A Working Mother, a Full-Time Job at SBI, and a Dream Called CFA
Clearing CFA Level 1 while managing a full-time job as a Branch Manager at SBI Bank Mumbai was not just a challenge—it was a transformation. My name is Shalini Mehra, a 45-year-old working mother with zero background in finance and little confidence in quants. But I had one goal in mind: to change my career trajectory and build expertise in finance through the CFA Course. Today, I proudly say I did it in just 4 months. All thanks to the Best CFA Course in India by RBei Classes and the mentorship of Deepak Sir, who made every topic—from Economics to Derivatives—easy and enjoyable, even for someone like me.
Why I Chose CFA Along with My Job at SBI
Being in banking for over 15 years, I always felt I was stuck in an operational role. Although I held a good designation, my career growth had plateaued. My colleague at SBI, who had recently started CFA along with MBA, shared how the CFA Course opens doors to global finance roles—equity research, portfolio management, investment banking, and risk management.
I had doubts. I wondered, “Is CFA for me? I’m 45, a mom, and bad at math!” But somewhere deep down, I knew that the CFA Charter could be the turning point I was looking for.
How I Found the Best CFA Coaching in India – RBei Classes
I researched various CFA Coaching Institutes in Mumbai, from big brands to online platforms. But I didn’t want flashy videos or robotic classes. I needed someone who understood my struggles. That’s when I came across RBei Classes, known for their highest CFA pass rate in India (94%), and something just clicked.
What stood out?
- Detailed, beginner-friendly lectures (perfect for someone with no finance background)
- Difficult mock exams that simulated real CFA pressure
- Recorded lectures that I could watch late at night after putting my child to bed
- One-on-one mentorship from Deepak Sir—a mentor who truly listens
- Free technical courses like Python and SQL that added extra edge to my CV
I took the plunge. And that decision changed everything.
My Preparation Strategy – Managing Time as a Working Mom
Let’s be honest, managing a full-time job, motherhood, and CFA prep is no cakewalk. But with a solid plan, it’s doable.
Here’s what worked for me:
- 5:30 AM – 7:00 AM: Watched RBei’s recorded lectures before my child woke up
- Lunch breaks at SBI: Solved 15-20 practice questions or revised formulas
- 9:00 PM – 10:30 PM: CFA Mock Exams and topic revision
- Weekends: Dedicated to mock analysis and personalized doubt sessions with Deepak Sir
RBei’s structure gave me the flexibility I needed. Every time I struggled, I simply messaged my doubts—and got crisp, clear video explanations back within hours.
Why CFA at 45? Why Not!
Many people asked me, “Why now?” I say, “Why not?” The world of finance is evolving, and it’s never too late to upskill. I chose CFA not for a degree, but for the career opportunities it brings—roles that are strategic, analytical, and globally relevant.
Deepak Sir personally guided me with:
- Job role clarity—he explained which CFA-related roles suit working professionals with my background
- Resume building and interview prep
- Placement support—RBei’s corporate network helped me connect with recruiters from fintech and NBFC sectors
The combination of CFA + MBA + Python + SQL gave me an unbeatable advantage.
Deepak Goyal CFA & FRM
Founder & CEO of RBei Classes
- 16,000+ Students Trained in CFA, FRM, Investment Banking & Financial Modelling
- 95% Students Successfully Placed • 94.6% Pass Rate In Exam
Why RBei Classes is the Best CFA Course for Working Professionals
Many coaching institutes make tall claims, but RBei is built for serious CFA aspirants. Especially if you’re working, the difference is visible:
Recorded Lectures with Concept Clarity
No long, confusing jargon. Every video starts from scratch—Deepak Sir teaches like he’s talking to a complete beginner.
Difficult CFA Mock Exams
These mocks aren’t just about testing—they train your brain to think like the actual CFA exam.
Personalized Mentorship
When I felt demotivated, Sir messaged me personally: “Shalini, just one chapter at a time.” Those little nudges kept me going.
Free Technical Courses
Python, Excel, SQL, and Power BI—all included. These helped me shift from banking operations to finance analytics.
Life After CFA Level 1 – What Changed?
