In today’s competitive finance industry, choosing the right professional course is critical. Among the top career choices in India, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Chartered Accountant (CA) stand out. Both carry immense respect, but their course fees, career scope, salary prospects, and global recognition differ widely.

If you are wondering whether to choose CFA or CA, this blog gives a detailed comparison of course fees, career opportunities, salaries, and difficulty levels in India and abroad. We have also included easy-to-read tables and FAQs to help you make the right choice. For a broader perspective, you may also read about CPA vs CMA vs CFA.

Latest Updates :

• Mastering the CFA Syllabus: Your Comprehensive Guide to Success
• CFA Chartered Financial Analyst Course, A Comprehensive Guide on CFA Course
• CFA vs. ACCA: Course Details, Salary, and Jobs
• 

CFA vs CA: Quick Course Overview

CFA Course Overview

• A globally recognised certification offered by the CFA Institute, USA
  

• Specialises in investment banking, portfolio management, equity research, corporate finance, risk management
  

• Duration: 2–3 years (if cleared in the first attempt)
  

• Conducted in 3 levels: CFA Level I, II, and III
  

• Strong international career opportunities (Read: ACCA vs CFA career opportunities)
  

For more insights, see CFA vs CMA comparison.

CA Course Overview

• A highly respected Indian qualification offered by ICAI (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India)
  

• Specialises in accounting, auditing, taxation, law, financial reporting
  

• Duration: 4–5 years (depending on attempts)
  

• Conducted in 3 levels: Foundation, Intermediate, and Final
  

• Strong dominance in the Indian corporate sector (Also check ACCA vs CFA vs FRM).
  

Course Fees: CFA vs CA

If you plan to take CFA, check the detailed CFA exam registration process and fees.

CFA Course Fees in India

• One-time registration fee: $350 (₹29,000 approx.)
  
  

• Exam fee (per level): $940–$1,250 (₹78,000–₹1,05,000)
  
  

• Total cost: ₹2.5–3 lakhs for all three levels (See also CFA course fees guide).
  
  

CA Course Fees in India

• Foundation: ₹9,800
  
  

• Intermediate: ₹18,000
  
  

• Final: ₹22,000
  
  

• Articleship fee: ₹2,000
  
  

• Total cost: ₹60,000–₹75,000
  
  

For those planning globally, you may read US CPA vs CFA.

Table 1: CFA vs CA Course Fees

Feature	CFA Course (Approx.)	CA Course (Approx.)
Registration Fee	₹29,000	₹9,800 (Foundation)
Exam Fees	₹78,000–₹1,05,000 per level	₹18,000–₹22,000 per level
Articleship/Other	Not mandatory	₹2,000 (Articleship fee)
Total Cost	₹2.5–3 lakhs	₹60,000–₹75,000

Career Scope After CFA and CA

CFA aspirants can explore top CFA courses online.

Career Opportunities for CFA

• Investment Banker
  

• Equity Research Analyst
  

• Portfolio Manager
  

• Hedge Fund Manager
  

• Corporate Finance Analyst
  

• Risk Manager
  

• Wealth Management Professional (Know more in career scope of CFA)
  

For detailed CFA guidance, see What is CFA exam.

Career Opportunities for CA

• Auditor & Tax Consultant
  

• Chartered Accountant in corporates
  

• Finance Controller
  

• CFO (Chief Financial Officer)
  

• Corporate Accountant
  

• Business Advisor
  

• Forensic Accountant
  
  

If you are considering CFA as well, here’s a guide to pursuing CFA in India.

Table 2: CFA vs CA Career Scope

Feature	CFA Career Options	CA Career Options
Core Focus	Investments, Global Finance	Accounting, Tax, Audit
Industry Demand	Banking, Investment Firms	Corporate, Audit, Consulting
Global Opportunities	Very High	Limited outside India
Job Titles	Investment Banker, Analyst, PM	Auditor, CFO, Consultant
Work Flexibility	Global mobility	Indian corporate dominance

Key Insight: CFA is ideal for global finance roles, while CA ensures a strong career in Indian taxation, accounting, and auditing. For CFA prep, check Level 1 exam preparation guide.

