CFA Fees 2024: Full Form, Syllabus, Duration & Eligibility!

Raghuvamshi Kanukruthi
April 29, 2024

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The CFA Full form Chartered Financial Analyst course is a worldwide recognized certification. Individuals interested in a finance or investment management profession will take the course, which examines their understanding of investing fundamentals, asset valuation, wealth planning, and portfolio management.

CFA eligibility requires students to have finished a three-year degree course or worked for 4000 hours in an investment-related field. If they meet these requirements, they can take CFA Level 1. The exam is structured into three stages, each building on the knowledge gained at the preceding Level and concluding in a thorough examination.

CFA courses ordinarily last two years. The course expenses for CFA range between INR 40,000 and INR 1,00,000. Many colleges in India offer CFA training to help students prepare for the exam. IMS Preschools, FinLearning Academy, Indian School of Business Management and Administration, and Miles Education are among the best institutes for hopefuls to consider.

Candidates who complete a CFA course can work as Chartered Financial Analysts, Investment Bankers, Portfolio Managers, Equity Research Analysts, or Risk Managers. After obtaining substantial years of experience, the average income after completing a CFA course in India ranges between INR 22 LPA and INR 35 LPA.  

CFA: Course Overview

Parameter Information
Course Term 2 years
Eligibility An undergraduate degree in any specialization with 4 years of employment background
Admission Procedure Application Based
CFA Course Fees 40,000 to 1,00,000 INR
Average Pay INR 22 Lakhs Per Annum - 35 Lakhs Per Annum
Leading Recruiters SBI, ITC, JP Morgan and Co, E&T, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Deloitte, Bharti Airtel, and Citigroup
Career Profiles Chartered Financial Analyst, Risk Manager, Equity Research Analyst, Investment Manager, Portfolio Manager

What is a CFA course?

The CFA course is a professional certificate provided by the CFA Institute. The program information is as follows.

  1. This qualification is highly acknowledged among financial and investing professionals.
  2. The CFA program is organized into three levels, each with a 6-hour exam. • The curriculum covers ethics, investment instruments, corporate finance, equity investment, and more.
  3. Prior job experience and a bachelor's degree are required for CFA certification.
  4. To receive the CFA certificate, students must pass all three exam levels. Candidates who complete the certificate program can expect to find a variety of well-paying positions in the banking business. 

Course Fees in Top Colleges in India

Many institutes in India provide programs to help students prepare for the CFA exam. These preparation courses contain study materials, professional coaching, and practice exams to guarantee that students are adequately prepared for the CFA examination procedure. Some of the top CFA colleges are listed below. 

Institute Name Location Fees
Chiranjeev Jain CA Coaching Hyderabad 12,390 INR
RVM Finishing School of Finance Hyderabad 50,000 INR
Benchmarx Academy Mumbai 26,000 INR
FinLearning Academy New Delhi 30,000 INR
Orbit Institutes Pvt Ltd Chennai 1.3 L
IMS Proschool Pune 20,000 - 40,000 INR
Miles Education New Delhi 35,000 INR
Indian School of Business Management and Administration Nagpur 21,000 INR
IMS Proschool Gurgaon 20,000 - 40,000 INR
IMS Proschool Kochi 20,000 INR
Financial Planning Academy Mumbai 3.5 L

Course Fees in Top Private Colleges

The table below shows the best private CFA colleges in India along with their total tuition fees

Private Colleges Total Tuition Fee
IMS ProSchool, Pune Admission 20,000 – 40,000 INR
IMS Proschool, Kochi Admission 20,000 – 40,000 INR
Miles Education Admission 35,000 INR
ICFL - ICICIdirect Centre For Financial Learning Admission 29,000 INR
Indian School of Business Management and Administration Nagpur Admission 21,000 INR

CFA Course Fees Structure

Description Amount
Early Enrollment Fee USD 940 (approx INR 78,881.54)
Standard Enrollment Fee USD 1,250 (approx INR 1,03,791)
Examination fees for CFA Level 1 USD 350 (approx INR 29,061)
Examination fees for CFA Level 2 USD 350 (approx INR 29,061)
Examination fees for CFA Level 3 USD 350 (approx INR 29,061)

Why take a CFA course: Benefits 

Obtaining a CFA certificate can provide various benefits, including the following.

