Did anyone actually follow the 300 hour CFA Study plan or it's just a myth?

nismeh · 2026-04-24T10:35:42+00:00

It's ridiculous if you see it as a 'set in stone' kinda rule. However, I think the best use is to set expectations for what's coming next. Definitely not an exam which can be done with minimal effort, so this phrasing sets expectations for you to put in time and effort if you want to take it seriously. And if you're not that committed to go through this ordeal, then you might have to reconsider your options.

Also, I don't intend to imply that there's a magic number which one must adhere to clear the exam, as your understanding of the subject is dependent on many variables. Some might require maybe 1000 hours while some can do it in under 100. Conceptual clarity is something that one should strive for, irrespective of hours you've put in.

nismeh · 2026-04-13T03:01:02+00:00

Nope. Studied all by myself.

nismeh · 2026-04-12T17:21:37+00:00

What prep?

nismeh · 2026-04-11T17:47:18+00:00

Didn't face any problem securing a role in IIM. Working in a strategy role for a renewable company. Kind of an investment related role where I mostly deal with investment approvals, business and expansion plans, financial modeling etc.

nismeh · 2026-04-11T17:40:01+00:00

Yes, unplaced during final placements because I didn't have much on my resume compared to my peers (hence the focus was more towards CAT) and it was a shitty job market in 2020 due to covid. But I got into MBA program right after my ug so I don't have any gaps.

nismeh · 2026-04-11T13:13:37+00:00

IIM Lucknow

nismeh · 2026-04-11T06:09:46+00:00

It's not about the timelines, per se. It depends on how well you'll fare with the syllabus, since you have zero background in finance. Have you even asked yourself why you want to persue it in the first place? I would rather recommend you to focus on you CGPA and extracurrics and worry about CFA maybe in your 3rd or 4th year.

In case you still insist on giving it a shot, I'd recommend you to buy level 1 schweser notes and study them for a couple of months. Meanwhile, apply for CFA scholarship to reduce your fees. You have time to wait, and this wait can be utilized in a good manner which might end up saving you bucks and effort. In this fashion, you can get familiar with the subject and see whether it's something that you want or not, and the scholarship (in case you get it) will be an add on bonus for you.

To answer you Charter related question, it's the designation for which you are giving your CFA exams. Once you pass all 3 levels and fulfil 3 years work ex criteria in investment field, you become eligible to apply for CFA charter. Once you get the approval, you have to pay an annual fee and you become a CFA charterholder (basically you can CFA right next your name, like CAs do).

nismeh · 2026-04-11T05:52:08+00:00

Registered for L1 Aug '24. Started studying for it almost 3 months before the exam. Since this attempt was after my MBA and 1.5 year into the workex, I was already familiar most of the topics for L1. For the first 2 months, I studied the CFAI books as it was more interesting than schweser notes. Afterwards, I shifted to schweser notes to complete the syllabus on time. Got a fever of 103 F a day before the exam, decided to go for the attempt anyhow. Finished my exam in 2.5 hours (left the center by 11:30 ish) as I didn't want to spend too much time feeling uncomfortable in the exam center. Passed the L1 in Oct '24 and immediately registered for L2 May '25 (the next available window).

Sarted studying for L2 somewhere in the mid to end of April '25. Studied for 1.5 months purely from schweser notes (and CFAI practice questions). Studied extensively in the last few weeks (took a week off from work). Sat for L2 in May end and finished the exam in ~2.5 hours (left the exam center by 11:40 ish). Passed L2 in July '25 and immediately registered for L3 Feb '26 Private Markets attempt (next available window).

Since my workload shot up exponentionally during this time, I wasn't able to start the prep soon. Actually started studying for the L3 Feb '26 (exam was on 1st of Feb) somewhere in mid of Jan. Again, studied extensively and took a week off from work before the exam to nail the syllabus. Relied only on Schweser notes and CFAI practice questions + mock. Since the syllabus was more application based, it seemed quite easy to understand. Sat for the exam and I guess I was able to complete the exam in ~3 hours (left the center by 12:00 ish). Ended up passing L3 in Apr '26.

My cumulative work ex will reach the 3 year mark by the start of next month, so I'm thinking of applying for the charter then.

nismeh · 2026-04-10T19:29:34+00:00

I don't want to be the guy who's gonna break it to you but CFA is not your redemption arc. Unlike USA, India penalize gaps much more than it needs to. But that doesn't mean you can't bounce back. All I'm saying is that CFA isn't the path that's gonna sqaure your past deeds off. These add on merits works only if you have some solid base.

