Introduction: Why CFA Level I Feels Intimidating

Starting the CFA journey can feel like stepping into uncharted waters. The CFA Level I exam covers 10 subjects, 57 readings, and over 3,000 pages of material. No wonder many students feel overwhelmed at the beginning.

The good news? With the right preparation schedule, you can clear CFA Level I confidently — whether you have 3 months or 6 months to study.

This blog breaks down two practical CFA Level I study plans, shares beginner tips, and helps you decide which path suits your lifestyle best.

CFA Level I: What You’re Up Against

Before diving into a plan, it’s crucial to understand the exam’s structure. Knowing the battlefield is the first step to victory.

• Exam Frequency: The exam is offered four times a year (February, May, August, and November).

• Format: It consists of 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), split into two sessions, each lasting 2 hours and 15 minutes.

• Pass Rate: The pass rate has historically hovered around $40\%$, though it varies with each exam cycle.

• Key Subjects: The curriculum is extensive, covering Ethics, Quantitative Methods, Financial Reporting & Analysis (FRA), Corporate Finance, Equity, Fixed Income, Derivatives, Alternative Investments, Portfolio Management, and Economics.

Understanding this framework allows you to plan smarter, not just harder.

The 6-Month CFA Study Schedule: The Balanced Approach

Best for:

• ✅ Students balancing a job or degree program
• ✅ First-time test-takers who want steady progress

Plan Breakdown (approx. 300 study hours)

• Months 1–2: Cover Ethics, Quant, and FRA (foundation-heavy subjects)
• Months 3–4: Corporate Finance, Equity, Fixed Income, and Economics
• Month 5: Derivatives, Alternative Investments, Portfolio Management + Revision of weak areas
• Month 6: Full revision + 4–5 mock exams

Daily Commitment

• Weekdays: 1.5–2 hours
• Weekends: 4–5 hours

Pro Tip: Stick to the official CFA Institute materials and supplement with a trusted prep provider like Schweser Notes. Don’t hoard resources; mastery is better than variety.

The 3-Month CFA Study Schedule: The Fast-Track Plan

Best for:

• ✅ Candidates who decided late
• ✅ Commerce/finance graduates with strong basics
• ✅ Professionals who can dedicate 20+ hours per week

Plan Breakdown (approx. 300 study hours condensed)

• Month 1: Ethics + FRA + Quant (most tested topics)
• Month 2: Equity, Fixed Income, Corporate Finance, Economics
• Month 3: Derivatives, Alternatives, Portfolio Management + 6–7 full mocks

Daily Commitment

• Weekdays: 2–3 hours
• Weekends: 6–8 hours

Pro Tip: Your focus should be on active recall. Passive reading won’t be enough. Use flashcards, create formula sheets, and drill practice questions relentlessly from day one.

Key Beginner Tips for CFA Level I

• Start with Ethics and End with Ethics: Ethics carries heavy weight and also helps with borderline pass/fail decisions.
• Don’t Ignore FRA and Quant: Together, they account for ~30% of the exam weight.
• Practice, Don’t Just Read: 70% of prep time should go to practice questions, not just theory.
• Mock Exams = Game-Changer: Aim for at least 4 mocks in 6-month prep, and 6+ if you’re on the 3-month track.
• Track Your Scores: Use Excel or apps like Notion to log topic-wise performance.

Which CFA Plan Is Right for You?

The best plan is the one you can stick to. Be honest about your work schedule, personal commitments, and academic background. The 6-month plan offers flexibility and depth, while the 3-month plan offers speed and intensity. Choose the path that aligns with your reality.

Stride Edutech: Your CFA Prep Partner

At Stride, we understand that the CFA journey isn’t just about passing exams—it’s about building a lasting career in investment and finance. We are here to ensure you have the structure and support you need.

Here’s how we help you succeed:

• Custom Study Plans: Whether you have 3 months or 6, we design a personalized plan tailored to your strengths and weaknesses.

• Expert Faculty Guidance: Learn from CFA charter holders who bring real-world industry experience into the classroom.

• Mock Tests & In-depth Feedback: Sharpen your exam technique with our timed simulations and receive detailed feedback to improve your scores.

• Global & Gulf Student Support: We offer flexible online batches designed to accommodate students across India and the Middle East.

Final Thoughts: Choose a Plan, Stick to It

Whether you opt for the 6-month balanced prep or the 3-month crash course, the key to success is consistency.

• Don’t overload yourself with too many resources.

• Prioritize practice over passive reading.

• Stay disciplined—small, daily progress accumulates into a big win.

With the right mindset and a solid support system, passing CFA Level I is an absolutely achievable goal.

📲 Ready to plan your CFA Level I prep journey?

Stride Edutech offers:

• ✅ Personalized 3-month & 6-month CFA study schedules
• ✅ Expert mentoring for Indian & Gulf students
• ✅ Mock exam practice & doubt-clearing sessions

👉 Chat with us on WhatsApp and start preparing smart today.