CFA Level 1 Exam Dates and Schedule (India)
Use this page to map out your CFA Level 1 timeline in India - including the typical exam cycle, key registration deadlines, and the right time to begin studying so you’re not rushing at the end.
It's built to help you make sense of common date-related queries and plan with clarity, whether you're checking the next exam window, reviewing the overall schedule, or figuring out how your preparation should align with the test calendar.
CFA Level 1 Cadence and Where to Verify Dates
Last updated: February 2026
Level I is commonly offered four times per year. Treat this as a cadence guide, then verify your exact administration dates from official tools before planning final deadlines.
- Typical Level I cadence: February, May, August, November.
- Exact key dates can vary by exam window and policy updates.
- Avoid copying static date tables from old blog posts without verification.
Useful official links: CFA Institute Dates and Fees and registration and scheduling guide.
Registration vs Scheduling Deadlines
Candidates often treat deadlines as one step. In reality, registration and scheduling are separate actions with different consequences.
| Checkpoint | Why It Matters | Risk If Delayed |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Deadline | Locks exam-window participation and fee tier eligibility. | Loss of intended window or higher fee tier exposure. |
| Scheduling Deadline | Locks your test-center appointment via Prometric route. | Reduced preferred center/date/time availability. |
Use the official CFA Level 1 registration guide for a step-by-step flow.
When Should You Start Studying? (3-Month vs 6-Month)
Pick timeline based on weekly capacity, not motivation alone. Start date quality matters more than absolute calendar duration.
| Timeline | Best For | Weekly Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| 6-Month Plan | Working professionals and candidates needing steady retention. | Lower weekly intensity with consistent drills + periodic mocks. |
| 3-Month Plan | Candidates with higher weekly availability and strong discipline. | High-intensity blocks, frequent timed sets, and tighter mock cadence. |
For deeper timeline breakdown, review the CFA Level 1 study plan page.
What to Do Each Week (Action Plan)
Week Setup
Run one diagnostic or mixed baseline block and pick top weak topics.
Topic Blocks
Run targeted topic drills with explanation-first review.
Timed Integration
Add timed mixed sets to train context-switching and pacing control.
Mock Cycle
Use periodic full mocks, then convert misses into next-week priorities.
- Start in practice questions for topic-level baseline.
- Scale repetition in the question bank.
- Pressure-test readiness in mock exams.
FAQs
What are the CFA Level 1 exam months?
CFA Institute has typically offered Level I in February, May, August, and November. Use the official Dates and Fees tool to verify your specific administration details.
Are registration and scheduling deadlines the same?
No. Registration deadlines and appointment scheduling deadlines are different checkpoints. Missing either can affect your window and center options.
Should I use a 3-month or 6-month study timeline?
Use 6 months if you are balancing work or need slower, higher-retention coverage. Use 3 months only if you can sustain a high weekly study load with strict pacing control.
Where can I see exact current dates?
Always check exact dates in the official CFA Institute Dates and Fees tool and the registration/scheduling guide, as calendars can change.
Is PrepGen.ai affiliated with CFA Institute?
No. PrepGen.ai is an independent prep platform and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by CFA Institute.