There is no separate registration for offline classes.

• Every student gets access to all lectures on Pen Drive and all additional Lectures are shared via Google Drive. All additional doubts, mentoring is shared via the App
• Every single student is more than welcome to attend the Live classes taking place in Kolkata if they are in Kolkata
• One needs to ping the coordinator and get themselves added in the Live Class Group, where only class timings are shared. Please make sure you get added only if you seriously intend to attend the Live Classes.
• Since there are too many exam terms throughout the year, it is not possible to have different batches for each exam term. Hence, I practice, revise, teach, based on the requirements for the respective batches.
• Feel free to attend the next Live class to know what’s being covered and the regular timings for the Live Class.

We have three types of payment modes available – Online, UPI, and Offline.

• For online Payments: There are payment gateways available. There you will find options for UPI, Credit Card, and Debit cards. You can choose the payment option at your convenience. After that, you will receive a confirmation email from our end.
• For UPI: There is an option as G Pay / Phone Pay / Others UPI. Select this option. Then click on proceed. Scan the QR code using any UPI app of your convenience. After successful payment, you will receive a confirmation email from our end.
• For Offline Payments: You can choose Electronic fund transfer. There will be options available for NEFT/RTGS/IMPS and QR codes. You can choose the payment option at your convenience. Then attach the screenshot of the payment there 2 times and enter the payment reference number. Then submit. After that, you will receive a confirmation email from our end.

Please note: There are payment gateways such as PAYUMONEY and WORLDLINE for international payment.

• CFA Level 1 – 16000/ –
• CFA Level 2 – 18000/-
• CFA Level 3 – 18000/-
• FRM Part I – 16000/-
• FRM Part 2 – 18000/-

Delivery Charges: India – 0, Asia (outside India) – 2500, Outside Asia – 3000 *(All amounts in INR)

Download the brochure

We are sorry to inform you that no discount or concession or installment facility is available on our fees as our Class Fees are deliberately kept within a very reasonable limit to make it convenient for students. We barely increase the fee, yet we have been consistently adding benefits and resources for the students, like an App, regular mentoring, Placement Assistance, etc. The course fee includes Lectures, mind maps, Class notes, revision lectures, pen drive, (courier charges for India), and is inclusive of GST. Classes are accessible until you pass your exam and even if you defer your exam (You shall need to provide your result or deferral details of the institute). Also, any new chapters or changes are provided, without any extra fees.

We believe Education should be at affordable charges. And hence we like to keep it reasonable. We have built a strong fraternity of professionals without compromise in quality and mentoring. You may watch our lectures on YouTube and then Enroll. The course fees include mind maps, notes, revision lectures, pen drive (USB Drive), (courier charges for India). It is inclusive of GST as well. It does not include calculators or Schweser text books though.

Our class fees are deliberately kept within a very reasonable limit to make it convenient for students. We barely increase the fee, yet we have been consistently adding benefits and resources for the students, like an App, Regular Mentoring, Placement Assistance, etc. 

The course fee includes Lectures, mind maps, class test book, revision lectures, pen drive, (courier charges for India), and is inclusive of GST. Classes are accessible until you pass your exam and even if you defer your exam(You shall need to provide your result or deferral details of the institute). Also, any new chapters or changes are provided, without any extra fees.

Often asked this question, and sounds a bit unethical to answer the same. You wouldn’t ask a Doctor, why should I visit you. My recommendation would be to watch the First few lectures on YouTube and then enroll. As there is no downside to it. Make sure to watch the Introduction playlist to know exactly how to begin preparation. It is the first class and a must Watch.

To still try and answer your question, I love Finance and love to teach. I teach using a White Board and not through a PPT. The objective is solely to get the Understanding and Foundation very strong. Make sure to include examples from the Economy/Businesses, also Bollywood and Sitcoms(Lame ones at the time). Trying to add more for the students, like placement help, pushing them to read all the time, articles and links, motivation and push through WhatsApp audio notes, Very detailed Hand holding through “Exam Mentoring” Lectures on How to study, practice, Revise, attempt the exam. Regular updates on syllabus position at month-end and doubt solving on WhatsApp groups to encourage healthy competition and give a push. There is a lot of material, practice available, and doing everything is not possible. I make sure, that I guide and logically explain why I am asking students to follow a particular way or a particular sequence of topics. It can guarantee that Every single topic is covered. Even if someone defers their exam, we extend the validity and all updates or additions or changes are shared via Google Drive. Despite GST and all the additions like MindMaps, etc, we prefer keeping the Fees constant, to keep it reasonable. Sounds like I am selling, hence watch the lectures on YouTube and decide for yourself.

Rest, the material and what all we provide, or your any further details can be shared by the coordinator.

We are Kolkata based. We conduct physical classes once a week and provide pendrive classes globally. Physical classes are based on new chapters, practice sessions, revision sessions etc. Rest of the lectures will be provided via google drive as well as pen drive in recorded format along with our own software link. The topics covered in the physical classes will also be uploaded in google drive. So, every student has access to every class. If you are not in Kolkata you can go for the pendrive classes, we provide pendrive classes globally. 

We provide recorded lectures to you, but the content will be 100% as per your syllabus. Conducting live classes online creates technical issues, and you will not be able to view them multiple times, whenever you want. As we provide classes globally there will be different time zones for online live classes. Also, all the changes in the syllabus, any extra practice done in the current live batch, and any additional lectures are shared via google drive. Once the new term’s books and syllabus are released, we send all changes. The team shall inform in the group, about any new additional lectures shared.

• Every student gets access to all the lectures on Pen Drive and all additional Lectures are shared via Google Drive. All additional doubts, mentoring is shared via the App
• Every single student is more than welcome to attend the Live classes taking place in Kolkata if they are in Kolkata

Since there are too many exam terms throughout the year, it is not possible to have different batches for each exam term. Hence, I practice, revise, teach, based on the requirements for the respective batches.

