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Please check whether you are using the same email, which was used for purchasing/using the access code. Check for the course in your My Course section. If the course is still not available, please Whatsapp us on +91 9831149876; 9830497377.
The class videos can be played with the software shared by us. You shall have to download New Chapters or additional practice lectures shared on Google Drive.
Revision lectures of the relevant topics of the previous levels are included in the Pen Drive(For example revision of L1 lectures included in L2 class), but we do not provide the whole lecture series. Live Students are welcome to attend the Live or Backup class in the centre of the previous level if they wish to.
The duration of the Class Lectures ranges from Approximately 160-250 hours (Depending on the level of the course and change in curriculum, it keeps getting updated.)
100% Learning Outcome Statements are covered - every single chapter, subhead, the formula is covered in the lectures. Along with guidance lectures on "How to study and practice", Calculator, Revision, Attempting paper, Revision, Formulas, etc.
The lectures are bilingual. You need to understand English and Hindi to understand the classes. To make the lectures conversational we have a mix of Hindi and English. Please watch some of the lectures on YouTube and then take a call. Link: https://tinyurl.com/yae7yxkv
*Please note: MS-Excel is 100% English.*
No, we do not provide subject-wise lectures.
The views provided initially are 7 views per video, but it can be increased if exhausted within the date of validity
For technical reasons, you have lost views, or you need to revisit a topic beyond 7 times, WhatsApp the technical desk, we shall increase the view count (you don’t have to pay anything extra).You can pause the video, forward the video, rewind the video, but if you close the video it will be counted as a view.
We provide pre-recorded lectures in the Pen Drive, but the content is 100% as per your term’s syllabus.
100% of LOS - Learning Outcome Statements are covered - every single chapter, every single subhead, every single formula is covered in the lectures. Along with guidance lectures on "How to study and practice", Calculator, Revision, Attempting paper, Revision, Formulas, etc.; along with Mentor notes on – How to focus, retain, manage studies with job, etc. Please let me know if you need a detailed breakup of the same and for which course.
On an average the lectures should be around 140-180 hours (the class Lectures except revision and mentoring lectures). Exact duration can be availed from the co-ordinator. Also, our lectures aren’t very lengthy as I make students write formulas, flow charts, or short notes in the margin while teaching and not the entire book. But because I explain every single LOS, every single point, formula, concept, they stretch to the given duration. Hence in my opinion, this duration is definitely required for building a strong base and concepts in Finance.
All the changes in the syllabus, any extra practice done in the current live batch, any additional lectures are shared via google drive with the video students. All Guidance provided to the Live batches is shared with the Video Students as well. If you have enrolled earlier (more than a year before), generally there are minor changes in the syllabus and once the books are released, and the new chapters or changes done in the Live class, it is shared. (The syllabus is the same in a given Calendar Year) Students who defer the exam, or are unable to clear, get their validity extended and all the new chapters and changes on Drive. (No extra charges). Applicable for live students as well. They can continue attending the lectures or get the new lectures home.
After the payment is done, the amount is charged from your debit/credit card immediately. However, the payment reflects in our account within 3 working days approximately. Meanwhile, we save the material on pen drives and keep them all ready for dispatch. Payment through NEFT makes the process faster. The materials can be dispatched on a working day. Please make sure to fill in the details, after making payments via NEFT, on our website. (For those curious about Amazon's one-day delivery, they own their gateway)
There is no discount or concession on the class fees as it is very reasonable to keep it fair for the students. The course fee includes mind maps, notes, Practice Books, revision lectures, pen drive, Courier Charges (Outside India mentioned separately), and is inclusive of GST. Also, there are no additional charges to extend the validity.
Windows:
- 64 bit & windows 8.1 or above
- RAM 8GB recommended (will work on 4 & 6 GB also)
Android
- Latest android version recommended (minimum android version 9)
- RAM 4GB & ROM 128 GB (will work on 64 GB also)
MacBook
Updated version required after 2018
We give access only to one system (laptop or android), but in case of any technical issue (Laptop changed, not working, etc) you may shift access to another laptop. Please install the software on the other laptop and then WhatsApp the technical Desk stating the same. They will help you.
