Detailed Breakdown of CFA Level 1 Curriculum
Our course is carefully crafted by our expert mentors with years of experience. It’s an all-inclusive program that imparts you learnings on how to manage portfolios, handle wealth, and evaluate assets. What makes us tower above the crest is our curriculum, which is up-to-speed with the current market trends. Stepping out of conventional schooling methods, we focus on bite-sized pedagogy to make learners understand every concept in depth.
The meticulously refined curriculum closely aligns with the real CFA Level 1 exam syllabus to help you cover all the concepts from A to Z, making you exam-ready as you complete the coaching. Here, take a closer look at the detailed curriculum to get a better understanding of what to expect throughout the training program:
CFA Level 1 Exam Pattern
The Level 1 exam is entirely an objective-based exam, consisting of 180 Multiple-Choice Questions. Exam is attempted in two sessions, each consisting of 90 MCQs. Here is how the exam is split in parts with an optional break between the two sessions:
- First session with 90 MCQs (2 hours 15 minutes)
- Second session with 90 MCQs (2 hours 15 minutes)
1. Ethical and Professional Standards
- Ethical and Professional Standards
- Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS)
2. Quantitative Methods
- Time Value of Money
- Statistical Concepts and Market Returns
- Probability
- Sampling and Estimation
- Hypothesis Testing
3. Economics
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- Economic Growth and Development
- Monetary and Fiscal Policy
4. Financial Reporting and Analysis
- Financial Statements
- Income Recognition
- Inventories and Long-Lived Assets
- Liabilities and Equity
- Earnings Quality
- Financial Analysis Techniques
5. Corporate Finance
- Capital Budgeting
- Cost of Capital
- Capital Structure
- Working Capital Management
6. Equity Investments
- Market Organization and Structure
- Security Market Indices
- Equity Valuation
- Industry and Company Analysis
7. Fixed Income
- Fixed Income Securities
- Fixed Income Valuation
- Risk and Return
- Credit Analysis
8. Derivatives
- Derivative Markets and Instruments
- Valuation of Derivatives
- Risk Management Applications
9. Alternative Investments
- Types of Alternative Investments
- Characteristics of Alternative Investments
- Valuation and Risk
10. Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning
- Portfolio Management Process
- Modern Portfolio Theory
- Risk and Return
- Investment Policy Statements
Get some of the exclusive benefits of our CFA Program:
Live Doubt Solving Sessions
Weekly Group/Individual Projects
1:1 Mentorship
Project presentations guidance
Monthly webinars with Industry Leaders
Hackathons
Corporate behavioural skills
Job Interview Skills
While you will focus on your technical skills, we ensure you are also getting industry-ready with our interview & corporate cultural training program.
Resume Building
Mock Interviews Preparation
LinkedIn Profile Building
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving/Critical Thinking
Statistics and Business Case Studies in Critical Thinking
Learning How To Learn
Guesstimate
Puzzles
Hackathon
Corporate Culture and Behavioral Skills

More on CFA Level 1 Exam
Coming down to the exam, it’s the foundational course that equips you with the fundamentals of equity investments, corporate issuers and finance, quantitative methods, financial statement analysis, fixed income, derivatives, alternative investments, portfolio management and investment analysis. After acquiring this CFA level 1 certification, one can find careers and jobs in various fields.
NOTE: It is not mandated to complete all three CFA levels to get a job. One can get jobs after each CFA level, accumulate work experience and then prepare for the next CFA level. That’s how it works!
Scope after CFA Level 1 Exam
CFA is a generic exam in the field of finance with a vast scope in terms of both career opportunities and compensation. Being an internationally accredited certification, CFA offers highly rewarding opportunities not just in India, but across the globe. As many as 165 nations recognise CFA as a testament to financial finesse. These include the US, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong and UAE.
Heard about the BIG 4? KPMG, Deloitte, EY and PwC- all these companies, in addition to international companies like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, etc. value CFA Charterholders.
With CFA, the choices are aplenty. From equity analyst to portfolio management to quantitative data analyst, consultants, traders, real estate, investment banking, and the list goes on! So, clearly, the scope is dreamy and diversified.