Classes are taught in 3 formats (Digital board, Whiteboard, and Tablet). The classes that we will send to you are going to be 100% as per your current syllabus. If you enroll early before the new syllabus is released, then all-new chapters, changes and any additional lectures done shall be shared via google drive. 

We do not provide subject-wise lectures. As all the lectures are taken by me for all subjects. And the logistics become difficult. Also, the classes are priced to keep it reasonable for the students.

Revision lectures of the relevant topics of the previous levels are included in the Pen Drive (For example revision of L1 lectures included in L2 class), but we do not provide the whole lecture series.  Live Students are welcome to attend the Live or Backup class in the center of the previous level if they wish to.

In order to make the lectures conversational we have a mix of Hindi and English. The lectures are bilingual. You need to understand Hindi and English for the classes. Please watch some of the lectures on YouTube and then take a call.

Link:http://bit.ly/YT_AB

*Please note: MS-Excel is 100% English*

The duration of the Class Lectures ranges from Approximately 160-250 hours excluding revision and practice lectures. (Depending on the level of the course and change in curriculum, it keeps getting updated).

You have a total of 7 views per lecture which are valid till the exam date. This ensures that there is no misuse. If for technical reasons, you have lost views, or you need to revisit a topic beyond 7 times, you can reach out to our technical team, we may increase your view count. You don’t have to pay anything extra.

The validity is till you clear your exam. In case you defer or do not qualify for the exam, reach out to the tech desk with your enrollment number and the screenshot of the proof i.e. deferment/result/ institute payment receipt. We will help you with more views and extended validity. You don’t have to pay anything extra.

100% of LOS – Learning Outcome Statements are covered – every single chapter, every single subhead, and every single formula are covered in the lectures. Along with guidance lectures on “How to study and practice”, Calculator, Revision, Attempting paper, Revision, Formulas, etc.; along with Mentor notes on – How to focus, retain, manage studies with the job, etc.

On average, the lectures should be around 200-250 hours (the class Lectures except for revision and mentoring lectures). The exact duration can be availed from the coordinator. Also, our lectures aren’t very long as I make students write formulas, flow charts, or short notes in the margin while teaching and not the entire book. But because I explain every single LOS, every single point, formula, and concept, they stretch to the given duration. Hence, in my opinion, this duration is definitely required for building a strong base and concepts in Finance.

You will get the previously solved doubts in our app (available on App Store & Playstore). You will be a part of a WhatsApp group where you can post your doubts. Students solve each other’s doubts, which improves their own preparation, and clarity. Still if your doubts are unresolved, then there is a doubt session time on a weekly basis (timing shall be informed in the group). Students can reach out to sir personally during that time.

We provide one-device access only. You can access the lectures on 

• Windows laptop or desktop should have 4GB RAM, 64-bit operating system, the processor should be a minimum of 2.0 GHz, and windows 8.1 and above compulsory.
• Android mobile phone or tab should have android version 9 or above, 6 GB (recommended) or 4GB RAM (may work), and 128GB (recommended) or 64GB (may work) ROM compulsory
• MacBook should be the updated one (Edition 2018 and above)

The lectures can be accessed on a single device. You can carry your device anywhere and access the classes. The Internet is required only to authenticate and begin the lecture, and nothing needs to be downloaded as the classes are already there with you on the pen drive (USB Drive).

Our lectures are compatible on Android phones only. You may run the classes on Windows as well as MacBook.

• For CFA Level 1 – Lectures (Class, Formula, Revision), MindMap, Practice Book, Class Test Book, and Class Notes. Rest students need to purchase Schweser’s notes and calculator on their own.
• For CFA Level 2 – Lectures (Class, Formula, Revision), MindMap, Practice Book, Class Test Book, and Class Notes. Rest students need to purchase Schweser’s notes and calculator on their own.
• For CFA Level 3 – Lectures (Class, Formula, Revision), MindMap, Practice Book, and Class Notes. Rest students need to purchase Schweser’s notes and calculator on their own.
• For FRM Part 1– Lectures (Class, Formula, Revision), MindMap, Practice Book, 10 years GARP question papers, and Class Notes. Rest students need to purchase Schweser’s notes and calculator on their own.
• For FRM Part 2 – Lectures (Class, Formula, Revision), MindMap, and Practice Book. Rest students need to purchase Schweser’s notes and calculator on their own.

In CFA we recommend to practice from Institute resources (Bookshelf back questions, online Institute website questions, mock paper of current exam – all these resources are available on CFA Institute website after you enroll for the same). We provide practice book as well which has subject wise questions which you can solve after completing Institute Resources.

In FRM we provide the entire practice material, as the Institute does not provide enough resources which will be more than enough for you to crack the exam.

The CFA and FRM institute allow the following calculators:

• Texas Instruments BA II Plus (including BA II Plus Professional)
• Hewlett Packard 12C (including the HP 12C Platinum, 12C Platinum 25th anniversary edition, 12C 30th-anniversary edition, and HP 12C Prestige). You have to purchase Texas Instruments BA II Plus for our classes and need not buy BA II Plus Professional now, as it includes only two extra facilities for a higher price as compared to Texas BA II Plus.

Kindly go through the following link to learn:

• How to use the calculator – https://youtu.be/G-43xPhEYUU
• Guide to the Calculator – CFA/FRM – Texas Instrument BA II Plus (Including Professional): http://bitly.ws/wDNW

After you get registered with us, within a couple of days we shall share your google drive link along with the software link. You will get the pendrive and the study materials delivered to your address within 7-10 working days depending on your location via courier.

After you place the order for the video classes and pay for the same, it will take us 3 to 4

business working days for payment settlement, after which we will dispatch the pen drive (USB

Drive). It might take an additional 2 to 3 days for you to receive the courier.