Valid for 1 year or date of exam, whichever is earlier. For Extension, proof from the Institute is required. (8 months for Excel)
You can click on the Forgot Password link to reset your password from the login screen. We will send the new password to your registered email address. Try to log in with the new password.
If the issue persists, Whatsapp us on +91 9831149876; 9830497377 with the issue details.
For any other issues, please Whatsapp us on +91 9831149876; 9830497377 with the complete issue details.
The passing rate at our Institute varies across courses and levels, but so far has been exhilarating. The passing rates for CFA/FRM, should be more than 70-80%. We try compiling the results and post the same on LinkedIn.
I understand the concern, and would sincerely recommend you to watch the Introduction and then a couple of chapters uploaded on YouTube and take an informed decision. There is a lot of Time, Money & Effort being invested.
This is because it is not possible to complete all practice resources. Institute provides ample resources and very good quality resources to practice and that is the most important to practice. Mostly, one would change names, reframe and change the numbers in the questions to replicate new questions. We do not do the same. We sincerely recommend students to practice Institute Material EOC (End of Chapter) questions. For subject-wise assessment, students complete the practice book. They are covering past year's mock paper questions. Along with the same, Institute has online practice resources. Institute provides, mock tests before the exam and it is important to practice. Along with this, the Schweser practice paper (6 sets of 2 papers each) is of a good standard. Beyond this, there is no more time to practice. What is important beyond this is to learn, study and revise the concepts to retain in the exam and to be able to solve new and different questions. Mugging up won't help. One has to understand the concepts to pass.
Very difficult to pinpoint the number of Hours. The lectures are generally around 150-200 hours across CFA and FRM all levels. Please take an updated number of hours for your Exam from the Coordinator. As, there are "Exam Mentoring" lectures, covering How to Study", How to revise and Attempt, "How to use the Calculator", Revision Lectures, etc.
Also, with respect to the number of hours, it depends on the individual. You have to attend/watch a class, then study by yourself, and then practice. Your past education background, speed of understanding, focus while attending the class will matter. Not possible to quantify.
Would Sincerely advise you to watch the complete Introduction Playlist, especially the “Preparation and Material” Video, on YouTube and then take a decision. Also, complete a few chapters on YouTube and judge accordingly. The pace is generally slow in the beginning in the first 7-8 chapters and then picks up as you get in the study mode.
Students enroll anytime between 3-9 months before the exam, some starting as early as a year before as well. A lot of factors like whether you are working or a Student, Working hours, education background, matters. Mostly we see enrolment around 4-6 months before the exam date. Recommended to start as early as possible, to be able to study calmly and absorb concepts well. Would Sincerely advise you to watch the complete Introduction Playlist, especially the “Preparation and Material” Video, on YouTube and then take a decision.
If you are a student, it is quite doable even if you have 2-3 months left for the exam. Needless to say, you will have to study throughout the day and work hard.
If you are a working professional, my advice to you would be:
- Watch the 1st class on YouTube which gives you all the information to begin and how to go about it.
- Since you have paid for the exam, you might as well appear for it, unless you plan to defer. For details on deferring the exam, please ping the Co-ordinator.
- If you wish to take the classes, watch the first couple of chapters and order as the delivery and all might take a week. Do NEFT for faster processing. The lectures shall be shared on google drive and User ID provided in 1-2 working days.
- You should watch the classes very attentively so as to take less time while studying and retaining better. Do not touch your phones while studying and study for long stretches at a time. Also, this saves time in understanding the concepts better and faster. Practice by skimming through the questions. See the question, if it clicks, fine; else see the solution, understand the approach, and move forward. Please follow the audio notes sent to your groups, as I keep guiding you as you move towards the exam. (Check the 'How to study and Manage a full time job' lecture on Youtube)
- In case you have to defer your exams, or you do not clear your exams, you can get your validity extended by giving details to the Co-ordinator. Any changes or new chapters are always provided to all the students deferring their exams.
- If you clear the exams, it shall be absolutely worth it.
- Your decision could also depend on your previous educational background, if your current work profile has common subjects, your speed and level of understanding and the number of leaves you can avail before the exam, also the time you can spare on weekdays and weekends until the exam.