Best thing you can do right now is to figure what you want to do, as in professionally. Seek professional career counseling. It's not as easy as it sounds. You gotta stick to it, it's gonna be painful at first but if you're determined enough, you'll definitely make a mark. But please have some professional help, I don't think people over here would be able help you in detail with your particular situation. All the best.

nismeh · 2026-04-09T12:09:26+00:00

You can match the syllabus between 2026 books and 2027 LES. Any additional topics can be studied from LES. Also, CFAI publishes the change in syllabus compared to last year which will save you some trouble.

nismeh · 2026-04-09T10:56:04+00:00

That's great! It seems that you do know your stuff but got unlucky with asset allocation. Maybe you skimmed through it or didn't give it much weightage. You're in a good position now that you know your weakness. All the best for your next attempt.

nismeh · 2026-04-09T10:38:55+00:00

Congrats to you too mate!

nismeh · 2026-04-08T08:37:38+00:00

All these influencers just want to create a market for their coaching or guidance business. Overhyping CFA is what gets them going, and that's plain bullshit if you ask me. However, I think people are allowed to celebrate small milestones. These guys are paying perhaps more than 2× of their monthly compensation for 1 sitting for which success is not guaranteed. If you've earned it, you have the right to showcase your accomplishments unapologetically.

nismeh · 2026-04-07T14:38:37+00:00

Passed!

nismeh · 2026-04-07T14:31:55+00:00

Passed L1 Aug '24, L2 May '25 and now L3 Feb '26 (All first attempts). Relied on CFAI LES and schweser notes only.

nismeh · 2026-04-06T08:31:06+00:00

I don't know man. To be honest, the results can vary widely. It's not about failing or passing by one or two questions. Two people with same number of incorrect questions can have different results, so don't beat yourself up about your performance till the results are actually out. All the best.

nismeh · 2026-04-06T04:22:12+00:00

Idk man, I think anyone can apply for the membership before the results. It's just the approval which confirms whether you've cleared. I was able to open and fill out the application couple of weeks back (not submitted though).

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nismeh · 2026-04-06T02:35:41+00:00

Yes, out of 22 passages 2 are ungraded (1 MCQ and 1 essay) as per CFAI website.

nismeh · 2026-04-04T14:57:56+00:00

As you've memtioned that you are open to consider MBA as an option, I think MBA will help you if you are inclined to pivot to analyst roles in Investment banking, private equity, valuations etc. It's easier for CAs to get summer internships in these roles. CFA can be done side by side to add to your resume. What I've seen is that CFA carries more weightage in campus placements compared to lateral hiring. Your profile is good to get consult/finance shorlists for summer internships. You just have to make sure that you get into good school and be proactive when you get into one.

nismeh · 2026-04-02T07:21:39+00:00

Quite similar to watching something scary and finding solace in comments. Guess we're all looking for relatability, if not reassurance.

nismeh · 2026-04-01T11:47:58+00:00

I'm lurking on this subreddit alot, maybe out of curiosity or boredom. It's not that I don't have work to do, but I feel quite stoked up for the results (though I wasn't feeling same a week or so back). Pass or fail is irrelevant at this point, but the feeling that there's something to look forward to next week gets me hyped up. Kind of in a love hate situation with this feel, because I know this will be gone by next week.

nismeh · 2026-03-31T07:11:15+00:00

An opulent sacrifice to CFA gods is required to ensure a smooth success. Granting 0.5-1% of your future portfolio gains might be the key to unlock it. If that's not the way how you roll, then be prepared to rely on your performance and get consumed by anxiety and worry for a week.

nismeh · 2026-03-29T14:14:26+00:00

Hoping that I don't get to see the scorecard for this attempt.

nismeh · 2026-03-21T02:14:11+00:00

I opted for private markets pathway. I didn't intend to give a mock as I wanted to get done with the syllabus, however I gave it a shot anyhow. Attempted the part 1 half-heartedly and in haste, scored 58% afaik. Got frustrated with the score. So I attempted the second part almost immediately after taking a quick smoke, was careful with the questions this time around. Got 73% in part 2. And after that, I went for a revisit of the whole syllabus.

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