Students generally enroll anytime between 4-8 months before the exam, some starting as early as a year before as well. Would sincerely advise you to watch the entire Introduction Playlist, especially the “When to begin Preparation” lecture, on YouTube and make a wise decision.

• CFA- https://youtu.be/ldz3gOEWL8w
• FRM – https://youtu.be/4TsbbvgiKWk

You can also calculate when you should register for the exam using the exam calculator.

Exam Calculator: https://study.aswinibajaj.com/when-to-register/

Very difficult to pinpoint the number of Hours. The lectures are generally around 150-200 hours across CFA and FRM all levels. Please take an updated number of hours for your Exam from the Coordinator. As, there are “Exam Mentoring” lectures, covering How to Study”, How to revise and Attempt, “How to use the Calculator”, Revision Lectures, etc.

Also, with respect to the number of hours, it depends on the individual. You have to attend/watch a class, then study by yourself, and then practice. Your past education background, speed of understanding, focus while attending the class will matter. Not possible to quantify.

Would Sincerely advise you to watch the complete Introduction Playlist, especially the “Preparation and Material” Video, on YouTube and then take a decision. Also, complete a few chapters on YouTube and judge accordingly. The pace is generally slow in the beginning in the first 7-8 chapters and then picks up as you get in the study mode.

There are 2 types of registration with the institute – Early & Standard. We will always suggest students to go for early registration only, because the exam fee is less for early registration than standard. However, some students come to us after the early registration deadline (ERD) also. So, we need to guide the student accordingly. First, we need to ask in which attempt student is planning to give the exam. Second, we will check the ERD for that attempt. 

• Scenario 1 ERD is not breached – We will check how much time is left till ERD. If there is one or two months left for ERD, then we will suggest students to start preparation. If they are able to complete at least 30-40% of the syllabus, then go for early registration otherwise students can go for the next attempt.
• Scenario 2 ERD is breached – First, we will suggest students ERD is already breached. Please go for the next attempt because students need to pay more for standard registration. If still students are interested in standard registration then we will check how much time is left till Standard Registration Deadline (SRD). If there is one or two months left for SRD, then we will suggest students to start preparation. If they are able to complete at least 40-50% of the syllabus, then go for standard registration otherwise students can go for the next attempt and do early registration.

• You need to first do a reality check and calm down, as I have seen students waste a week stressing, instead if they focus and study and cover a few chapters in a week they can get their morale back. Check how to Reverse your stress: www.instagram.com/p/B0DTxfKnUQF/?next=%2F

• You need to focus very well while attending the lecture. This reduces the time taken to study after the class.
• For practice, do not stretch and spend too much time on any one question.
• In case you are a full-time working professional, do not feel guilty but at the same time please understand that you shall always get busier with work each passing year. Also, while reading Tim Cook’s biography I read how he would be working a very stressful job and still attend night school. Life gets difficult, but you get better, stronger, more competent, and more able.
• Be very disciplined with your schedule.
• In case you have any subject which you have covered in college/B-School or you have a working knowledge, You may keep that for the end and just do class Lectures for the same.
• Do not give up too soon. Set a target to achieve before the deadline for deferral and then work to achieve that. In case you are not able to achieve, only then defer.

Whether you take classes or self-study depends on the student and his understanding of Finance. In my opinion, you should evaluate if you have a background in Finance and how good your concepts are. Then you must attend the ‘Introduction’ Lecture on YouTube. The playlist has about 5-6 lectures and it tells you exactly how to prepare. You can order books and start studying. You can access a partial version of the course on our App/ Browser Version of the same and download the ‘Order of Study’. Once you begin preparation, the first few chapters for CFA & FRM L-1 are uploaded on YouTube and a couple of chapters for each of the other levels. After that you may decide whether you require classes or self-study would be better suited. It is always a good idea to take an informed decision. Make use of all the resources we have on our App and also on YouTube. For example, ‘Key Concepts’ playlist is very important after your syllabus is over. DO check the ‘Invest in Yourself’ playlist as well. Your concepts need to be thorough, your understanding and foundation for Finance needs to be great. Study well, enjoy the learning process.

• YouTube: http://bit.ly/aswinibajaj
• App (Web version): www.students.aswinibajaj.com
• App (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sudarshanclasses.courses&hl=en

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YRINIXWMQ0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Tuyh0TdpD8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oOf7Z1RFjk

Microsoft Excel is a very vital tool that employees working in any profile uses, be it an HR expert or a marketing executive or a Finance Professional. Whatever Data you crunch and analyse, you need to have a good hold on Excel, in terms of Speed, Execution, and Presentation.

There are advanced programs and statistical software as well, but in general Microsoft Excel comes in handy for all work profiles. Corporate Presentation goes beyond the use of just MS PowerPoint and Formatting and Reporting requires one to be quick at MS Word, which gets quite annoying. Therefore, the modules not only cover MS Excel and MS PowerPoint and MS Word as well.

The modules and worksheets that we use for Corporate Training are used for delivering lectures.

Watch the Link to know more: https://t.ly/KxreW

The classes are conducted using Practical Worksheets. They are solved in class, and the solution sheet have been designed in a way, that one may get back to the same for revising and recapitulating all that has been taught later. There are no tests being conducted at the moment. However, a completion certificate is provided.

Yes, we do provide placement assistance. We are trying to bridge the gap between job providers and job seekers.

To know more you can check our portal: www.cfafrmjobs.com

The passing rate at our Institute varies across courses and levels, but so far has been exhilarating. The passing rates for CFA/FRM, should be more than 70-80%. We try compiling the results and post the same on LinkedIn. I understand the concern, and would sincerely recommend you to watch the Introduction and then a couple of chapters uploaded on YouTube and take an informed decision. There is a lot of Time, Money & Effort being invested.

