CFA Exam Online Preparation

What is CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)?

CFA stands for Chartered Financial Analyst. It is a professional qualification offered by the CFA Institute to train candidates in investment management and financial analysis.

The course helps you learn how to:

• Analyse companies and financial statements

• Understand how markets and investments work

• Manage money for individuals and institutions

• Follow ethical standards while working in finance

CFA is mainly chosen by students who want to work in areas like investment banking, equity research, portfolio management, and wealth management. Since the course is recognised globally, it also helps candidates explore job opportunities in different countries.

CFA Course Details & Structure

The CFA programme is divided into three levels, and each level must be cleared one after the other.

The structure works like this:

• You first appear for Level I

• After passing Level I, you can register for Level II

• After passing Level II, you can register for Level III

Each level has its own exam and syllabus. The difficulty also increases with each level. Apart from passing exams, candidates must also complete required work experience and follow professional conduct rules to receive the CFA charter.

All CFA exams are conducted in computer-based format at authorised exam centres.

CFA Levels Explained

Each CFA level focuses on a different stage of learning, from basics to advanced application.

CFA Level I

Level I is about building a strong base in finance. It helps students understand basic financial tools and concepts.

It includes topics such as:

• Ethics and professional behaviour

• Economics and market basics

• Reading and understanding financial statements

• Time value of money and basic calculations

• Introduction to shares, bonds, and other investments

This level mainly checks whether you understand the concepts and can apply simple formulas. It is suitable even for beginners who are new to finance, provided they study regularly.

CFA Level II

Level II focuses more on analysing and valuing investments. Here, you learn how to judge whether a company or asset is worth investing in.

It includes topics such as:

• Detailed financial statement analysis

• Valuation of shares and bonds

• Risk and return analysis

• Use of data for decision-making

Questions are based on case studies, where you are given information and asked to analyse it. This level requires strong understanding, not just memorisation.

CFA Level III

Level III is about managing investments and planning portfolios for clients.

It includes topics such as:

• Portfolio management strategies

• Asset allocation based on goals and risk

• Wealth planning for individuals

• Behavioural finance and investor psychology

This level checks how well you can take practical decisions. You are tested on how to manage money in real-life situations, not just solve numerical problems.

CFA Course Duration

There is no fixed time limit to complete CFA, but most students finish all three levels in 2.5 to 4 years.

The time depends on:

• How many attempts you take for each level

• How many hours you study every week

• Whether you are studying full-time or working

On average, candidates spend around 300 hours of study for each level. Many students prepare for one level over 5 to 7 months using online coaching and self-study together.

CFA Course Fees Overview

CFA fees are paid directly to the CFA Institute and mainly include:

• A one-time registration fee (only when you register for the first time)

• Exam fees for each level

The total exam cost for all three levels usually comes to a few lakhs of rupees, depending on how early you register and which exam window you choose.

Apart from exam fees, students may also spend money on:

• Online coaching

• Mock tests

• Practice question banks

Career Scope After CFA Course

After completing CFA, candidates become suitable for roles that involve analysing investments, managing money, and supporting financial decision-making across different organisations.

Why Choose Physics Wallah for CFA?

Physics Wallah supports students throughout their CFA preparation with structured learning, expert-led classes, and dedicated student support, helping them stay confident and consistent during long-term exam preparation.

• Free CFA Starter Batch
  
  Students can begin their CFA journey with a free starter batch that introduces them to the complete syllabus and exam pattern. This helps learners understand what the CFA course involves, get familiar with key subjects, and decide whether they want to continue with advanced levels of preparation.

• Experienced Faculty
  
  Classes are guided by Sushant Bathla and Kuldeep Sharma, who focus on explaining finance concepts in a simple and practical way. They help students understand not just formulas, but also how to apply concepts while solving CFA-style questions, which is important for clearing the exams.

• Subjects Covered
  
  The preparation covers all major CFA subjects, including Ethics, Quantitative Methods, Economics, Financial Reporting and Analysis, Corporate Finance, Equity, Fixed Income, Derivatives, Alternative Investments, and Portfolio Management. This gives students full exposure to the CFA curriculum and helps them build strong fundamentals across all topics.

• Student Support
  
  Along with academic learning, students also receive one-to-one emotional well-being support from PW Prerna counsellors. This support helps students manage stress, stay motivated, and maintain a healthy study routine during long-term and demanding exam preparation.