Starting your journey with the CFA Course in 2026 requires a planned financial strategy to manage the total CFA Course fee for a year or so. For the CFA Level 1 fees, the Institute has set the early bird price at $1,140, which is roughly ₹95,000, while waiting for the standard deadline forces a jump to $1,490 (approximately ₹1.24 Lakh).
These figures do not include the mandatory 18% GST for Indian candidates or the one-time $350 enrollment fee for new students. By booking early, you effectively save over ₹30,000, which can be reallocated toward high-quality prep materials or calculator essentials.
We’ve mapped out all the costs for the 2026 program, from the initial enrollment to the final CFA exam fees. You’ll find tips on cutting down your expenses and a look at the most effective coaching programs available in Mumbai.
Comprehensive Summary
- CFA Level 1 Fees: New candidates pay a $350 enrollment fee plus either $1,140 for early registration or $1,490 for the standard window.
- CFA Level 2 Fees: Returning students avoid the enrollment fee but pay $1,140 (early) or $1,490 (standard) to sit for the second exam.
- CFA Level 3 Fees: The final level costs slightly more in 2026, with an early fee of $1,240 and a standard registration fee of $1,590.
- CFA Fees in India: Total costs is $350 for one-time enrollment and there are then separate registration payments for each of the three exam levels.
- CFA Rescheduling Costs: If you want to change your exam slot within the same window, then it will cost you $250 and to put the exam in another cycle, you will have to pay a $399 “Paid Deferral” fee.
- Indian Tax Impact: All payments made from India are subject to 18% GST, which must be added to the dollar-to-rupee conversion.
- Scholarship Value: Success in securing a CFA scholarship can drop the total exam fee to as low as $400, saving candidates over ₹1 Lakh.
Overview of the CFA Course
This course usually is done to do a thorough test of your skills in investment tools and asset valuation. Additionally, it evaluates your ability to manage complex portfolios in real-market conditions. It consists of three levels, each building on the last to create a complete expert in the field.
Most candidates spend at least 300 hours studying for each level. The program is self-paced, but the CFA Course must be completed in order. By passing these exams, you join a global network of investment professionals respected by top-tier banks and hedge funds.
What Is the Total CFA Fee in India?
The CFA total fees in India depend on when you register and whether you are a new or returning candidate. All payments are made in USD directly to the CFA Institute.
Fee Component | Early Bird Price (USD) | Standard Price (USD) |
One-Time Enrollment | $350 | $350 |
Level 1 Exam | $1,140 | $1,490 |
Level 2 Exam | $1,140 | $1,490 |
Level 3 Exam | $1,240 | $1,590 |
Note: Prices based on the 2026 exam cycle.
CFA Enrollment Fee
The CFA registration fee includes a one-time $350 enrollment charge. You only pay this once when you sign up for your very first CFA Level 1 fees payment. This fee covers the setup of your account and permanent access to the candidate ecosystem.
CFA Exam Fees (Level I, Level II, Level III)
The CFA exam fees vary based on the level and the time of your application.
Early Registration Charges
Registering roughly 7 to 9 months before your exam date qualifies you for the “Early Bird” rate. For Level 1 and Level 2, this sits at $1,140. This is the most effective way to keep your CFA course fees low.
Standard Registration Charges
If you miss the early deadline, you pay the standard rate of $1,490. This higher CFA registration fees in India applies up until approximately 3 months before the exam window starts.
CFA Level 1 Fees
For first-time candidates, the CFA level 1 fees include an initial program entry cost.
- Early Registration: You pay $1,140 if you book your slot roughly nine months in advance.
- Standard Registration: The price increases to $1,490 if you wait until the final months before the window.
- One-Time Enrollment: New students must add $350 to the exam fee to register for the program for the first time.
CFA Level 2 Fees
The CFA level 2 fees follow the same two-tier structure but do not require the enrollment charge again.
- Early Registration: The cost remains $1,140 for candidates who meet the early deadline.
- Standard Registration: Late applicants pay $1,490 to secure their seat in the exam center.
- Focus: This level evaluates your practical ability to use the analytical tools from the start of the CFA course to determine the worth of diverse assets.
CFA Level 3 Fees
The CFA level 3 fees for the 2026 cycle are slightly higher than the previous two levels to account for the specialized pathways.
- Early Registration: You pay $1,240 to sit for the final level of the program.
- Standard Registration: The cost for the standard window is $1,590.
- Total Investment: At this stage, your CFA total fees in India will reach approximately ₹3.5 Lakh if you have used early bird windows throughout.
Exam Rescheduling and Deferral Charges
Life events sometimes force a change in plans, but these changes come with a price tag.
CFA Exam Rescheduling Charges
If you want to move your exam to a different day within the same window, you pay a $250 fee. This must be done through the Prometric scheduling tool.
