Earning the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation begins with the right study materials. CFA books are essential to any CFA candidate’s preparation plan. These books cover everything from ethics and financial reporting to portfolio management and alternative investments. CFA books include CFA official books, CFA study guides, CFA textbooks, and CFA exam prep books. These help candidates prepare for CFA Level 1, CFA Level 2, and CFA Level 3 exams. CFA books offer full syllabus coverage and explain the CFA curriculum in simple language.
Best CFA Books for Each Level of Exam
Choosing the best CFA books for each exam level matters for clearing all three stages. Each level tests different concepts. CFA Level 1 books focus on basic knowledge and tools. CFA Level 2 books focus on analysis and application. CFA Level 3 books focus on portfolio management and wealth planning. Every CFA candidate must use the right book for their exam level.
CFA Level 1 Books
CFA Level 1 checks your basic finance knowledge. The exam includes ethics, quantitative methods, financial reporting, and economics. Candidates must use the best books for CFA Level 1 that explain these subjects simply. CFA exam books for Level 1 must also include practice questions.
CFA Kaplan books are the most popular choice for Level 1. These Schweser CFA books offer summary notes, formula sheets, and full-length practice exams. These CFA preparation books include question banks and mock tests that simulate the real exam. Wiley CFA books are another trusted source for candidates. They provide video lectures and detailed notes. Many toppers suggest combining CFA curriculum books with CFA study material from Kaplan or Wiley. This mix helps cover all topics and understand them deeply.
CFA Level 2 Books
CFA Level 2 books focus more on financial analysis. Topics like equity valuation, corporate finance, and fixed income need in-depth study. Candidates must use CFA textbooks that offer case-based examples and real-world applications. CFA Kaplan books again top the list here. Schweser CFA books for Level 2 include large practice sets and detailed answers. Wiley CFA books also provide reasonable explanations. CFA exam books from the official institute also help, but they are too lengthy for some. Combining them with CFA study guide books offers a balanced preparation. Some CFA Level 2 books also come in CFA books PDF format for easy reading. Candidates must solve the CFA practice books regularly and check their accuracy.
CFA Level 3 Books
CFA Level 3 focuses more on portfolio management and asset planning. Candidates must write detailed answers at this level. So, CFA Level 3 books should have essay-format questions, tips, and examples.
CFA Kaplan books for Level 3 provide good summaries and practice papers. These CFA study material books offer guides on how to write essay answers. Wiley CFA books also focus on strategy-based learning for Level 3. Using CFA curriculum books for Level 3 gives candidates access to official content. Candidates also use CFA notes to revise quickly. These notes help review formulas and concepts during the last days of preparation.
Where Can You Buy CFA Books in India and Online?
Candidates often ask where to buy CFA books safely and affordably. Trusted sellers offer genuine content with updates from the CFA Institute. Buying from reliable sources ensures the books follow the latest CFA curriculum and include quality study material.
Buy CFA Books from Online Platforms
Online platforms provide easy access to printed and CFA materials in PDF versions. Candidates in India or other countries can order official books and guides online. Some of the top platforms include:
- Amazon India offers new and used CFA Kaplan and Wiley CFA books.
- Flipkart: Stocks CFA level 1 books, CFA level 2 books, and CFA level 3 books from top publishers.
- Kaplan Schweser’s official website provides original Schweser CFA books and bundled packages.
- Wiley Efficient Learning: Sells complete CFA study material, including Wiley CFA books with online tools.
These websites also offer combo packs, which include CFA exam prep books, flashcards, and practice test software.
Offline Bookstores in India
Some bookstores in metro cities stock CFA textbooks and CFA study guides. Stores in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Pune have exclusive sections for CFA exam books. But physical stores usually have limited stock. Online options are more convenient and offer better choices.
CFA Books PDF & Free Downloads
Many students search for CFA books with free download options. However, downloading pirated PDFS may result in outdated or illegal copies. CFA Institute also provides eBooks after registration. These official CFA curriculum books in PDF or ePub format are updated for each exam cycle. Always use CFA official books or PDFS from licensed platforms to avoid outdated information.
Benefits of Buying Online
- Updated editions with the latest CFA curriculum
- Easy delivery at home
- Access to combo packages and discounts
- Customer reviews help decide the best CFA preparation books
Buying books online also helps track shipping and return products if needed.
CFA Books PDF vs Printed Books: Which One to Choose?
Choosing between PDF and printed CFA books depends on a candidate’s study style. Both versions have benefits. Understanding each helps you make the best choice for CFA exam preparation.
