The CFA Course is no longer just a certification. For me, it was a career breakthrough. I was pursuing my MBA from IIM when I decided to do CFA Level 1. I wanted to supercharge my resume, boost my financial knowledge, and ultimately, land a dream job. The result? A 38 LPA placement after just clearing Level 1. The combination of CFA Course and MBA turned out to be a deadly mix for my career. Let me walk you through how I did it, how I managed my time, and how RBei Classes, with its best CFA course in Mumbai, played a key role.
Must Read: CFA Salary in India and Globally
Why I Chose CFA Along with My MBA
I always wanted to get into a core finance role, but I knew that just an MBA wouldn’t differentiate me. One day, while talking to my friend who had already cleared CFA Level 1, she suggested, “If you’re serious about finance, CFA is a must. It opens the real doors.”
And that advice changed everything.
I researched deeply about the CFA Course in India, spoke to seniors, and explored top coaching options. Eventually, I discovered RBei Classes. I found their recorded lectures, detailed study material, and personalized mentorship from Deepak Sir more appealing than anything else.
The Real-Life Struggles of MBA + CFA Prep
Balancing CFA with MBA from a Tier-1 B-school wasn’t easy.
There were lectures, group projects, surprise quizzes, internships — and then came CFA syllabus. At one point, I almost gave up. But here’s what helped me stay on track:
- Recorded lectures from RBei Classes gave me the flexibility I needed. Whether it was 11 PM or 6 AM, I could study at my pace.
- The mock exams were tough — deliberately. But that’s exactly what helped me clear the actual exam confidently.
- Weekly mentorship calls with Deepak Sir kept me aligned. He understood every student’s journey personally.
Why I Picked RBei Classes Over Other CFA Coaching in India
I evaluated many coaching institutes across India. Some had flashy ads, others promised shortcuts. But what mattered to me was real success stories and teaching quality. Here’s why RBei stood out:
- Highest pass rate in India – 94% in CFA.
- Free access to technical courses like Python and SQL (which I later added to my CV and it impressed recruiters).
- CFA Coaching in Mumbai with personalised mentorship and in-depth lectures.
Lifetime access to updated content and CFA recorded lectures — ideal for someone juggling MBA classes and placements.
My 120-Day CFA Prep Strategy
Let me be honest — there is no magic pill. But if you follow this with discipline, it works:
Month 1st: Laying the Foundation
- Finished Ethics, Quant, and FRA from recorded videos.
- Studied 2–3 hours daily. More on weekends.
- Made handwritten notes from RBei’s material.
2nd: Core Learning
- Covered Equity, Fixed Income, Portfolio Management, Economics.
- Attended weekly live doubt-solving sessions.
- Gave one mini mock every week.
3rd: Application
- Deep-dived into Derivatives, Alternative Investments, and Corporate Finance.
- Solved full-length mocks from RBei (they were tougher than CFA Institute’s).
Month 4: Revision & Mocks
- Revised everything twice.
- Solved CFA Mock Exams under timed conditions.
- Took feedback from Deepak Sir after each mock.
By the end, I had not only learned the syllabus but also how to think like a CFA charterholder.
How CFA Changed My Life
Before CFA, I had doubts:
Will I stand out? Will recruiters choose me over others?
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
After CFA Level 1, I got shortlisted for roles I never imagined — Investment Banking, Equity Research, Risk Consulting, even FinTech Strategy. Eventually, I cracked a 38 LPA package in a global role.
And this was just after Level 1.
For Other Female Candidates Like Me…
If you’re thinking — “Will I manage?” Let me say this:
- Yes, you will.
- You don’t need to give up on your MBA or personal life.
- You do need proper mentorship, structure, and quality content.
RBei’s flexible lectures, best CFA preparation material, and career guidance are what made the journey manageable — and even enjoyable.
Career Opportunities After CFA (Even Level 1)
Most people believe that CFA only helps after completing all 3 levels. That’s not true anymore. After Level 1, you can get into roles like:
- Equity Research Analyst
- Credit Analyst
- Risk Advisory
- Corporate Finance
- Financial Consulting
And if you’ve done an MBA alongside, even better. Companies love candidates with a strong academic combo and practical knowledge.
