Arif.
Please read the opening line of my previous post that you have quoted.
I have very clearly stated that I dont intend to dampen anyones enthusiasm.
Hence, I dont intend to say that the new CFA is worthless or that people doing that have been duped or something. Not at all.
I am just stating a fact that the MS (Finance) is much broader and since it is older, it is more recognized than the new CFA program.
I dont think I am wrong to say that the investment community recognizes the MS (Finance) program more than the newbie program and arguably there are obvious reasons for it to do so! Some of the most compelling reasons are
o It has nearly 22 years of existence.
o It was touted as ICFAIs answer to AIMR originally.
o It included 32 papers earlier, which expanded to 36 later with the inclusion of Group Theta in exams schedule. This means it takes twice the effort to complete the MS (Finance) program compared to the current CFA program even if we assume a constant quality of examinations.
o It included case studies in investment analysis which were also graded and the grade factored into the final evaluations.
o Later on, ICFAI also started internships to fortify the program participants with industry knowledge.
o All this was noted by the industry experts and that is how the value of MS (Finance) program has risen steadily over the years.
Can the same be said of the new program? I guess the answer is NO.
This is all that I was stating. I have no intention of breaking anyones morale. On the contrary I have always supported various thread members by giving them correct advice.
Hope you take this in the right spirit.

Thank you for all the deep insight and correct information

well MFA is A PG degree... And Its New And not as much broder as Ms finance But Its Worth doing For those who really want to go for Equity/Stock.
And Again What matters Is knowdlge in the End. These degrees Can give to Start Buts its Ur knowldge And the experiance Which will Excel ur Carrier....
Ms Finance> MFA>CFA(After Delta)>Graduation
Its As simple as that...

Does this mean the entire existance of CFA/MFA is meaningless and worthless ???

What about the people pursuing this course ??

Arif

Arif.

Please read the opening line of my previous post that you have quoted.
I have very clearly stated that I dont intend to dampen anyones enthusiasm.
Hence, I dont intend to say that the new CFA is worthless or that people doing that have been duped or something. Not at all.

I am just stating a fact that the MS (Finance) is much broader and since it is older, it is more recognized than the new CFA program.
I dont think I am wrong to say that the investment community recognizes the MS (Finance) program more than the newbie program and arguably there are obvious reasons for it to do so! Some of the most compelling reasons are

o It has nearly 22 years of existence.
o It was touted as ICFAIs answer to AIMR originally.
o It included 32 papers earlier, which expanded to 36 later with the inclusion of Group Theta in exams schedule. This means it takes twice the effort to complete the MS (Finance) program compared to the current CFA program even if we assume a constant quality of examinations.
o It included case studies in investment analysis which were also graded and the grade factored into the final evaluations.
o Later on, ICFAI also started internships to fortify the program participants with industry knowledge.
o All this was noted by the industry experts and that is how the value of MS (Finance) program has risen steadily over the years.

Can the same be said of the new program? I guess the answer is NO.
This is all that I was stating. I have no intention of breaking anyones morale. On the contrary I have always supported various thread members by giving them correct advice.

Hope you take this in the right spirit.

I certainly dont believing in dampening your mood and enthusiasm about being a CFA charter holder but frankly speaking, do you really think that you will be taken in at an analyst level in ER or IB with the new and modified CFA consisting of 16 really basic papers? I doubt..even if you will, you may not be able to get that kind of a profile which is needed to kick start your career and yoy may have to battle for a good long time to get a good placement and a good pay.
I have interacted with many people on this and the general consensus is that nearly all in the industry regard MS (Finance) as the main qualification (and not the new IU Tripura CFA program) as the superior of the 2 and irrespective of the designation, would prefer an MS (Finance) candidate rather than the Alpha + Beta + Gamma + Delta = CFA candidate.
Hence, irrespective of the fact that you may be able to finish the papers and get the designation after your name on the resume, you should fight till the finish and get the MS (Finance) degree because it is the baap of all. That program is far far exhaustive compared to the new CFA program and employers view it in a really good light.
I may have disheartened some by this post but the fact remains that irrespective of the controversy and irrespective of the CFA designation being granted in a new fashion, it is for all to see that the better of the 2 gets a welcome in most cases.
Forget the CFA designation and charter- go for MS (Finance) as that is the real course.

Does this mean the entire existance of CFA/MFA is meaningless and worthless ???

What about the people pursuing this course ??

Arif

hello babu and tumtum
i need advise guys...
i graduated in 2006 bcom(hons) and worked for a year for a private company for a year...simultaneously prepared for cat,xat etc etc...right now pursuing mba from isbm kolkata...right now in first year....infact just started with classes..had hopes of getting into the creme da la creme but i guess destiny had something else in store...verbal pretty much screwed me in both cat and xat giving me 87 and 86 percentiles only...
now what i want to know is should i go along with ms finance along with mba..putting in long hours and studying wont be a problem for me...but i want to know that whether an mba from a decent college clubbed with ms finance from icfai could take me places..because i would obviously want my hard work to pay me rich dividends...i also have the international cfa thingi in sight but i guess it'd be premature on my part preparing for it right now as i want to take small steps towards building a career in finance...
i am interested in finance no doubt but have basic knowledge only,basically whatever i studies in commerce but still am interested to learn more,know more and pursue it seriously as a career...
can the ms finance along with mba be completed....i am not a superhuman but am prepared to work hard for it...
suggestions,tips and advise would be indeed appreciated

Not easy to do ms finance + mba together. You can not finish ms finance in 2 years along with MBA. The best you can hope is to get CFA after 16 papers and that should help you with your placements. Ms finance is vast, lengthy and very broad. CFA as a professional qualification deals only with valuation part.