- The decision has to be made by you. Make sure you have seen the 1st class online. Write down these points and then make a decision.
- Keep pushing yourself, do more, learn more.
If you wish to mention the MS Excel training on your Resume, you could take help from the following:
A Corporate Training covering:
MS Excel: Advance Lookup & Logical Functions, Slicers, Pivots, Macros & Using VBA Codes, Array Functions, Scenario analysis, Financial Modelling, Dashboards.
MS Word: Quick Formatting, Mail merge, Presentation Tips, Automation Techniques, Content
review, Manage and Track Changes, Advance styles and AutoFormat features.
MS PowerPoint: Tricks, Presentation Techniques, Corporate Presentations Etiquettes and Reporting
(Automation Techniques, Linking Excel Data with PowerPoint slides, Video content development).
Microsoft Excel is a very vital tool that employees working in any profile uses, be it an HR expert or a marketing executive or a Finance Professional. Whatever Data you crunch and analyse, you need to have a good hold on Excel, in terms of Speed, Execution, and Presentation.
There are advanced programs and statistical software as well, but in general Microsoft Excel comes in handy for all work profiles. Corporate Presentation goes beyond the use of just MS PowerPoint and Formatting and Reporting requires one to be quick at MS Word, which gets quite annoying. Therefore, the modules not only cover MS Excel and MS PowerPoint and MS Word as well.
The modules and worksheets that we use for Corporate Training are used for delivering lectures.
Watch the Link to know more: http://tiny.cc/2g219y
We have received this feedback earlier as well. Please do not worry about the cost savings in terms of pendrives because downloading these many GBs, these large data files and large number of lectures will become very data consuming. And also if there is any error in downloading the file, the encrypted lectures do not work which might cause a lot of irritation to the students. Do not worry, both the things will be provided to all the students(Google drive as well as pendrive).
The curriculum is the material or books provided by the GARP institute(FRM) and Schweser is a separately published study material.
The reason most people use Schweser is because it's simpler, easier to comprehend and understand. It is more condensed is as per the curriculum. It has 100% Coverage of the syllabus. Every single subheading (LOS- Learning Outcome Statement) is covered in the books.
The institute material or the curriculum material includes beyond the syllabus material as well. You may go through the same, but from what I have seen most students give up on the same as it is too time consuming. All the extra portion required beyond Schweser is covered by me in the class.
You can refer to Schweser for studying aspect and the institute curriculum (bookshelf) for practice along with the practice books. (A few chapters have been covered using the Institute Material).
Please attend the ‘Where to study from’ Lecture given below. Also, ‘How to Study’ and ‘How to Practice’ lectures are provided in the ‘Exam Mentoring’ folder.
The curriculum is the material or books provided by the CFA institute and Schweser is a separately published study material.
The reason most people use Schweser is because it's simpler, easier to comprehend and understand. It is more condensed is as per the curriculum. It has 100% Coverage of the syllabus. Every single subheading (LOS- Learning Outcome Statement) is covered in the books.
The institute material or the curriculum material includes beyond the syllabus material as well. You may go through the same, but from what I have seen most students give up on the same as it is too time consuming. All the extra portion required beyond Schweser is covered by me in the class.
You can refer to Schweser for studying aspect and the institute curriculum (bookshelf) for practice.
Please attend the ‘Where to study from’ Lecture given below. Also, ‘How to Study’ and ‘How to Practice’ lectures are provided in the ‘Exam Mentoring’ folder.
CFA Program enrollment fee is waived off and exam registration is reduced to USD250. To know more about the scholarship, check out the link mentioned below: How can I access the CFA scholarship?
The scholarship application window is closed and will open in the coming months. To know more about the application window, check out the link mentioned below: When can I register for the scholarship?
To become a CFA candidate, you must enrol in the CFA Program and register for the CFA Level I exam. In order to enrol, you must meet all of the qualifications listed below. What are the eligibility documents required to apply for CFA?
