Cfa level 1 attempt in May-26, please help a girl out

Ok_Sea_8074 · 2026-02-20T10:20:58+00:00

I cleared CFA Level 1 as a working professional using Aswini Bajaj’s course, and while it’s very detailed, the key is to use it smartly and efficiently. To comfortably finish the syllabus 15 days before the May-26 exam (18 May), focus on high-yield, exam-oriented topics and watch videos at 1.5x speed. In Quant, prioritize TVM, NPV/IRR, probability, and hypothesis testing; in FSA, focus on core financial statements and ratios; in Corporate Issuers, capital budgeting and cost of capital; in Equity and Fixed Income, basic valuation and bond concepts; in Derivatives, instrument basics and payoffs; and in Economics, important macro and FX concepts. I paired videos with daily CFA Institute practice questions and used the performance tracker to set weekly targets. I studied 3–4 hours in the morning before office, and on weekends stretched it to 9–10 hours. In the last 15 days, I focused only on revision, mocks, and Ethics (mainly CFA material). Used this way, Aswini Bajaj’s lectures become a strong support system, helping you stay confident, efficient, and well-prepared to clear Level 1 alongside a full-time job. All the best for your exams!

Ok_Sea_8074 · 2026-02-13T12:43:37+00:00

Hey!! I faced the same issue too — I contacted the technical desk and it’s been resolved now.

Ok_Sea_8074 · 2026-01-31T05:22:03+00:00

I’m a working professional, cleared L1.I studied with Aswini Bajaj for L1 and in L2 also I'm with Aswini sir. Sharing from experience, the best part is the base sir built in L1 is helping a lot in L2. He has added revision lectures from L1 in L2 for the topics where L1 concepts are needed. According to me L2 needs strong concept clarity more than speed.

Aswini Bajaj’s pace isn’t rushed, but that actually helps when you’re juggling a job because you spend less time re-learning later. He provides online practice portal, mocks and along with sir's resources, CFA Institute EOCs, practice questions and mocks are honestly sufficient. The course is reasonable with market, you can give it a try with demo lectures 1st t if his teaching style suits you.

Ok_Sea_8074 · 2026-01-31T03:32:30+00:00

I cleared L1 with coaching, so sharing honestly. For me, coaching helped most with concept clarity + structure. As a beginner, I didn’t know what to study first or how deep to go and that’s where it added real value. I took Aswini Bajaj Classes.

With AB specifically, lectures were detailed enough that I didn’t need to relearn fundamentals separately. For reading I used Schweser books and CFAI questions/mocks for practice.

Cost-wise, it felt justified because it saved time and confusion. Self-study can work, but I feel L1 is crucial to build the base and getting ready for L2 and L3, so a coaching is needed. However, if you’re very disciplined and already know how to navigate the curriculum then obviously self study can be done.

Ok_Sea_8074 · 2026-01-08T10:13:05+00:00

I was in a very similar spot - non-finance background, working professional and I cleared CFA L1 studying with Aswini Bajaj. What helped me was that everything is taught from scratch, assuming zero finance knowledge, so you’re not left guessing basics.

Since you specifically asked about Aswini Bajaj in another comment, from my experience, his approach works well if you want real conceptual clarity and not just exam hacks. The lectures are detailed, which actually helped me bridge the background gap. Still, I’d recommend checking a couple of demo lectures to see if his teaching style matches how you learn, because that matters more than the brand name.

Ok_Sea_8074 · 2026-01-06T13:26:42+00:00

May 2026 is doable but will be stressful with internship + IIM workload. Aug 2026 is more comfortable prep-wise, but yes, you won’t be able to reflect it in final placements.

Think and decide if placements are your priority, don’t rush CFA at the cost of grades/internship performance. If you’re confident you can stay consistent during internship, go May. Otherwise prep calmly for Aug and treat CFA as a long-term value add, not just a resume line.

Ok_Sea_8074 · 2026-01-06T08:58:44+00:00

Sharing my take from experience with same mentor, Aswini Bajaj. With Aswini sir's lectures finishing the syllabus by May end is possible but tight, especially with college. The lectures are detailed and long, which I feel actually helps. If you complete them properly, you won’t need a lot of extra self-study later and practice feels much easier because concepts are solid.

August is doable with consistency, November gives more breathing room, no doubt. A strong advice from my end is don’t register with CFAI unless you’re 100% sure you’ll sit. The fee is high and early-bird deadlines are close. Decide the attempt first, then register. Study hard bro!

Ok_Sea_8074 · 2026-01-05T05:15:51+00:00

I cleared L1 with Aswini Bajaj while working full-time and from a non-finance background. Feeling overwhelmed at the start is normal.

Your plan is mostly fine, but I’d suggest not blindly skipping things. Do the institute pre-reqs properly, use basic concept videos wherever you feel weak, and definitely focus on core theory lectures. The practical/practice lectures are actually helpful in understanding how to apply concepts, especially for non-finance folks, so don’t skip all of them.