Advantages of CFA Books PDF
Digital CFA books help you read on the go. Candidates who travel or prefer studying on a tablet or laptop find CFA books in PDF very helpful.
Benefits include:
- Easy access and storage
- Zoom and search features
- Portability – no need to carry heavy books
- Can highlight or annotate content digitally
Many CFA study guide publishers also provide their books in PDF format. For example, Kaplan Schweser and Wiley allow digital access to their CFA preparation books after purchase.
Benefits of Printed CFA Textbooks
Some candidates learn better from physical books. Holding a book and writing notes improves focus and retention. Printed CFA textbooks are also better for long study hours.
Advantages:
- Easier to read without eye strain
- Allows manual highlighting and bookmarking
- Helps reduce distractions from digital notifications
Printed CFA study material also works well for revision. Candidates can flip through pages and recall content easily.
Which One to Choose?
Use the CFA books PDF for travel and quick review. Use printed CFA exam books at home for long study sessions. Many toppers suggest using both formats for better results. Some bundles from Kaplan and Wiley include both PDF and printed versions. CFA notes are also available in PDF and print formats, making it easy to revise anytime.
CFA Syllabus
Understanding the CFA syllabus is essential before choosing the right CFA books. The syllabus guides the content inside the CFA official books, CFA study guides, and CFA exam prep books. Each CFA exam level tests different skills—from basic finance to professional portfolio management.
What is Covered in CFA Level 1 Syllabus?
CFA Level 1 introduces the foundational concepts. It includes tools, financial statements, and ethical practices. CFA Level 1 books cover 10 topics with multiple readings under each topic. Candidates must understand formulas, definitions, and simple applications. Here are the issues in CFA Level 1:
| Topic | Approximate Weight |
| Ethical and Professional Standards | 15-20% |
| Quantitative Methods | 8-12% |
| Economics | 8-12% |
| Financial Reporting and Analysis | 13-17% |
| Corporate Issuers | 8-12% |
| Equity Investments | 10-12% |
| Fixed Income | 10-12% |
| Derivatives | 5-8% |
| Alternative Investments | 5-8% |
| Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning | 5-8% |
Best books for CFA Level 1 include Kaplan Schweser CFA books and Wiley CFA books. These simplify complex topics and include practice questions. CFA books: PDF versions of the curriculum can be downloaded after registration. Candidates also use CFA notes and CFA practice books to test their understanding.
What is Covered in CFA Level 2 Syllabus?
Level 2 focuses on the application of concepts learned in Level 1. The CFA Level 2 books deal with valuation and analysis. Each topic now includes more in-depth case-based questions, known as item sets. Here is the CFA Level 2 topic-wise syllabus structure:
| Topic | Approximate Weight |
| Ethical and Professional Standards | 10-15% |
| Quantitative Methods | 5-10% |
| Economics | 5-10% |
| Financial Reporting and Analysis | 10-15% |
| Corporate Issuers | 5-10% |
| Equity Investments | 10-15% |
| Fixed Income | 10-15% |
| Derivatives | 5-10% |
| Alternative Investments | 5-10% |
| Portfolio Management | 10-15% |
Candidates need books that break down case studies. CFA textbooks from the CFA Institute are helpful, but long. So many candidates use Schweser CFA books or Wiley CFA books to understand difficult sections faster. Use CFA study guide materials to break complex models into simpler forms. CFA practice books also help simulate item-set questions.
What is Covered in CFA Level 3 Syllabus?
Level 3 tests wealth management, portfolio strategy, and asset planning skills. CFA Level 3 books must help with structured and essay-type (constructed response) questions. Here is the topic-wise syllabus for CFA Level 3:
| Topic | Approximate Weight |
| Ethical and Professional Standards | 10-15% |
| Economics | 5-10% |
| Equity Investments | 10-15% |
| Fixed Income | 15-20% |
| Derivatives | 5-10% |
| Alternative Investments | 5-10% |
| Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning | 35-40% |
Level 3 focuses heavily on Portfolio Management. Toppers recommend CFA Kaplan books and CFA study guides, including answer-writing tips. CFA notes play a significant role in Level 3. Writing practice using CFA exam prep books improves your time management and accuracy. Wiley CFA books help explain portfolio theory and case-based strategy.
How do CFA Books Reflect the Syllabus?
All CFA exam books—CFA Kaplan, Wiley CFA, or CFA official books—strictly follow this syllabus structure. The CFA study material includes charts, summaries, formulas, and examples for every topic. CFA textbooks come with Learning Outcome Statements (LOS), which describe what the candidate should learn.