After clearing CFA Level 1 in 4 months, I’m no longer the hesitant woman unsure about her future. I now mentor junior colleagues at SBI who want to pursue finance seriously. More importantly, I’ve applied for roles in wealth management, research, and risk, and already received interview calls from top NBFCs.
My confidence, my technical skills, and my outlook—everything has changed.
Final Words: If I Can Do It, You Can Too
Whether you’re a working professional, a full-time banker, or a mother juggling ten things, know this—CFA can be your career booster. You just need the right course, a mentor who cares, and the discipline to stick to your routine.
I found my guide in RBei Classes, and if you’re serious about your journey, I highly recommend them. It’s not just about passing CFA—it’s about building a real career in finance.
Must Read:
Career in Finance After 12th – CFA & FRM Guide
How to Become an Investment Banker After 12th Commerce
1. What is the eligibility for enrolling in the CFA Course in India?
To enroll in the CFA Course in India, candidates must meet one of the following criteria:
- Be in the final year of a bachelor’s degree program, or
- Have already completed a bachelor’s degree, or
- Possess a combination of 4,000 hours of professional work experience and/or higher education over a minimum of three years (not necessarily finance-related).
Additionally, candidates must:
- Possess a valid international passport (mandatory for registration), and
- Be proficient in English, as the exam is conducted in English globally.
Pro Tip: Even students from non-finance backgrounds (like engineering or science) can apply. Many such candidates have successfully cleared CFA with the help of structured coaching like RBei Classes.
2. When are the CFA Exam Dates in 2025, and how many attempts are allowed?
CFA exams are conducted four times a year for Level 1 (in February, May, August, and November), and twice a year for Level 2 and Level 3 (usually in May and November).
CFA 2025 Tentative Dates:
- Level 1: Feb 17–23, May 20–26, Aug 20–26, Nov 18–24
- Level 2: May 20–24, Nov 18–22
- Level 3: May 20–26, Nov 18–24
You can appear for the same level up to 6 times, but must wait 6 months between attempts.
Important: Early registration opens nearly a year before the exam date, so planning ahead is key for working professionals.
3. What is the syllabus and structure of the CFA Course?
The CFA syllabus is divided into three levels, each designed to build on the previous one.
CFA Level 1 – Foundation
- Topics: Ethics, Quantitative Methods, Economics, Financial Reporting & Analysis, Corporate Finance, Equity, Fixed Income, Derivatives, Portfolio Management, Alternative Investments.
- Focus: Knowledge and Comprehension (MCQs)
Level 2 – Application
- Focus: Asset valuation and application of concepts
- Question Type: Case-based item sets
Level 3 – Portfolio Management
- Focus: Wealth planning, strategy, and portfolio integration
- Question Type: Essay + item sets
Each level requires 300–400 hours of preparation. Institutes like RBei Classes provide the Best CFA Preparation Material, including mock exams, recorded lectures, and concept-wise breakdowns, helping students plan smartly.
4. What are the CFA exam fees and total cost of doing the CFA Course in India?
The total CFA Course fee in India includes:
- Enrollment fee (one-time): $350 (approx. ₹29,000)
- Exam registration fee (per level):
- Early registration: $940 (approx. ₹78,000)
- Standard registration: $1,250 (approx. ₹1,05,000)
Total CFA Course Cost in India:
- Early registration route: ~$3,170 or approx. ₹2.7–2.9 lakhs
- Additional cost: Coaching classes (optional but recommended), study material, and travel (if applicable)
Coaching from reputed institutes like RBei Classes, known for personal mentorship, doubt-solving, and 94% pass rate, is highly recommended for students and working professionals alike.
5. What are the job opportunities after completing CFA in India?
The CFA Charter is globally recognized and opens up various high-paying roles, including:
- Equity Research Analyst
- Portfolio Manager
- Investment Banker
- Risk Manager
- Financial Analyst
- Corporate Finance Associate
- Wealth Manager / Financial Planner
Many companies prefer CFA-qualified candidates for roles in Investment Banking, Asset Management, Private Equity, Hedge Funds, and Consulting.
RBei Classes offers best placement support for CFA students, along with free technical courses (like Excel, Python, SQL) to enhance employability. Several alumni from RBei have secured jobs at Big 4s, leading banks, and fintech firms even after CFA Level 1 or Level 2.
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