What is CFA? Full Guide on Levels, Syllabus, Fees & Salary

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is one of the most respected finance qualifications in the world. It is awarded by the CFA Institute, USA and focuses on investment management, equity research, portfolio management, corporate finance, wealth management and financial analysis. For students who aim to build an international career in finance, CFA is considered a gold-standard certification.

CFA is designed to build deep knowledge in analysing financial reports, valuing companies, understanding stock markets, creating portfolios and managing investments for clients, banks and corporations. This is why CFA charter holders work in investment banks, asset management companies, hedge funds, Big 4s, financial consulting firms and global MNCs.

In India, more students are choosing CFA because finance companies are expanding and salaries for CFA-qualified professionals have increased significantly in recent years.

Why CFA is Preferred by Finance Students

Students pick CFA because it offers:

• International career opportunities

• High-paying roles in investment and portfolio management

• Global recognition in more than 165+ countries

• Practical and industry-oriented syllabus

• No requirement for a specific commerce background

Even students from B.Com, BBM, BBA, MBA, Engineering and Non-Commerce streams can pursue CFA if they are strong in mathematics and analytical thinking.

CFA Levels Explained

The CFA curriculum is divided into 3 levels, and clearing all three leads to becoming a CFA Charter holder (after fulfilling work experience requirements).

CFA Level	Main Focus Area	Exam Style	Difficulty Level
Level 1	Basics of Finance, Investments, Ethics, Quantitative Analysis	MCQ format	Moderate
Level 2	Advanced Equity Research, Company Valuation, Financial Modelling	Case-study based MCQs	High
Level 3	Portfolio Management, Wealth Management, Client Relations	Case-study + essay style	Very High

Most students take 2.5 to 3 years to complete all three levels.

CFA Course Syllabus (Simplified)

The CFA syllabus covers 10 core areas that are required for modern financial and investment careers.

Topic	Focus Area
Ethical and Professional Standards	Integrity, code of conduct
Quantitative Methods	Time value of money, statistics
Economics	Micro & macro economics
Financial Reporting & Analysis	Balance sheet, income statement, ratios
Corporate Finance	Capital budgeting, cost of capital
Equity Investments	Stock market valuation & analysis
Fixed Income	Bonds and interest rate analysis
Derivatives	Futures, options & risk management
Alternative Investments	Real estate, hedge funds & private equity
Portfolio Management	Portfolio strategies & client advisory

The syllabus becomes progressively deeper from Level 1 to Level 3.

CFA Fees in India (2026)

CFA fees include enrolment fee + exam fee for each level.

Fee Type	Amount
One-time Enrolment Fee	~$350
Early Exam Registration Fee	~$940 per level
Standard Exam Registration Fee	~$1,250 per level
Approx Total Cost (All Levels)	₹4 – ₹5 Lakhs

Additional expenses may include study materials and coaching support.

Eligibility for CFA Course

Education Requirement	Work Experience Requirement	Age Limit
Final year of Bachelor's OR completed Bachelor's degree	Not needed to begin the course (needed for charter later)	No limit
Non-commerce students allowed	Relevant finance experience required to get charter later	—

So, even students in graduation can start preparing for CFA Level 1.

Career Scope & Job Opportunities After CFA

After completing CFA, candidates can work in global finance roles such as:

Job Role	Where You Work
Equity Research Analyst	Investment banks / Stock market firms
Portfolio Manager	Asset management firms / Mutual funds
Investment Banker	M&A and corporate finance departments
Risk Manager	Banks / Insurance companies
Wealth Manager	Financial advisory companies
Corporate Finance Analyst	MNCs and consulting firms
Financial Modelling Analyst	Private equity & hedge funds

The demand for CFA professionals is highest in USA, UK, UAE, Canada, Singapore and India.

CFA Salary in India & Abroad (2026 Estimates)

Experience Level	Salary in India (per year)	Global Salary (per year)
Entry Level / CFA Level 1	₹7 – ₹12 Lakhs	$55,000 – $80,000
Mid Level / CFA Level 2	₹10 – ₹18 Lakhs	$70,000 – $105,000
Senior Level / CFA Charter Holder	₹18 – ₹40+ Lakhs	$100,000 – $220,000+

Salary depends on the company, skillset, and location.

Is CFA Difficult?

CFA is challenging because it requires deep understanding and regular practice. Most students take 300–350 hours of preparation per level. However, with consistent study, proper guidance, and mock tests, clearing the exam becomes achievable.

Who Should Choose CFA?

CFA is perfect for students who want careers in:
🔹 Stock Markets
🔹 Corporate Finance & Investment Banking
🔹 Portfolio & Wealth Management
🔹 Hedge Funds / Private Equity / Big 4
🔹 Research-based finance careers

If you enjoy analysing companies, stock markets, investments, and decision-making using data, CFA is an excellent choice.

