CFA Level 1 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

Posted 2026-05-26 19:21:34

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Overview of CFA Level 1 Exam

The CFA Level 1 exam focuses on testing your knowledge of basic financial concepts, investment tools, and ethical standards.

Key Highlights

Conducted by: CFA Institute
Mode: Computer-Based Exam (CBT)
Level: Entry-level (Level 1)
Focus: Fundamentals of finance and investment

📝 CFA Level 1 Exam Pattern

The exam is divided into two sessions, each designed to test different areas of the syllabus.

⏱️ Exam Structure

Total Questions: 180
Session 1: 90 questions
Session 2: 90 questions
Time per session: 135 minutes
Total Duration: 4.5 hours

📊 Question Format

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Each question has 3 options
Only one correct answer

👉 The questions are designed to test conceptual understanding and application.

📚 CFA Level 1 Subject Weightage

Here’s the approximate topic-wise weightage:

Subject	Weightage
Ethics & Professional Standards	15–20%
Financial Reporting & Analysis	13–17%
Equity Investments	10–12%
Fixed Income	10–12%
Economics	8–12%
Quantitative Methods	6–9%
Corporate Finance	6–9%
Portfolio Management	5–8%
Derivatives	5–8%
Alternative Investments	5–8%

👉 Focus more on high-weightage subjects like Ethics and Financial Reporting.

📈 CFA Level 1 Marking Scheme

✔️ Scoring System

Each correct answer: +1 mark
No negative marking
Unanswered questions: 0 marks

👉 Since there is no negative marking, attempt all questions.

🎯 Minimum Passing Score (MPS)

The CFA Institute does not officially disclose the passing score
Estimated MPS: Around 65%–75%

👉 The passing score may vary depending on exam difficulty.

📅 Exam Frequency

Conducted multiple times a year (Feb, May, Aug, Nov)
Flexible scheduling options

📍 CFA Classes in Pune

To prepare effectively for the CFA Level 1 exam, many students enroll in:

CFA Classes in Pune
Online coaching programs
Mock tests and practice sessions

Proper guidance can help you understand the exam pattern better.

💡 Preparation Tips for CFA Level 1

Understand the exam pattern thoroughly
Focus on high-weightage topics
Practice mock tests regularly
Revise formulas and concepts
Attempt all questions during the exam

🏁 Final Thoughts

The CFA Level 1 exam pattern and marking scheme are designed to test your foundational knowledge in finance. With proper planning and understanding of the structure, you can significantly improve your chances of success.