CFA or a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is a gold standard designation in the finance field. It is a prestigious qualification whose relevance in India has skyrocketed in recent years. As of 2023, India has over 3500 CFA chartholders, employed in sectors like financial planning, risk mitigation, private equity and much more.
This examination can be a tough nut to crack, but it is a popular designation which comes with benefits like global exposure and high remuneration. Be it the starting point of your financial career, or a much-needed career switch, a CFA degree is a ticket to attractive careers.
So, if you’re in soup about a CFA course in India, whether it is rewarding or not, this blog will clear your doubts.
A sky-high demand for CFA professionals in India
Wondering if it’s worth enrolling on a CFA course in India? Yes, it is! It is a globally recognised credential which sets you apart from other candidates. Not only in India, with this certification, you can also bag a job abroad.
As of August 2024, the pass rate of CFA level 1 was 44%, level 2 was 47% and level 3 was 48%, which has grown from an average of 40% in 2023. The top recruiters of CFA professionals in India include the Big 4 companies, SBI, Bajaj Finance, and Crisil.
In FY24, the Indian capital market saw a surge of 26.8% which had declined earlier by 8.2%. This growth attracts investments, and with more Indian population investing in capital markets, the near future will see a rising demand for CFA professionals for accurate analysis and innovative investment strategies.
Rewarding career avenues for CFA chart holders in India
CFA chart holders work closely with their clients, ensuring that they make accurate investment decisions. As a financial expert, you will help your client diversify their portfolio, invest their capital in profitable sectors and offer other financial services. Below are a few lucrative career avenues you can explore after completing a CFA course in India:
Investment banker
As an investment banker, you will help your clients raise capital. You will also advise them on the best investment strategies, which stocks to buy or sell, and how to improve their financial stability by restructuring their debts.
Key skills:
- Quantitative skills
- Communication and networking ability
- Persuasiveness
Average salary in India:
INR 15 LPA.
Top recruiters:
JPMorgan Chase & Co., Goldman Sachs, HDFC Bank, Morgan Stanley.
Risk manager
Risk managers are required to identify, assess and mitigate risks that could potentially impact their clients’ profitability. You will curate risk profiles to prioritise the potential risks as per significance, continuously monitor risk exposure and also check for the effectiveness of mitigation strategies.
Key skills:
- Analytical skills
- Technical proficiency
- Negotiation and diplomacy
Average salary in India:
INR 12.9 LPA.
Top recruiters:
American Express, Credit Suisse, Standard Chartered, Canara Bank.
Portfolio manager
A portfolio manager is in charge of every investment decision of a client, specifically portfolio diversification. This is a research-intensive role, wherein you will be studying previous market trends, and choosing the most profitable investment for your client. You will constantly keep an eye on the portfolio performance, and make necessary adjustments to optimise the returns.
Key skills:
-
Attention to detail
- Client management
- Quick decision making
Average salary in India:
INR 12.6 LPA.
Top recruiters:
Capgemini, IBM, Wells Fargo, HDFC Bank
How to get started with a CFA course in India?
Embarking on a CFA course in India will transform your financial career. In this course you will gain a strong foundational knowledge on real-world investment scenarios, and how to tackle the financial hurdles. Not only a vast knowledge, but a CFA course in India is a gateway to attractive job opportunities in esteemed institutions.
But, how can you achieve this gold standard investment credential? Read on to know whether you are eligible for this course or not!
- A bachelor’s degree from a reputed institution is a must.
- Any aspirant in their final year bachelor course can also apply.
- Either a 4000-hour or 3-year work experience during the registration time.
Let’s not forget that being eligible and enrolling on a CFA course in India is just the first step. To be a successful CFA you will have many sleepless nights and nerve-wracking moments.
Here’s a checklist to pull you through these difficult times:
- Craft a suitable, doable study plan and be disciplined enough to follow through with it.
- Invest your time and capital in CFA Institute’s official resources. Practice questions are available on the page, which mostly aligns with the exam format.
- Solve practice papers, and mock tests regularly to be familiar with the paper pattern and time management.
- Review and revise the core concepts which will reinforce your understanding.
Invest in your future!
If you’re questioning yourself on whether it’s easy to pursue a CFA course in India or not, the answer is no. This is a challenging course, which will test your patience, tenacity and ability to study consistently. However, at the end of this journey, you have a rewarding career waiting, which makes all this struggle worthwhile.
Choose the right institute to pursue your course, and your learning journey will be as smooth as butter! Good luck!
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
- What is the cost of a CFA course in India?
In India, the cost of a CFA certification varies between INR 1 lakh and 3.5 lakhs. These fees can vary with the type of institution and its location.
- Is there any age limit for taking the CFA examination in India?
No, there’s no age limit to take the CFA examination. This examination is open for candidates across multiple professional and educational backgrounds in various age groups.
- Is learning mathematics required in a CFA course?
Yes, you must be fluent in basic mathematics and have calculator literacy. The examination includes topics like basic statistics, probability, and algebra. It also requires a BA2 Plus calculator, which has a built-in formula.