Keep a tab on all dates of the exam from the link given below: Important Dates for CFA L1
Exam results are expected to be available approximately 7 weeks after the close of an exam window for Level I/Level II, and approximately 10 weeks for Level III. Check the link for regular updates: Exam Results
Level I exams are conducted four times a year, in February, May, August, and November. Level II exams are conducted twice a year, in May and August. Level III exams are conducted twice a year, in May and November.
60 days after the exam for levels I and II, 90 days for Level III.
It is a $450 One-Time Enrollment. Check out the link for more details regarding the registration fee: Registration Fees Details
There is a one-time fee of USD 450 to enter into the CFA Program. Then, each exam costs between USD 650 (early registration) and USD 1,380 (late registration) to sit.
- CFA Institute accepts credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, JCB, MasterCard, Discover or Visa), personal or corporate checks, bank checks (i.e., Certified Check, Cashier’s Check) money/postal orders (including Western Union), and UnionPay as payment.
- CFA Institute also accepts payments via wire transfer and ACH. Relevant instructions for making wire/ACH payments will be provided on your registration invoice once you complete the online registration process.
- CFA Institute does not accept Forex card and Debit Card payments.
Candidates spend around 308 hours on average to prepare for the exams. The average time spent on each exam level is as follows: Level I – 287 hours; Level II – 315 hours; Level III – 327 hours.
The minimum passing score (MPS) for each level of the exam is determined by the CFA Institute each year after the administration of the exams. The MPS has never been released.
Having current or past participation in CFA, Institute educational programs may enable you to waive certain requirements for other financial credentialing products, services, or organizations. To know more click on the given below link: Waivers Policy.
In an effort to (1) streamline the registration process and (2) collect only essential information, the institute has updated the exam registration process. CFA Institute will no longer collect passport number or expiry date. They will still collect passport country of issuance.
Registered candidates will notice their passport number and expiry date no longer appear in their account; this is not an error. Candidates no longer have to confirm this data. They merely have to bring a valid (not expired) passport to the test center on exam day.
The Institute has recently made a change to the ID policy concerning passports. Do note of the below update:
CFA Program ID policy page: https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/about/governance/policies/cfa-program-identification-policy
-Not mandatory to renew this.
-You can take the exam even if you do not renew this membership
-When you registered for the exam, you had received a complimentary 1-year membership.
-At the time of registering if you had unchecked the 'Auto-renewal' option, there is no problem. If not, you will be charged $150(please check institute website for any updates)
-If you did not uncheck the 'Auto-renewal' option, please log in to your profile and edit it in your profile, else your card shall be charged annually for the same.
The membership benefits include:
-The Members-only online Community, where Members can debate high-level risk issues, network with like-minded professionals, and participate in Q&A sessions with our top speakers and presenters.
-Members-only articles that provide timely thought leadership.
-If you are a hiring manager, you qualify for discounts on job postings so your own recruiting budget goes further.
-Preferential pricing on GARP's Annual Convention and other risk-focused events. These savings often cover the cost of annual membership. Our events prepare risk professionals around the world to make better informed decisions.
-Risk Education courses such as the Foundations of Financial Risk and Financial Risk and Regulation at a discount of 30%.
-Member News, also delivered in a monthly Membership Update, informs peers around the world of your career advancements, awards and recognition, and other important professional information.
-Plus, take advantage of Exclusive Offers arranged with partners like TopResume/TopInterview, -NY Institute of Finance, Credible and more. Find the complete and current list on the website.
-If you are an FRM/ERP, these benefits will also be suspended:
-Ability to Connect with peers through the FRM | ERP Directory
-Access to GARP's Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Program
_For any further queries, please drop a mail to the GARP Institute_
CFA is a course on Finance. Finance in itself is a stream and is definitely related to the Economy and commerce but is not the same.
CFA for example shall have 10 subjects, of which most of them are new subject-Derivatives, Fixed income, Equity, portfolio, Alternate Investment.
However, the commerce students have an edge in subjects like Economics (Studied a part of it in school) and Financial Reporting Analysis (FRM) (since they know Accounts). But the questions are application based, and it stretches beyond What they have studied. Also FRA is about applying and being able to read and interpret Financial Repot. The non commerce students have to put in a little extra effort to grasp, although everything is done from scratch and no prior knowledge is required.