The scholarship application window is closed and will open in the coming months. To know more about the application window, check out the link mentioned below: 

https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/programs/cfa/scholarships

• Access Scholarship
• Women’s Scholarship
• Student Scholarship
• Professor Scholarship
• Regulator Scholarship

Access Scholarship is a needs-based scholarship and it is intended for you particularly if you feel that the CFA exam cost is a challenge owing to your difficult financial situation. It is available to both new and continuing candidates and can be used for all exam levels. With this scholarship, the student will only have to pay 250 USD for the exam registration fee. And also, the enrolment fee is completely waived off, & you only need to pay a balance $250.

To apply for your CFA exam Access Scholarship, you need to register at the CFA Institute website. After you create your account, you will be able to submit your application. NOTE: No changes are possible once you submit your application!

After you apply, do not register for your exam before you receive the scholarship.

Women’s Scholarships are offered to women interested in the CFA exam and ineligible for other CFA Institute scholarships. The scholarships aim at promoting broader participation of women in the CFA Program. With this scholarship, enrolment fee is waived and exam registration is reduced to USD350.

To apply for the Women’s Scholarship, CFA candidates need to:

• Set up an account at CFA Institute’s website.
• Fill in the online application form and write an essay.
• Submit the application before the deadline.
• Then, wait for the scholarship decision.
• If it’s positive, register for the exam using the discounted fee.

Student Scholarships are awarded through universities and colleges affiliated with the CFA Program. As a student, you should check with your school if it’s affiliated and ask what you need to do to apply for the scholarship. Best, also ask about the rules governing the scholarship award, including the decision deadline. You are only required to pay $350 as registration fee instead of the $1,000 USD registration fee.

To apply, you must be a student enrolled at a school or college participating in the University Affiliation Program.

Login and complete the Student Scholarship Application

The Professor Scholarship is available to full-time college/university professors or administrators/department heads who teach a minimum number of credit hours at qualified institutions. Under the Professor Scholarship Program, you are only required to pay 350 USD as your registration fees.

To Apply for Professor’s Scholarship, CFA candidates need to:

• Complete the online application on the CFA Institute website
• Obtain a confirmation letter from an institution administrator
• Provide your CV
• Provide employment verification and
• Submit the online verification and your materials

Regulator scholarships are awarded by CFA Institute to eligible organizations, not to individuals directly. These organizations are then responsible for nominating employees to receive the scholarship. The program covers employees of financial regulators, central banks, securities commissions, qualifying stock exchanges, SROs and/or government entities. Specifically, those entities that oversee or regulate operations, standards of practice or business conduct of the investment management industry and which have entered into a program agreement with CFA Institute. With this scholarship, your registration fees are reduced to 350 USD.

To apply for this scholarship, your organisation must nominate you for it. For this, you must check with your HR or designated CFA representative.

You shall be eligible to pay the lower fee that was applicable before the early bird deadline even after the deadline if you had applied for a scholarship and did not receive the same. Because the institute takes time to give out the scholarship details and the early bird deadline is over, hence those who have applied and did not receive scholarship do get to pay the early bird fee and register for the exam. Please check the following link for further details:https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/programs/cfa/scholarships

Students and faculty in GARP Academic Partner programs have exclusive access to scholarships which covers FRM Part 1’s registration fees.

Link- https://www.garp.org/academic-partners

Meet one of the following CFA education or work experience requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree; OR
• Have 2 years remaining in a Bachelor’s program (or equivalent) for Level 1 registration. In particular, your selected exam window must be 23 months or fewer before your graduation month for your bachelor’s degree or equivalent program. Degree program must be completed prior to Level 2 registration; OR
• Have at least 4,000 hours of professional work experience OR a combination of work and higher education that was acquired over a minimum of 3 consecutive years.

Check the lecture on the Eligibility Criteria and make an informed decision! 

Link: https://youtu.be/m0QGMKO4wNg

To check the eligibility: https://study.aswinibajaj.com/eligibility-test/

As such, there are no minimum eligibility requirements to write the exam. Even an undergraduate is eligible to give the FRM Part 1 exam. You can take the FRM Part 2 only when you complete the FRM Part-1 exam.

To check the eligibility: https://study.aswinibajaj.com/eligibility-test/

CFA fees consists of:

• A one-off enrollment fee of US$350​ (paid once the first time you register for Level 1), plus
• a registration fee (for each Level or retake) of $900-$1,200, depending on when you register for your exams.

Check out the link for more details regarding the registration fee: Registration Fees Details

FRM fees consists of:

• A one-off enrolment fee of US$400​ (paid once the first time you register for Part 1), plus
• a registration fee (for each Part or retake) of $600-$800, depending on when you register for your exams.

Check out the link for more details regarding the registration fee: https://www.garp.org/frm/fees-payments

• CFA Institute accepts credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, JCB, MasterCard, Discover or Visa), personal or corporate checks, bank checks (i.e., Certified Check, Cashier’s Check) money/postal orders (including Western Union), and UnionPay as payment.
• CFA Institute also accepts payments via wire transfer and ACH. Relevant instructions for making wire/ACH payments will be provided on your registration invoice once you complete the online registration process.
• CFA Institute does not accept Forex card and Debit Card payments.

It clearly divides and defines the subheads within a chapter.

Candidates can pay for their exam registration via the following three options:

• Credit card online – GARP accepts MasterCard, Visa, or Amex
• Check – Must be a U.S. bank check or a foreign check with a US intermediate bank
• Wire – Wire instructions can be found on the bottom of your invoice

For any manual payments by check or wire, there is a USD 50.00 processing fee that will be added to a candidate’s invoice. Candidates should be sure to include their GARP ID, a copy of their invoice, and their signature for approval.