  1. The CFA curriculum includes various finance topics, enabling candidates to gain deep knowledge and abilities. It can be helpful in a range of areas throughout the sector.
  2. The CFA certificate is widely recognized and can lead to improved job possibilities.
  3. A CFA certificate might increase professional progression opportunities as employers recognize the skills and information it provides.
  4. A CFA certificate grants access to a global network of financial professionals who may share expertise and create industry ties.
  5. The CFA program is flexible, allowing students to study and work full-time. 

CFA vs CA: Course Comparison

The CFA course is frequently confused with the Chartered Accountancy Course, as both are respected degrees in the finance business. CFA focuses on investment management and analysis, whereas CA includes a broader finance and management skill set. The table below compares the differences between a CFA and a CA course.

Parameter CFA CA
Eligibility Undergraduate degree in any discipline with four years of work experience Class 12th with 50 Percentile
Admission Procedure Registration on the CFA website Foundation course: Class 12th Direct Entry: Graduation
Entrance Exam NA Common Proficiency Test
Leading Universities Chiranjeev Jain CA Coaching, Benchmarx Academy, RVM Finishing School of Finance, IMS Proschool Vidya Sagar Career Institute Ltd, Nahata Professional Academy, Academy of Commerce, Aldine CA.
Course Fees (INR) 1,90,000 - 5,00,000 INR INR 50,000 - 1,50,000 INR
Topmost Recruiters SBI, Bharti Airtel, Citigroup, ITC, JP Morgan and Co, E&T, Deloitte, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank Lodha & Co., PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC), KPMG, Deloitte, Ernst & Young (EY)
Job Profiles Chartered Financial Analyst, Portfolio Manager, Risk Manager, Investment Manager, Equity Research Analyst Accountants, Accounting, Auditors, Taxation, Managers, Experts
Average Salaries (INR) 22 Lakhs Per Annum - 35 Lakhs Per Annum 15 Lakhs Per Annum- 25 Lakhs Per Annum

Who should take the CFA course?

The CFA course is aimed at people who want to work in finance, namely in investment management and financial analysis. Some profiles that can benefit from a CFA certificate are listed below.

The CFA course can benefit finance professionals by expanding their knowledge and employment opportunities.

  • The CFA course benefits investment analysts by covering various topics, such as investment analysis and portfolio management. 
  • Aspiring Portfolio Managers often pursue the CFA course to effectively manage investment profiles and make decisions for clients and organizations.
  • The CFA program benefits risk managers by comprehensively apprehending monetary markets, risk reviews, and instruments.
  • The CFA program benefits economists seeking to apply their knowledge of financial markets and investments.

CFA Courses: Eligibility

Individuals must meet specific qualifying conditions to be considered for the CFA course. The general eligibility requirements are as follows.

  1. Candidates are required to have a bachelor's degree in any field. Applicants in their final year of undergraduate study are also welcome to apply, but they must complete their coursework before taking the Level 2 test.
  2. To sit for the Level 1 exam, candidates must have completed 4000 work hours or three years of higher education.
  3. Candidates with internships or their enterprises are eligible to apply. The only criterion is that you have a paycheck.
  4.  The ideal candidate has work experience in leadership, business communications, critical thinking, time management, professional judgment, analytical skills, and adaptability.
  5. Candidates must be fluent in English and provide a professional compliance statement. 

CFA  Entrance Exam

Dates CFA  Entrance Exam Level I 

Session Application Deadline Exam Date
February 2024 To be Notified February 19 - 25, 2024
May 2024 February 6, 2024 May 15 - 21, 2024
August 2024 May 14, 2024 August 20 - 26, 2024
November 2024 August 7, 2024 November 13 - 19, 2024

Dates CFA  Entrance Exam Level  II 

Session Application Deadline Exam Date
May 2024 February 6, 2024 May 22 - 26, 2024
August 2024 May 14, 2024 August 27 - 31, 2024
November 2024 August 7, 2024 November 20 - 24, 2024

Dates CFA  Entrance Exam Level  III 

Session Application Deadline Exam Date
February 2024 To be Notified February 15 - 18, 2024
August 2024 May 14, 2024 August 16 - 19, 2024

India's Top CFA Colleges

The top CFA colleges in India are compared below:

College Name
Pune's IMS ProSchool
IMS Proschool, Chennai
Narayana Business School
Mumbai's IMS Proschool, Navi

CFA Admission Process

CFA Admissions requires candidates to register for the CFA exam by creating an account on the official CFA website. The CFA course has no admission exam, but candidates must pass all three levels. CFA Exam Dates The CFA exam is administered in multiple sessions throughout the year. The Level I test is administered four times yearly, whereas the Level II and III exams are administered twice yearly.