Hi Babu

I have been reading all the good information and guidance provided by you and other valuable contributors of this thread. I have done PGDBM in Finance and to consolidate my position i have regd for the MS(Finance) course. I will be taking Alpha group exams in Oct.

Could you please send me alpha group papers or any group papers you have.

And, I would also, appreciate if you send me the ebook versions of Warrren Buffet books.

Thanks a lot

This link will be helpful: 4shared - free file sharing and storage - share folder - CFA Papers

I deleted warren buffet e books. I did sended to many people long time back. I will ask some one to send it you if they have a copy.

Thanks.

hello babu and tumtum
i need advise guys...
i graduated in 2006 bcom(hons) and worked for a year for a private company for a year...simultaneously prepared for cat,xat etc etc...right now pursuing mba from isbm kolkata...right now in first year....infact just started with classes..had hopes of getting into the creme da la creme but i guess destiny had something else in store...verbal pretty much screwed me in both cat and xat giving me 87 and 86 percentiles only...
now what i want to know is should i go along with ms finance along with mba..putting in long hours and studying wont be a problem for me...but i want to know that whether an mba from a decent college clubbed with ms finance from icfai could take me places..because i would obviously want my hard work to pay me rich dividends...i also have the international cfa thingi in sight but i guess it'd be premature on my part preparing for it right now as i want to take small steps towards building a career in finance...
i am interested in finance no doubt but have basic knowledge only,basically whatever i studies in commerce but still am interested to learn more,know more and pursue it seriously as a career...
can the ms finance along with mba be completed....i am not a superhuman but am prepared to work hard for it...
suggestions,tips and advise would be indeed appreciated

Hi Babu

I have been reading all the good information and guidance provided by you and other valuable contributors of this thread. I have done PGDBM in Finance and to consolidate my position i have regd for the MS(Finance) course. I will be taking Alpha group exams in Oct.

Could you please send me alpha group papers or any group papers you have.

And, I would also, appreciate if you send me the ebook versions of Warrren Buffet books.

Thanks a lot

Hi Babu,

I was in HTMT, Bangalore in a semi-voice process ..worked in the same company for almost 3 years. So you were also in BPO rite? My work was not at all hectic... life was cool...however I wanted to get serious before it was too late and was also tired of working in the night shift, doing same work which would have not taken me anywhere.

Well Babu did you try for some companies after gamma...were you able to complete all the groups in the first attempt???

I have worked in Convergys and Wipro in voice based process. So my life was hell . It is good to note you spended 3 years in HTMT. Girls are normally stable, we boys jump ship from one thing to another :)
No use in trying after gamma. Security analysis and Portfolio management are real good subjects and they need to be cleared.
Are you there in orkut CFA ICFAI community?

I certainly dont believing in dampening your mood and enthusiasm about being a CFA charter holder but frankly speaking, do you really think that you will be taken in at an analyst level in ER or IB with the new and modified CFA consisting of 16 really basic papers? I doubt..even if you will, you may not be able to get that kind of a profile which is needed to kick start your career and yoy may have to battle for a good long time to get a good placement and a good pay.

I have interacted with many people on this and the general consensus is that nearly all in the industry regard MS (Finance) as the main qualification (and not the new IU Tripura CFA program) as the superior of the 2 and irrespective of the designation, would prefer an MS (Finance) candidate rather than the Alpha + Beta + Gamma + Delta = CFA candidate.
Hence, irrespective of the fact that you may be able to finish the papers and get the designation after your name on the resume, you should fight till the finish and get the MS (Finance) degree because it is the baap of all. That program is far far exhaustive compared to the new CFA program and employers view it in a really good light.
I may have disheartened some by this post but the fact remains that irrespective of the controversy and irrespective of the CFA designation being granted in a new fashion, it is for all to see that the better of the 2 gets a welcome in most cases.
Forget the CFA designation and charter- go for MS (Finance) as that is the real course.

You are absolutely right. Ms finance is the baap of all and real good qualification to have. HR managers already know the difference between CFA and Ms finance candidate. If there is a CFA fresher and Ms finance fresher, ms finance will and should get priority over CFA.

ICFAI have changed its strategy last year. I had a word with a senior professor of ICFAI MBA gurgaon. In the year 2005 and before, only 150 students every year were getting qualified as Ms finance/CFA. There were around 2500 CCFA members by december 2005. The new CFA syllabus is more aligned at global level and CA, ICWA and CS also have around 18-19 exams. So to have more candidates they are offerinf CFA after 16 papers, and then Ms finance after another 16 papers (+ sigma).By december 2006, 3394 CFAs were there.

My guess is all the passing CFAs, majority of them will be absorbed by KPOs. My research shows 2,50,000 new positions will be created by 2010 in KPOs and out which 30-35% will be in business and financial research. That means 75000 new positions over a period of 3 years in financial and business research domain. The supply of CFAs will be around 1500 per year. So every one should be absorbed in KPO domain doing research ( copy paste + research too ) and getting some valuable experience.

Job or no job, i also agree one should try to aim at ms finance. I googled today morning only difference between ms finance and CFA and it is interesting to find many universities offering ms finance + preparation for CFA US exams. Mostly US universities are offering that combination- Ms finance and after preparing for 1st semester they can sit for L 1 CFA US exams. ICFAI also have global ambitions regarding its educational programs and thats why they made a differentiation between CFA and ms finance.

