CFA Course Details After 12th: Eligibility, Duration, and How to Become a CFA in India

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) credential is one of the most prestigious certifications in investment and financial management. While you cannot enrol in the CFA Programme immediately after completing Class 12, you can start preparing early to streamline your career path.

The blog covers the CFA course details after 12th, including eligibility, duration, exam structure, and a step-by-step guide on how to become CFA in India after 12th. Whether you're exploring finance courses after school or planning, this guide will help you understand everything about the CFA Programme.

Can You Do CFA After 12th?

Are you planning a career in finance and wondering if you can start your CFA journey right after the 12th?

No. You cannot directly enrol in the CFA Programme after Class 12. According to the CFA Institute, you must be in your final year of a bachelor’s degree or have completed your undergraduate education to be eligible for the CFA Level 1 exam.

However, if you're a commerce or finance student in school, this is the perfect time to start preparing and planning your career to pursue the CFA after graduation. By aligning your undergraduate studies with finance, economics, or business, you'll build a solid foundation for the CFA curriculum.

Is CFA Globally Recognised?

Yes, the CFA Charter is one of the most globally respected qualifications in the finance industry. It is recognised in over 165 countries and valued by employers in investment banking, wealth management, and asset management worldwide.

CFA Course Eligibility

To meet the CFA course eligibility criteria, here's what you need:

1. You must have a bachelor’s degree (or be in the final year of your degree programme) to register for the Level 1 exam.
2. Alternatively, a combination of work experience (4,000 hours) and/or higher education over a minimum of three consecutive years may also meet the eligibility.
3. A valid international passport is required to register for the CFA exams.
4. English proficiency is necessary, as the exam is conducted in English.
   
   

So while students who have completed just the 12th class aren't eligible yet, knowing the CFA course eligibility helps you plan your academic and career steps accordingly.

CFA Course Duration After 12th

Although the CFA Programme cannot begin immediately after school for pre-university, let's look at how long it would take if you begin planning after Class 12:

1. Undergraduate degree (typically 3 years)
2. CFA Level 1, 2, and 3 exams (can be completed in 1.5 to 4 years, depending on study pace and pass rates)

So, the CFA course duration after 12th is approximately 4.5 to 7 years, including the time taken to complete your graduation and all three CFA levels. It is ideal to begin dedicated preparation during college to shorten this timeline.

The chartered financial analyst course duration, once you meet the eligibility, is typically 2 to 3 years if you pass each level consecutively. The CFA Institute recommends a minimum of 300 hours of study per level, and exams are held multiple times a year for Level 1 and twice a year for Levels 2 and 3.

How To Do CFA After 12th

If you're a student wondering how to become cfa in India after 12th, here's a step-by-step plan:

1. Choose the Right Bachelor's Degree: Pursue a degree in commerce, business administration, economics, accounting, or finance.
2. Build a Strong Academic Foundation: Focus on subjects like statistics, economics, accounting, and mathematics.
3. Gain Internships or Work Experience: Relevant internships can strengthen your understanding and help meet eligibility if needed.
4. Enrol for CFA Level 1: In the final year of your graduation, you can register for the CFA Level 1 exam.
5. Clear All Three Levels: After passing each exam level and gaining the required work experience, you can earn the CFA Charter.

So, while how to do CFA after 12th starts with smart planning, the actual programme begins at the graduation level.

CFA After Graduation

Pursuing the CFA after graduation is the most common path chosen by CFA aspirants. You can register for the CFA Level 1 exam in the final year of your degree or after completing it. Like many candidates, you can pair CFA with careers in investment banking, portfolio management, financial analysis, and equity research.

The CFA Charter opens doors to global finance roles and is often seen as equivalent to a postgraduate qualification in finance, though it is not a university-accredited degree.

CFA Course Duration After Graduation

Once you've completed your graduation, the Chartered Financial Analyst course duration is typically 2 to 3 years, provided you pass each exam level on your first attempt. You’ll also need at least 4,000 hours of relevant work experience over a minimum of 36 months to qualify for the CFA Charter.

CFA Course Fees

While you cannot directly enrol after Class 12, it's important to understand the estimated costs involved in pursuing the CFA Programme once eligible. The total CFA course fees after 12th, including enrollment and exam fees, typically range from approximately ₹2 to ₹3.5 lakhs, depending on when you register and how many attempts you take.

1. Enrolment Fee

A one-time fee of USD 350, applicable only with your first registration

2. Exam Registration Fees (per level)

3. Total Programme Cost

Early-registration, 3 levels:

- USD 350 + (990 + 990 + 1,090) = USD 3,420

Standard-registration, 3 levels:

- USD 350 + (1,290 + 1,290 + 1,390) = USD 4,320

4. Upcoming Fee Change (2026)

From Feb 2026, the USD 350 enrollment fee is waived, but standard exam fees increase to:

- Level I: USD 1,140
- Level II: USD 1,140
- Level III: USD 1,240

5. Coaching & Material Costs (India)

- Coaching in India varies widely (₹30,000–₹100,000 per level), depending on format (online/classroom)
- Self-study (official curriculum + study guides) can be a low-cost option (~₹40,000–₹1 Lakh total)

6. Optional Add-ons

- Rescheduling: USD 250 per change
- Travel, calculators, and study materials add to the budget (~USD 300–1,000)

Career Opportunities After CFA

Once you earn the CFA designation, several high-paying career paths open up:

• Portfolio Manager: Manages investment portfolios on behalf of clients or institutions, making decisions on asset allocation to maximise returns while managing risk.
• Investment Banker: Advises companies on mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising strategies, and facilitates large financial transactions in equity and debt markets.
• Equity Research Analyst: Analyses stocks and financial statements to provide investment recommendations and insights for institutional or retail clients.
• Risk Manager: Identifies, evaluates, and mitigates financial risks in investment strategies or corporate operations to ensure regulatory compliance and stability.
• Financial Strategist: Develops long-term financial plans and investment strategies using market analysis, forecasts, and economic models to guide business decisions.
• Corporate Finance Analyst: Works within companies to analyse financial performance, create budgets, and evaluate investment projects to drive business growth and profitability.

CFA Charterholders are in demand in global firms, investment banks, asset management companies, and financial consultancies.

Average Salary Of A CFA

In India, entry-level CFA professionals can expect salaries between ₹6 to ₹10 LPA, while experienced charterholders with relevant industry exposure earn ₹15 to ₹35 LPA or more. Salaries vary based on job role, company, location, and experience.

Conclusion

While you can't start the CFA Programme right after Class 12, planning early gives you an advantage. Understanding the CFA course details after 12th helps you choose the right degree, build financial knowledge, and prepare strategically for this globally acclaimed credential.

By making informed academic and career choices, you can smoothly pave the way for your CFA journey after graduation. The CFA course duration after 12th may seem long, but with commitment and clarity, it's a rewarding path into high-paying finance roles.

FAQs

Q1. Can I do CFA after 12th?

A1: No. You must be in your final year of a bachelor’s degree, have relevant work experience to register for the CFA Level 1 exam.

Q2. How long is the CFA course?

A2: If pursued consecutively after graduation, the CFA course takes about 2 to 3 years to complete all three levels.

Q3. What is the average salary of a CFA?

A3: In India, average starting salaries range from ₹6–10 LPA, while experienced professionals can earn ₹15–35 LPA or more.

Q4. Is CFA globally recognised?

A4: Yes. The CFA Charter is recognised and respected globally across investment, banking, and financial institutions.