The CFA Level 1 exam is your first step toward becoming a globally recognized Chartered Financial Analyst.
It tests your knowledge of fundamental financial and investment concepts — from economics to portfolio management.
Let’s break down the CFA Level 1 syllabus (2025 edition), along with a smart study plan and FinOptions expert tips to help you clear it on your first attempt.
🧩 CFA Level 1 Exam Overview
The CFA Level 1 exam evaluates your understanding of investment tools, ethical standards, and basic financial concepts.
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4.5 hours (2 sessions of 135 minutes each) |
| Questions | 180 MCQs (90 per session) |
| Passing Rate | ~40–45% globally |
| Conducted By | CFA Institute (USA) |
👉 The exam is conducted four times a year — February, May, August, and November.
📘 CFA Level 1 Syllabus 2025: Topic-Wise Breakdown
The CFA curriculum is divided into 10 core subjects, each contributing a specific weight to your final score.
| Topic | Weight (%) | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Ethical and Professional Standards | 15–20% | Ethics, Code of Conduct, Integrity in finance |
| Quantitative Methods | 8–12% | Time value of money, statistics, probability |
| Economics | 8–12% | Micro & macroeconomics, monetary policy, exchange rates |
| Financial Reporting and Analysis | 13–17% | Income statement, balance sheet, ratios, accounting standards |
| Corporate Issuers | 8–12% | Cost of capital, leverage, capital budgeting |
| Equity Investments | 10–12% | Market efficiency, valuation, stock analysis |
| Fixed Income | 10–12% | Bonds, yields, interest rate risk, duration |
| Derivatives | 5–8% | Futures, forwards, options, swaps |
| Alternative Investments | 5–8% | Private equity, real estate, commodities |
| Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning | 5–8% | Portfolio theory, risk-return, diversification |
🧠 FinOptions Insight: Key Areas to Focus On
According to FinOptions CFA trainers:
“Ethics, FRA (Financial Reporting & Analysis), and Quantitative Methods are the foundation of CFA Level 1.
If you master these, you cover nearly 45% of the exam weight.”
✅ Ethics: Learn through real-world cases — 20% weight and must-know for all levels.
✅ FRA: The most scoring yet tricky topic — focus on accounting standards and ratio interpretation.
✅ Quantitative Methods: Helps in valuation, portfolio, and economics — don’t skip TVM and hypothesis testing.
📅 CFA Level 1 Study Plan (6-Month Strategy)
Here’s a practical 6-month study roadmap built by FinOptions mentors — ideal for working professionals and students.
🗓️ Month 1–2: Foundation Phase
Focus on conceptual clarity
- Ethics & Professional Standards
- Quantitative Methods
- Economics
📘 Tip: Create summary notes and attempt 30–40 practice questions after each reading.
🗓️ Month 3–4: Core Finance Phase
Build analytical understanding
- Financial Reporting & Analysis (FRA)
- Corporate Issuers
- Fixed Income
📘 Tip: Use FinOptions’ Excel-based FRA tools to analyze statements like a real analyst.
🗓️ Month 5: Applied Learning Phase
Apply concepts to valuation and risk analysis
- Equity Investments
- Derivatives
- Alternative Investments
📘 Tip: Revise formulas weekly and attempt 2–3 mini mocks to identify weak areas.
🗓️ Month 6: Final Revision & Mock Phase
Consolidate and test your knowledge
- Portfolio Management & Revision of all 10 subjects
- Practice full-length mock exams (minimum 4)
- Revise ethics daily before the exam
📘 Tip: Treat mocks as real exams — simulate 4.5-hour sessions under time pressure.
💡 FinOptions Study Tips to Clear CFA Level 1
- Start with Ethics and End with Ethics:
CFA Institute gives special importance to ethics in borderline pass cases. - Follow the 3-Phase Rule:
- Learn → Practice → Revise.
Don’t just read; attempt 2,000+ questions before the exam.
- Learn → Practice → Revise.
- Focus on Interconnections:
For example, Quantitative Methods concepts apply in Equity and Fixed Income. - Use Active Recall:
Revise key formulas daily — especially for TVM, NPV, IRR, and ratios. - Join a Guided Training Program:
FinOptions offers concept-based CFA training that saves time, boosts retention, and provides mentorship until exam day.
🧾 CFA Level 1 Exam Dates (2025)
| Exam Window | Registration Deadline | Result Date |
|---|---|---|
| February 2025 | November 2024 | April 2025 |
| May 2025 | February 2025 | July 2025 |
| August 2025 | May 2025 | October 2025 |
| November 2025 | August 2025 | January 2026 |
👉 Pro Tip: Always register early to save up to $300 in exam fees.
🧮 Study Resources Recommended by FinOptions
- CFA Institute Curriculum (Official)
- FinOptions Recorded & Live Classes
- FinOptions Formula Sheets & Topic Summaries
- FinOptions Mock Exams & Practice Portal
- CFA Institute Learning Ecosystem (LES)
📘 Students at FinOptions get structured guidance, personalized doubt solving, and access to topic-wise tests.
💼 Career After CFA Level 1
After clearing CFA Level 1, you become eligible for roles like:
- Research Analyst
- Junior Financial Analyst
- Investment Banking Intern
- Risk & Data Analyst
Average salary in India after Level 1: ₹4–6 LPA, depending on profile and company.
FinOptions also provides career counseling and placement support for students who complete the course.
🧭 Why Choose FinOptions for CFA Preparation?
FinOptions is one of India’s leading finance training institutes offering:
- 📺 Structured CFA Coaching (Live + Recorded)
- 🧑🏫 Expert Faculty from CFA & finance backgrounds
- 🧩 Practice-focused approach with 2,000+ questions
- 💬 1-on-1 Mentorship till exam day
- 💼 Placement Assistance for finance careers
🎯 Start your CFA Level 1 preparation today with FinOptions and move closer to becoming a global finance professional.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the best time to start CFA Level 1 preparation?
👉 Ideally 6–8 months before your target exam window.
Q2. How many hours should I study for CFA Level 1?
👉 Around 300 hours total (2 hours daily for 6 months is sufficient with guidance).
Q3. Is coaching necessary for CFA Level 1?
👉 Self-study is possible, but structured coaching from FinOptions helps save time and avoid confusion.
Q4. Can I pursue CFA with a job or college?
👉 Yes. FinOptions offers flexible batch timings and recorded sessions for working professionals and students.
✨ Final Thoughts
Clearing CFA Level 1 is the foundation of your CFA journey — and with proper planning, discipline, and expert guidance, you can easily achieve it.
With FinOptions’ mentorship, mock tests, and real-world learning, you’re not just preparing for an exam — you’re preparing for a successful finance career.
🚀 Start Your CFA Level 1 Journey Today
Join FinOptions’ CFA Level 1 Online Course
🎓 Learn from India’s top CFA mentors
📘 Access live & recorded lectures
🧾 Flexible EMI options available
👉 Explore CFA Level 1 Course | 📞 Call/WhatsApp: +91-7880009051
