Are you looking forward to a career offering one of the highest distinctions in investment management? Consider becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst.
A Chartered Financial Analyst analyses market trends and helps clients make wise investment decisions. They are skilled in managing portfolios, valuing securities, and making informed investment decisions.
However, there are specific criteria that one has to fulfil to qualify as a Chartered Financial Analyst. A course in CFA will help you validate your knowledge and earn you a respectable and high-paying career in the investment industry.
Read on to learn everything about the best CFA course in India.
Who can pursue a CFA course in India?
A CFA course in India is ideally suited for the following:
- Fresh graduates: A fresher who is just out of college and aspires to build a prestigious career in the investment finance industry can gain knowledge from this course.
- Professionals engaged in the investment industry: This course is open to professionals already working in the investment finance industry who are looking to upskill.
- Management professionals: The CFA course can benefit individuals who understand management and want to transition to the financial sector, performing tasks like portfolio management, financial management, wealth management, etc.
- Academicians: Teachers who teach investment finance in higher education institutes can enrol in the course for better research. This will improve their credentials and acceptance.
What is taught in a CFA course in India?
Candidates aspiring to assume leadership roles in the investment industry should acquire the right skills and knowledge to excel in investment analysis. For this, they must opt for a course that will prepare them to become certified Chartered Financial Analysts.
The road to becoming a certified Chartered Financial Analyst goes through three levels.
The course is rigorous. In all the three levels, learners are taught the following subjects:
- Corporate Finance
- Financial Reporting Analysis
- Equity
- Alternative Investment
- Derivative
- Fixed Income
- Quantitative Techniques
- Portfolio Management
- Ethics
- Economics.
Candidates must appear for an exam at each level and qualify for the next level. The weightage of questions from each section varies depending on the exam level.
Candidates must clear all three exam levels to earn the CFA certification.
Let us now look at the three exam levels of the CFA course in India.
CFA course in India exam levels
Let us now have a look at how the exam of the three levels of the CFA course is structured:
CFA Level 1
The CFA Level 1 examination is MCQ-based and is conducted four times yearly: February, May, August, and November.
Eligibility criteria:
The following can enrol for the Level 1 course and appear for the exam:
- Candidates who have completed a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognised university.
- Undergraduates who have 23 months or less left before the graduation month.
- BCom, MCom
- Postgraduates (MCom, MBA)
- CA/CA Inter
- Working professionals with a combination of higher education and 4 years and/or 4,000 hours of work experience.
CFA Level 2
This is the second step in one’s journey to become a certified CFA. Learners who qualify for the Level 1 examination can take the Level 2 exams.
The exam consists of situation-based vignettes, followed by MCQs. It is conducted thrice a year.
Eligibility criteria:
The eligibility criteria for appearing for the CFA Level 2 examination is the same as that of the Level 1 examination.
The only additional requirement is that the candidate should have cleared the Level 1 examination.
CFA Level 3
This is the first and final step, clearing, which will earn you your certification as a Chartered Financial Analyst. The Level 3 exam is quite different from the previous two examinations.
It is more of an application-based examination where learners must apply the knowledge acquired from the previous two levels to construct investment portfolios.
Eligibility criteria:
To appear for the Level 3 examination, learners should clear the first two levels. The rest of the eligibility criteria remain the same.
Note: In addition to completing all three levels, four years of relevant work experience are essential to receiving one’s designation as a CFA charter holder.
Career opportunities after the CFA course
The designation of a CFA is highly respected in the finance industry. Completing the CFA course can open up various career opportunities for candidates, each offering a decent salary package.
Some of them are mentioned below:
| Designation | Average Salary |
| Chartered Financial Analyst | INR 6 – INR 15 LPA |
| Risk Manager | INR 3 – 30 LPA |
| Investment Manager | INR 2 – 56 LPA |
| Equity Research Analyst | INR 2 – 24 LPA |
| Private Banker | INR 5 – 25 LPA |
Final Words
Completing all three levels of the CFA course successfully requires strong determination and hard work. Obtaining the CFA charter itself is a mark of intelligence.
The course is recognised worldwide, thereby opening up a wide range of career opportunities. Therefore, choose the CFA charter course and prepare to make an impact in the finance industry.
The Wallstreet School India offers a comprehensive CFA program for students looking to explore their options in the field. This program enhances finance skills and strategies through industry-specific cases and well-researched study materials.
Whether you’re looking for online CFA or classroom learning, sign up today!
For more details, visit The WallStreet School or contact us via email or phone: +91-9999724852.
FAQs
- Why is a CFA course important in India?
Owing to the increasing complexity of the financial markets, asset management firms, investment banks, and mutual funds need CFAs to accomplish their tasks. As a result, the CFA course in India is gaining popularity.
- Does the CFA course have an entrance exam?
The CFA exam does not have an entrance exam. However, candidates must clear all three tiers of the exam to earn the CFA charter.
- Are CFA jobs a good job?
CFA jobs in private and government establishments are highly respected and offer decent packages. The average salary of a CFA is 16 LPA. CFAs are also placed in a variety of sectors, ranging from startups to MNCs.
