CFA Level 1 Exam Dates and Cost Registration Fees in India
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification, offered by the CFA Institute, is a globally recognized credential for finance professionals. It consists of three levels—Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3—all of which must be cleared to earn the certification.
Level 1 is often considered the most challenging due to its vast syllabus and conceptual depth.
This blog covers CFA Level 1 exam dates for 2025, along with registration details and fees in India to help you plan your CFA journey effectively.
CFA Examination Fee Structure In India
he CFA Institute offers a two-tiered fee structure for all 2025 examination windows:
-
Exam Registration Fees & Details
Early Registration Fee: $900 (Approx. ₹74,500)
- Available until approximately 5 months before each exam date.
- Provides a significant $300 discount.
- Recommended for candidates who can plan their exam schedule in advance.
Standard Registration Fee: $1,200 (Approx. ₹99,300)
- Available until approximately 3 months before each exam date.
- Final opportunity to register for the respective exam window.
- Higher fee reflects last-minute administrative adjustments.
Fee Consistency Across 2025
- Identical pricing applies to all four exam windows (February, May, August, November).
- Ensures financial predictability regardless of the chosen test date.
Additional Financial Considerations
- Fees cover examination access only.
- Study materials are priced separately.
- Preparation courses require additional investment.
- A one-time program enrollment fee is not included in the examination fees.
CFA Level 1 Examination Dates for 2025
CFA Level 1 Exam Schedule 2025
Planning to take the CFA Level 1 Exam in 2025? This table provides all the important dates you need to know. The CFA Institute offers four testing windows throughout the year – February, May, August, and November.
For each exam window, you’ll find:
- When the exam window opens (when you can start scheduling your exam)
- The final registration deadline (last day to register)
- The actual exam date
Mark these dates on your calendar to ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines in your CFA journey. Each testing window follows the same pattern – registration opens on the 1st of the month, the deadline is the 15th, and the exam is held on the 20th.
| **Month | Exam Window Opens | Registration Deadline | Exam Date** |
|---|---|---|---|
| February | February 1, 2025 | February 15, 2025 | February 20, 2025 |
| May | May 1, 2025 | May 15, 2025 | May 20, 2025 |
| August | August 1, 2025 | August 15, 2025 | August 20, 2025 |
| November | November 1, 2025 | November 15, 2025 | November 20, 2025 |
Remember to register well before the deadline to secure your preferred testing location and time slot. Good luck with your CFA studies!
Registration Fees and Deadlines
We encourage candidates to register early for the CFA exam to save significantly on fees. Early registration provides a $300 discount, reducing the fee to $900 (₹74,500) instead of $1,200 (₹99,300) for standard registration. Planning ahead not only helps with budgeting but also secures your exam slot at a lower cost.
Please note that once both registration periods have closed, candidates will be unable to register for that particular exam window. To ensure timely progression toward your CFA charter, please mark these important 2025 registration deadlines:
-
Exam Registration Deadlines & Fees (2025)
February 2025 Exam
- Early Registration Deadline: September 12, 2024 ($900 / ₹74,500)
- Standard Registration Deadline: November 7, 2024 ($1,200 / ₹99,300)
May 2025 Exam
- Early Registration Deadline: December 5, 2024 ($900 / ₹74,500)
- Standard Registration Deadline: February 7, 2025 ($1,200 / ₹99,300)
August 2025 Exam
- Early Registration Deadline: March 7, 2025 ($900 / ₹74,500)
- Standard Registration Deadline: May 9, 2025 ($1,200 / ₹99,300)
November 2025 Exam
- Early Registration Deadline: June 6, 2025 ($900 / ₹74,500)
- Standard Registration Deadline: August 8, 2025 ($1,200 / ₹99,300)
Missing these registration deadlines may delay your professional advancement and certification timeline. We strongly recommend adding these dates to your calendar and planning accordingly to secure your preferred exam date and maximize your savings.
