Choosing the best colleges for CFA in India can shape your career in finance. The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) program helps you become an expert in investment analysis, portfolio management, and ethical standards. If you are in India and want to work in finance, CFA is among the best global qualifications. Many top colleges in India now offer CFA coaching or integrated CFA programs. These colleges help students prepare for CFA exams while also earning their degrees. The best part is that these institutes provide placement help, internships, and access to top finance firms.
You must choose the right college to increase your chances of success in CFA. The best colleges for CFA in India offer structured coaching, study materials, mock tests, and faculty who are CFA charterholders.
Why CFA Is a Smart Choice in India?
CFA has become one of the most popular finance certifications in India. It provides global recognition and prepares students for high-level investment and portfolio management roles.
Affordable Compared to MBA
CFA is much cheaper than an MBA from abroad or even in India. This makes it ideal for students who want maximum return on investment without spending ₹20–25 lakhs on higher education.
Recognized Globally
The CFA Institute is respected worldwide. Having this credential opens job opportunities in India and countries like the US, UK, Singapore, and UAE.
Can Be Studied Alongside UG or PG
You don’t have to wait to finish your degree to start a CFA. Colleges now offer integrated programs that help you study CFA with BBA, BCom, or MBA.
High Demand in the Finance Industry
Indian banks, investment firms, and MNCs now prefer candidates with CFA because they come with updated, practical knowledge in finance and ethics.
Top 10 Best Colleges for CFA in India
Choosing an integrated college is smart if you plan to do a CFA and a regular degree simultaneously. These colleges often have tie-ups with the CFA Institute. So, they follow official learning material and exam guidelines. You can also access trained faculty, case studies, live projects, and doubt-clearing sessions.
Colleges offering CFA-integrated courses also invite companies for finance-related placements. You can get job offers from investment banks, equity research firms, mutual fund houses, and fintech startups. These courses are ideal for students who want to build a career in core finance roles.
Many colleges in India now offer integrated CFA programs or top-rated CFA coaching. Below is a list of the best institutes with details about their courses and placement records.
1. Indian School of Business and Finance (ISBF), Delhi
- University of London affiliation and CFA partner
ISBF offers a BSc Finance course that includes complete CFA exam support. It follows a global curriculum aligned with CFA Institute guidelines.
- High placement record
Students have been placed at top firms like EY, Deloitte, and KPMG, which value ISBF’s finance training.
- Experienced CFA faculty
Courses are taught by CFA charterholders who guide students in passing all levels.
2. IMS Proschool—Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore
- Dedicated CFA coaching institute
IMS Proschool offers expert CFA Levels I, II, and III coaching across major Indian cities.
- Flexible learning formats
Students can choose classroom, weekend, or online sessions with recorded lectures and case studies for better understanding.
- Industry-focused teaching
With strong links to finance firms, students get internships and job support after completing levels.
3. FLAME University, Pune
- Integrated CFA + BBA Finance degree
FLAME offers a structured BBA program with a CFA-aligned syllabus, allowing students to prepare for exams during college.
- Strong academic environment
It combines finance theory with real-world applications using Bloomberg labs, investment competitions, and finance case studies.
- Great career support
The university has good placement records and exposure to global financial practices.
4. Jain University, Bangalore
- BCom with CFA preparation
Jain University allows students to prepare for CFA Levels I and II and their commerce graduation.
- Practical learning approach
The program includes workshops, finance projects, and mentorship from industry experts.
- Placement and internships help.
Students benefit from tie-ups with banks, wealth firms, and corporations for internships and jobs.
5. Christ University, Bangalore
- BCom/BBA with CFA-aligned content
Christ blends academic degrees with topics from the CFA curriculum. It’s a popular choice among commerce students.
- Focus on financial tools and modelling.
Training includes software like Excel, R, and Tableau to improve data analysis and financial modelling skills.
- Campus exposure and events
Students attend finance fests, competitions, and certification workshops to boost industry readiness.
6. NMIMS, Mumbai
- Finance-focused MBA and UG programs
Narsee Monjee Institute offers a BBA in Finance and an MBA in Capital Markets, which align closely with the CFA syllabus.
- Top placement record
Top investment banks and global consulting firms regularly recruit NMIMS students.
- Best CFA institute in Mumbai
Due to its location, reputation, and resources, NMIMS is considered one of the best CFA institutes in Mumbai.
7. International College of Financial Planning (ICoFP), Delhi & Mumbai
- One of India’s oldest CFA training institutes
ICoFP offers PG and MBA courses focused on CFA preparation with deep industry involvement.
- Mentorship from CFA charterholders
Students are guided by working professionals and former CFA toppers.
- Strong recruiter network
The institute has built a solid placement record with investment banking, insurance, and financial consulting firms.
8. Symbiosis School of Banking and Finance, Pune
- MBA with a strong CFA focus
Symbiosis includes CFA-related subjects in its Banking & Finance MBA program, making it suitable for postgraduates planning CFA.
- Live projects and finance tools
Students work on projects involving real bank data and market analysis to understand key CFA concepts.
- Good placement record
The Symbiosis brand adds value and helps students land jobs in banks and NBFCs.
