CFA stands for Chartered Financial Analyst .

The CFA Institute, a US-based global association of investment professionals .

No, it is a professional charter, which is considered a graduate-level (Master's level) qualification and is the global "gold standard" for the investment industry .

A CA (Chartered Accountant) is an expert in accounting, audit, and Indian tax. They report on a company's past performance. A CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) is an expert in investment and finance. They value a company's future prospects .

They are different. An MBA is a broad management degree. A CFA is a deep, technical specialization in investment finance. Many finance-focused MBAs also pursue the CFA to prove their technical expertise . 

Yes, it is highly prestigious in India. All major employers—Mutual Funds (like HDFC, ICICI), Investment Banks (like JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs), and Brokerages (like Motilal Oswal)—actively hire CFA charterholders .

Their main roles are as Equity Research Analysts, Portfolio Managers, Wealth Managers, Investment Banking Analysts, or Financial Advisors .

There are over 200,000 charterholders in a global network .

It's much more. It covers stocks (equity), bonds (fixed income), derivatives, alternative investments (like real estate and private equity), and ethics .

You must complete all four: Education (eligibility), Exams (Pass L1, L2, L3), Experience (4,000 hours), and Ethics (be a member) .

The new rules are very flexible! You are eligible if you:

• Are two years away from your Bachelor's graduation month (e.g., in your 2nd year of a 3-year B.Com).
• Are a final-year student.
• Are a graduate.
• Have 4,000 hours of work experience .

Yes! Under the new 2024/2025 rules, you can register at the end of your 1st year (or start of 2nd year) and take the Level I exam. This is a huge advantage .

There is a one-time enrollment fee (around $350) and an exam registration fee for each level (ranging from $950 to $1250, depending on how early you register). Note: Fees are set by the CFA Institute and subject to change .

Yes, the CFA Institute offers "Access Scholarships" which can significantly reduce the exam fees. We can guide you on the application process .

Registration is done online through the official CFA Institute website . 

No. This is very important. The CFA Institute does not grant any exemptions to anyone, regardless of their qualifications. All candidates must start at Level I and pass all three levels .

Because the body of knowledge is different. CA focuses on accounting/audit, while CFA focuses on investment/valuation. The CFA Institute wants to ensure all members have mastered its specific curriculum from the ground up .

Yes, absolutely! The CFA program is open to graduates from all streams .

Three: Level I, Level II, and Level III. You must pass them in order.

It's a computer-based exam with 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), split into two sessions.

It's a computer-based exam with "item-set" questions. These are like mini case studies followed by 4-6 MCQs .

It's a computer-based exam. The first session has essay-style (constructed response) questions, and the second has item-set questions. This is considered the hardest part .

• Level I: Four times a year (Feb, May, Aug, Nov).
• Level II: Three times a year (May, Aug, Nov).
• Level III: Two times a year (Feb, Aug) . 
  

The pass rates are challenging, which is why the charter is so respected. They often range from 35-45%. This is why expert coaching is crucial .

The CFA Institute does not disclose a fixed passing score. It is set by the Board of Governors for each exam and is based on a methodology to ensure fairness .

Starting in 2025, Level III candidates will choose a specialization. You will take a "Core" exam plus one of three pathways:

1. Portfolio Management
2. Private Wealth
3. Private Markets.

You can retake it in the next available exam window. There is no limit on the number of attempts .

The fastest possible time is around 1.5-2 years. On average, candidates take about 3-4 years to pass all three levels and get the work experience .

Yes, you can take the computer-based exams at Prometric test centers in most major Indian cities (like Chennai, Bangalore, etc) .

The "10 Topics" are: Ethics, Quantitative Methods, Economics, Financial Statement Analysis, Corporate Issuers, Equity Investments, Fixed Income, Derivatives, Alternative Investments, and Portfolio Management .

You need 4,000 hours of "relevant" work experience, completed in a minimum of 36 months .

Experience that involves financial analysis or investment decision-making.

• Directly counts: Equity Analyst, Portfolio Manager, Financial Advisor, Credit Analyst, Investment Banking.
• Partially counts: Roles in accounting, audit, or compliance may count, if you can show that a significant portion of your job involves financial analysis .

If your articleship was in a division like "Transaction Advisory," "Valuations," or "M&A," it will likely count. A pure statutory audit or tax role is harder to justify, but some parts may be accepted. We can help you frame this .

You can get it before, during, or after you pass the exams. It's very flexible .

You must write a description of your job roles and have it attested by your supervisors (references) . 

It varies greatly, but the CFA charter adds a significant premium. A fresh CFA charterholder in India can earn anywhere from ₹10 lakhs to ₹25 lakhs+ per annum, depending on their role and firm .

• Investment Banks: JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley.
• Mutual Funds (AMCs): HDFC AMC, ICICI Prudential, SBI Mutual Fund.
• KPOs / Research: S&P Global, Moody's, CRISIL, BlackRock.
• Big 4 Firms: In their Valuations, M&A, and Transaction Advisory teams .

Yes, but not like a CA signing audits. A CFA can practice as a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) or a wealth manager, managing portfolios for clients .

It is the best qualification for a global job in investment finance. It is equally respected in New York, London, Singapore, and Mumbai.

1. Equity Research Analyst (researching stocks and writing "Buy/Sell" reports).
2. Portfolio Manager (managing a mutual fund or client's money).
3. Wealth Manager (advising high-net-worth individuals . 
   

Because the pass rates are very low (35-45%). The CFA curriculum is vast. Expert coaching from Mercury Edutech provides:

• A structured study plan.
• Help on the hardest topics (like Derivatives, Ethics).
• Motivation and discipline.
• Extensive mock exam practice .

We use the official CFA Institute curriculum as our base, supplemented by world-class prep providers like Kaplan Schweser, which is famous for its "Schweser Notes" .

Yes. It is not a test of memorization; it is a test of understanding and application. It requires discipline and (on average) 300+ hours of study per level .

Yes. We provide complete guidance, starting with checking your new eligibility, creating your CFA Institute account, and helping you register for the exam .

The first step is to visit us at Mercury Edutech Academy . 

Come talk to us now! We can create a 3-year plan for you to pass Level I and Level II while you are in college. You will be one of the most in-demand graduates in the country . 

Ethics is a core part of all three levels. It's not just rules; it's a framework for professional conduct. Many candidates fail by ignoring this section. We give it special focus . 

We will provide career counseling to help you decide. If your goal is to work in mutual funds, choose Portfolio Management. If you want to be a wealth manager, choose Private Wealth . 

Your first step is a free counseling session at Mercury Edutech. Bring your mark sheets, and we will map out your entire CFA journey . 

100% yes. The CA + CFA combination is the "holy grail" in finance. You will be an expert in both reporting and valuing a company. You will be a prime candidate for top roles in investment banking, private equity, and corporate finance. We can create a fast-track study plan for you .