Final Thoughts – My Message to You
If you’re still on the fence about doing CFA with your MBA — go for it. But don’t waste time with mediocre prep.
Choose a CFA Coaching in Mumbai that understands real students, real struggles, and real goals. RBei Classes gave me everything I needed — the best CFA course, mock exams, recorded lectures, and most importantly — personal mentorship that kept me going.
Now, when I look back, I don’t just see an exam I cleared. I see a turning point in my career. And I know it started the day I decided to do CFA — with the right support.
Also Read: CFA Level 1 Feb 2026 Preparation Strategy
1. What is the eligibility criteria for the CFA course in India?
To register for the CFA Course in India, candidates must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
- Education: You must be in the final year of your bachelor’s degree or already hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent).
- Professional Work Experience: Alternatively, a combination of 4,000 hours of professional work experience and/or higher education acquired over at least three consecutive years is also acceptable.
- English Proficiency: Since the exam is conducted in English, proficiency in the language is required.
- Valid International Passport: Required at the time of exam registration.
Whether you’re pursuing MBA, B.Com, or Engineering, the CFA course is flexible and widely accessible. This makes it one of the most in-demand finance certifications in India and globally.
2. What is the syllabus for CFA Level 1 in 2025?
The CFA Level 1 syllabus for 2025 focuses on building a foundation in investment tools and ethical standards. The topics and their approximate weightage are:
- Ethical and Professional Standards – 15–20%
- Quantitative Methods – 8–12%
- Economics – 8–12%
- Financial Reporting and Analysis (FRA) – 13–17%
- Corporate Issuers – 8–12%
- Equity Investments – 10–12%
- Fixed Income – 10–12%
- Derivatives – 5–8%
- Alternative Investments – 5–8%
- Portfolio Management & Wealth Planning – 5–8%
The best CFA course providers like RBei Classes cover these topics in-depth through recorded lectures, mock exams, and personalised mentorship, making even difficult concepts easy to understand.
3. When are CFA exam dates in 2025 and how do I register?
The CFA exam dates in 2025 are offered multiple times a year for all three levels:
- CFA Level 1: Offered in February, May, August, and November
- CFA Level 2: Available in May, August, and November
- CFA Level 3: Conducted in February and August
Registration typically opens 9–10 months before the exam month, and it’s divided into three fee tiers:
- Early Registration Fee: $940
- Standard Registration Fee: $1,250
- One-time Enrollment Fee: $350 (only for first-time CFA candidates)
Register early to avoid higher fees and secure your preferred test location. For step-by-step help, RBei Classes offers complete guidance on CFA registration, coaching, and study planning.
4. What is the cost of the CFA Course including coaching and materials in India?
The total CFA course cost in India can vary based on location and coaching provider, but here’s a typical breakdown:
- CFA Institute Fees:
- One-time Enrollment Fee: $350 (approx. ₹29,000)
- Exam Fee (per level): $940–$1,250 (approx. ₹77,000–₹1,02,000)
- Coaching & Study Materials:
- Best CFA Coaching in India: ₹30,000 to ₹60,000 per level
- Includes CFA recorded lectures, mock exams, revision sessions, and personal mentorship
Some institutes like RBei Classes also offer free technical courses (Python, SQL, Power BI) and lifetime access to recorded lectures, adding even more value.
5. What are the career opportunities after CFA Level 1 in India?
Even after CFA Level 1, there are a wide range of job opportunities available in finance roles, especially when combined with MBA, B.Com, or technical skills. You can apply for roles like:
- Equity Research Analyst
- Credit Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Investment Banking Associate
- Risk Analyst
- Portfolio Analyst
Top companies like EY, JP Morgan, Deloitte, and CRISIL actively hire CFA candidates. Institutes like RBei Classes also provide best placement support for CFA students with resume reviews, mock interviews, and direct recruiter connections.
According to recent placement reports, students from RBei have even received offers up to ₹38 LPA, showcasing the strength of combining CFA Course with personalised coaching and the right strategy.
Read Also:
CFA Course Syllabus, Fees, and Duration
Cleared CFA Level 1 While Working in Mumbai
Swiggy to HDFC Bank FRM Success Story