2-3 friends of mine might clear delta in july and they will be stepping in the market. So, i will let know every one market reaction to CFA.

Lets hope for the best.

I have received the following E-mail and you will find that the company is asking for CFA - USA specifically, I don't understand why, TumTum please comment:


All they want is a general/specialist finance qualification + work experience. There is a tremendous shortage of skilled people. They are not going to get a 100% perfect candidate. Firms know it, their HR managers know it.

ICFAI have made a clear differentiation between CFA and Ms finance. CFA deals with valuation part while ms finance is broader and lengthy dealing with financial project management, risk management etc. Some body who is Ms finance from ICFAI is a premium knowledge candidate because he has studied all those subjects /case studies in detail...all these things reflect in interview.

It is a human nature to demand more and expect best. I know when ever i will go to see a girl (arranged marriage after CFA ) i will expect all the qualities she should have but i wont get it. I need to settle for less and best.

In the above Ad, what matters is experience. Some body who has 7-10 years of financial research experience with top notch firm, he/she should get an interview call. Forget the educational background which is theoritical in nature.

lastly, ICFAI have made big plans to take their CFA brand global and end CFAI monopoly in providing finance professional qualification. The first step was to make a clear differentiation between ms finance and CFA.

If concepts are clear, one can enjoy doing this course. Otherwise it becomes very mechanical and too tough to remember so many things.

Beta and Delta concepts have to be real good to clear interviews.

ICFAI will generate 1500 CFAs every year now as compared to 150 CFAs earlier. By december 2007, i think CCFA membership will reach 5500 from 3394 now. Next year hopefully i will also join CCFA and the work force :satisfie:

I certainly dont believing in dampening your mood and enthusiasm about being a CFA charter holder but frankly speaking, do you really think that you will be taken in at an analyst level in ER or IB with the new and modified CFA consisting of 16 really basic papers? I doubt..even if you will, you may not be able to get that kind of a profile which is needed to kick start your career and yoy may have to battle for a good long time to get a good placement and a good pay.

I have interacted with many people on this and the general consensus is that nearly all in the industry regard MS (Finance) as the main qualification (and not the new IU Tripura CFA program) as the superior of the 2 and irrespective of the designation, would prefer an MS (Finance) candidate rather than the Alpha + Beta + Gamma + Delta = CFA candidate.

Hence, irrespective of the fact that you may be able to finish the papers and get the designation after your name on the resume, you should fight till the finish and get the MS (Finance) degree because it is the baap of all. That program is far far exhaustive compared to the new CFA program and employers view it in a really good light.

I may have disheartened some by this post but the fact remains that irrespective of the controversy and irrespective of the CFA designation being granted in a new fashion, it is for all to see that the better of the 2 gets a welcome in most cases.

Forget the CFA designation and charter- go for MS (Finance) as that is the real course.

Hi Babu,

I was in HTMT, Bangalore in a semi-voice process ..worked in the same company for almost 3 years. So you were also in BPO rite? My work was not at all hectic... life was cool...however I wanted to get serious before it was too late and was also tired of working in the night shift, doing same work which would have not taken me anywhere.

Well Babu did you try for some companies after gamma...were you able to complete all the groups in the first attempt???

If concepts are clear, one can enjoy doing this course. Otherwise it becomes very mechanical and too tough to remember so many things.

Beta and Delta concepts have to be real good to clear interviews.

ICFAI will generate 1500 CFAs every year now as compared to 150 CFAs earlier. By december 2007, i think CCFA membership will reach 5500 from 3394 now. Next year hopefully i will also join CCFA and the work force :satisfie:

Hi all,
I wanted to know wat kind of job i have to start with. Due to some personal problems I cannot afford to stay at home until I complete Ms finance.wat kind of job sd i expect after completing alpha and still further after completing beta...I know there is no comparision between a person with MS finane and a person who hv completed only alpha / beta..but I am in need of a job
I was in call centre before and dont want to work in any BPO/call centre again just for the sake of earning...hope someone will advise me

Hi Soniya,

The best bet is to clear 16 papers and get CFA. For that you need to clear alpha, beta, gamma and delta (under new rules). After CFA, you can hope to start with a KPO like infosys knowledge services or fidelity captive unit doing research work. Salary range 3-3.5 lakhs p.a. If you clear papers in first attempt, then you can hope to be a CFA by july 08. Frankly speaking, alpha and beta wont make much difference. Subjects like Security analysis and portfolio management is heart of CFA and for that you need to ace delta.

Did you worked in a voice process before? Which BPO you worked for?

@ Ketan.

I have reiterated it time and again that a complete preparation requires reading the text books and practising examples from workbook, Without the textbook readings, your concepts will never be cleared to the core. You may cram methods to answer questions and pass the exams but this will reflect in your work sphere.

Bottomline, only study guides are no match. Textbook reading , though may be a longshot, is the way to go. No escaping the fact.

Is any one studying through study guide ?

