Last updated on January 28th, 2026 at 04:25 pm
For those aspiring to work in finance, the CFA Institute’s CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) certification is a highly desired international credential. There are three exam levels for the CFA. A candidate cannot become a CFA without passing every level. The CFA Level 1 is thought to be the most difficult.
This blog offers complete information about the CFA Level 1 exam dates for the sessions in 2026 and 2027, as well as registration and enrollment costs in India.
Understanding the CFA Program
There are three levels in the CFA program, and each one ends with a challenging exam. Candidates must complete all three levels, gain appropriate job experience, and uphold the rules of professional behavior and the CFA Institute’s code of ethics to become CFA charterholders.
- Level I: Highlights fundamental concepts and tools related to investment.
- Level II: Assess how well applicants apply and evaluate such concepts and tools.
- Level III: Assesses applicants’ wealth planning and portfolio management production and evaluation.
Importance of Early Registration
Registering early for the CFA Level 1 exam can save you significant costs. The early registration fee is USD 1,140, compared to the standard registration fee of USD 1,490. As an aspiring investment manager, understanding the importance of timely decisions in both professional and exam-related scenarios is crucial. Early registration not only saves money but also provides ample time to prepare, increasing your chances of success.
CFA level 1 Registration fees and enrollment in India
Depending on when you register, there are different CFA exam level 1 costs of registration in India. The CFA Level 1 test in India has two registration fees: a standard registration fee and an early CFA Level 1 registration fees.
- Early enrollment fees are USD 1,140 (about INR 1,00,000).
- Regular registration fees are 1,490 USD (about 1,30,000 INR).
Furthermore, the cost of enrollment was approximately USD 350. Candidates may register for any level of the CFA exam with this one-time payment.
Exams for CFA Level 1 are offered four times a year in February, May, August, and November. The CFA level 1 late registration fee can be scheduled at no additional cost.
However, there is a rescheduling CFA level 1 exam fees of USD 250 (about INR 21,000) if you want to reschedule the exam after the scheduling option closes.
It’s crucial to remember that these costs are subject to change, therefore, applicants should confirm the most recent fees via the CFA Institute’s official website or other approved sources. Candidates should also account for other fees like study guides, test-prep classes, and possible travel charges should they need to travel to a testing location outside of their city.
Scheduling Your CFA Exam Appointment
When you register for the exam, you will need to schedule your CFA exam appointment within the given exam window. The exam window allows candidates flexibility in choosing a convenient date and time to sit for their exam. It is advisable to schedule your appointment as early as possible to secure your preferred slot. Rescheduling is possible but incurs a fee of USD 250, so plan accordingly to avoid additional costs.
Early Registration and Investment Management
Registering early for the CFA Level 1 exam can save you significant costs. The early registration fee is USD 1,140, compared to the standard CFA Level 1 registration fee of USD 1,490. As an aspiring investment manager, understanding the importance of timely decisions in both professional and exam-related scenarios is crucial. Early registration not only saves money but also provides ample time to prepare, increasing your chances of success.
Exams for CFA Level 1 are offered four times a year in February, May, August, and November. If you need to reschedule your exam after the scheduling window closes, there is a rescheduling fee of USD 250 (about INR 21,000).
It’s essential to verify the latest fees on the CFA Institute’s official website, as they are subject to change. Additionally, candidates should account for other expenses such as study materials, preparatory courses, and potential travel costs if the testing center is not in their city.
CFA Level 1 Exam Date: 2026
Applicants can view the full timetable for chartered financial analyst course in the table below. The CFA level 1 dates for the future sessions February 2026, May 2026, August 2026 and November 2026 have been announced.
| Events | Feb 2026 | May 2026 | Aug 2026 | Nov 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Registration Period Begins. | April 29, 2025 | August 12, 2026 | November 11, 2025 | February 11, 2026 |
| Scheduling Period Opens | April 29, 2025 | August 12, 2026 | ||
| Early Registration Closing Date | July 7, 2025 | October 14, 2026 | ||
| CFA Registration Closes on | October 29, 2025 | February 12, 2026 | May 6, 2026 | August 11, 2026 |
| Last Date of Scheduling | November 5, 2025 | February 18, 2026 | ||
| CFA Level 1 exam deadline rescheduling | January 22, 2026 | 1 May, 2026 | ||
| Dates of the CFA Exam | February 2-8, 2026 | May 12-18, 2026 | August 18-24, 2026 | November 11-17, 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria for CFA Level 1 2026
The CFA level 1 eligibility requirements are specified on the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute’s official website. To be eligible to fill out the CFA Level 1 application, candidates must fulfill one of the following requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must have graduated from a college or university that is accredited with a bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent program.
- Work Experience: Applicants should possess a minimum of 4000 hours of work experience in addition to a higher education degree earned after at least 4 years of study. (For level 3)
- Undergraduate Student: To be eligible to enroll in the CFA Level 1 program, a candidate must have spent 23 months or less until the month of graduation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right CFA Level 1 course is essential to developing your career. Given the clarity of the different course options, it’s critical to match your selection to your job goals, learning preferences, and skill level with Mentor me Careers. Keep in mind that spending money on a respectable course can pay off significantly in your career. As you follow this route, remember the dates of the upcoming CFA Level 1 exam. Make sure to register and plan to get the most out of your study time and chances of success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What exactly are the CFA Level 1 fees in rupees?
Ans: Depending on the exchange rate and any applicable taxes or fees, the CFA Level 1 exam fees in rupees change. The fees were between 50,000 and 60,000 Indian rupees as of my last report. For the most recent details on fees in your local currency, it is advised to visit the official CFA Institute website.
Q2. 1. When is the last date to register for the August 2024 session of the CFA Level 1 exam?
Ans: The deadline for August 2024 registration is May 14, 2024, per the exam dates.
Q3. Is it possible for me to complete the CFA Level 1 registration form offline?
Ans: Only online registration is available for CFA Level 1.
