Balancing a CFA course with a full-time job is no joke—especially when you work in a demanding role at JP Morgan Mumbai. I had just six months, a tight 9-to-9 work schedule, and zero room for error. But with the right planning, the best CFA preparation material, and consistent mentoring from a reputed institute offering the best CFA coaching in India, I cracked CFA Level 1 in one go.

This blog is not a motivational rant. It’s a practical, step-by-step story of how I managed my time, fought distractions, handled setbacks, and most importantly—how choosing the best CFA course changed the game for me.

The Initial Struggle: When the CFA Dream Feels Too Far with a Full-Time Job

Let me set the scene. I was placed in JP Morgan Mumbai through campus placements. Like many finance aspirants, I wanted to grow deeper into the world of valuations, financial reporting, and equity research. So, I registered for the CFA course while still adjusting to my corporate responsibilities.

Initially, I underestimated the time commitment CFA demands. After a 10-hour workday, I found it hard to even keep my eyes open, let alone solve financial ratios. Weekends would go in team outings, family events, or—let’s be honest—mental recovery. I tried YouTube videos and random prep books. But without a structure, everything felt chaotic. That’s when I decided to join a proper CFA coaching in Mumbai, and I stumbled upon RBei Classes. Quietly reputed, not flashy, but with a claim of having India’s highest pass rate—94% for CFA. I was skeptical, but desperate.

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What changed after enrolling with RBei?

1. Weekly Planner Based on My Work Schedule:

The first thing my mentor asked was about my work hours and commute. Based on that, they designed a weekly study plan—2 hours daily on weekdays, and 6-8 hours split on weekends. Nothing overwhelming, just consistent.

2. CFA Recorded Lectures That Fit My Timings:

Since live classes weren’t always feasible, CFA recorded lectures were a blessing. I watched them during lunch breaks, post-dinner, and even while travelling. Unlike generic recordings, these were topic-specific and exam-oriented.

3. Active Doubt Solving + Peer Community:

One of the most helpful features was their active WhatsApp group for doubts. No question was too small. Having other working professionals in the same boat gave me the emotional push I needed.

4. CFA Mock Exams and Feedback Loops:

I took 5 full-length CFA mock exams, each followed by in-depth analysis. The feedback wasn’t just scores—it was advice on where I went wrong and how to approach similar questions. This process made me exam-ready far before the actual day.

5. Best CFA Preparation Material — Crisp & Relevant:

I didn’t have time to go through 5 different sources. RBei’s content was clean, to-the-point, and matched CFA Institute standards. Their summaries helped me revise the entire syllabus in the final 10 days.

Typical Challenges Faced by Working CFA Candidates — And How I Handled Them

Mental Burnout:

After long work hours, some days I just couldn’t study. I used those evenings for watching lighter topic videos (Ethics, Economics) instead of forcing myself into FRA. It’s okay to rest. Just don’t quit.

Office Commitments & Deadlines:

During quarterly reporting at JP Morgan, I went a week without studying. But the flexibility of CFA recorded lectures helped me catch up without panic.

Self-Doubt During Revision:

Two weeks before the exam, I scored 58% in a mock. Panic set in. But my mentor reminded me that most candidates peak in the last 10 days. He revised weak topics with me personally—this kind of support is rare and made a huge difference

Why RBei Classes is Better than Other CFA Coaching Options in India

Now, I’m not here to promote a brand. But after seeing friends from other coaching centers struggle with outdated material or unreachable faculties, I genuinely feel RBei deserves credit.

• They focus on results, not marketing.
• Their 94% pass rate in CFA Level 1 is backed by real strategies and mentoring.
• They don’t overwhelm students. Instead, they personalize the preparation path.
• Their CFA mock exams are tough, but exactly what you need to be exam-ready.
• And finally, their best CFA preparation material is aligned with the latest curriculum and practical.