Hey what was starting sal u got wen u completd cfa indian program... i havcompletd beta n 2 more groups... now as per new schedule gamma n delta den illbe through wid cfa indian..watt sal can i expect

Dear friends,
I am really happy that people here are balanced and do not take degrees at their face value. Just for those who are doubting this degree and its recognition, I have a story to tell.
The year was 2001. I had just finished my graduation with a second class. When I started out scouting for degrees to add to my resume, I was wondering what should I do. I also asked myself the same questions that many ask themselves. To do an MBA or a CA or CFA (Indian or American) or whatever.
When I decided upon the CFA from ICFAI, the whole world told me its a wrong choice, its not recognised and blah blah. The following 3 years were the toughest in my life. I was doing CFA all on my own, without any inputs, developing my own rules and shortcuts and following newspapers, financial magazines and websites on a daily basis when the whole world was trying to put a sense of doubt in me.......that my decision of going for ICFAI CFA was WRONG. I created a group we wud study together and help each other outgrasp from each others doubts and gain from each others knowledge. However, many mocked that I wont ever get a job and that employers will just tear off my papers n not allow me to sit for an interview. All barked endlessly, while I believed in myself and kept on pursuing M.Com in Economics and CFA alongside. 3 years later, despite all the brouhaha....I finished both of these courses with a first class.
Then came the penultimate test of the belief that I had in this degree and in myself since the past 3 years of my life.....that of the MARKET ACCEPTANCE of this degree. I just left my hometown and came to Mumbai. No work ex and a supposedly "inferior" version of CFA on my resume. Without any leads, I started going to different companies wearing formal clothes (tie n all) and having my degree certificates, submitting my resume' to all n sundry. To my surprise, I found that CFA from ICFAI is a VERY VERY RESPECTED DEGREE and a LOT IN DEMAND. I immediately got a job at a very god KPO initially. I performed very well and was given 2 increments within 1.5 years. However, I was beginning to feel
like a back office monkey when suddenly a golden opportunity from one of the world's top 10 investment banks came to my hands but the million dollar question was......will an MNC accept the ICFAI CFA......???
For the first time, I was in a bit of self-doubt. But nevertheless, I decided to give an interview. It went on well and they were damn happy with my technical knowledge in finance. Then came the 2nd , the 3rd and the 4th round.......all damn technical stuff but I survived all with ease. Today....I am a Senior Analyst with that investment bank. This is the fun.....now all those who had left no stone unturned to criticise me cant even face me......and I still keep quiet and look them in the eye.....thanks to CFA.
What did you learn from this story friends? Simple.....
NO1) the employers are not concerned with what your degree is (initially they may be, but after some work-ex..they dont care a damn) or what your percentage is.
NO2) they are on the lookout for a personality that fits in their organizational culture....who has that fire in himself, who has the will to go that extra mile and keep learning.
NO3) no one is gonna welcome you with open arms because you are a US CFA holder...forget it....If you screw-up ur work...youre a dead duck.
NO4) no one is gonna throw you out of the office because you are an ICFAI CFA....thats so simple...you can see from my experience.
Just put yourself into an employers shoes, what would you personally do ? Would you go after someone's degrees or after someone experience and on job skills ? Think and then put forward a point. I have seen some guys spare no effort in criticising the ICFAI but they have nothing to fall back on except rumours that US CFA is the best. I no doubt agree that US CFA is a very good and a powerful degree....full marks to it....that course is goin on from the last 40 years, so US CFA IS A GOOD COURSE. But if US CFA is good, then in no way does it mean that ICFAI CFA is shit. In fact its a far wider course and very in-depth too. It gives you a solid grounding in finance just like its American counterpart. However, the beauty of this course lies in the fact that it is WIDER than US CFA. Just think......you give 3 exams (1 exam = 2 papers) for 3 levels of US CFA, whereas you give 32 papers for earning the ICFAI CFA. Then can such a degree be shit as these folks say ? Jus think for yourself.......ask yourself and put yourself in the employers shoes and then decide......you will never be wrong....after all, you have a live example in front of you.
In this long message, in case I have hurt anybody's feelings or beliefs, then I am sorry. I just said what was worthy of being told to clear misconceptions that many seem to have. If I have hurt anybody's feelings, then I ask for being forgiven.
Warm regards,
TUMTUM.

Hi all,
I wanted to know wat kind of job i have to start with. Due to some personal problems I cannot afford to stay at home until I complete Ms finance.wat kind of job sd i expect after completing alpha and still further after completing beta...I know there is no comparision between a person with MS finane and a person who hv completed only alpha / beta..but I am in need of a job
I was in call centre before and dont want to work in any BPO/call centre again just for the sake of earning...hope someone will advise me

00000000000000000000000000000000

hi
this is srikanth from hyderabad,

I would like to tell u about the CFA course from ICFAI. It is very good subject work to hard to complete this course from icfai. And one thing is i am doing CFA regular basis in ICFAI. I feel very to do this course. Presently it has very demand in market not only in india and international also. so, to do this course, it's give u a good carrer.

if u have any doubts ask me this is mail id
give me reply


ok bye

I have received the following E-mail and you will find that the company is asking for CFA - USA specifically, I don't understand why, TumTum please comment:

Dear Ketan.

When you go to a restaurant, then don't you have a full right to choose what delicacy you want to have? I guess yes.

In the same way, every company has a right of deciding the criteria for selecting the people who will work with it. If they choose AIMR, then why is it paining you buddy? I dont know why you feel so offended or become so worried when such things surface and run around frantically to ask for clarifications.

Frankly speaking, I think if you are so worried in the heart of your hearts then you should leave ICFA! CFA and join AIMR CFA because that is the only way it will give solace to your mind.

I may appear to be insulting you but then the fact is that I wish well for you and you don't seem to be getting teh rules of the game dear. The game is all about keeping your will power rock solid and not letting your comfidence desert you like a butterfly. Remember my friend, fear multiplies faster than rabbits and you are just witnessing this.