9. Amity University, Noida
- CFA training in UG and PG programs
Amity’s BCom, BBA, and MBA degrees include CFA prep through special electives and training support.
- All-round development
The program includes aptitude training, mock interviews, financial certifications, and CFA coaching.
- Industry Exposure
Students participate in finance workshops, guest lectures, and simulations to prepare for real-world roles.
10. IMS Ghaziabad
- PGDM with CFA-aligned finance major
IMS blends its PGDM curriculum with core CFA subjects like equity, fixed income, and portfolio management.
- Experienced finance faculty
Courses are taught by finance professionals with real market experience, making the teaching more practical.
- Placement support in top companies
Over 200+ companies visit the campus every year, making IMS a good option for career growth.
Eligibility, Admission, and Course Duration
To be eligible to enter a college offering CFA in India, you must complete your 12th class or graduation (depending on the course). For BBA/B.Com CFA courses, apply after the 12th. For MBA or PG programs, apply after graduation.
Basic Eligibility:
- For BBA/B.Com CFA: Class 12 (any stream, preferably commerce)
- For MBA + CFA: Graduation with minimum 50% marks
- For PG Finance Diplomas: Some work or finance background helps.
Course Duration:
- BBA/B.Com CFA: 3 years
- MBA/PGDM CFA: 2 years
- CFA Full Course (Levels 1 to 3): 2.5 to 3 years (can overlap with college course)
Admission is mainly based on academic scores, personal interviews, and sometimes entrance exams like the CAT, CUET, or college-specific tests.
Let’s now understand placements and career growth.
Placements After CFA Integrated Courses: Job Roles, Salaries, and Top Recruiters
Choosing the best colleges for CFA in India is not just about classroom teaching. Placements matter a lot. Students want to know: Will I get a job after doing a CFA-integrated course? The answer is yes — if you choose the right college and clear at least CFA Level 1 or 2 during your course, your job chances increase.
CFA knowledge gives you an edge in finance-related jobs. Companies seek candidates who understand financial modelling, equity research, valuation, and risk management. Many firms in India now hire CFA-qualified freshers, especially from colleges with strong industry ties.
Typical Job Roles After CFA-Integrated Degrees
- Equity Research Analyst: You study company stocks, make valuation reports, and help investors make decisions.
- Investment Banking Associate: You help with mergers, IPOs, and corporate fundraising.
- Financial Analyst: You create business reports and forecasts using financial data.
- Risk Analyst: You study market and credit risks for banks and insurance firms.
- Portfolio Manager Assistant: You help senior managers build and review client portfolios.
Top Recruiters at CFA Colleges in India
Colleges that offer CFA-integrated programs often invite top finance companies for placements. These include:
- JP Morgan Chase
- Goldman Sachs
- HDFC AMC
- Morningstar
- Deloitte
- EY
- CRISIL
- ICICI Prudential
- Axis Bank
- Kotak Securities
The starting salary after CFA Level 1 or 2 can range from ₹4–8 LPA. With Level 3 or more experience, packages grow up to ₹10–15 LPA. Colleges with strong CFA coaching help students reach these jobs faster.
Fees of Best CFA Colleges in India — Course-Wise Cost Analysis
After placements, students want to know about the cost of studying at the best colleges for CFA in India. Unlike CFA exam fees (paid to the CFA Institute), these are your academic course fees — charged by Indian colleges offering BBA, B.Com, MBA, or PGDM along with CFA prep.
Course fees vary by city, institute type (private or university-based), and duration. Some colleges charge only for classes, while others include live projects, mock exams, and global certifications.
Approximate Fee Structure (Per Year or Course)
| College Type | Course Fee (₹) | Duration |
| BBA/B.Com + CFA (Private) | ₹1.5–2.5 lakhs/year | 3 years |
| MBA + CFA Focused Programs | ₹3–5 lakhs total | 2 years |
| PGDM with CFA Prep | ₹2–3.5 lakhs total | 15–18 months |
| CFA Coaching Only (like IMS) | ₹50,000–₹80,000/level | Self-paced |
Some colleges also offer monthly EMI payment options and scholarship discounts. Check with the admissions team directly to understand hidden charges or package offers.
Best Colleges for CFA in India FAQs
Q1. Can I do CFA directly, or do I need a college course?
Yes, you can register directly with the CFA Institute. But colleges offering CFA in India help you study better and get job-ready with projects and guidance.
Q2. What is the CFA degree given by Indian colleges?
No Indian college can issue a CFA degree. Only the CFA Institute (USA) gives the CFA charter. Indian colleges help you prepare through integrated coaching.
Q3. Is a BBA with a CFA better than doing a CFA after graduation?
If you’re clear about a finance career, starting early with a BBA with a CFA saves time and helps you gain both a degree and CFA knowledge together.
Q4. Do CFA-integrated colleges provide placement help?
Yes. Many CFA-affiliated colleges in India offer placement training, internships, and corporate tie-ups. These improve your chances of finance jobs.
Q5. How many CFA levels should I clear for a job?
Most firms hire after Level 1 or Level 2. Level 3 is needed for senior roles. If you complete Level 1 in college, you stand out in placements.