Final 1-Month Strategy That Sealed My CFA Level 1 Victory

If you’re also a working professional, here’s the exact plan that worked for me:

• Last 30 Days: Revise full syllabus using summary notes.
• Last 15 Days: Take one mock every 3 days.
• Last 7 Days: Focus purely on Ethics, FRA, and Quant (highest weight areas).
• Last 2 Days: Don’t study new topics. Just read Ethics & redo mistakes from past mocks.

Conclusion: CFA + Full-Time Job is Tough — But Not Impossible

If you’re stuck in a loop of work stress, low motivation, and the pressure of CFA prep, remember—it’s okay to feel lost. But with the right plan, strong mentorship, and resources like those provided by RBei Classes, you can get through this.

I did it in 6 months with a full-time job. So can you.

Whether you’re looking for the best CFA coaching, need CFA recorded lectures, or want to practice with CFA mock exams, just make sure your prep is structured and aligned with your lifestyle. And if you’re in Mumbai, definitely explore options for CFA coaching in Mumbai that actually care about results—not just enrollment numbers.

If you’re a working professional dreaming of CFA, don’t let your job be your excuse. Let it be your strength.

1. Which is the Best CFA Coaching in India?

Answer: Students across India often ask this to ensure they’re investing their time and money in the right place. The best CFA coaching in India typically offers a high pass rate, expert faculty, updated study material, consistent doubt-solving support, and flexible options like recorded lectures.

One name that frequently comes up among toppers and professionals is RBei Classes. Known for its 94% pass rate in CFA exams (one of the highest in India), RBei offers structured mentoring, exam-focused teaching, and a personalized approach. What truly sets them apart is their commitment to quality over marketing and their ability to guide both college students and working professionals alike.

2. What is the Best CFA Preparation Strategy for Working Professionals?

Answer: Working professionals face a different challenge altogether—limited time, mental fatigue, and unpredictable work hours. So, the best CFA coaching for them is the one that offers flexibility along with guidance.

A working candidate should:

• Start at least 6-7 months in advance
• Use CFA recorded lectures to study at their convenience
• Focus on the high-weight topics first (FRA, Ethics, Quant)
• Take mock exams every 15-20 days in the last two months
• Join a coaching institute that offers mentorship and accountability, not just video lectures

RBei Classes specializes in supporting working candidates with custom weekly study plans and targeted prep strategies.

3. Are CFA Recorded Lectures Better Than Live Classes?

Answer: This is a hot topic among candidates preparing in remote locations or working professionals.

CFA recorded lectures offer:

• Flexibility: You can watch them anytime, anywhere.
• Speed Control: Adjust the playback as per your understanding.
• Repetition: Rewatch tough topics like Derivatives or Fixed Income.
• Convenience: No need to attend fixed-time classes after a long day at work.

However, the key is to choose recorded lectures from a reputed CFA coaching provider who designs them specifically for exam-oriented clarity. RBei Classes, for example, structures its recorded content to align with the latest CFA curriculum and includes post-video quizzes and doubt support.

4. How Many CFA Mock Exams Should I Take Before the Actual Exam?

Answer: Students preparing seriously for the CFA exam often ask this during the last 2 months of prep. Mock exams are crucial for time management, stress control, and identifying weak areas.

You should:

• Take at least 4-5 full-length mock exams
• Attempt them in a simulated test environment
• Review every wrong answer and revisit those concepts
• Ideally start mocks 45 days before the exam

CFA coaching in Mumbai and across India, like RBei Classes, not only provide mocks but also personal feedback sessions, explaining how to approach tricky MCQs, time allocation, and question prioritization techniques.

5. What Makes a CFA Course Truly Worth It?

Answer: This is a deeper question students ask when comparing different institutes. A great CFA course is not just about study hours or topic coverage—it’s about how effectively it prepares you for the exam and the profession.

The best CFA course should include:

• Updated CFA preparation material
• CFA recorded lectures + live doubt classes
• Topic-wise MCQ practice
• Full-length CFA mock exams
• Mentorship from faculty who understand the CFA exam’s depth
• Performance tracking & revision plans

Institutes like RBei Classes offer all of this along with one-on-one support, real alumni success stories, and access to a strong CFA student community.

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