The CFA program is regarded as one of the respectable paths to pursue a global finance career. The US CFA Level 1 2025 exam is the first step for one to board the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. It tests the knowledge of an individual on important finance subjects such as ethics, accounting, and investment tools. This examination helps you in getting a foothold for a top job in investment banking, equity research, or portfolio management. The US CFA Level 1 2025 exam is not easy to pass but can definitely be cleared with proper planning.
What is US CFA Level 1 Exam for the year 2025?
It is also CFA Level 1, as it is the first stage of the Chartered Financial Analyst journey. It is conducted by the CFA Institute in the USA. The CFA charter has worldwide acceptance as a top finance qualification. The Level 1 exam is intended to measure familiarization with investment tools, elementary accounting, and ethics in finance.
Main Features of CFA Level 1 2025
In the CFA Level 1 2025 exam, you start building your basics in finance. If you pass this exam, you move up to Level 2-an advanced stage that is tougher with more focus on asset valuation. But before that, there should be a strong foundation.
- Conducting Body: CFA Institute (USA)
- Available to: Global candidates inclusive of Indian students
- Format of the Examination: 180 multiple choice questions (MCQs)
- Duration: 4.5 hours-2.25 hours each
- Mode: Computer-based test
- Availability: Four times a year (February, May, August, November)
CFA Level 1 2025 Exam Dates
These dates are important for knowing when to schedule your study period for CFA Level 1 2025 examinations. The CFA Institute holds the exam four times a year. With each window, unique deadlines are set forth. Early registration secures your seat, so that your preparation isn’t thrown into disarray.
CFA Level 1 2025 Exam Windows
Get an early registration. This will allow adequate time to study and secure the desired test center location. Check always for the CFA Level 1 exam dates 2025 updates from the official site of the CFA Institute.
| Exam Window | Exam Dates | Registration Deadline | Scheduling Deadline |
| February | 17–23 Feb | 8 Nov 2024 | 21 Nov 2024 |
| May | 20–26 May | 31 Jan 2025 | 14 Feb 2025 |
| August | 20–26 Aug | 15 May 2025 | 29 May 2025 |
| November | 18–24 Nov | 8 Aug 2025 | 22 Aug 2025 |
CFA Level 1 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for the CFA Level 1 2025 examination, one needs to check whether he/she fits into the eligibility criteria as mentioned. The CFA institute has established some basic standards of education as well as documentation. All this must be followed by Indian applicants for the registration process to be regarded as successful.
Who Can Apply?
The CFA Institute allows a wide range of candidates to apply for CFA Level 1 2025. Students, graduates, and working professionals can all meet the eligibility with the right background.
- Education: Students in their last year of a bachelor’s degree program or persons holding an undergraduate degree are eligible.
- Work Experience: A candidate without a degree is required to possess a minimum of 4,000 hours of work experience or a combination of work and college that adds up to three years.
- Language: English is the language of all examinations and study material.
- Passport: A valid international passport is required. No PAN card or Aadhaar is accepted.
- Age Limit: There is no cut-off age limit. But the majority of the candidates are in the age group of 20-35 years.
- Further Note: Indian students enrolled in B.Com, BBA, or BA (Economics) in the last year of the respective program are eligible to apply.
CFA Level 1 is pursued by working professionals in finance who seek professional growth.
CFA Level 1 2025 Syllabus and Exam Pattern
The US CFA level 1 2025 syllabus consists of 10 subjects. These subjects cover the basics of economics and accounting, financial reporting, quantitative methods, and ethics.
Subjects in CFA Level 1
This means that CFA Level 1 introduces the fundamentals of finance, investment tools, and ethical standards, covering ten subjects that are meant to lay a strong foundation for subsequent levels of the CFA program.
| Topics | Weightage |
| Ethical and Professional Standards | 15–20% |
| Quantitative Methods | 8–12% |
| Economics | 8–12% |
| Financial Reporting and Analysis | 13–17% |
| Corporate Finance | 8–12% |
| Equity Investments | 10–12% |
| Fixed Income | 10–12% |
| Derivatives | 5–8% |
| Alternative Investments | 5–8% |
| Portfolio Management | 5–8% |
You will take a total of 180 MCQ questions in 2 sessions:
- Session 1: 90 questions within 2 hours 15 minutes.