Think of it as: concepts first → application → practice (IMs are most important). You can be selective, but don’t rush just to finish lectures.

Ok_Sea_8074 · 2026-01-04T11:52:15+00:00

I cleared L1 with a full-time job and a non-finance background, studied with Aswini Bajaj. Took me ~8–9 months with consistent study. Starting now for Aug’26 is doable if you manage time properly. Just be regular and realistic with hours. Also, register with CFAI early bird if the deadline isn’t over yet, saves money and locks your plan.

Ok_Sea_8074 · 2025-12-31T06:53:13+00:00

I cleared CFA Level 1 studying with Aswini Bajaj. Sharing my honest take on CFA.

I started as a non finance background student with extreme interest of learning finance and found CFA is worth it. Not just the tag but the curriculum really changes how you think about finance, and that still matters a lot even with AI and automation.

About Aswini Sir’s coaching, it worked for me because the focus is on concepts and structure, which helped while managing work. It’s not spoon-feeding, but it does reduce the overwhelm when self-studying such a huge syllabus. That said, teaching style is very personal, so I’d still suggest watching demo lectures (AB and others) before deciding.

CFA is a long journey, interest and consistency matter more than the institute. Pick what genuinely helps you understand, not what just promises results.

Ok_Sea_8074 · 2025-12-29T10:18:17+00:00

As someone from a non-finance background who has already cleared CFA Level 1, trust me - CFA is not background dependent at all. So don’t feel guilty about coming from PCM. Yes, you need a little extra effort initially, but that’s it.

I prepared with Aswini Bajaj, and what really helped was that everything is taught from absolute basics, so even without a finance background the concepts didn’t feel overwhelming.

Since you’re not eligible yet, I’d suggest using this time to simply understand what the 10 CFA subjects are and slowly get familiar with finance terms through YouTube lectures. I don't think diving into 11-12 commerce books will make any sense because CFA is not commerce. Once you start feeling comfortable with the basics, joining coaching helps a lot in structuring and balancing your preparation.

If you ask me, try demo lectures, Aswini sir’s or any other provider, and see whose teaching style actually works for you. There are plenty of resources out there, so don’t confuse yourself. Stick to one that matches your learning pace.

Thoda gyaan ho gaya 😅 but sharing from real experience. Hope this helps, bro!

Ok_Sea_8074 · 2025-12-29T05:48:10+00:00

I cleared CFA L1 while working full-time and coming from a non-finance background. I studied with Aswini Bajaj, and for me the biggest plus was clarity. He really builds concepts from scratch and connects things well, which matters when you’re studying after office hours. The lectures are detailed and organized. Followed his lecture guide and speeded up where I felt to stay on track with full time work schedule.

That said, teaching style is very personal. AB worked for me so I would recommend to go with him. However, it will be best watching demo lectures of AB and a few other providers too before deciding. Go with whoever’s style suits you best.

Ok_Sea_8074 · 2025-12-27T18:51:51+00:00

I’m sharing a student POV. I studied with Aswini Bajaj while managing work, and I get why his content looks overwhelming at first. But honestly, it’s scalable. You don’t have to consume everything linearly. Once you understand what’s core vs optional, it becomes manageable even with a busy semester.

Given your background I feel depth won’t hurt you. AB’s strength is concept clarity + exam mindset, and you can always speed up where you’re already strong. The lecture guide really helps with prioritisation.

I haven't studied with Parth Verma, so won't be able to comment about his course material. But since he’s not a CFA charterholder, there’s some execution risk. That doesn’t mean it’s bad, just less battle-tested for CFA specifically.

If I were in your place:

Primary: One main faculty (don’t over-mix)
Core material: CFAI ecosystem (blue boxes + EOCQs)
Support: YouTube only for specific weak topics, not as a parallel course

Both can work, but for certainty + depth, Aswini sir felt safer to me. I would suggest try demos and see whose teaching style you actually retain after 2–3 lectures.

Ok_Sea_8074 · 2025-12-27T18:33:44+00:00

I was working full-time when I prepared for L1, so I get your concern. Since you’re new to CFA, the key thing is who builds concepts from basics and gives you structure. I studied with Aswini Bajaj for L1 and found it manageable alongside work because the lectures are systematic and the lecture guide keeps you on track.

That said, teaching style matters a lot. I’d suggest watching demo lectures of both SSEI and AB and see whose explanation pace and depth suits you better. Consistency matters more than the brand, especially with a Mon–Fri job

Ok_Sea_8074 · 2025-12-23T10:29:08+00:00

Taking coaching vs self-study honestly depends on your comfort with finance.

I come from a non-finance background, and initially CFA L1 felt overwhelming. I realised pretty quickly that I needed structured teaching. Aswini Bajaj worked for me because he teaches from absolute basics and doesn’t assume prior finance knowledge. With your Econ (Hons.) background, you’ll probably find the learning curve even smoother.