The Engineering students have an advantage in the subject Quants which have topics on statistics, probability, compound Interest. The commerce students who are not good with Math’s or did not have the same in higher secondary have to put a little extra effort although everything is done from scratch. It is not difficult Math’s question, but applications, of basic principles to do calculations involving Money.
And as we see a very good proportion of MBA students are from Engineering background and Finance knowledge is required, hence even MBA students pursue CFA in order to specialize in Finance.
CFA is a course on Finance and FRM is a course on Finance, specializing in Risk Management.
If you are a working professional, you should go through the Syllabus & Scope portion in the Introduction playlist on the YouTube channel and check which is closer to your profile. Better to make an informed decision before investing your time and money.
The difference between the number of levels, time taken to complete or the cost should not be a concern when you think from a long term perspective.
The work experience requirement can be achieved post completing all levels and you can still write on the Resume, that you have cleared all levels.
FRM exam paper is relatively more difficult than the CFA
If you want to pursue both the courses, it is better or easier to start with CFA and then do FRM. Although one can start with FRM as well, everything is covered from scratch.
Watch the video to have all the information of both the courses
Eligibility Criteria, Exam Format, Difficulty Level, Cost, Job Profile, Pass Rate etc.
http://bit.ly/CFA_FRM_Information
There is no overlap between any level of CFA and FRM L2.
There is overlap between CFA L1/L2 and FRM L1. Please watch the syllabus section of Introduction playlist of each to get an understanding.
If you are a working professional will advise you against giving any two levels together.
There is an overlap in subjects like Quants, Fixed Income, Derivatives, Portfolio in CFA L1 and FRM L1.
The overlap is partial and the approach and tackling questions is different for both.
It is easier to appear for CFA L2 with FRM L1 than CFA L1 with FRM L1. Obviously since FRM L1 has overlap with both levels of CFA.
If you are a student, you can manage the two together, especially since the exams are a month apart now. Watch the First class before deciding.
It would be hypocritical to say no, since lots of student have done it.
There are about 70 readings in part 1 and about 80 in part 2. If you are a working professional would not recommend the same.
If you are not working, and wish to do it, please watch the first class properly for both levels, and then decide.
If you will be able to complete 150 readings in whatever number of weeks left, along with practice. Also you can target to complete a portion of L1- say 70percent of syllabus till the exam registration deadline. And on the basis of achieving thetarget, register for both levels or for only one level.
For those who have appeared for L1 once and haven't cleared can think about giving both parts together, but be careful about retention of so much content.
The content of two levels is not overlapping. And for working professionals would still advise against it.
FRM is a course on Finance, specializing in Risk Management.
Finance in itself is a stream and is definitely related to the Economy and commerce but is not the same.
FRM, all the subjects are new and is unrelated to the general commerce and Accountancy subjects. However, the commerce students have a basic understanding of terms like asset, liability, profit, loss. Although everything is done from scratch and no prior knowledge is required.
The Engineering students have and advantage in the subject quants which has topics on statistics, probability, compound interest. The commerce students who are not good with math’s or did not have the same in higher secondary have to put a little extra effort although everything done from scratch. It is not difficult math’s questions, but applications of basic principles to do calculations involving Money.
FRM is a specialization in the area of Risk management and people with profiles in Audit, IT, Risk Department, pressure the same. The application is primarily in the Banking, Energy, Fintech, All Financial institution and related organizations. Please go through the syllabus and Scope portion of the First class playlist on YouTube.
There is no overlap between any level of CFA and FRM L2.
There is overlap between CFA L1/L2 and FRM L1. Please watch the syllabus section of Introduction playlist of each to get an understanding.
If you are a working professional will advise you against giving any two levels together.
There is an overlap in subjects like Quants, Fixed Income, Derivatives, Portfolio in CFA L1 and FRM L1.
The overlap is partial and the approach and tackling questions is different for both.
It is easier to appear for CFA L2 with FRM L1 than CFA L1 with FRM L1. Obviously since FRM L1 has overlap with both levels of CFA.
