Your Guide to Pursuing a CFA Course in India

While the education field and the work market have always been highly competitive, technological advancements have patched them up in recent years. Students with a commerce background, despite being the backbone of the entire economy, face significant challenges in their pursuit of success. However, with great courses like CFA, they can now explore much more rewarding options than the generic bachelor's and master's.

Key Takeaways

• Things To Know About the CFA

• CFA Salary In India

• The CFA Course's Entrance Exam Framework

Who is a CFA?

A chartered financial analyst is a professional who works in the finance and investment domains. The CFA charter is a professional credential that the CFA Institute grants to professionals who have completed this program, cleared all three levels of its exams, and met other professional requirements.

What does a CFA Program do?

At present, there are over 200,000 CFAs worldwide, working in over 164 countries, but what exactly do they do? From a work perspective, the finance industry trains and qualifies CFAs to perform a variety of roles.

Some of the common tasks and responsibilities of a CFA include the following: 

Investment Analysis:

Investment analysis is one of the most prominent working areas of CFAs. This is because they have great analytical skills, which they use to conduct thorough research and financial modeling to assess investment options' potential risks and returns. 

Portfolio Management:

Portfolio management is another great area for CFAs to work on. As a portfolio manager, CFAs develop investment strategies tailored to their client's specific objectives and risk tolerance, regularly reviewing and making necessary adjustments.

Financial Planning and Goal Setting:

CFAs also regularly provide financial planning and goal-setting services. The main reason they excel in this role is their extensive knowledge of finance and investment. Using this knowledge, they provide their clients with expert advice on their financial plans and goals.

However, these are just a few of the roles that CFAs play, and they excel at several other jobs and roles. There are also several other great career opportunities, such as in risk management and corporate finance. Needless to say, the possibilities for a CFA professional are limitless, and there are many options to choose from. 

Things To Know About the CFA Course & CFA Eligibility Criteria

Even though pursuing the CFA course may be many people's ideal career path, it is important to first consider several factors that will affect your entire CFA journey. Therefore, if you're thinking about making a career out of CFA, the following is a thorough list of all the things you should think about before starting your CFA journey in India:

CFA Salary In India

A CFA's pay in India varies depending on several factors, the most important of which is the level of CFA clearance. Students can anticipate a good salary hike after finishing each level. Generally, the salary starts at INR 4 lakhs for beginners and can go up to INR 16 lakhs once they have cleared all three levels and gained some experience. 

CFA Course Fees In India

One of the main USPs of pursuing a CFA in India is the significantly low CFA course fees. Despite being an extensive, almost two- to three-year course, the average fees for the CFA course in India range between INR 40,000 and INR 1,00,000, which is a relatively small price.

The Course Of the CFA Exam

Three distinct levels, each addressing vital aspects of investment and financial practices in varying economic contexts, structure the CFA exam. This division ensures comprehensive understanding across different areas, with students focusing on one segment at a time. This approach minimizes confusion, allowing candidates to master each dimension effectively. The topics generally covered by the CFA curriculum include finance, investment analysis, portfolio management, economics, financial reporting, ethics, and quantitative methods.

CFA Course Eligibility criteria

The CFA course eligibility criteria are as follows:

• Aspirants should hold a bachelor's degree in any discipline.
• Final-year undergraduates are eligible to apply, but they must finish their degree before Level 2.
• Before enrolling in Level 1, complete four thousand work hours or the equivalent amount of higher education spread over three years.
• Interns and business owners qualify with proof of income.
• A candidate's work experience should cover leadership, cooperation, business communications, critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, professional judgment, analytical abilities, and flexibility.
• It is necessary to provide a professional compliance statement and demonstrate English proficiency.

The CFA Course's Entrance Exam Framework

The CFA course has three levels. Students can sit for the CFA Level 1 test if they fulfill the qualifying standards. They only need to pass the prior level to be eligible for the subsequent level, which has far simpler eligibility requirements for the final two levels. Thus, they can advance to CFA Level 2 after completing CFA Level 1 and then to CFA Level 3, the final level, after clearing CFA Level 2. 

CFA Duration

Even with such a large curriculum, it takes little time to pass the CFA tests. On average, it takes three to four years to pass the exam. However, students can easily pass all three levels in two to three years if they adhere to a regular schedule and prepare for them with perseverance and concentration. 

Why pursue the CFA Course in India?

Pursuing CFA has many advantages, especially for Indian students. Here is a comprehensive list of some of the most apparent reasons why one should pursue a CFA course in India: 

Globally Recognized Qualification:

A CFA degree provides immediate acknowledgment as an esteemed investment and financial professional. Once a student becomes a CFA, there is no need for additional examinations to prove their credibility. This acknowledgment confirms their exceptional expertise and competence, positioning them as reliable experts in financial affairs. 

Career Advancement:

The demand for jobs requiring CFA charter holders is consistently rising each year, fueled by the ongoing evolution of investment and financial markets. This persistent demand highlights the essential role CFAs play in the current investment and financial landscape and ensures that the careers of professionals pursuing this prestigious designation remain secure.

Global Career Prospects:

The appeal of CFA jobs goes beyond national boundaries, offering promising prospects for professionals seeking international exposure. Those aspiring to become CFAs can pursue diverse career paths in different countries, using their prestigious designation to access exciting opportunities and roles on a global level. 

Cost-Effective Education:

Pursuing a CFA designation is relatively affordable, unlike many other degrees that require substantial student loans. Aspiring professionals can undertake this esteemed credential without accruing significant financial obligations. This cost-efficient educational route enhances accessibility and affordability, fostering opportunities for individuals aspiring to excel in their careers. 

Higher Earning Potential:

Low cost is not the only financial benefit of pursuing a CFA. Higher and better pay scales right from the start of a career are also attractive aspects of being a CFA charter holder. The fact that CFA charter holders are mostly appointed for managerial posts further increases the earning potential of CFAs. 

Networking Opportunities:

One of the many major reasons for pursuing CFA is its amazing networking options. The various CFA Institute members, including professionals, fellow candidates, and CFA charter holders, have a strong sense of sovereignty. They stay connected in a network through various online and offline platforms to gain valuable insights, mentorship, and career connections.

All things considered, pursuing the CFA program in India gives people a chance to become qualified professionals, which further enables them to develop their careers in the fast-paced and cutthroat financial industry. 

Conclusion

A career in taxation as a CFA promises students substantial professional success, offering lucrative employment opportunities and ample room for advancement. However, entering this field may prove challenging, given the rigorous and comprehensive structure of the CFA exam. Divided into three levels, each covering distinct aspects of investment and financial practices, clearing these examinations demands dedication and perseverance.

Continuous practice and revisions are essential for success. Nevertheless, students' efforts may prove futile without proper guidance, experienced instructors, and high-quality study materials. So, avoid wasting your hard work and join NorthStar Academy to fulfill your aspiration of becoming a CFA charter holder. Benefit from top-notch study materials and instruction from industry experts to realize your professional dreams.

For more information, students can contact the NorthStar Academy on WhatsApp