For more information, please check the institute website – https://www.garp.org/frm/fees-payments

In an effort to (1) streamline the registration process and (2) collect only essential information, the institute has updated the exam registration process. CFA Institute will no longer collect passport number or expiry date. They will still collect passport country of issuance. Registered candidates will notice their passport number and expiry date no longer appear in their account; this is not an error. Candidates no longer have to confirm this data. They merely have to bring a valid (not expired) passport to the test center on exam day.

The membership benefits include:

• The Members-only online Community, where Members can debate high-level risk issues, network with like-minded professionals, and participate in Q&A sessions with our top speakers and presenters.
• Members-only articles that provide timely thought leadership.
• If you are a hiring manager, you qualify for discounts on job postings so your own recruiting budget goes further.
• Preferential pricing on GARP’s Annual Convention and other risk-focused events. These savings often cover the cost of annual membership. Our events prepare risk professionals around the world to make better informed decisions.
• Risk Education courses such as the Foundations of Financial Risk and Financial Risk and Regulation at a discount of 30%.
• Member News, also delivered in a monthly Membership Update, informs peers around the world of your career advancements, awards and recognition, and other important professional information.
• Plus, take advantage of Exclusive Offers arranged with partners like TopResume/TopInterview, -NY Institute of Finance, Credible and more. Find the complete and current list on the website.

Scheduled candidates may purchase a USD 399 deferral up until 24 hours before the scheduled exam appointment that allows the candidate to postpone their exam from their current exam window to a future one. If the candidate doesn’t have a scheduled appointment, they have up until 3 days following the close of the exam window to purchase a deferral.

When the candidate purchases a deferral, they may defer their exam appointment for up to 12 months, depending on their exam level. Once the deferral is purchased, the registration and the scheduled appointment will be cancelled immediately. Please note that your decision is binding. Only one paid deferral is permitted for each paid registration. You will not be able to defer a second time unless you pay for a new registration. No refunds will be available. Please check the link below for more information: https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/about/governance/policies/cfa-program-deferral-policy-faq

For further queries, please mail or call the institute:

Email ID- info@cfainstitute.org

Phone no.- +1 (434) 951-5499

Candidates requesting a deferral for the upcoming exam must complete a form. All deferrals are processed through this form. The CFA Institute

contact center no longer accepts or processes deferral requests by phone or email.

Candidates will be granted a deferral for any of the reasons below. The institute will provide a deferral that can be used for any exam at your level within the next 12 months, as long as the registration window is open.

Please allow up to 5 weeks for the institute to complete processing of these requests.

At this time, deferrals are granted for the following reasons:

• You or your immediate family member (parent, grandparent, sibling, spouse/domestic partner, or child) are suffering from a life-threatening illness, including COVID-19;
• A member of your immediate family (parent, grandparent, sibling, spouse/domestic partner, or child) has recently died;You have been ordered to mandatory military service in the testing window;
• You are pregnant;
• A natural disaster has impacted your local area;
• You are unable to travel to the test center due to a pandemic-related travel restriction in your area due to your government, employer, or university;
• Your exam has been rescheduled by Prometric and after contacting Prometric, you are unable to find a new acceptable appointment date;
• In the 14-days prior to your exam appointment:
• You have been exposed to someone diagnosed with COVID-19
• You have been experiencing flu-like symptoms

If you do not qualify under one of these reasons, then you are not eligible for a deferral. 

Please check the link below for more information.

https://www.cfainstitute.org/about/governance/policies/cfa-program-deferral-policy-faq

Candidates may postpone their exam registration only once to the following two available exam windows.

You can defer one & half months before your exam date by paying an administrative processing fee of USD 250.

For more information, please check the GARP institute website – https://www.garp.org/frm/exam-policies

After completing all the 3 levels and having completed 4 years of Professional experience in the Finance or Investment related field, you may apply for the charter. You need to login to the Institute website and update details of your work experience. For example –teaching Finance also qualifies. You might be working for a Manufacturing company but might be working in the treasury department and managing funds or investments. You will have to give details of your work and add two references, whom the Institute shall reach out and make them fill an online form. Non physical documents shall be required by the institute in normal circumstances. 

Also, even if you do not have the charter, you can mention CFA L3 cleared on your resume, which informs the employer that you have qualified all the 3 exams. You may not take the charter if you wish to, as you will have to pay membership dues annually. Normally the company in which you work might be paying for the Charter.

For further details:

https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/membership/join/work-experience

Within 5 years from passing FRM Part – 2 you will need to submit a 2-year experience. The experience could be in BFSI sector in the risk domain. It could also be in any other industry provided it is in the Risk Area. You shall need to explain the same in more than 300 words, describing your work.

For example, if you are working in the Iron and Steel industry, and you are responsible to track Commodity prices, manage the risks with Raw Material/Finished Goods price fluctuations. Hedging where needed. You are managing the Finance, working capital or borrowings and managing the interest rate risks, or Forex risk being an Import/Export Company.

The idea is to be able to explain how your work is related to managing risk. You do not have to submit any certificate. Normally the Institute does not ask for the same, but you should be prepared for the same. They check your submission and then approve the same on mail. Before the work Experience, you may write you can write on your Resume that you have passed both the levels, and after the charter you can write FRM after your name.

Please check the Institute website for further details and clarifications: https://www.garp.org/#!/frm/frequently-asked-questions

No. Membership is not required for the FRM Exams. However, you will be automatically provided with complimentary membership privileges for one year once you pay for the enrollment fees in the FRM Program

First, log in to the CFA account. Go to CFA program > Study material > Mock exam.

Login to the Institute’s website > My Account > Profile > CFA Institute ID (7-digit number)

The subjects are divided into chapters, and the chapters are divided into different subheadings or LOS. The curriculum becomes very well defined with the LOS because it tells you exactly what you need to know and study. For example, LOS could mention – ‘Describe Mean Median and Mode’. In that case, you need to know the meaning and properties of these terms. But if the LOS states – ‘Calculate and understand mean, median and mode’. In this case you should be able to solve the sums on these as well.