CFA syllabus

The CFA course comprises three levels, each focused on a particular aspect. The first Level focuses on knowledge and comprehension, the second on application and analysis, and the third on synthesis and evaluation. The table below provides an overview of the CFA course syllabus and exam weightage.

Subjects Level I Weightage Level II Weightage Level III Weightage
Ethical and Professional Norms 15-20 10-15 10-15
Quantitative Techniques 8-12 5-10 N/A
Economic 8-12 5-10 5-10
Financial Analysis 13-17 10-15 N/A
Corporate Issuer 8-12 5-10 N/A
Equity Acquisitions 10-12 10-15 10-15
Fixed Revenue 10-12 10-15 15-20
By-products 5-8 5-10 5-10
Alternative Acquisitions 5-8 5-10 5-10
Portfolio Management & Wealth Planning 5-8 10-15 35-40

CFA Scope 

The qualification is highly deemed in finance and can lead to various job prospects. Some opportunities are listed below.

  1. Candidates can engage in investment management for asset management firms and pension funds, optimizing investment portfolios.
  2. CFAs are qualified financial analysts who analyze market patterns and provide decision-making insights.
  3. CFAs can work for multinational organizations or financial institutions, utilizing their global financial market and economic expertise.
  4. CFA specialists can focus on alternative investing options, including deals, strategies, and due diligence.
  5. Corporate finance positions require CFAs with experience in financial analysis and strategic decision-making. 

CFA Courses: Jobs and Salaries

The designation is widely respected in the financial business and can lead to various work options. The table below shows some top profiles candidates can pursue after completing the course.

Job Profile Job Description Average Annual Salary (INR)
Chartered Financial Analyst Analyze economic portfolios and develop proposals. 11 Lakhs
Investment Manager Drive investment for people or companies. 5.3 Lakhs
Portfolio Manager Make acquisition conclusions for a portfolio of investments owned by people or businesses. 11.1 Lakhs
Equity Research Analyst Define the significance of the company's stocks and foretell prospective monetary plans by interpreting financial data and public records. 9.9 Lakhs
Risk Manager Evaluate and address the monetary and operational hazards associated with the investment. 10.8 Lakhs

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mode of CFA exams?

The CFA tests at all three levels (I, II, and III) are computer-based (CBT). You'll take the exams on a computer in a designated testing center. The format facilitates fast administration and scoring while offering standardized testing circumstances for all candidates.

So, no more paper and pencil for CFA tests! Practice using the CBT platform and become acquainted with the UI before your exam.

What is the CFA course?

The CFA is a professional degree that qualifies applicants to operate effectively as financial professionals. It has three levels, each assessing a different aspect of financial analysis and investment management. 

Is CFA more difficult than CA?

The difficulty varies depending on the individual. Generally, CFA is more complicated.

Is the CFA better than the MBA?

CFA education is more finance-specific and technically oriented than an MBA, costing less. Whether it is superior to an MBA depends on the candidate's preferences and future aspirations.

What is the CFA course salary?

The CFA course salary varies according to the course level. The average pay ranges between INR 8 and INR 35 LPA.

What score do you need to pass the CFA Level 1?

There needs to be a fixed passing score for the CFA Level 1 exam in India, or anywhere else for that matter. Instead, the CFA Institute uses a Minimum Passing Score (MPS) that varies from exam window to exam window. This means the bar for passing can shift slightly depending on the exam's difficulty and the test-taker's performance.

While the exact MPS remains confidential until results are released, historical data and analyst estimates can offer some guidance:

  1. Recent MPS estimates for CFA Level 1 in India:
  2. November 2023: 68%
  3. August 2023: 67%
  4. May 2023: 69%
  5. February 2023: 69%
  6. 12-year average MPS for CFA Level 1 globally: 65%
  7. The 12-year average MPS for CFA Level 1 internationally is 65%.

Who is eligible for the CFA?

Candidates with a UG degree in any discipline or their last year are eligible for CFA. They should also have at least four years of job experience.

Is mathematics required in CFA?

To pass the CFA exam, candidates must have strong math skills.

What is the length of a CFA course?

CFA courses typically last two years.

Is CFA level I easier than other levels?

Level I is considered more accessible compared to the other levels because it focuses on foundational knowledge and financial concepts. 

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