Just think of me....when I was studying for CFA, I was mocked at by many friends of mine who told me that nobody will even consider me for an interview with this degre on my resume'. What happened in the end? They all were wrong and I was right.
Today I am well-settled in life only because of this degree and what more proof do you want dear ! I am employed in a reputed company despite being from ICFAI because all companies do not have parochial approach towards culling out candidates for employment and I think its high time you understand the fact.

If it still does not console you then its not too late, go and join AIMR course- if not anything , it will surely give you peace of mind.

I do not intend to hurt you by this post so don't retort with anger. I am talking my mind out for your benefit, not demeaning you.

hi Pagals.....

i m appearing for Grp Alpha in July.......so any comments from the seniors to how to prepare at this stage of ppration....shud i even go thru text buks or just practice wrkbuks more........nd if ne1 have previous pprs then plzz share them out here...i was having Fin Acc and Economics's Jan 05 pprs(i vl upload ppr 2 of both as i get them) that i m uploading with solution....hope to see more pprs around.........gud luck for d ppration.

-Chaits
The best way to predict future, is to make it 4 u by urself.

000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

I know its not going to be easy but since I m not working I wanted to try...I am still confused becoz as per the new MS finance prospectus one can appear only for the group alpha 3 months after the date of enrollment and subsequently give 2 groups every 3 months...
neways Thanks Babu for replying

Can someone tell me if I can appear for both alpha and beta in october..I registered for MS finance program in June

Hi Soniya, welcome to the forums. Yes, you can appear for both groups together. If you can finish alpha by 15th august, then you can think about preparing for beta. It will be taxing, depends on you.

Babu,

Is it advisable to use studyguide instead of textbook. I am asking you thios question because it is increasingly becoming difficult to manage time while working full time.

I also wish to know whether CFA (i.e. upto delta) is at par with a part-time MBA i.e. which is more recognised/rewarding. Recently, I saw an ad in paper for Master in Financial Services Management which is a 3 year part time programme offered by Alkesh Dinesh Mody Institute for Investment Studies affiliated to Mumbai University. I am now in 2 minds as I am unable to decide which will be more rewarding. I do know that MBA and CFA are not com[arable but one hasto make choice given the time and age constraints.

Please opine.

Yes, you can refer study guide and then solve WB. Some chapters in beta like QM 2, time value of money will give trouble.

CFA (till delta) is real good qualification. It wont be easy. Delta will take hell lot of time. As ICFAI has differentiated between Ms finance and CFA, ms finance is undoubtedly the toughest finance course in India. Do till delta and jump to the job wagon.

Can someone tell me if I can appear for both alpha and beta in october..I registered for MS finance program in June

BaBu Says

In CFA (Alpha to delta), delta is the toughest. Beta is tricky specially QM-2 (Hypothesis, testing significance etc). Alpha and gamm are manageable.

Babu,

Is it advisable to use studyguide instead of textbook. I am asking you thios question because it is increasingly becoming difficult to manage time while working full time.

I also wish to know whether CFA (i.e. upto delta) is at par with a part-time MBA i.e. which is more recognised/rewarding. Recently, I saw an ad in paper for Master in Financial Services Management which is a 3 year part time programme offered by Alkesh Dinesh Mody Institute for Investment Studies affiliated to Mumbai University. I am now in 2 minds as I am unable to decide which will be more rewarding. I do know that MBA and CFA are not com[arable but one hasto make choice given the time and age constraints.

Please opine.

In CFA (Alpha to delta), delta is the toughest. Beta is tricky specially QM-2 (Hypothesis, testing significance etc). Alpha and gamm are manageable.

Dear all,

Before I go ahead, it would be better if I tell you about myself. My name is Kailash, I come from a very poor family background. I pursued my education on my own. I worked in Mumbai for 12 years as Accounts & Commercial Executive. Now working in Gujarat. I was unable to complete my graduation since I had to earn for a living and support family. I managed to complete my B.Com. with Computer Applications in a higher 2nd class in October 2006.

The will to come out from rags, ingnited me to pursue higher education. Since I cannot spend anytime for regular studies, I thought it better to go in for MS Finance of ICFAI through flexible mode. Given the reputation of the Institute and the course contents I feel I made a good choice. Course is definitely very tough. I appeared for April 07 for Group Alpha / Beta, could not score more than 42 % on average and hence failed. Apearing again for July 07 for these two groups. Could anybody guide me on study timings I should adopt, given that I am at work from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Regards,
Kailash

Dear Ketan141979,

First, congrats for clearing Alpha with 89%. Thanks for the encouragement to cope up with and come out of problems, and valuable suggestions for preparing for studies.

Have already registered for Alpha/Beta for July'07. Till now kept on revising as much as I could. Low % in past exam is partly attributable to reasons apart from the time constraints. Do not expect a glittering score, just 55+ for these two. Later, I would follow study pattern as suggested by you keeping in mind the time required for study, revision and exam preparations. Let's see what happens for these two groups in July 07.

I tried to send reply through private message link twice since yesterday, but after typing the whole message I was geeting logged off. Sorry for being late in replying.

Regards,
Kailash

Babu,

Is beta difficult than Gamm, Delta.

Which is the toughest group you have found and which group you are appearing.

Is it advisable to do studyguide instead of textbook.