- Session 2: 90 questions within 2 hours 15 minutes.
Each question has 3 options for selection. There is no negative marking for wrong answers.
CFA Level 1 2025 Fees and Cost
Knowledge about the CFA Level 1 2025 fees and cost is important for registration. The exam includes a one-time enrollment fee and a registration fee. The Indian students should also have in mind the foreign currency conversion with the budget.
CFA Level 1 Fees
CFA Level 1 fees consist of a one-time enrollment fee of $350 and the exam fees ranging from $940 to $1,250 depending on the registration date. Registration in advance allows you to get the lowest price.
| Fee Type | Amount (USD) |
| One-time Enrollment Fee | $350 |
| Early Registration Fee | $940 |
| Standard Registration Fee | $1,250 |
| Rescheduling Fee | $250 |
Overall Estimated cost in INR
For Indian students, those who register early are looking at a final cost of around ₹1,08,000 to ₹1,20,000, based further on the dollar rate.
Procedure for Applying for CFA Level 1 Exam in 2025 From India
Applying for the CFA Level 1 2025 exam from India is simple with an online registration process. This is done on the CFA Institute’s official website. You must pay careful attention to each step to facilitate easy completion of the process.
Step-by-Step Process
- Visit cfainstitute.org
- Create an account with your email
- Fill in your detailed personal information and educational background
- Include your passport information
- Pay using the credit/debit card
- Select your exam centre
- Select the date and time slot for your exam.
You can then download the ticket for the CFA exam.
CFA Level 1 Study Plan 2025
A good study plan is crucial for passing the CFA Level 1 exam in 2025. Reviews beyond the syllabus must be balanced with time management skills. It is a win-win situation to be able to start early in the study period.
Study Timeline
The study timeline is very explicit and thus helps keep things on track for the CFA Level 1 2025 exam. Studying in months demarcates syllabus heads for manageable coverage.
- 6 Months Before Exam– Start with Ethics and Quantitative Methods (the priority in your schedule).
- 4 Months Before Exam– Economics, FRA, and Corporate Finance.
- 3 Months Before Exam– Equity, Fixed Income, and Derivatives.
- 2 Months Before Exam– Portfolio Management and Alternative Investments.
- 1 Month Before Exam– Focus on mock tests, analyze mistakes, and revise notes.
Study Tips
- Stick to CFA Institute’s curriculum books.
- Use CFA Learning Ecosystem (free with registration).
- Join online or offline coaching if needed.
- Give at least 4-5 mock tests.
Benefits of Passing CFA Level 1
Passing CFA Level 1 exam 2025 is associated with unlimited perks at the workplace. It creates a strong foundation in finance and tremendously improves your job profile. Moreover, it creates the frontiers for all top jobs in finance around the globe.
Career Benefits
At the earliest of CFA Level One climber, a career is made in finance. It makes one even more noticeable to employers and leads to better positions in their job profiles.
- Research-based entry-level jobs in finance analysis and investment banking.
- Recognization of jobs among the globe.
- Ethics, accounting, and investment instruments.
- A well-groomed CV for MBA applications.
Range of Pay
In India freshers with CFA level 1 earn a salary ranging from ₹4-8 lakhs per annum. The further one learns CFA and gains experience, the salary can exceed ₹20-25 lakhs.
CFA Level 1 2025 FAQs
1. Is there any change of CFA Level 1 in 2025?
CFA Level 1 for 2025 will bring in new learning modules along with digital learning resources. Although there are slight revisions in the syllabus, the core subjects and overall format still remain the same.
2. What does CFA Level 1 have to offer in 2025?
Subject weight is set per topic; Ethics has weight between 15 percent and 20 percent, FRA between 13 percent and 17 percent, while others range from 5 percent to 12 percent. These weights indicate the amount of time you should spend per subject.
3. When to register for CFA 2025?
You should register at least six months before your exam window. Early registration helps save money and allows for more time in preparation.
4. How much does the CFA Level 1 fee cost in 2025?
The complete fee includes a $350 one-time adjudication fee and a registration fee between $940 and $1,250. Relative to the dollar, it can cost between ₹1.1–1.3 lakhs.
5. What is CFA Level 1 expected salary?
In India, the pay is between 4 and 8 lakhs per year for CFA Level 1. It increases as experience grows. The pay also increases after passing Level 2 and Level 3.
