What is the Salary of CFA Level 1 in India 2026?

For students or professionals looking to grow in finance, CFA is considered the best qualification. Its exams are conducted in three levels, each of whose curriculum trains you in specific skills and concepts, which further lead to better career roles and salary. Many consider clearing Level 1 of the exam as an achievement, while the career role and salary they get to occupy after clearing it are also a result of their skills and knowledge rather than just their qualification. In today’s time in India, salary for deserving professionals is increasing due to many factors, rather than just qualifications.

What is the Average Salary of a CFA Level 1 in India in 2026?

Candidates who have qualified for CFA Level 1 after studying from the best CFA online course get varying salary packages based on their skills, experience, and job function, rather than the exam. However, their earnings still remain approximately 15% higher than those of a regular commerce graduate. The following are some varying industry-appropriate salaries based on the experience of CFA Level 1 qualifiers with the job roles they can acquire:

What are the Highest Paying CFA Level 1 Career Opportunities?

Typically, in today’s job space, CFA Level 1 candidates enter analytical or support roles in finance. The following are some of the highest-paying career opportunities they can find:

Investment Banking Analyst

The responsibilities of an investment banking analyst include:

• Financial modeling
• Pitchbook preparation
• Valuation analysis
• M&A research support

Equity Research Analyst

An equity research analyst is one of the most common career roles for CFA Level 1 candidates, and their key responsibilities in this role would include:

• Company financial statement analysis
• Industry research
• Earnings modeling
• Stock recommendation reports

Portfolio Management

Level 1 qualifiers are also eligible to occupy roles related to portfolio management at asset management companies and wealth firms, where their responsibilities include:

• Asset allocation tracking
• Risk-return analysis
• Client performance reporting

Corporate Financial Analyst

As a corporate financial analyst, an analyst is responsible for:

• Budgeting and forecasting
• Cost analysis
• Financial planning & analysis (FP&A)
• Variance reporting

What are the Top Companies Hiring CFA Level 1 Qualifiers?

Passing CFA Level 1 opens the gates for you to several reputed firms or organizations that reward you with great pay. The career prospects at such bodies only improve when you pass CFA Level I on your first attempt, which is considered an achievement due to the difficulty of this exam. The following are some of the most well-known employers, along with the most aspired sectors candidates join:

• Investment Banks & Global Firms – JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and HSBC
• Asset Management & Mutual Fund Companies – BlackRock, HDFC Asset Management Company, and ICICI Prudential AMC
• Consulting & Analytics Firms – Deloitte, EY, and KPMG

What are the Skills Seen in CFA Level 1 Qualifiers?

The earning prospects of CFA Level 1 qualifiers depend largely on the skills or knowledge they have, which employers prefer, along with the practical application of that knowledge. The following are some of those skills:

• Financial Statement Analysis – Income statement, balance sheet, linkages of cash flow, ratio analysis, and basics of accounting
• Ethical Understanding – Compliance awareness and handling of conflict-of-interest
• Basic Portfolio & Investment Knowledge – Asset classes like equity, fixed income, and derivatives, risk-return frameworks, diversification principles, and concepts revolving around market efficiency concepts

Are CFA Salaries Increasing in 2026?

In today’s time, salaries for CFA-qualified candidates are on the rise, which is leading to more and more students taking the CFA exam in hopes of raising their earnings. This growth can be seen just by qualifying for Level 1 of the exam. However, besides the title of this qualification, the growth in industry salary for professionals is driven by broader industry factors.

1. Expansion of India’s Capital Markets

The equity participation and mutual fund penetration of India have grown significantly in recent years. With this growth in the market depth, skilled finance professionals, especially those who have cleared CFA, demand and get better pay. This leads to:

• Increased demand for research analysts
• More fund management roles
• Growth in wealth advisory services

2. Rise of Global Capability Centers (GCCs)

Global banks and asset managers are expanding their back-office and analytical operations in India, leading to the benefits being gained by CFA candidates. This results in:

• Higher demand for financial modelling skills
• Better salary benchmarking to global standards
• Structured career progression paths

3. Increasing Competition & Skill Differentiation

The demand for CFA, along with the number of students enrolling in it, has increased. Among the many such candidates that pass this exam and apply for a job, employers make their specific and best choice based on:

• Practical experience
• Financial modelling certifications
• Excel and Power BI proficiency
• Communication skills

Conclusion

In 2026, the salary of a CFA Level 1 candidate depends not just on the exam they have cracked but also on their professional work experience, employer, and job function. While Level 1 is a good stage for a candidate to stand in terms of their career reputation and long-term salary growth, building technical skills, and gaining relevant experience in capital markets, research, or corporate finance, throughout the exam preparation matters the most to any employer.

If you are a candidate looking for help in clearing CFA, enroll for an online or offline preparation course at Fintelligents and get your preparation started on an excellent note.

FAQs

Q. What is the salary of CFA Level 1 fresher in India?

The salary of a CFA Level 1 as a fresher in India is INR 4 – 6 LPA in the position of a junior analyst.

Q. Is it easy to get a job after CFA level 1?

While landing a job depends majorly on your skills, knowledge, and their practical application, the CFA Level 1 qualification does elevate your chances of getting a job.

Q. Can a CFA become an investment banker?

Yes, a CFA can become an investment banker after passing all three levels of the exam.