Dear BaBu,

Thaks for your suggestions, will follow same. Have already registered for Alpha/Beta for July'07. Till now kept on revising as much as I could. Low % in past exam is partly attributable to reasons other than the time constraint. Do not expect a glittering score, just 55+ for these two. Later, I would rather go for one group at a time keeping in mind the time required for study, revision and exam preparations. Let's see what happens for these two groups.

Regards

Hi Ketan, Babu, Tumtum and rest of all
I joined this thread yesterday but I have read your post before.
I am doing MS finance from ICFAI...preparing for alpha. I have lots of questions but thought that I ll introduce myself first

Welcome to the forums. It is good to hear your story. You are a total self made person and thats an outstanding achievement. Keep it up.

Coming to your query, beta is very vast with loads of numericals. You need to spend more time in beta to clear this group. If you are comfortable giving 2 groups at one time, then it is fine. Otherwise with a full time job, it is very taxing to appear for one group and clear the group.

You should try to focus on the workbook and revise tricky questions. Since you are 13% short, this means you are 52 marks short of clearing group...13 marks short in every paper. Thats not a big figure given the fact you are employed full time. Keep revising workbook again and again.

Babu,

Is beta difficult than Gamm, Delta.

Which is the toughest group you have found and which group you are appearing.

Is it advisable to do studyguide instead of textbook.

Dear all,

Before I go ahead, it would be better if I tell you about myself. My name is Kailash, I come from a very poor family background. I pursued my education on my own. I worked in Mumbai for 12 years as Accounts & Commercial Executive. Now working in Gujarat. I was unable to complete my graduation since I had to earn for a living and support family. I managed to complete my B.Com. with Computer Applications in a higher 2nd class in October 2006.

The will to come out from rags, ingnited me to pursue higher education. Since I cannot spend anytime for regular studies, I thought it better to go in for MS Finance of ICFAI through flexible mode. Given the reputation of the Institute and the course contents I feel I made a good choice. Course is definitely very tough. I appeared for April 07 for Group Alpha / Beta, could not score more than 42 % on average and hence failed. Apearing again for July 07 for these two groups. Could anybody guide me on study timings I should adopt, given that I am at work from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Regards,
Kailash

Welcome to the forums. It is good to hear your story. You are a total self made person and thats an outstanding achievement. Keep it up.

Coming to your query, beta is very vast with loads of numericals. You need to spend more time in beta to clear this group. If you are comfortable giving 2 groups at one time, then it is fine. Otherwise with a full time job, it is very taxing to appear for one group and clear the group.

You should try to focus on the workbook and revise tricky questions. Since you are 13% short, this means you are 52 marks short of clearing group...13 marks short in every paper. Thats not a big figure given the fact you are employed full time. Keep revising workbook again and again.

Dear all,

Before I go ahead, it would be better if I tell you about myself. My name is Kailash, I come from a very poor family background. I pursued my education on my own. I worked in Mumbai for 12 years as Accounts & Commercial Executive. Now working in Gujarat. I was unable to complete my graduation since I had to earn for a living and support family. I managed to complete my B.Com. with Computer Applications in a higher 2nd class in October 2006.

The will to come out from rags, ingnited me to pursue higher education. Since I cannot spend anytime for regular studies, I thought it better to go in for MS Finance of ICFAI through flexible mode. Given the reputation of the Institute and the course contents I feel I made a good choice. Course is definitely very tough. I appeared for April 07 for Group Alpha / Beta, could not score more than 42 % on average and hence failed. Apearing again for July 07 for these two groups. Could anybody guide me on study timings I should adopt, given that I am at work from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Regards,
Kailash

TumTum,

I am finding Quantitative Methods II very diffficult to understand, ecpecially - F & T Distribution.

May be because I have not done maths at 10 + 2

Why dont you refer to "Statistics for Management" by Levin & Rubin. It will clear your conceps to the hilt I am sure! All the best !

I think ICFAI should drop the subject Economic Legislations from the CFA Curriculum and include subjects such as FRM, IB, M&A; thereby making it a 5 group curriculum.
This will boost the value of CFA and make it a complete course.
Moreover, Economic Legislations is not included in The CFA Program, Tripura as well as CFA AIMR.
Please comment.

TumTum,

I am finding Quantitative Methods II very diffficult to understand, ecpecially - F & T Distribution.

May be because I have not done maths at 10 + 2

howmany Groups you have cleared ...in CFA...

The position that your friend clinched is just for the dealing desk ie. simply a dealer for Institutional desk and equity sales.(see here)

Basically executing orders on NEAT/BOLT or combined(software from TCS) i.e. the shares an FII wants to buy and then entering/executing it in the system and providing inputs that is otherwise presented/prepared by the in house research team at Edelweiss. Its not at all hardcore research.

The conventional route to the instituional sales desk is to slog it out as a dealer for retail and HNI's and then move into Instl sales.

Its Similar to a call center, only difference is the value of transaction is huge and one needs to be flawless in his/her execution given the amounts and risks involved.

2+ yrs as a dealer should see a decent candidate thru to Instls sales with packages ranging from Rs 4lakh to rs7lakh pa depending on one's experience.

By the way for people in Mumbai :: Welcome to Credence Analytics :: Empowering Through Knowledge is also recruiting for Research position. I've been offered Debt/fixed income and not Equities cause they require a PG and yes CFA's!!!

1) One of my friends based in delhi has got a job in edelweiss capital gurgaon office as associate (Institutional trading and sales desk). He is a b.com + ADF. Package is really very good given that he is a fresher. His main responsibility is to deliver macro economic research theme to FII and execute trading on behalf of them. I think it is a mix between research and trading.

