Choosing the right book is the first step in your CFA journey. You must pick books that match your study style, explain tough topics in simple words, and help you score well. The CFA Level 1 books include official curriculum books from the CFA Institute and other prep providers like Kaplan Schweser, Wiley, and AnalystPrep. These books cover ten CFA Level 1 syllabus subjects, such as ethics, financial reporting, economics, and more.
Most Indian students use the CFA Institute curriculum because it is the official book and comes with exam registration. It is trusted and complete. However, the language is harsh for beginners. So, many students also use Schweser and Wiley for quick revision and better understanding. These books break big topics into smaller parts and use simple words.
CFA Level 1 Books
CFA Level 1 books are the foundation for preparing for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level 1 exam. These books cover all ten core topics set by the CFA Institute, helping students build a strong understanding of finance, ethics, quantitative methods, and investment tools. Designed to support both self-study and coaching-based learning, CFA Level 1 books guide aspirants through a structured syllabus with detailed concepts, practice questions, and real-world examples. They are essential resources for Indian students aiming to clear the exam on the first attempt and begin their journey toward a globally respected finance career.
| Topic | Best Book for CFA Level 1 | Author/Publisher |
| Ethical and Professional Standards | CFA Institute Curriculum + SchweserNotes Ethics | CFA Institute / Kaplan Schweser |
| Quantitative Methods | Quantitative Investment Analysis (CFA Textbook) + SchweserNotes | CFA Institute / Kaplan Schweser |
| Economics | Economics for Investment Decision Makers + Elan Guides | CFA Institute / Elan (Wiley) |
| Financial Statement Analysis | Financial Reporting and Analysis + Wiley CFA Level 1 Books | CFA Institute / Wiley |
| Corporate Issuers | Corporate Finance and Governance + SchweserNotes | CFA Institute / Kaplan Schweser |
| Equity Investments | Equity Asset Valuation + Wiley CFA Program Study Guide | CFA Institute / Wiley |
| Fixed Income | Fixed Income Analysis + Kaplan Schweser Fixed Income Module | CFA Institute / Kaplan Schweser |
| Derivatives | Derivatives and Alternative Investments + Wiley CFA Summary Notes | CFA Institute / Wiley |
| Alternative Investments | CFA Institute Module + SchweserNotes Summary | CFA Institute / Kaplan Schweser |
| Portfolio Management | Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning + Elan Study Notes | CFA Institute / Elan (Wiley) |
CFA Institute Curriculum
The CFA Institute curriculum is the most reliable and complete source of study material for the exam. It is the only content that the CFA Institute officially approves. Registering for Level 1 gives you digital access to the whole curriculum. These books are structured based on Learning Outcome Statements (LOS), guiding your learning. The curriculum covers every topic in depth, offering examples, end-of-chapter questions, and summaries.
While the curriculum is detailed, its language may seem too academic for some students, especially those new to finance. The length of the readings can be a challenge, and each reading might take several hours. However, it ensures that you don’t miss any exam-relevant concepts. Every serious candidate should read at least the official books’ Ethics and Financial Reporting sections because many questions directly come from there.
What’s Included?
- Six full books in digital format covering ten topics
- End-of-chapter questions and summaries
- Online access to the CFA Learning Ecosystem
- Mock exams and practice questions aligned with LOS
These features make the curriculum an essential tool for preparation, mainly when used early in the study plan.
Kaplan Schweser Books—Best CFA Level 1 Books for Quick Revision
Kaplan Schweser books are ideal for students with limited time who want to cover the syllabus in a simplified manner. These books condense the CFA Institute curriculum into short, easy-to-understand chapters. Each concept is explained clearly, and the layout allows for faster revision. Many Indian students prefer Schweser because it reduces study time and avoids the complexity of the official books.
The Schweser study package typically includes five printed or digital books that are well-organized and structured for exam prep. The language is direct, making it easy for self-learners. Each chapter ends with short questions; students can access full-length mock tests and quick formula sheets for last-minute revision.
Kaplan Schweser is widely used in coaching centres across India, which adds to its popularity. The books are frequently updated to align with the CFA exam pattern and changes in the syllabus, making them reliable and current.
What’s Included in Schweser CFA Level 1 Books?
- Five compact study notes volumes.
- Schweser QuickSheet for formulas and key points
- Online practice question bank
- Full-length mock exams and progress trackers
These tools are designed to reinforce concepts quickly and help in last-stage revision.
Wiley CFA Books—Great for Concept Clarity and Deep Understanding
Wiley CFA books strike a good balance between depth and simplicity. They cover the entire syllabus but do so in a friendly and structured way. Students who struggle with core concepts like quantitative methods or derivatives often find Wiley helpful because the examples and visuals make understanding easier.