Lack the confidence to pass the CFA Level 1 exam? Not anymore! Get trained by the experts to use time and accuracy to ace the exam in one go! Register now.
About of CFA Level 1
While you will focus on your technical skills, we ensure you are also getting industry-ready with our interview & corporate cultural training program.
Overview of CFA Program
The CFA, short for Chartered Financial Analyst is a highly sought-after professional credential, accredited by the CFA Institute. Previously known as the Association for Investment Management and Research (AIMR), the CFA Institute is an international body that ensures financial experts with a high level of excellence, through its series of tests and certifications.
Talking about the exam, it is categorized into three levels from basic to advanced – CFA levels 1, 2, and 3. After passing all the three levels and completed mandatory steps, one is designated as the CFA Charterholder. The CFA program is a globally recognized certification testing students and professionals in Investment Banking, Equity Research, Capital Markets, Portfolio Management, Corporate Finance, etc. Considered a high level of qualification across 165 nations, CFA holders are eligible for any senior or executive position in the investment business across the globe.
Who Should Do CFA Level 1 Exam Preparation?
Anyone with an innate interest of working in the finance field must give a shot to this exam. However, aspirants with these backgrounds can definitely explore these courses to climb up the ladder of success in their current roles or pave new paths in their career trails.
- Graduates- Recent college graduates or those pursuing graduation prepare for the CFA Level 1 exam to build a solid foundation for their finance career and to get lucrative opportunities as soon as they step into the mainstream industry.
- MBA/M.Com Holders- Postgraduates having an MBA or M.Com degree sit for the CFA Level 1 exam to add to their skill set and gain more ground in terms of career opportunities.
- Finance Working Professionals- Early career professionals turn to CFA to enhance their credentials and elevate their career choices in the finance industry.
- CA/CA Inter- CA holders take up this examination for better career prospects in the finance domain and to make more money in the most coveted industry. Apart from this, learners and working professionals who want to make their way in this in-demand industry can try their hands to acquire a CFA level 1 qualification and add a badge of honour.
Exclusive Features of IIM SKILLS CFA Level 1 Training
Expert faculty
We pride ourselves in our highly qualified and professionally skilled faculty who have decades of experience in their fields. Unlike other centres, we have full-time employees who are committed to the success of our learners.They use a learner-centric approach, providing valuable feedback, clear instructions, and secret tips and tricks to attempt the exam to the best of your abilities. Focussing on concept clarity, they ensure you understand every concept to the place where it becomes your second nature. Thus, eliminating the slightest of chances of failing to attempt any type of questions asked in the exam.
Super-interactive Sessions
Most institutes offer self-paced sessions. But at IIM SKILLS, we believe in imparting live lectures, replicating a brick-and-mortar institute. Why? We want to provide an immersive, interactive and engaging learning experience. where you can ask and get your doubts resolved in real time without having to wait for query resolutions. These live sessions provide you with the required platform to share ideas, collaborate with peers, and get feedback whenever required.
Flexible batches
There is no spare time cut out for learning and upskilling in this breakneck competitive world. As a consequence, it is necessary to manage and balance learning alongside working. That is something, which we completely understand at IIM SKILLS. Therefore, we have developed our CFA Level 1 training in flexible scheduling so that you don’t have to compromise at all on your work front. With the availability of both weekday and weekend batches, you can learn as and when you can spare time. Feel free to pick and choose as you please!
Up-to-speed Curriculum
It’s a no-brainer that the curriculum is the heart of remarkable training. An outdated curriculum will land you nowhere, but an up-to-date curriculum will take you to places that you dream of. That being the case, our curriculum is continuously updated as per international standards to help you stay ahead of the competition. Besides, our curriculum is well-designed and structured by expert mentors covering concepts like equity investments, corporate issuers and finance, quantitative methods, financial statement analysis, fixed income, derivatives, alternative investments, portfolio management and investment analysis. The entire piece is streamlined to help you understand each concept in detail, followed by practice questions to see how well you’re able to attempt questions related to the concept. Thus, making you exam-ready as soon as you complete the training.