Salary Comparison: CFA vs CA

For detailed CFA earnings, refer to CFA vs CPA salary comparison.

CFA Salaries in India

• Entry-level: ₹6–10 LPA
  

• Mid-level: ₹12–20 LPA
  

• Senior-level: ₹30–50 LPA+
  

CA Salaries in India

• Entry-level: ₹6–8 LPA
  

• Mid-level: ₹12–18 LPA
  

• Senior-level: ₹25–45 LPA+
  

You may also like CFA vs MBA finance differences.

Table 3: CFA vs CA Salaries

Level of Experience	CFA Salary (Approx.)	CA Salary (Approx.)
Entry-level	₹6–10 LPA	₹6–8 LPA
Mid-level	₹12–20 LPA	₹12–18 LPA
Senior-level	₹30–50 LPA+	₹25–45 LPA+

Key Insight: CFA earns higher in global finance, while CA is consistently rewarding in India. For more resources, explore CFA study materials.

Difficulty Level of CFA vs CA

For syllabus clarity, review CFA exam structure.

CFA Difficulty

• Only 3 levels
  

• Moderate pass rate: 40–45% per level
  

• Focus: financial analysis, valuation, ethics, investments
  

• Self-study friendly (Read: planning your CFA journey)
  
  

CA Difficulty

• 3 levels with extensive syllabus
  

• Very low pass rates: 8–12% in Final
  

• Requires articleship (3 years)
  

• Focus: accounting, taxation, corporate law, auditing
  

 Insight: CA is considered tougher due to low pass rates and practical training, while CFA is challenging but more focused on finance. If in doubt, see CFA vs FRM career guide.

Read More

• US CPA Exam Pass Rate: What You Need to Know to Crack the CPA Pass Rate
• Eligibility Criteria for Becoming a US CPA  
• US CPA course After MBA in Finance | A Complete Guide

Global Recognition: CFA vs CA

CFA is globally valued (see CFA course in India), while CA recognition abroad is limited. For alternatives, read CFA vs ACCA.

Pros & Cons of CFA vs CA

For pros/cons breakdown, check CFA certification advantages.

Pros of CFA

• International recognition
  

• High demand in investment banking, portfolio management
  

• Shorter duration (2–3 years)
  

• High salary potential in global markets (Also: CFA online courses)
  

Cons of CFA

• Expensive course fees
  

• Requires strong finance background
  

• Not focused on taxation or audit
  

Pros of CA

• Prestigious in India
  

• Affordable fees compared to CFA
  

• Wide career opportunities in corporates and firms
  

• Eligibility to start own practice
  

Cons of CA

• Lengthy duration with low pass rate
  

• Limited global recognition compared to CFA
  

• Intense competition in India (see also ACCA vs CFA).
  

Conclusion

Both CFA and CA are prestigious qualifications, but they serve different career goals.

• Choose CFA if you dream of working in global finance, portfolio management, or investment banking.
  
  

• Choose CA if you prefer a stable and respected career in accounting, taxation, or corporate finance in India.
  Both CFA and CA lead to high-paying, rewarding careers. The decision depends on whether you want a global finance career (CFA) or a domestic accounting career (CA). For better preparation, explore CFA syllabus mastery and time management tips.

Still confused about which finance course is right for you? Join our exclusive webinar where industry expert M Irfat Sir will personally guide you through CMA USA, CPA, ACCA, and EA helping you make the smartest career choice.Have questions? Call or WhatsApp us directly at 8147470505 we’re here to help! 

Best CMA Books and Study Materials for US Exam 2025

Trending Blogs
Course	Links
ACCA	ACCA vs MBA Which is better Career Option after ACCA
CMA US	CMA US Job Opportunities  Best CMA books
CPA US	CPA Course after Bcom  CPA Salary in India
Enrolled Agent	Enrolled Agent course Job & salary Enrolled Agent Sample questions