The minimum passing score (MPS) for each level of the exam is determined by the CFA Institute each year after the administration of the exams. The MPS has never been released.

FRM exams are tough, but not as difficult as the CFA exams.

The pass rates for FRM Part 1 usually fall in the range of 40% and 50%. For Part 2, they range between 50% and 60%.

For the CFA exams, historical pass rates for Level 1 and Level 2 are generally in the range of 40% and 50%. Level 3 pass rates are usually in the ballpark of 50%. It’s this combination of lower pass rates and one more exam that makes the CFA tougher than the FRM.

Even if you didn’t have Maths in Class 11 and 12, you can still do CFA or FRM. Of course, you will have to work a bit harder as compared to the students who had Maths in 11 and 12 or are good at the subject.

• Mathematics does not include everything but focuses on areas like Annuity, Probability, and Statistics. There shall be no use of Calculus or Trigonometry. Our recommendation would be to watch the syllabus video of the introduction playlist of CFA L-1/FRM L-1 very carefully:
• CFA- https://youtu.be/9hiBJNu0gU4
• FRM- https://youtu.be/nEUm7O_EjWQ
• Even after watching the Introduction Lecture, if you are unsure, would recommend you to start studying with the first few lectures of Quants. Since I cover everything from scratch and therefore, I believe you will not have any problem completing the lectures. The first few chapters of Quants are uploaded online on Youtube-
• CFA- http://bit.ly/CFA_Quants
• FRM- http://bit.ly/FRML1_Quants

Watch the above lectures and take an informed decision.

I believe the majority of the students pursuing CFA, FRM are working professionals at different stages of their career. Age is no bar, students from 20-50+ years pursue education. I am myself still studying and plan to do so my entire life.

Today more than ever, there is a need for continued education, and one needs to keep learning in order to grow.

However, I would suggest you to go through the Introduction playlist and make an informed decision before investing so much effort, time and money.

The syllabus and scope videos shall help you understand the suitability. And the Preparation part shall enable you to understand how you shall be able to manage.

Having said that, everyone manages with job and family, it is just the intent to make that long term investment that matters.

CFA is a course on Finance. Finance in itself is a stream and is definitely related to the Economy and commerce but is not the same.

CFA for example shall have 10 subjects, of which most of them are new subject-Derivatives, Fixed income, Equity, portfolio, Alternate Investment.

However, the commerce students have an edge in subjects like Economics (Studied a part of it in school) and Financial Reporting Analysis (FRM) (since they know Accounts). But the questions are application based, and it stretches beyond What they have studied. Also, FRA is about applying and being able to read and interpret Financial Repot. The non-commerce students have to put in a little extra effort to grasp, although everything is done from scratch and no prior knowledge is required.

The Engineering students have an advantage in the subject Quants which have topics on statistics, probability, compound Interest. The commerce students who are not good with Math’s or did not have the same in higher secondary have to put a little extra effort although everything is done from scratch. It is not difficult Math’s question, but applications, of basic principles to do calculations involving Money.

And as we see a very good proportion of MBA students are from Engineering background and Finance knowledge is required, hence even MBA students pursue CFA in order to specialize in Finance.

https://youtu.be/k07DJ6RPbjA

Watch the video for more information.

FRM is a course on Finance, specializing in Risk Management.

Finance in itself is a stream and is definitely related to the Economy and commerce but is not the same.

FRM, all the subjects are new and is unrelated to the general commerce and Accountancy subjects. However, the commerce students have a basic understanding of terms like asset, liability, profit, loss. Although everything is done from scratch and no prior knowledge is required.

The Engineering students have an advantage in the subject quants which has topics on statistics, probability, compound interest. The commerce students who are not good with math’s or did not have the same in higher secondary have to put a little extra effort although everything done from scratch. It is not difficult math’s questions, but applications of basic principles to do calculations involving Money.

FRM is a specialization in the area of Risk management and people with profiles in Audit, IT, Risk Department, pressure the same. The application is primarily in the Banking, Energy, Fintech, All Financial institution and related organizations. Please go through the syllabus and Scope portion of the First class playlist on YouTube.

• There is no overlap between any level of CFA and FRM L2.
• There is an overlap between CFA L1/L2 and FRM L1. Please watch the syllabus section of the Introduction playlist of each to get an understanding.
• If you are a working professional will advise you against giving any two levels together.
• There is an overlap in subjects like Quants, Fixed Income, Derivatives, Portfolio in CFA L1 and FRM L1.
• The overlap is partial and the approach and tackling questions is different for both.
• It is easier to appear for CFA L2 with FRM L1 than CFA L1 with FRM L1. Obviously, since FRM L1 has overlap with both levels of CFA.
• If you are a student, you can manage the two together, especially since the exams are a month apart now. Watch the First class before deciding.

• It would be hypocritical to say no since lots of students have done it.
• There are about 70 readings in part 1 and about 80 in part 2. If you are a working professional would not recommend the same.
• If you are not working, and wish to do it, please watch the first class properly for both levels, and then decide.
• If you will be able to complete 150 readings in whatever number of weeks left, along with practice. Also, you can target to complete a portion of L1- say 70percent of the syllabus till the exam registration deadline. And on the basis of achieving the target, register for both levels or for only one level.
• For those who have appeared for L1 once and haven’t cleared can think about giving both parts together, but be careful about retention of so much content.
• The content of the two levels is not overlapping. And for working professionals would still advise against it.

CFA is a course on Finance and FRM is a course on Finance, specializing in Risk Management.

If you are a working professional, you should go through the Syllabus & Scope portion in the Introduction playlist on the YouTube channel and check which is closer to your profile. Better to make an informed decision before investing your time and money.

