“Will I ever be able to finish this while working full-time?”
That’s the very first doubt most professionals have when they think about pursuing the FRM certification in India. And honestly, it’s a fair question. Balancing long office hours, weekend calls, family commitments, and then squeezing in FRM prep—it almost feels impossible at first glance.
But here’s the truth: it’s challenging, not impossible. Thousands of working professionals in India complete FRM every year, and with the right plan, so can you. Let’s break it down in simple words, so you don’t have to keep searching around.
Let’s break it down, chai-time style, so it’s easy, practical, and straight to the point.
How long does it take to complete FRM certification
On paper, the FRM timeline is anywhere between 12 months (fast track) to 3 years (extended track). But in reality, most Indian professionals find their sweet spot around 18–24 months.
Why the gap? Simple, everyone’s work life looks different. A 9-to-6 job with free weekends feels very different from consulting or investment banking hours. That’s why the timeline isn’t “one-size-fits-all.”
The Fast Track: 12–14 Months
Yes, it’s possible to clear both FRM Part I and Part II in a single year if you:
- Put in 20–25 study hours every week
- Already have a strong background in finance, risk, or statistics.
- Are okay with giving up most weekends and some social time.
Most candidates take Part I in May and Part II in November. It’s quick and rewarding, but also intense. If your job is unpredictable, this path can burn you out.
The Balanced Plan: 18–24 Months
This is where most Indian professionals fit in. Think of it as the “realistic timeline.” You prepare Part I in one exam cycle (say May 2025), and then go for Part II either the following November or May.
- Study hours: 10–15 per week.
- Easy to manage alongside a 9-to-6 job
- Gives space for family, deadlines, and breathing room
It may take longer, but it’s sustainable. And honestly, sustainability is what ensures success. For most, 18–24 months is the sweet spot.
The Safety Net Plan: 2.5–3 Years
Life happens — busy job, career change, family or health needs. If your FRM prep takes 2.5–3 years, that’s not failure. It’s just smart planning.
This path works for those:
- With demanding consulting or investment banking jobs.
- Coming from non-finance backgrounds like engineering or IT.
- Needing to take breaks between exams.
At the end of the day, the goal is the certification. Whether you take 1 year or 3, it doesn’t reduce its value. What matters is crossing the finish line without burning out.
What Really Decides Your Timeline?
1. Your Work Schedule and Study Hours
If you’ve got a 9-to-6 job, planning is easier. But if your nights and weekends belong to work, your FRM prep will naturally take longer. In the end, it’s all about consistency.
2. Your Background Knowledge
Commerce and finance graduates usually save time because they already know concepts like derivatives, VaR, and statistics. Non-finance backgrounds (like IT or engineering) need extra prep, often 30% more hours.
3. Your Exam Attempt Strategy
Do you play it safe or go all in?
- Safe route: One part at a time. Balanced and less stressful.
- Aggressive route: Both parts in the same year. Fast, but higher burnout risk.
Tips to Shorten Your FRM Timeline Without Burning Out
- Time Management Hacks – Morning hours often work better than late nights. Use commute or lunch breaks for quick reviews.
- Use Tech Smartly – Make the most of FRM prep apps, online lectures, flashcards, and AI-driven practice tools to save hours.
- Study Together – Join WhatsApp/Telegram groups or GARP India chapters to stay motivated and learn with study buddies.
- Mock Exams – Practice with time limits. It’s the closest you’ll get to exam-day pressure.
2025 Trends Making a Difference
- Hybrid Courses & Recorded Lectures: Indian institutes like The WallStreet School now offer flexible online sessions so you can revisit concepts anytime.
- AI Study Tools: Adaptive revision tools now tell you where you’re weak, saving precious hours.
- Growing Peer Groups: With more candidates from India taking FRM, you’ll find larger prep communities and study buddies.
The Final Word
So, how long does it take to complete FRM certification if you’re a working professional in India 2025? The short answer:
- Fast track = 12–14 months.
- Balanced = 18–24 months (most common).
- Safety net = 2.5–3 years.
At the end, it’s not about speed, it’s about small steps. Whether you take 1 year or 3, FRM opens big doors in banking, consulting, and fintech.
Courses like FRM Coaching Classes offered by The WallStreet School have guided thousands of students. It doesn’t just prepare you for exams but also helps you master interviews, get placements and build a clear career path.
And for FRM study material, check out our blog, Best Books for FRM Curriculum: Top Study Materials.
FAQs
Q1. How much time will it take to complete FRM?
Ans. Usually 1.5–2 years. Some finish faster, some take longer. It depends on your work, family, and study routine.
Q2. What is the pass rate for FRM?
Ans. Around 40–45% clear Part 1, and 55–60% clear Part 2. With smart study, your chances go higher.
Q3. Can I give FRM part 1 and 2 together?
Ans. Yes, you can. But most students give them separately because the syllabus is heavy.
Q4. Can I get a job after FRM level 1?
Ans. Yes, Level 1 helps you get internships or junior roles. For big career jumps, you’ll need both levels.
Q5. What is the fee for FRM 2025?
Ans. FRM fees are about $600–800 (₹50,000–65,000) for each part, plus a one-time $400 (₹33,000) registration fee. The exact amount changes with dollar rates.