LMS Repository
No more struggles to clip the notes, books and files together for exam preparation. We have got everything in one place with an easy-as-pie interface. Our comprehensive Learning Management System (LMS) is your reconciled repository where you can find topic-wise resource material, practice questions, and mock exams. Such a relief, right? To add more stars to it, it comes with lifetime access. In other words, you can access the LMS until and unless you pass the examination. Without any strict obligations, you can leverage the LMS to re-learn a concept, update your knowledge, or recall concepts as and when required.
Lifetime Access
Gathering notes, relevant resource material, and books can be a troublesome task. But, worry not, because we are there for you. Our resource material is yours forever. You don’t have to re-enrol or pay extra charges in case you want to access the resources after the completion of the training. Whether you want to re-visit a concept or recall your basics- our online repository is at your disposal- with just a click. Login into your LMS from any device and get access to all the material at your fingertips. It’s that easy.
Practically-oriented training
Theoretical knowledge alone is as good as half-knowledge. In contemporary times, we require a perfect blend of theoretical and practical knowledge to succeed in any field. True to the current times, our curriculum is seamlessly sewn together with a mix of both theory and practical acquisition using case studies, simulations, and real-world examples, resulting in your holistic development. Thus, making you skilled enough to clear the exam with complete confidence.
Anytime, Anywhere Learning
Modern World demands modern solutions. That’s why there is no room for offline studies, rather the paradigm shift is on online learning, which can be accessed within the four walls of your home. All our sessions are live yet online, which you can attend from any corner of your home. A digital device, a stable internet connection, and a passion for passing the exam are what you need- rest leave it to us to help you pass the exam with flying colours. Our super-interactive sessions are not just enlightening, but engaging as well. Get ready to learn in a highly engaging environment.
Freebies
Now, who doesn’t love a freebie- no one, right? Then, you will love our exam training because we have lots of freebies for you. Curious? Then, start counting. First, we provide backup classes and free recordings at absolutely no extra cost. Unforeseen circumstances can cause anyone to miss a class, but that shouldn’t leave you feeling left behind. That’s why session recordings are there for you. Second, career guidance is something we offer you for free. Define your career path with our expert counsellors. Third, we offer free updated resource material for nothing. That means, all the updated content and resources will be updated in your LMS at no additional cost. Last of all, you get mentor support for as long as you need. In a nutshell, we are dedicatedly committed to your success.
Eligibility For The CFA Level 1
One question that triggers the mind is – “am I eligible to apply for the CFA level 1 examination?” Let’s see. If you meet any of the below-mentioned criteria, you are eligible to apply for this esteemed examination and set yourself on the path to greater heights in the finance and investment domain.
- Completed a bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree.
- Learners who have already enrolled for any undergraduate program are also eligible to apply. But, remember, your exam window must be 23 months or fewer before your final graduation month.
- Candidates having a combined experience of 4,000 hours of work experience and/or higher education acquired over a minimum of three consecutive years. Please note this must be achieved on/by the registration date for the CFA level 1 exam. Also, ensure the dates of work experience and higher education do not overlap.
NOTE: Remember professional experience doesn’t necessarily have to be investment-related. It can include paid internships as well. In the case of the family business, work experience will only qualify if it is professional experience, for which you are being paid.
Some additional requirements:
- Candidates must have a valid international passport to enrol in this course.
- Candidates must be proficient in the English language.
Exciting Career Options after CFA Level 1
Junior business analyst:
Business analysts are shouldered with the primal task of processing business information, converting it into data, and offering solutions for better company productivity and efficiency. Roles and responsibilities look like:
- Analyzing company performances to look out for areas of improvement
- Generating reports with essential data and strategies.
- Monitoring and managing cash flow.
- Implementing effective business plans.
Investment Banking Analyst:
Being one of the most sought-after roles after CFA Level 1, investment banking analysts form the core of all things finance. What do they do? They are tasked with:
- Assisting clients in making informed investment decisions.