The position that your friend clinched is just for the dealing desk ie. simply a dealer for Institutional desk and equity sales.(see here)

Basically executing orders on NEAT/BOLT or combined(software from TCS) i.e. the shares an FII wants to buy and then entering/executing it in the system and providing inputs that is otherwise presented/prepared by the in house research team at Edelweiss. Its not at all hardcore research.

The conventional route to the instituional sales desk is to slog it out as a dealer for retail and HNI's and then move into Instl sales.

Its Similar to a call center, only difference is the value of transaction is huge and one needs to be flawless in his/her execution given the amounts and risks involved.

2+ yrs as a dealer should see a decent candidate thru to Instls sales with packages ranging from Rs 4lakh to rs7lakh pa depending on one's experience.

By the way for people in Mumbai :: Welcome to Credence Analytics :: Empowering Through Knowledge is also recruiting for Research position. I've been offered Debt/fixed income and not Equities cause they require a PG and yes CFA's!!!

Hello friends.

Another update.
CapGemini Consulting ( a French company) is recruiting CFA charterholders for their Finance Lab. The people selected will be required to work in independent projects as analysts initially and later on based on their progress, will be moved over to Associate Consultant and Senior Consultant roles. They need nearly 150-200 guys for various projects. Go ahead and apply at their website.
Life's calling; where are you all?

To carry forward Tumtum brilliant update, i have 2 exciting news to share about CFA-ICFAI placement:

1) One of my friends based in delhi has got a job in edelweiss capital gurgaon office as associate (Institutional trading and sales desk). He is a b.com + ADF. Package is really very good given that he is a fresher. His main responsibility is to deliver macro economic research theme to FII and execute trading on behalf of them. I think it is a mix between research and trading. He told me in interview, the VP was impressed with his sound concepts which he learned during the course. He spoke on valuation of securities at length during interview which clinched the job deal in his favour. He is taken at par (job profile) with MBAs which edelweiss hired from top 10 business school.

2) Another friend from bangalore who cleared till delta only has got job in futuresfirst- Futures First It is a trading company and employees will be trading credit swap derivatives, short sterling and other financial instruments in UK and US from terminals installed in India. The salary is around 35000 pm basic package. Then lot of trading incentives as high as 25000 per month depending upon trading profitability. FF takes candidate from IIT also and they also employ CFAs from ICFAI. They have offices in all Ahm, blore, delhi, kolkatta and hyderabad.

Reliance capital is getting into investment banking :satisfie:. 9.4% blistering growth will create immense opportunities and experienced CFA will be able to encash the boom.

Babu bhaiyya..

First of all, I am NOT applying to Credit Suisse at all because I am pretty well set in my current place of employment and finding the work good.
Secondly, i am not from Pune, but from Baroda and Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
How r ur studies going on? Which group are you appearing for?

Hey Tumtum, i was under the impression for the last 2 years
(since i met you online) that you are from pune !! You are gujju, nice to meet you :)

Studies are going fine. I will be hitting the global services market with CFA in last quater of this fiscal year. I hope market values me at premium over my last trading price (last BPO salary).I am not expecting a super listing of myself as i dont have financial services experience but a decent listing so that i gain from my ICFAI investment :satisfie:.

I will be giving delta in oct 07. Delta is now the toughest group in CFA under the new realignment of subjects as it has SA and PMMF as subjects ??:

Hello friends.
Another update.
CapGemini Consulting ( a French company) is recruiting CFA charterholders for their Finance Lab. The people selected will be required to work in independent projects as analysts initially and later on based on their progress, will be moved over to Associate Consultant and Senior Consultant roles. They need nearly 150-200 guys for various projects. Go ahead and apply at their website.

Life's calling; where are you all?

Great news tumtum. You will be roaring in CS interview with top most financial brand on your CV to support you + back to home town- beautiful and non polluted pune !

Babu bhaiyya..
First of all, I am NOT applying to Credit Suisse at all because I am pretty well set in my current place of employment and finding the work good.
Secondly, i am not from Pune, but from Baroda and Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
How r ur studies going on? Which group are you appearing for?

What courses can u suggest for it. Are there any certifications which i can get and what kind of jobs are avaliable for the same.

sudhanshu25 Says

Hey man if u really want to use ur data analysis skills I think u shud try for FRM (Financial risk management).it is short,comparatively easy (as u r a phd wid gud quant skills),definetly supports ur phd.

Hi Guys,

I just wanted to know from the experienced CFA people. Currently, i am into first year of my PhD programme in US, but i am not interested in research any more. i want to get into finance and would like to use my data analysis skills into finance. I am Engineer from background.

Since, i am in US, i am planning to take the CFA exam in here. I am registered for the December,2007 exam. I have gone through the previous threads and it seems to be a thread discussing majorly about the CFA from ICFAI. I might not be able to pursue the same for two reasons.

1. I do want to explore career opportunities while i am doing CFA in US. Basically, earn some money guys..!!

2. I also, would be looking for jobs related to finance domain in software over here.

Neways, the question i wanted to ask is that, how easy is to get a job with CFA (AIMR) in India. Can i fit in, with Engg. degree into those jobs. My answer would that, my analysis skills and mathematical skills should help in CFA job. But, let me hear from the industry people. What companies offer, Internships or entry level jobs in India for CFA (may be Level 2 or 1 passed students). So, if that happens, i would like to come to India after passing my 2 exams..!! ofcourse, i am backing on my dedication and hardwork..!!

