prepare for the CFA 2023 certification course by reading many reference materials mentioned below-
Name of Books | Authors |
---|---|
Investment Banking: Valuation, Leveraged Buyouts, and Mergers & Acquisitions | Pearl and Rosenbaum |
2021 CFA Level I | Kaplan Schweser |
Strategic Value Investing: Practical Techniques of Leading Value Investors | Stephen M. Horan, Robert R. Johnson and Thomas R. Robinson |
When Genius Failed: The Rise and Fall of Long-Term Capital Management | Roger Lowenstein |
The Cartoon Guide to Statistics | Larry Gonick and Woollcott Smith |
CFA Level I | Bhupesh Ananad |
The Handbook of Fixed Income Securities | Frank J. Fabozzi |
Note- The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.
The total cost of completing all 3 levels of the CFA programme in India, including CFA exam fees, registration, and coaching, can range from INR 1.9 to 2.1 lakhs. However, it also depends on the institute you choose for CFA coaching.
Applicants who want to work in the financial services industry in various positions like Portfolio Managers, Risk Professionals, Financial Advisers, and so on should take the CFA certification course. The Chartered Financial Analyst program also lets individuals transition from traditional studies such as BCom, MCom, and so on to a professional course that provides better career opportunities.
Candidates who aspire to become entrepreneurs or start their professions as financial advisors can also enrol in CFA certification courses.
CFA Program is a professional credential offered by CFA Institute to Investment and Financial professionals. To enroll in the CFA Program and register for your first Level I exam, you must have: An international travel passport and one of the following:
- Undergraduate education: A Bachelor's (or equivalent) degree or be in the final year of your Bachelor's degree program (you must have completed your Bachelor's degree program in order to register for the Level II exam), or
- Work experience: Four years of professional work experience (does not have to be investment related), or
- A combination of professional work experience and education that totals at least four years (part-time positions do not qualify, and the four-year total must be accrued prior to enrollment).
The Chief Financial Officer Qualifying Examination (CFO) Course prepares candidates for a career as a CFO. The course is designed to ensure candidate can demonstrate the required level of proficiency for financial reporting rules. The CFO Qualifying Examination Course is available exclusively through CSI.
While ACCA is more suitable for students who love challenges and want to excel in accounting careers. CFA, on the other hand, is a good option for students who wish to develop skills in finance, equity, and investment.
Both Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) are prestigious global certifications. CFA is awarded by the CFA Institute, and ACCA is offered by the global body – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
The salary packages for both courses are highly competitive. However, CFA professionals relatively earn more than ACCA professionals.
The CFA Institute is a global, not-for-profit professional organization that provides investment professionals with finance education. Here are its main features:
- Education: The CFA Institute offers educational programs, including a digital learning platform with study tools, practice questions, and mock exams.
- Certification: Offers certification programs, including the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, which is considered the gold standard in investment analysis.
- Ethics: Provides a code of ethics for investment professionals.
- Research: Publishes the Financial Analysts Journal, a peer-reviewed quarterly journal, and the Enterprising Investor blog.
The CFA course is often confused with the Chartered Accountancy (CA) Course as both are prestigious qualifications in the Finance Industry. While CFA focuses on investment management and analysis, CA encompasses a broader range of finance and management skills. Candidates can find the comparison table below to have a general understanding of the differences between CFA and CA.
Parameter | CFA | CA |
---|---|---|
Eligibility | Undergraduate degree in any discipline with 4 years of work experience. | Class 12 with 50% marks. |
Admission Process | Registration on the CFA website. | Foundation course: Class 12 Direct Entry: Graduation |
Entrance Exam | Not required | CPT (Common Proficiency Test) |
Top Colleges | Chiranjeev Jain CA Coaching, RVM Finishing School of Finance, Benchmarx Academy, IMS Proschool | Academy of Commerce, Aldine CA, Vidya Sagar Career Institute Ltd, Nahata Professional Academy |
Course Fees | INR 1,90,000 - 5,00,000 | INR 50,000 - 1,50,000 |
Top Recruiters | SBI, ITC, JP Morgan and Co, E&T, Deloitte, Bharti Airtel, Citigroup, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank | KPMG, Deloitte, Ernst & Young (EY), Lodha & Co., PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) |
Job Profiles | Chartered Financial Analyst, Investment Manager, Portfolio Manager, Risk Manager, Equity Research Analyst | Accountants, Accounting Managers, Auditors, Taxation Experts |
Average Salaries | INR 15 LPA - 20 LPA | INR 15 LPA - 25 LPA |
The candidates, who are interested in investment analysis and portfolio management, want a global career, or are willing to invest in further exams, can opt for CFA. However, if they prefer accounting and auditing, want a strong domestic career base, and value diverse career options, they can go for CA.
Note- This information is sourced from external sites and may vary.
