The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) program is not just a test. It is a career path. From investment banking to equity research, the CFA title is globally respected. The CFA Institute in the USA controls the course. It includes three levels—CFA Level 1, CFA Level 2, and CFA Level 3. You must pass all three levels to become a charter holder. Each level has exam fees. On top of this, you pay a one-time enrollment fee. Many students spend more money on coaching classes, online courses, study notes, mock tests, and software tools. So, it’s not just about the registration cost. It’s about full-cost planning. The CFA course fees are essential when pursuing the Chartered Financial Analyst program. The price varies based on your location when you register and other factors like additional study materials. If you are planning to become a CFA charter holder, you must know the whole structure of costs at each level.
Details of CFA Course Fees
Before you register for the CFA exam, you should understand what is included in the cost. CFA Institute charges official fees, but that’s not all. Other costs will also come in.
1. One-Time Enrollment Fee
This is paid once—only at CFA Level 1. It is $350. You don’t have to pay this again at CFA Level 2 or 3.
This fee covers your registration into the CFA program. It also gives you access to the digital curriculum. Every new candidate must pay this first, no matter where they are from.
2. Exam Registration Fees (Level-wise)
This is paid at each level of the CFA exam. The fee depends on when you register:
- Early Registration Fee: $940
- Standard Registration Fee: $1,250
You must pay the higher amount if you miss the early registration deadline. This is why it is always better to register early and save up to $310 per exam.
3. Rescheduling Fee
If you wish to change or defer your CFA exam date, CFA Institute charges $250. This is important to know, as many students miss this extra cost.
4. Additional Expenses (Outside CFA Institute)
Apart from the above official fees, students often spend money on:
- Coaching classes: Online or offline, depending on preference
- Study materials: Kaplan Schweser, Wiley, and other providers
- Mock exams and QBank access
- Laptop and tech upgrades (for CBT exams)
- Travel and lodging (if exam centres are far)
These can increase your total cost by ₹1 to ₹2 lakhs more.
CFA Course Fees in India—Full Cost Breakdown
If you’re an Indian student, you must prepare for costs in USD and INR, as CFA Institute charges in dollars.
Here’s what you can expect:
| Cost Component | Fee (INR Approx.) |
| One-Time Enrollment | ₹29,000 |
| Level 1 Exam (Early) | ₹78,000 |
| Level 2 Exam (Early) | ₹78,000 |
| Level 3 Exam (Early) | ₹78,000 |
| Study Material + Coaching | ₹150,000 |
| Rescheduling (if needed) | ₹20,000 |
| Total (Estimated) | ₹4,00,000+ |
Key Points for Indian Candidates
- You must pay fees in USD, so INR costs change with the currency rate.
- Many coaching centres offer combo packages for all three levels.
- Students in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities spend more due to travel.
- Choosing online classes can reduce coaching expenses by 30-40%
CFA course fees in India may look manageable initially but can increase quickly with added coaching and materials. Always plan with extra buffer money.
CFA Scholarships – Big Fee Reductions for Eligible Students
For many Indian students, the CFA course feels expensive. That’s why the CFA Institute offers multiple scholarships. These help students from financially weaker backgrounds or underrepresented groups pay a much lower fee. If approved, your exam fee drops from $940 to $300. That’s a massive saving of over ₹50,000 per level.
Let’s talk about the most popular scholarships under the CFA scholarship benefits:
1. Access Scholarship
This is for candidates with genuine financial difficulty. You must submit a written CFA scholarship essay and some documents to prove your background. Once selected, your exam fee becomes $300.
2. Women’s Scholarship
This helps women who want to grow in finance. It’s offered to increase female representation in finance fields.
3. Student Scholarship
You can apply if you’re a full-time student at a recognized university. You must show a student ID and proof of enrollment.
4. Professor Scholarship
This is for university faculty teaching finance, economics, or related topics.
How Much Can You Save?
Let’s say you receive the Access Scholarship:
| Without Scholarship | With Scholarship |
| Level 1 = ₹1,10,000 | Level 1 = ₹54,000 approx. |
| Level 2 = ₹80,000 | Level 2 = ₹25,500 approx. |
| Level 3 = ₹80,000 | Level 3 = ₹25,500 approx. |
| Total = ₹2.7 lakhs | Total = ₹1.05 lakhs |
As you can see, applying early and using scholarships can reduce CFA fees by over 50%. This makes the CFA program more affordable for Indian students.
Other Hidden Costs in CFA — Books, Classes, Coaching, and Travel
While calculating the CFA course fees, many forget to include extra costs not charged by the CFA Institute but still matter. These include books, coaching, and travel expenses. Let’s look at each.
1. Study Materials
You get free digital books when you register. But many students want printed versions. CFA charges $150 (₹12,750) per level for physical books. Some students also buy third-party notes (like Kaplan, Wiley, or Schweser), which cost ₹8,000–₹15,000.
2. Coaching and Classes
Coaching isn’t compulsory, but many students feel they need it — especially those working full-time. Good CFA coaching can cost ₹20,000–₹50,000 per level. Online platforms offer cheaper options with video lessons and doubt-clearing.
3. Mock Exams and Question Banks
CFA gives one free mock exam, but students often buy more from other websites. These cost ₹3,000–₹10,000, depending on the provider.
4. Travel to the Exam Center
CFA exams are held in big cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai. If your city has no exam centre, you may need to travel and stay overnight. Keep ₹5,000–₹10,000 aside for this.
So, actual costs per level (including extras) can go above ₹1.5 lakh. Plan your budget wisely.
CFA Course Duration and Cost – Manage Time and Money Together
Students not only ask about CFA course fees but also about CFA course duration and cost. The total time you need to complete the CFA course is around 2.5 to 3 years. But it can take longer if you fail a level or take breaks between levels.
Each level requires around 300–400 hours of preparation. You need 5–6 months per level if you work or study full-time. Many students give one level each year. That means three years to complete all levels.
Now think about this:
- 3 years of study
- ₹2.5 to ₹4 lakhs spent
- Time spent on classes, revisions, and travel
- Leave taken from job or college.
That’s a big commitment. But it’s worth it. CFA opens investment banking, portfolio management, risk analysis, and fund management doors. The starting salary in India can be ₹8–15 LPA. Abroad, it can go up to ₹40–₹60 LPA with experience.
So yes, it’s expensive. But it gives a good return if you plan, work hard, and finish in one attempt
CFA Course Fees FAQs
1. How much are CFA course fees in India?
It is between ₹2.5 lakhs to ₹5 lakhs depending on registration date, coaching, materials, and travel.
2. Is the CFA exam fee the same every year?
Fees may change slightly based on the CFA Institute’s policy. Always check the latest updates on the official website.
3. Is CFA coaching class compulsory?
No, coaching is optional. However, many students find them helpful in clearing concepts and managing time.
4. What is the best time to register for CFA?
Always register during the early registration period to save up to $310 per exam.
5. Can I get a refund on CFA fees?
No. CFA Institute clearly states that fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