CFA vs Other Professional Finance & Accounting Courses (2026 Comparison)

Parameter	CFA	ACCA (UK)	CMA USA	US CPA	EA (IRS USA)
Full Form	Chartered Financial Analyst	Association of Chartered Certified Accountants	Certified Management Accountant (USA)	Certified Public Accountant (USA)	Enrolled Agent
Best For	Investment Banking, Equity Research, Portfolio Management	Accounting, Auditing & Global Finance	Management Accounting & FP&A	Auditing, Corporate Accounting & Taxation	US Taxation & IRS Representation
Global Recognition	🌍 Very High	🌍 Very High	🌍 High	🌍 Very High	🌍High (Taxation-focused)
Course Duration	2.5 – 3 years	2.5 – 3 years	1.5 – 2 years	1.5 – 2 years	6 – 12 months
Eligibility	Graduation / Final year	12th Commerce / Graduation	Graduation	Graduation	No strict degree requirement
Exam Levels	3 Levels	13 Papers	2 Parts	4 Papers	3 Parts
Total Cost (India)	₹3.5 – ₹5.5 Lakhs	₹3 – ₹4.5 Lakhs	₹2.5 – ₹3.5 Lakhs	₹3.5 – ₹5 Lakhs	₹1.5 – ₹2 Lakhs
Pass Rate	Low	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	High
Salary in India	₹7 – ₹40+ LPA	₹6 – ₹22+ LPA	₹8 – ₹22+ LPA	₹10 – ₹28+ LPA	₹8 – ₹20+ LPA
Work Type	Finance Markets, Investments, Research	Accounting, Auditing, Reporting	Costing, Budgets, Financial Strategy	Corporate Accounting, Tax, Audit	US Federal Taxation
Job Locations	India + Global	India + Global	India + Middle East	India + USA + Canada	India + USA (WFH)
Difficulty Level	⭐⭐⭐⭐★	⭐⭐⭐★☆	⭐⭐⭐★☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐☆☆☆
Fastest Job Route	❌	✔	✔	❌	✔✔✔
Ideal For	Students passionate about stocks & investments	Students aiming for accounting careers	Students aiming for corporate finance & costing	Students aiming for auditing & tax	Students who want fast WFH/Hybrid jobs

Quick Decision Guide

Career Goal	Best Course
Stock market / Investment Banking / Portfolio	CFA
Global accounting / Big 4 auditing	ACCA
Corporate finance / Management accounting	CMA USA
Corporate taxation / Auditing / MNC reporting	US CPA
US taxation + Remote jobs + Quick completion	EA

All courses are excellent — the best choice depends on the type of finance career the student wants

Build a High-Salary Global Finance Career with NorthStar Academy

If you want to build a future-proof career in Finance & Accounting, you need more than a degree — you need the right professional certification + placement support.

That’s where NorthStar Academy (NSA) becomes the No.1 choice for students across India.

NorthStar Academy offers special finance and accounting courses with assured placements, designed for students who want high-paying global careers in India and abroad.

Most Popular Courses at NorthStar Academy

Course	Recognition	Best For	Starting Salary
ACCA (UK)	Global	Accounting & Auditing	₹7 – ₹18 LPA
CMA USA	US Govt. approved	Management Accounting & FP&A	₹8 – ₹22 LPA
US CPA	USA	Auditing, Taxation & Corporate Reporting	₹10 – ₹28 LPA
EA (Enrolled Agent)	IRS – USA	US Taxation & WFH Jobs	₹8 – ₹20 LPA

🎯 Why Students Choose NORTHSTAR ACADEMY

✔ 100% Placement Assistance
✔ Live + Recorded Hybrid Learning
✔ Global Curriculum With Industry Projects
✔ Mentorship From Top Finance Experts
✔ Mock Exams, Notes & Training Included
✔ Salary Packages Up to ₹20LPA+ in India & $90,000 Abroad

Students from B.Com, BBA, MBA, Engineering and even Non-Commerce backgrounds are already placed in Big 4, JP Morgan, KPMG, EY, Deloitte, PwC, Wells Fargo, Accenture, Amazon and 300+ MNCs after completing programs from NSA.

 WhatsApp "Hi" to +91 8147470505 for expert counselling and free career guidance.

Conclusion

The CFA qualification is one of the most powerful finance certifications in the world, opening doors to high-paying global careers in investment banking, equity research, portfolio management and financial analysis. As companies expand rapidly in India and abroad, the demand for skilled CFA professionals is increasing every year.

For students who want a future-proof, high-salary and globally recognised finance career, CFA is one of the smartest long-term investments. With dedication, the right preparation and practical exposure, CFA can completely transform your financial career and lifestyle.