CFA Exam Deferrals, Rescheduling, and Cancellations: Everything You Need to Know
Life happens, and sometimes you need to adjust your CFA exam schedule. Here’s what you should know:
Deferring Your CFA Exam
You can defer your exam to a later window for a $399 fee, but only in cases of:
- Illness
- Family emergencies
- Military service
Deferrals must be requested before the exam window begins.
Rescheduling Your CFA Exam
If you need to change your test date within the same exam window, you can reschedule for $250.
- Must be done at least 48 hours before your test time.
Canceling Your CFA Exam
- No refunds unless in extreme cases.
- CFA Institute has strict cancellation policies, so plan carefully before registering.
Plan wisely to avoid extra fees and stress!
CFA Exam Structure and Format: What to Expect on Exam Day
Understanding the CFA exam format helps you prepare better. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Exam Sessions & Timing
- The CFA Level 1 exam has two sessions: morning and afternoon.
- Each session lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Question Format
- The exam has 180 multiple-choice questions.
- Questions are equally divided between both sessions.
Topics Covered
- Ethical and Professional Standards
- Financial Reporting and Analysis
- Quantitative Methods
- Portfolio Management
Exam Mode & Location
- The CFA exam is computer-based.
- Candidates take it at designated CFA exam centers.
- Arrive early to avoid last-minute stress.
Conclusion
With the details of the CFA Level 1 exam dates, candidates know the exact amount of time that they have for preparations. Make sure you mark the important dates for registration and rescheduling so you don’t miss any deadlines.
The WallStreet School offers CFA online course and classroom bootcamp coaching for the CFA Level 1 exam. With these courses, ensure top-notch preparation for the CFA Level 1 exam and get ahead in your finance career!
Visit The WallStreet School or contact us via email or phone (+91-9953729651) for more details.
FAQs
- How difficult is the CFA Level 1 exam?
The CFA Level 1 examination is quite challenging. However, with clarity in the concepts of the various subjects, practice and hard work, you can clear CFA Level 1.
- How many times is the CFA Level 1 exam held in a year in India?
CFA Level 1 exams are conducted four times a year in India in February, May, August and November. If you plan to appear for the exams, follow the last dates for enrolment, registration, scheduling, and rescheduling.
- What is the passing score for the CFA Level 1 exam?
The CFA Institute sets the minimum passing score for the CFA Level 1 exam not higher than 70%. Therefore, the highest score bracket is 70-100% for passing a particular topic.
- What are the CFA Level 1 fees in India?
The CFA Level 1 registration fees in India can vary based on the registration period. Early registration costs around USD 940 (INR 78,000/- approx), while standard registration costs approximately USD USD 1,250 (INR 1,04,000/- approx).
- How much does the CFA course cost in total?
The CFA course fees depend on how early you register for each level. On average, the entire CFA program, from Level 1 to Level 3, costs between USD 2,400 and USD 3,600,
- What is included in the CFA registration fee?
The CFA registration fee includes a one-time enrollment fee of USD 350 (INR 29,000/- approx). This fee is separate from the CFA exam fees and is required only once when you begin the CFA program.
- Are there any additional costs beyond CFA fees in India?
Yes, beyond the CFA fees in India, candidates may need to budget for study materials, review courses, and potential travel expenses if they need to travel to an exam center.
- Is there a difference in CFA course fees in India and other countries?
No, the CFA fees are the same all over the world and so in India. Fees are quoted in USD, and currency conversion depends on the prevailing exchange rate.
- How much is the CFA Level 1 cost, including all registration fees?
The CFA Level 1 cost typically includes the one-time registration fee of USD 350 and the exam fee, which ranges from USD 900 to USD 1,200, depending on when you register.
- Can CFA Level 1 fees be refunded if I cannot attend the exam?
No, the registration fees for a CFA Level 1 exam are not refundable. However, CFA Institute allows for rescheduling at an additional fee, subject to availability and specific policies.