CFA Exam Deferral Charges
A deferral essentially moves your current registration to a future cycle instead of canceling it. To illustrate, the $449 paid option provides an immediate, “no-questions-asked” move for those who missed their study goals. However, if you qualify for the emergency route due to a documented crisis, the cost drops to $100, though you must wait for the Institute to review and approve your request.
Save on Expensive Study Materials
Access structured CFA Juice Notes, flashcards, and revision summaries designed for faster learning.
Additional Expenses Beyond CFA Exam Fees
The CFA course fees in India listed on the official website are not the only costs you will face.
Cost of CFA Study Materials
The official digital curriculum is included in your CFA fees. However, many students buy third-party books or summary notes to save time. These can cost between ₹15,000 and ₹40,000.
CFA Coaching Fees in India
Coaching is a popular choice to handle the difficult CFA Course syllabus. At Amquest Education in Mumbai, we offer Level 1 coaching for just ₹30,000. This is a small investment compared to the $1,490 you risk losing if you fail the exam.
Mock Exams and Practice Test Costs
While the Institute provides some practice questions, extra mock exams from providers help simulate the real pressure. These usually range from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000.
CFA Level-Wise Fees in India
CFA Level I Fees in India
The CFA level 1 fees are the highest initial hurdle because of the enrollment charge.
Level 1 Expense | Cost (USD) | Approx (INR) |
Enrollment Fee | $350 | ₹29,000 |
Early Registration | $1,140 | ₹95,000 |
Total (Early) | $1,490 | ₹1,24,000 |
Prices exclude 18% GST which is applicable on Indian credit card payments.
CFA Level II Fees in India
Since you have already paid the enrollment fee, the CFA level 2 fees are slightly lower.
Level 2 Expense | Cost (USD) | Approx (INR) |
Early Registration | $1,140 | ₹95,000 |
Standard Registration | $1,490 | ₹1,24,000 |
CFA Level III Fees in India
For 2026, the CFA level 3 fees have seen a slight increase compared to the lower levels.
Level 3 Expense | Cost (USD) | Approx (INR) |
Early Registration | $1,240 | ₹1,03,000 |
Standard Registration | $1,590 | ₹1,32,000 |
How to Pay CFA Fees in India
Most Indian candidates use international credit cards to settle their CFA exam fees.
Accepted Payment Methods
- Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club.
- Alipay: Now accepted for digital payments.
- Wire Transfer: Can do, but it takes longer to process and may delay your registration.
Important Registration Deadlines
For the August 2026 window, the early bird deadline usually falls in January 2026. Missing this date increases your CFA course fees in India by $350 instantly.
How to Reduce Your CFA Course Costs
Smart planning can save you over ₹50,000 across the three levels.
- Register Early: This is the simplest way to avoid the $350 “late” penalty.
- Apply for Scholarships: The Institute awards thousands of scholarships annually to reduce CFA fees.
- Use Official Resources: Avoid buying expensive third-party books if the official digital curriculum is enough for you.
CFA Scholarship Options to Lower Your Fees
The CFA Institute offers several grants to make the CFA Course accessible.
- Access Scholarship: For those who cannot afford the full CFA fees. It reduces the cost to $400.
- Student Scholarship: For currently enrolled university students. It reduces the fee to $400.
- Women’s Scholarship: Aims to improve gender diversity in finance. It reduces the fee to $400.
- Professor Scholarship: For full-time university teachers.
- Regulator Scholarship: For employees of financial regulatory bodies like SEBI or RBI.
Amquest Education: Your Path to a High-Paying CFA Career
Professionals in Mumbai and Bangalore view the CFA Course as a bridge to 32%–57% salary hikes. Because CFA Fees in India are so high, a first-time pass is the only way to protect your budget from double registration costs. Our classroom sessions at Amquest Education prioritize practical skills that help you think like a real analyst.
Our Specialized Programs:
- CFA Level 1 Coaching: ₹30,000 (Weekend batches).
- Investment Banking Training: ₹80,000 to ₹1.5 Lakh.
- Placement Support: Our specialized Investment Banking courses come with a dedicated placement cell.
- Location: Our classroom sessions in Mumbai help you network with other finance professionals.
We help you master the CFA fee structure and the syllabus so you can land roles at firms like JP Morgan or Goldman Sachs.
Final Thoughts
Deciding to pay the CFA Fees in India is a commitment to your professional future. Investing ₹3 Lakh to ₹4 Lakh in your education might feel like a large upfront cost, but the professional growth it delivers stays with you for your entire career.
A CFA level 1 fees payment is just the entry price for a world where your salary can triple within a few years. If you plan your registration dates carefully and choose the right coaching at Amquest, the charter becomes an achievable goal rather than a financial burden.
Frequently Asked Questions About CFA Fees in India
What is the CFA Level I registration fee?
For 2026, the early registration fee is $1,140. New candidates must also pay a one-time enrollment fee of $350, making the total $1,490.