- Conducting financial analysis and preparing reports.
- Working in a competitive field with high exposure to finance.
Junior financial analyst:
Most level 1 graduates opt for financial analyst as it offers impressive opportunities for growth in the finance industry. They work in diverse sectors like corporate finance, banking, insurance, and even consulting. Their roles and responsibilities include:
- Analysing business performance to develop growth strategy for the organization
- Suggesting investment advice to boost company capital
- Creating detailed reports to foster strategic decision-making by the company leaders.
- Predicting market trends to look out for better investment opportunities.
Equity research analyst:
As the name suggests, equity research analysts are entitled to be a crucial part of the research and analysis team. Roles and responsibilities include:
- Conducting extensive research on the stock market.
- Providing recommendations, insights and advice to investors.
- Utilizing the available financial data to make informed business decisions
Investment product analyst:
They are the backbone of the investment operations- doing everything from tracking market trends to developing investment-related strategies. Their duties include:
- Keeping up-to-date with the market trends to develop investment strategies.
- Evaluating financial products for investment purposes.
- Recommending strategies after thorough analysis.
- Structuring and designing presentations to represent research findings.
Why Choose IIM SKILLS?
IIM SKILLS is a one-of-its-kind global institution aiming to transform careers through its premium courses and coaching classes. Racing alongside the industry’s rising demands, this top-ranking institute imparts industry-accepted skills and knowledge per se.
Talking about the CFA level 1 coaching, our lead mentors prepare you to crack the exam on the first attempt. With equal focus on maintaining accuracy, speed, and concepts- the mentors meticulously train you to sway the exam with confidence. Not just the theory, but a practical understanding of each concept is what armours you for the best.
At IIM SKILLS, we’re committed to your success and that’s what fuels our passion to bring you better learning and upskilling opportunities. What makes us stand out from the herd is our dedicated mentors, live classes, on-the-spot doubt resolutions, and 24*7 support- at every step of the way.
Since 2015, IIM SKILLS has trained and helped 45,000+ learners from across 50+ countries. With a global presence and recognition, IIM SKILLS is just the right choice for you to start your Chartered Financial Analyst journey! Join hands and start exploring this inexplicable expedition.

Upcoming Batch For Our CFA Level 1
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Course Advantage
Course Fee: INR 59,900 + Taxes.
Easy EMI: Pay in 12 Interest-Free EMI For INR 5,890/Month.
Important Delivery Note: The course will be delivered for 4 consecutive Sundays and for the last week participants will have sessions on Saturday and Sunday.
100% Money-Back Guarantee: If you do not like our course, you can claim a 100% money return after your first session.
Certification Fee: Price includes exam and certification fees.
Group Discount: 10% group discount on 3 or more registration.
Average Salary after CFA Level 1
Finance is a lucrative industry. Most professionals are attracted to the handsome salary of this industry.
Generally speaking, the salary of a CFA Level 1 qualifier depends on the previous employment, experience, and compensation of the individual. So, the salary is highly subjective to your experience and expertise. However, the salary bracket remains more or less the same for different roles and responsibilities.
To give you a clear picture, let’s look at average salaries for some of the popular designations in the field:
| Position | Average Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Investment Banker | INR 9,82,635 |
| Financial Analyst | INR 6,09, 022 |
| Chartered Financial Analyst | INR 6,03,088 |
| Equity Research Analyst | INR 7,50,000 |
| Business Analyst | INR 8,57,500 |
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FAQs Related to the CFA Level 1
While CFA is globally accepted, CA is more India-centric. Another difference is that CA focuses on the preparation of accounts and audits, whereas CFA extends to leveraging accounting data to derive decision-making and management. Long story short, if one prepares well under the guidance of experts, no exam is hard. So, apply for IIM SKILLS CFA Level 1 training now.
1- Standard Registration Fee
2- Exam Fees
3- Exam Rescheduling Fees
1- Possess a graduation degree or an undergraduate student in their second last year of graduation.
2- Professional work experience of 4000 hours mustered in a span of a minimum of 3 years.
3- A mix of degree and work experience.