Kindly, send me your suggestions...!!

Hey man if u really want to use ur data analysis skills I think u shud try for FRM (Financial risk management).it is short,comparatively easy (as u r a phd wid gud quant skills),definetly supports ur phd.

hi all I have a query.basically i have an job offer from genpect as business analyst they want me to work in VB macros and SAS,spss etc.tumtum pls guide is this job help me to gain relevent experience.

Hi Guys,

I just wanted to know from the experienced CFA people. Currently, i am into first year of my PhD programme in US, but i am not interested in research any more. i want to get into finance and would like to use my data analysis skills into finance. I am Engineer from background.

Since, i am in US, i am planning to take the CFA exam in here. I am registered for the December,2007 exam. I have gone through the previous threads and it seems to be a thread discussing majorly about the CFA from ICFAI. I might not be able to pursue the same for two reasons.

1. I do want to explore career opportunities while i am doing CFA in US. Basically, earn some money guys..!!

2. I also, would be looking for jobs related to finance domain in software over here.

Neways, the question i wanted to ask is that, how easy is to get a job with CFA (AIMR) in India. Can i fit in, with Engg. degree into those jobs. My answer would that, my analysis skills and mathematical skills should help in CFA job. But, let me hear from the industry people. What companies offer, Internships or entry level jobs in India for CFA (may be Level 2 or 1 passed students). So, if that happens, i would like to come to India after passing my 2 exams..!! ofcourse, i am backing on my dedication and hardwork..!!

Kindly, send me your suggestions...!!

Guys, a quick update.
A powerhouse in capital markets and IBanking- Credit Suisse- is coming to India with its capital markets and research center based in Pune in the next 6 months. They will be recruiting for all positions in trading, risk management, research and other IB-back-office functions.
It is planning to recruit nearly 400-500 people in a year from its inception. Get your resume' ready my friends- opportunity beckons !

Great news tumtum. You will be roaring in CS interview with top most financial brand on your CV to support you + back to home town- beautiful and non polluted pune !

Babu

Ideally for a working person how long it should to take to finish the course and at one go how many groups you suggest to attempt in CFA/MFA?

Arif

Minimum time = 18 months. Average around 2 years to complete CFA/MFA. Attempt one group at a time. Strictly !

Guys, a quick update.

A powerhouse in capital markets and IBanking- Credit Suisse- is coming to India with its capital markets and research center based in Pune in the next 6 months. They will be recruiting for all positions in trading, risk management, research and other IB-back-office functions.

It is planning to recruit nearly 400-500 people in a year from its inception. Get your resume' ready my friends- opportunity beckons !

BaBu Says

I read CFA/MFA prospectus today and you will get exemption in quant as you msc stats. Congrats

Babu

Ideally for a working person how long it should to take to finish the course and at one go how many groups you suggest to attempt in CFA/MFA?

Arif

hi babu ..i have a query its basic one but i need urgently..i m going to apply cfa from icfai tripura...
1) is it ok i think wat abt u think as icfai tripura registered under parliament act so no such problem of legis..
2)i want to know ..how much it cost in step wise..
3) i have completed m.sc maths ( spec: stats ) so can i get waiver of quant...

I read CFA/MFA prospectus today and you will get exemption in quant as you msc stats. Congrats

CFA in both cases (Ms/MFA) are almost same. I mean the knowledge which you get will be same although paper structure is different.

In ms finance, you do much more and covers everything under finance. In MFA, you do subjects related to stock markets.

I think MFA/CFA is real good.

Thanks a ton for co-operation you have always been helpful and forthcoming.

Rgds

Arif

CFA in both cases (Ms/MFA) are almost same. I mean the knowledge which you get will be same although paper structure is different.

In ms finance, you do much more and covers everything under finance. In MFA, you do subjects related to stock markets.

I think MFA/CFA is real good.

Thanks a ton for co-operation you have always been helpful and forthcomig.

Rgds

Arif

hi babu ..i have a query its basic one but i need urgently..i m going to apply cfa from icfai tripura...
1) is it ok i think wat abt u think as icfai tripura registered under parliament act so no such problem of legis..
2)i want to know ..how much it cost in step wise..
3) i have completed m.sc maths ( spec: stats ) so can i get waiver of quant...

Yes CFA/MFA is very good. Dont worry about tripura or hyderabad thing. CFA brand from ICFAI is very well known in corporate circles. About cost , please refer to prospectus for the latest information.

I dont thing any waivers will be granted in quant. It should be easy for you to crack the group B- quant :satisfie:

hi babu ..i have a query its basic one but i need urgently..i m going to apply cfa from icfai tripura...
1) is it ok i think wat abt u think as icfai tripura registered under parliament act so no such problem of legis..
2)i want to know ..how much it cost in step wise..
3) i have completed m.sc maths ( spec: stats ) so can i get waiver of quant...

Hi Babu/Tumtum

Arif once again had to postpone the enrolment by few months,Please advise the acceptability and feasability of of doing CFA from ICFAI, Tripura instead of MS (finance) and being the easier version of CFA how long it should take to finish it off?

and after completing CFA from ICFAI tripura what exemptions shall i get for MS (Finance).

Also,request your feedback on the industry acceptability of this course,if you are aware on this ?

Rgds

Arif

CFA in both cases (Ms/MFA) are almost same. I mean the knowledge which you get will be same although paper structure is different.

In ms finance, you do much more and covers everything under finance. In MFA, you do subjects related to stock markets.

I think MFA/CFA is real good.