Wiley offers books, videos, study planners, and performance trackers. This full package supports students throughout their preparation journey. The book’s layout is clean, and it focuses on core concepts, offering real-world examples and practical explanations. For Indian students who prefer visuals and structured formats, Wiley can be very effective.
The books are usually sold as part of a study package, but you can also buy them separately. The mobile access feature makes it easier for students to study on the go. Wiley bWiley’stake longer than Schweser’s; Schweser’s offers a better foundation.
What Do You Get with Wiley CFA Level 1 Books?
- Printed or digital textbooks with detailed explanations
- Chapter-wise practice questions
- Brilliant study planner and performance dashboard
- Video lectures and mobile access
These features make Wiley an excellent choice for conceptual clarity and long-term success.
AnalystPrep and Other Providers—Alternative CFA Level 1 Books
AnalystPrep provides affordable and modern CFA Level 1 study materials. The books are written in easy language and include a large question bank that helps students practice regularly. The platform also has an intelligent dashboard to track your performance, which is helpful for self-study.
Many students who want more questions than theory find AnalystPrep useful. It focuses more on practice and less on deep reading. The notes are short, and you can revise them quickly. It also allows you to measure your performance over time using progress reports.
The price is much lower than Schweser or Wiley’s, making AnalystPrep a good budget choice for Indian students. However, always cross-check the content with the latest CFA syllabus before using any third-party book.
Other Options
- Salt Solutions: Offers structured study plans and video support
- FinQuiz: Known for summaries and challenging mock exams
- IFT (IftWorld.com): Good for topic-wise videos and summary notes
These providers are helpful if you need extra support or second-round revision.
CFA Level 1 Book Price in India—What to Expect
The cost of CFA Level 1 books in India depends on the publisher and format. If you use the CFA Institute books, you don’t have to pay extra, as they come free with registration in digital form. But you must pay separately if you want printed books or third-party prep providers like Schweser or Wiley.
Most Indian students prefer printed books, so knowing the cost is essential. Kaplan Schweser and Wiley books are the most expensive, but they also offer full support, like question banks and videos. AnalystPrep is cheaper and provides decent value. Always buy the latest edition and check if it matches the updated CFA syllabus.
Approximate Book Prices in India
| Provider | Digital Price (INR) | Printed Price (INR) |
| CFA Institute | Free (with exam fee) | ₹16,000 – ₹18,000 |
| Kaplan Schweser | ₹18,000 – ₹20,000 | ₹22,000 – ₹25,000 |
| Wiley | ₹15,000 – ₹17,000 | ₹19,000 – ₹21,000 |
| AnalystPrep | ₹9,000 – ₹11,000 | Not always available |
Buy books only from official websites or trusted Indian sellers like Amazon and Flipkart.
How to Choose the Right CFA Level 1 Book for You?
Choosing the best CFA Level 1 book depends on who you are and how you study. You might need more detailed books like Wiley if you’re new to finance. If you’re already studying finance in college or working in a related job, you might prefer Kaplan Schweser for its short and straightforward content.
If you have 6 months to prepare, you can study the CFA Institute curriculum and use another book for revision. If you have only 3 months, it’s better to choose Kaplan Schweser or AnalystPrep and focus more on mock exams and summaries. The book you choose should make you feel comfortable and confident while studying.
Think about:
- How much time do you have?
- Do you want deep concepts or short summaries?
- Do you like reading or learning with videos?
Please choose one or two sources and stick to them. Switching between too many books creates confusion. Also, make sure the book matches the latest exam pattern.
CFA Level 1 Notes, PDFs, and Free Materials—Are They Worth It?
Many students look for free CFA Level 1 study material PDFs online. Some of these notes are helpful, especially for revision, but not all are updated. You must be careful. Free materials often lack proper structure and may not match the current syllabus.
If you use them, combine them with official CFA Institute material. Free notes are suitable for formulas, quick revisions, or understanding one challenging topic. But do not depend only on free PDFs for your complete preparation.
Use trusted sources like
- CFA Learning Ecosystem (official platform)
- Plutus Education study material notes
- 300 Hours and Reddit CFA communities
- YouTube channels for quick topic-wise videos
These can support your main preparation and give quick reviews before the exam.
CFA Level 1 Books FAQs
Q1. Which are the best CFA Level 1 books for beginners?
Kaplan Schweser and Wiley are the best for beginners because they explain topics.
Q2. Are CFA Institute books enough to pass?
Yes, they are complete. But they are long, so many students also use Schweser for fast revision.
Q3. Can I prepare CFA Level 1 in 3 months using books only?
If you follow a proper plan and study daily, books alone are enough.
Q4. Where can I buy CFA Level 1 books in India?
You can buy from Amazon, Flipkart, or official publisher websites.
Q5. Are CFA Level 1 books available in Hindi?
No, CFA books are only available in English.