The difference between the number of levels, time taken to complete or the cost should not be a concern when you think from a long-term perspective.

The work experience requirement can be achieved post completing all levels and you can still write on the Resume, that you have cleared all levels.

FRM exam paper is relatively more difficult than the CFA

If you want to pursue both the courses, it is better or easier to start with CFA and then do FRM. Although one can start with FRM as well, everything is covered from scratch.

Watch the lecture to have all the information of both the courses

Eligibility Criteria, Exam Format, Difficulty Level, Cost, Job Profile, Pass Rate etc.

http://bit.ly/CFA_FRM_Information

CA covers subjects and areas like accounts, cost, tax, audit, law. And finance is just one paper. CFA is a specialization in Finance.

Also, the expense part could be a contributing factor for finance. To know more, please check the following lectures:

Career seminar:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwM1NevJ8K8&list=PLGo7xSLWCf_zK_mUiXAWd_B9D4WMMtHyU

1st class of CFA Level 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BP837YAhwQ

CA covers subjects and areas like accounts, cost, tax, audit, law. And finance is just one paper.FRM is a specialization in Finance and Risk Management.

Also, the expense part could be a contributing factor for finance. To know more, please check the following lectures:

Career seminar:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwM1NevJ8K8&list=PLGo7xSLWCf_zK_mUiXAWd_B9D4WMMtHyU

1st class of FRM Part 1:https://bit.ly/3g69MS5

CFA, FRM, CAIA is referred to as Triple Crown in US. To know about finance watch the below lecture:

https://youtu.be/Ev_X7XA_CAE

Watch this short clip to know more: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4etb4_jr1p4

If you’re an MBA student & confused if you should pursue CFA/FRM then watch this lecture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_bhOdkkTcA

If you are looking at doing an Industrial training, there are a couple of things you need to consider:

• The advantage would be to experience in a reputed organization, an industry of your choice, making contacts, grooming yourself, proving yourself so as to increase chances of getting permanently placed. Also an increased stipend. (Even if you change the city for this and do not save any money- it is not an issue, you shall be earning throughout your life, what matters is the profile, experience, learning, grooming, building a relationship with the company)
• However, there is a flip side to this as well. More often, you shall be asked to defer your exam by a term, and will not get enough holidays to take the exam in the earliest term that you are eligible. You also need to consider your level of preparation in case you don’t have to defer the exam, but will get a very limited leave period(maybe 2/3months) which is insufficient to prepare 8 subjects and revise. Also the preparation is getting hampered due to strenuous working hours.

Hence we need to decide the tradeoff.

• Either become CA 6 months early or have 9 months of Industrial Training Experience. If you become a CA earlier by 6 months, you shall have more 6months of qualified experience eventually since you shall start early.
• If I am confident to crack a job without Industrial training, and I am confident about my interpersonal and presentation skills, then I would want to be a CA fast, make sure of my preparation and get into a full time qualified job. If I am not sure about the above, I can take a 6 months delay in my career, improve upon myself and take up industrial training.

Hence, think, talk to people in that company over LinkedIn, evaluate your preparation, and take a decision and move forward. Do not over think and waste time. Write down all the pros and cons and decide. No one else can decide for you. Watch the following to know how to crack CA in first attempt: https://youtu.be/XydsHrgepX8

Want to pursue CA, CS, and CMA? Check out this lecture on detailed description about these courses:
https://youtu.be/9AwonAfO-yc

There are three things that I look at-

• Job Profile – the most important aspect is the role offered, the department offered. If you do not understand the role, read about it, connect with people on LinkedIn and ask questions. Do not have expectations that you will start executing top-notch work from Day-1. You will have to learn everything from scratch and climb your way up. Focus on what you can learn in that profile, which is the department, and how does it help you get closer to your long term goals. To be an investment banker, you need to start with equity research, you may not get the front-end IB role immediately.
• Pay – It depends on your personal situation, and also you feel more confident if this is good. It depends a lot on the current market situation, roles available, right place and opportunity, etc. Seems to be the most important factor but it isn’t. A 20-30 percent compromise is fine if you are getting a good role. Even 40 percent if it’s an amazing role, but it should help in the long term.
• The company- of course a brand is important. But if you do not learn much in a big brand, then go for a small company or a start-up. In your next job interview, you shall have to explain and prove your experience and learning in the previous job. So that’s the most important part. When you do not go for a brand like a Big 4 or the Banks, look for the boss and the long term vision of the company that you are applying. If they have good culture, long term vision, and you will get good exposure in terms of learning then yes.
• The location being Mumbai, Bengaluru or NCR, makes interviews at other locations easy and good for networking. But this is the least important factor. If you get to travel in your beginning stint. Do take up. You learn a lot. Even if the location is Hyderabad, Pune it’s good. Then Kolkata and then other cities. But this is not important. If you are getting a low pay job in your hometown, but good or same profile, take that. You shall be able to do a lot more as you will have more support.

The above is not exhaustive but the points you need to think about. Whatever options you have, make sure to write down in a table the pros and cons of all offers. Then take an informed decision. Talk to multiple people in the profession, but It’s only you who has to decide.

To know which technical skills you should have: https://youtube.com/shorts/VFFeuBmMx2E?feature=share

The CFA Program would have taught you the theoretical base on valuation, investment banking etc. In Financial Modelling, you will learn how to use this conceptual understanding in the practical world of finance where you will prepare financial models of a company to estimate its valuation.

Random stock market courses and courses on Finance will not add the kind of value that you are aspiring for. Think long term and do not waste time on the same. However, there are areas where the skill is more important and it has to be learned through practice and may not have a said Degree/ Certification available. For example, Technical analysis needs to be learned before one takes a CMT exam. Also, for skills like MS Excel, R, SQL, etc. one has to learn. In areas as such, more important than the Institute is the credential of the trainer and the quality of training that matters. Since the ultimate objective of such training is going to be to enable you to crack the job interview.