Each LOS in the CFA curriculum books turns into questions on the actual exam. That’s why using updated CFA preparation books is essential. The CFA Institute updates its syllabus annually. So, using the previous year’s CFA exam books or CFA books free download versions from old attempts may result in skipped topics.
Are CFA Books Enough to Clear the Exam Without Coaching?
Candidates often ask if CFA coaching is necessary or if CFA books alone can help clear the exams. Many successful CFA holders prepare using books alone and never attend a single class.
Self-Study with CFA Books
CFA Institute designs the exam to make all information available in the official CFA textbooks. Candidates can clear all three levels through:
- CFA official books
- Schweser CFA books or Wiley CFA books
- CFA exam prep books with question banks
CFA study guide and CFA notes for revision
The key lies in discipline, consistency, and regular practice.
Who Should Consider Coaching?
Some students find it hard to follow a fixed schedule. Others may face trouble in understanding finance topics. In such cases, coaching can help. But it is not a must. Toppers often say coaching helps if you:
- Struggle to create your study plan
- Prefer video lectures and personal guidance
- Need motivation through peer interaction
When Are CFA Books Not Enough?
If you rely only on reading and never solve questions, books alone won’t help. CFA books must be paired with:
- Daily revision using CFA notes
- Solving 3000+ MCQS for each level
- Taking full-length mock tests
- Reviewing weak areas from the CFA study guide
Use books to understand, but practice to remember. Combining CFA preparation books with mock exams and self-analysis works better than coaching for many.
How to Choose the Right CFA Study Material?
Every CFA candidate has different study needs. Some prefer short summaries, while others need complete theory. Choosing the right CFA study material means knowing how you study best.
Know Your Study Style
Some people learn best by reading summaries. Others need detailed examples. CFA preparation books come in both forms. CFA official books offer deep content. CFA study guides and CFA notes give quick reviews. CFA Kaplan books are better if a candidate wants short and focused content. For full content with extra examples, Wiley CFA books work well. CFA books’ free download options are available online, but may not be updated. Always check the version before using them.
Use a Mix of CFA Exam Books
Do not depend on only one book. Combine CFA textbooks with CFA practice books. Practice is the key to clearing the exam. CFA books in PDF versions also help revise during travel. Candidates must focus more on the CFA practice books in the last month.
Stick to the Latest Syllabus
Always use the updated CFA curriculum books. Old CFA books may have removed topics. CFA official books are updated every year. Use the new CFA exam books to stay on track.
Join Study Groups
Joining a study group helps find out which CFA study material works best. Many toppers suggest starting with the CFA Kaplan books and switching to Wiley to clear doubts. CFA exam prep books also come with online tests and analysis tools. Choosing the right mix of books and study tools significantly affects final performance.
Top Recommended CFA Books by Toppers
Many successful CFA candidates credit their success to using the right CFA preparation books. They plan their study schedules and stick to the right CFA textbooks throughout.
Why Topper Choices Matter
Toppers understand the CFA exam pattern well. They choose books that match the exam format. They use both CFA curriculum books and CFA study guides. Their reviews can help new candidates save time and money.
Top Picks by Toppers
- Kaplan Schweser CFA books: Highly recommended by many toppers. These CFA books help complete the syllabus faster and give mock exams.
- Wiley CFA books: Chosen for in-depth learning. Candidates who want to build strong concepts use these.
- CFA official books: Must-use for ethics and formulas. Toppers suggest reading these for complex topics.
- CFA notes: Helpful during the last 15 days. Most toppers create personal CFA notes or buy ready-made ones.
Using these books and combining them with CFA practice books helps score better. Toppers also say to focus more on CFA exam prep books that offer question banks and performance tracking.
CFA Books FAQs
- Is 70% enough to pass the CFA?
Achieving around 70% in each topic area is considered safe, but the CFA Institute uses a Minimum Passing Score (MPS) based on overall performance. Since the exact MPS isn’t shared publicly, candidates should aim for consistently high scores. Scoring well in Ethics can also tip borderline results in your favour.
- How long does it take to read CFA books?
It typically takes around 300 hours of study to complete one CFA exam level. This includes reading the curriculum, practising questions, and taking mock exams. Time may vary based on familiarity with topics and individual pace.
- What is the most challenging CFA subject?
Financial Reporting & Analysis and Ethics are often considered the toughest by candidates. These subjects require not only memorisation but deep conceptual understanding. Ethics is also critical due to its role in borderline passing decisions.
- Are CFA Institute books enough for preparation?
The official CFA Institute books are comprehensive and updated with the latest curriculum. However, many students use supplementary materials like Schweser or Wiley to simplify complex topics. Combining both can offer a balanced approach.
