How I Cleared CFA Level 1 in 4 Months While Working Full-Time at SBI – A Working Mother’s Journey with the Best CFA Course in India
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. 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