For example, to learn Finance one studies CFA/FRM, and CA and MBA too have Finance subjects. But how to practically be able to make a Financial Model, or write Equity Research/Industry Research Report; one needs to learn the relevant skills.

Hence, do not go for short-term courses unless it is to acquire a skill. While joining, make sure to check the credentials of the trainer, review from students of previous batches, and also do not fall for “100% placement assistance”. Please check the designations and pay the previously placed students who have received them.

Do your research – Understand what shall look better on the resume:

• A degree/ or a random short-term course.
• Whether after learning a skill, you will be able to crack an interview and perform well in your job?

Very Strong base in Finance, excel skills, Financial modeling, presentation, writing skills, communication skills. Investment banking, sounds glamorous but requires a lot of patience, accuracy, attention to details, relentless working hours, designing presentations, crisp writing skills, multiple iterations, valuation models, intense number crunching and modeling, cold mailers and follow-ups, negotiation skills, sharp pitching skills, data mining, extreme levels of self motivation to pick yourself up and move forward if a deal does not go through, apart from a very strong hold on Finance, which is a given.

Check the post to understand the qualities needed to be a successful Investment Banker: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/aswinibajaj_investinyourself-leveragedgrowth-activity-6605843907462946816-j44c

• Read more, A lot more! Different areas, do not be restricted to just one genre – read philosophy, self-help, autobiography, management, finance, technical, marketing, communication. Keep switching in order to not get bored. Watch the lecture on Youtube for details.
• Do not be lazy while reading. Make it a point to google up words you do not know. Looking up the meaning once shall not help. Do the same every time you encounter the same word, until you start using and remembering it. Flashcard apps do not seem to work for me. Learn through use.
• Please pay attention to the flow, structuring of sentences(active-passive, etc), and also the punctuations. Speed reading is for areas of your expertise where you are skimming information to try and filter out the useful content. As a beginner or learner, focus!
• Follow the right set of people on social media and notice how they write, convey their thoughts, the language, clarity, and brevity in their posts. Do not follow desperate, who are forcing themselves to fit in by using slangs; and speaking on anything and everything which lies outside their expertise.
• Read technical journals etc from your field – example industry and equity research reports, press releases by companies, letters to shareholders by Buffett, etc. And very carefully observe!
• Make sure to watch interviews (not trash like Koffee with Karan). This shall not only help in writing, but also in terms of communication. For example, I recently watched a decade-old episode of Simi Garewal Rendezvous with Maharani Gayatri Devi. I was not only curious about her life, entry into politics, and her being jailed during the Fascist Emergency but also how she carries herself and the way she talks. Economists, people from your technical domain, debates. I watch parliamentary debates as well in order to improve my Hindi and to learn. I liked the speeches by Late Sushma Swaraj, not only debating and oratory skills, but the language, use of humor, etc as well.
• Use the free chrome extension Grammarly. It shall suggest corrections. Start noticing the corrections and evaluate your improvement over time.
• You may read ‘Made to Stick’ by Chip and Dan Heath in order to improve communication and get your message across more than writing skills.
• You may read ‘The Pyramid Principle’ by Barbara to improve business writing. Make sure to read one chapter a week, as the book could seem boring.
• Improving writing skills requires conscious prolonged effort and the output shall be visible over time. Hence be patient and persistent.

Depends on a lot of factors:

• You need to be sure of the reason why you intend to pursue masters. If it is to party abroad, waste parents’ money by getting into any college whatsoever, in that case I shall not be able to advise
• Placements for MBA Colleges will be better in corporates, than masters. MBA requires experience and masters generally does not, hence the placements as well.
• Please check the ranking of the college and also the amount you are spending, and whether it is worth it, or for namesake.
• If the admission criteria is too lenient it is most probably not worth attending
• If you plan to take up a career in academics and research and wish to pursue Phd, in that case you may do your masters
• In case you wish to study some specific subjects relevant to your interest and job role it shall make sense. For example, I know Finance students have done masters in Psychology to study investment behavior, or statistics/ economics to get into quantitative finance roles. Please check -if you can pursue masters in such streams without specifically studying those in bachelors.
• CFA is considered masters in the USA, hence doing a masters in Finance just for the sake of a stamp of degree abroad makes no sense.
• CA is considered masters in India by most colleges, hence M.Com will not be a value add unless you plan to teach in a college (where it might be a requirement)
• Even Masters from very good colleges from the UK and Paris, I have seen students not getting a job. Hence it is very important to do your cost benefit analysis, about job opportunities for non resident students.
• Distance masters for the sake of a degree for completing a 16 year education requirement( although most colleges accept 3 year graduate programs in India), may be fine.
• I would not discourage you from taking up masters, but you should do it for the right reasons and correct expectations. You may do masters to study, learn, but be very clear on the Why – is it for a job, to learn, or to just go abroad, or to pursue a career in academics.

If you’re still confused how to choose a career then learn from my journey. Make sure to watch this lecture: https://youtu.be/u_hWCPoSz8g

To know which combined courses will be best for you then watch this lecture on Comparisons & Combinations of Courses: https://youtu.be/4Hw3G15Ylgk

If you’re confused about what career to choose after 12^th, then watch the below lecture to know the options:https://youtu.be/VwM1NevJ8K8

To know about the choices which you’ve have at the time of bachelor’s, Check this lecture: https://youtu.be/UfzWynePeFs

Yes, you can change your subjects after your class 12th. After class 12th, you’re left with several options to pursue your career. Now, you can take whichever stream you want. Check this lecture to know more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFIwL2E6ja8

Want to pursue Actuaries, ACCA, etc.? Check out this lecture on detailed description about these courses: https://youtu.be/wgD798aDExc

Know how to go ahead with two or more interests and steal the show: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/uxtFhUYPU6Q