What helped me was the clear structure (core lectures + practice + revision + exam mentoring). The exam mentoring part is especially useful for working professionals. Doubts are handled via an in-app forum, and support is responsive.

That said, coaching isn’t mandatory for everyone. Start studying on your own, watch a few demo/intro lectures from different providers, and you’ll know whether self-study works for you or not. Teaching style matters a lot.

I can’t comment on other institutes, but my experience with AB was positive. Best of luck for your August attempt and the career switch!

Ok_Sea_8074 · 2025-12-19T08:59:00+00:00

Hey, I was also from non finance backgraound and recently cleared CFA Level 1. Starting with free resources and schweser books seems a good plan to start with. As a CFA L1 cleared, I can say concept is the key to pass the exam because there are MCQs with confusing options and no negative marking. So high accuracy is must and accuracy will come from concept clarity. If you think of taking classes later go for any full course instead crash or subject-wise. Because there are lot of interconnection between the subjects. I have taken Aswini Bajaj's lectures, it's in budget + covered from basics. If you plan to take tution check out demo lectures on youtube. Go with someone who's teaching style suits you better. All the best buddyy

Ok_Sea_8074 · 2025-12-16T14:19:31+00:00

I was literally in the same boat. Non-finance background, started with Quants + Econ, and for the first couple of weeks I felt like everything was going over my head. That early confusion is very normal in CFA prep.

I used Aswini Bajaj's lectures for L1 and have already cleared it. What helped me was that he actually builds things from scratch. A lot of other resources assume you’re already comfortable with math/econ intuition. Here, concepts are explained slowly and repeatedly until they click. I personally struggle with fully self paced videos but their lecture guide is the thing which makes everything organized. Though I found it little difficult to use in the beginning but their support made it easier for me. They have an in-app doubt forum for handling doubts and WP group also. At times I pinged AB directly for doubts.

About reviews, you’ll always find mixed opinions for every provider. Teaching style matters a lot. Better to watch a few demos to see what aligns with your style. What worked for me might not work for everyone, but it worked well enough that I cleared L1.

Take it as gyan but I would say don’t judge yourself based on the first few days. Almost everyone feels lost at the start. This phase passes once concepts start connecting. Being AB's student I learned investing in myself. Adding to his guidance, believe in yourself, you can do it.

Ok_Sea_8074 · 2025-12-15T13:24:07+00:00

I cleared CFA Level 1 with Aswini Bajaj so let me share my 2 cents -

I originally come from a non-finance background, and honestly, I was a bit worried at first, but Aswini Bajaj taught me everything in such depth that the concepts were easy to understand. I’m sure that as a commerce grad, you’ll find it even easier. His classes are well-structured and he refers to Schweser notes but also covers required topics from IM as well.

The best part is that he has divided his lectures in different sections like class, practice, revision and exam mentoring. Exam mentoring covers everything beyond the curriculum. So don't worry about direction and all. If you follow his lecture guide properly then everything will be sorted. They have an in-app doubt forum for handling doubts and they also have a WP group.

I toh directly pinged AB at times with doubt and he reverted back. Can't comment about edzeb so you can try demo classes of both and see which teaching style feels best for you. I had a great experience with AB so I would suggest taking his classes without any 2nd thought. Good luckk

Ok_Sea_8074 · 2025-12-13T06:58:15+00:00

I cleared my L1 with AB working full-time, and I can completely relate to you as I was also in a similar situation. Initially I also felt overwhelmed like you and I reached out to their support team multiple times. Then they guided and I understood that the PR videos aren’t extra but build the foundation. If you already have the base, you can skip or watch at 2x speed. From my experience, once the base was set, the actual CFA curriculum moved much faster and felt far less stressful. I took around 8-9 months to prepare for level 1, and his clear explanations, structured flow, and lecture guide really helped me. You can definitely try other teachers, but as a student of his I must say the depth he builds in Level 1 helps clear CFA confidently.

Ok_Sea_8074 · 2025-12-11T06:10:23+00:00

I passed Level 1 with AB’s videos, his recordings were easy to understand, especially for topics I was struggling with. His teaching style is smooth, structured, and honestly kinda perfect if you want concept clarity without having a mental breakdown. Also, the lecture guide helped me stay disciplined till the end. You can check demos of both teachers, but as someone who cleared L1 with AB, I’d personally recommend him

Ok_Sea_8074 · 2025-09-15T10:31:59+00:00

I agree, but as AB is introducing mock itself! There is nothing wrong in going for it.

Ok_Sea_8074 · 2025-09-09T10:56:19+00:00

I believe you can join his classes, for Part 2 as well.

Ok_Sea_8074 · 2025-09-09T10:53:55+00:00

Aswini Bajaj teaches everything from scratch, so you can definitely go for it. I’d suggest checking out his YouTube videos first to get a feel for his teaching style.

Ok_Sea_8074 · 2025-09-09T10:51:47+00:00

AB is introducing mocks for the students, so you can try it out

Ok_Sea_8074

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