CFA is a professional course that helps students in several ways. Some of the main reasons to pursue this course are:
- High Pay: CFA courses can provide exposure to students and enable them to get placements at a good package. CFA experts can earn between INR 4 Lacs to INR 15 lakh annually and earn even more in the international market.
- Career Growth: CFA professionals can get a placement at high positions in the financial sector and also shape their careers by working in multi-national companies.
- Job Opportunities: The investment market is expanding rapidly. Hence, there will also be an increase in the job scope.
- Entrepreneurial Skills: CFA enables students to gain the technical knowledge required in the industry. People also take expert advice from finance professionals before commencing a business.
News & Updates
May 6, 2025
May 6, 2025
Student Forum
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes, you can pursue the CFA after a BBM (Bachelor of Business Management). The CFA programme is generally open to anyone who has a bachelor's degree or is in their final year of a bachelor's program. A BBM provides a solid foundation in business principles, which can be beneficial for the CFA progra
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
CFA is a professional course that helps students in several ways. Some of the main reasons to pursue this course are:
- High Pay: CFA courses can provide exposure to students and enable them to get placements at a good package. CFA experts can earn between INR 4 Lacs to INR 15 lakh annually and earn ev
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
It is not impossible but very difficult to crack any Level of the CFA exam without a Teacher's guidance. You can prepare a study timetable and follow it religiously to achieve the difficult. You'll need to stay disciplined with your study plan, practice regularly, take mock exams, use good quality s
L
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
The CFA course is often confused with the Chartered Accountancy (CA) Course as both are prestigious qualifications in the Finance Industry. While CFA focuses on investment management and analysis, CA encompasses a broader range of finance and management skills. Candidates can find the comparison ta
R
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
Applicants who want to work in the financial services industry in various positions like Portfolio Managers, Risk Professionals, Financial Advisers, and so on should take the CFA certification course. The Chartered Financial Analyst program also lets individuals transition from traditional studies s
G
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
CFA is not required for financial modelling. You can learn the financial modelling through different online courses that can teach the skill. However, the opposite is true. You need to have advanced financial modelling skills.
J
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Yes, BBM graduates can enroll in CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), which is ideal for careers in investment banking, portfolio management, and financial consulting. As the eligibility criteria for CFA programme is a Bachelor's degree or equivalent (irrespective of the discipline) and a 4,000 hours
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, candidates are allowed to carry a calculator on the CFA exam day. Candidates are authorized to carry only two kinds of calculators:
- Texas Instruments BA II Plus (including BA II Plus Professional)
- Hewlett Packard 12C (including the HP 12C Platinum, 12C Platinum 25th anniversary edition, 12C 30t
V
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 2 months ago
Students who are registering for the CFA exam for the first are eligible to get a full refund of the enrollement and registration fee including the applicable taxes within 14 days of the payment. The deadline to request a refund is 11:59 ET or 10:29 AM IST on the 14th day.
The refund policy will not
Answered 2 months ago
The different policies of the CFA Institute include:
- Exam Eligiblity Policy
- Admission and Appointment Policy
- Calculator Policy
- Deferral Policy
- Identification Policy
- Personal Belongings Policy
- CFA Program Refund Policy
- Trademark Usage
R
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, three scholarships can be availed by the students for thw CFA programme. These are:
- Access Scholarship: This scholarship is for the students who may not be able to afford the CFA programme fee
- Student Scholarship: This scholarship is for the students who are currently attending an affiliated univ
R
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 2 months ago
To become a CFA charterholder, students need to pass the three levels of the CFA exam. It takes about three to four years to complete the exam cycles for the CFA programme while completing 300 hours of study routine.
To become a member of the CFA community and use the CFA charterholder designation,
M
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 3 months ago
There is no fixed passing marks or percentage that the candidate needs to secure to pass the CFA exam. They need to meet the minimum passing score (MPS) which is decided by the CFA institute and is very discreet. The MPS can vary from one exam window to another. While the exact MPS remains confident
N
Beginner-Level 4
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CFA was earlier known as the Association for Investment Management and Research, CFA Institute (AIMR). Through its tests and certifications, the CFA Institute ensures that there are financial experts who have a high standard of excellence. The CFA Institute offers an Investment Foundations Program and a Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement.
The CFA curriculum comprises both academic theory topics, as well as, field practice which can be obtained via relevant work experience. The CFA course helps candidates gain knowledge on investing and making money in the stock market, industries, companies, and also at an individual level.
CFA full form in Commerce is Chartered Financial Analyst a programme that equips students to be successful and moral working professionals. The CFA curriculum contains chapters on finance and related topics including Economics, Financial Report Analysis, Private Equity, Derivatives, Alternative Investment opportunities, Portfolio Management, Wealth Planning, and so on.
After passing the CFA exam for three-course levels, one is designated a CFA or Chartered Financial Analyst. The fees of the CFA course vary from INR 11,000 to INR 3.5 lakh.