If you are a student, you can manage the two together, especially since the exams are a month apart now. Watch the First class before deciding.
CFA is a course on Finance and FRM is a course on Finance, specializing in Risk Management.
If you are a working professional, you should go through the Syllabus & Scope portion in the Introduction playlist on the YouTube channel and check which is closer to your profile. Better to make an informed decision before investing your time and money.
The difference between the number of levels, time taken to complete or the cost should not be a concern when you think from a long term perspective.
The work experience requirement can be achieved post completing all levels and you can still write on the Resume, that you have cleared all levels.
FRM exam paper is relatively more difficult than the CFA
If you want to pursue both the courses, it is better or easier to start with CFA and then do FRM. Although one can start with FRM as well, everything is covered from scratch.
Watch the video to have all the information of both the courses
Eligibility Criteria, Exam Format, Difficulty Level, Cost, Job Profile, Pass Rate etc.
http://bit.ly/CFA_FRM_Information
Having completed CA Final of course you have a good hold on subject like Derivatives, Corporate Finance. You may push that towards the end.
And Equity valuation, Fixed Income and Portfolio you will have a thorough understanding, apart from the theory chapters of CFA. So you can push that towards the end. Browse through the pages and you will know the common areas.
Complete Quants, Ethics, Alternative Investment first and then continue with the rest.
You will be able to do FRA faster. But make sure you have watched all the lectures.
Depth and understanding and the approach is different for both the exams. Hence do not be overconfident and study and practice well. Suggest you to complete the syllabus with all the lectures first.
Only Corporate Finance you can still skip, and go through the content first. If you have enough time suggest you to do corporate finance too.
Practice is also important. Do not take economics lightly as questions are difficult.
Hence you can do Corp Finance, Derivatives, Economics at end. Half of Equity, Fixed Income and Portfolio at the end. And FRA you shall be faster so just before all this, you can cover FRA. Also you may use revision lectures to revise the common areas between CA and CFA.
This is only if you are in an extremely bad situation. Else please follow the order of study as given and practice well. Make sure you see the "How to Study and Practice" video in the 'Exam Mentoring' Folder.
You can keep Corporate Finance at the end. And if you are having shortage of time you may just study the Corporate Finance without watching the classes.
You might find Equity valuation chapter relatively easy. But suggest you to do all the lectures.
The approach and the understanding for the CFA is much more and in depth.
Specially Quants, Alternative Investment, Portfolio, Ethics, Derivatives are relatively new, along with Fixed Income.
Do not take economics lightly as well. You shall be able to cover FRA faster though.
My advice, start well in time, do not take it lightly. Different exams have different approach. Make sure to watch the "How to Study and Prepare" video in the "Exam Mentoring" folder.
Stick to the order of study provided. Based on the above you can just push Corp Fin and Eco to the end and FRA just before that.
If you are looking at doing an Industrial training, there are a couple of things you need to consider:
- The advantage would be to experience in a reputed organization, an industry of your choice, making contacts, grooming yourself, proving yourself so as to increase chances of getting permanently placed. Also an increased stipend. (Even if you change the city for this and do not save any money- it is not an issue, you shall be earning throughout your life, what matters is the profile, experience, learning, grooming, building a relationship with the company)
- However, there is a flip side to this as well. More often, you shall be asked to defer your exam by a term, and will not get enough holidays to take the exam in the earliest term that you are eligible. You also need to consider your level of preparation in case you don't have to defer the exam, but will get a very limited leave period(maybe 2/3months) which is insufficient to prepare 8 subjects and revise. Also the preparation is getting hampered due to strenuous working hours.
Hence we need to decide the tradeoff.
Either become CA 6 months early or have 9 months of Industrial Training Experience. If you become a CA earlier by 6 months, you shall have more 6months of qualified experience eventually since you shall start early.
- if I am confident to crack a job without Industrial training, and I am confident about my interpersonal and presentation skills, then I would want to be a CA fast, make sure of my preparation and get into a full time qualified job.
-If I am not sure about the above, I can take a 6 months delay in my career, improve upon myself and take up industrial training.
Hence, think, talk to people in that company over LinkedIn, evaluate your preparation, and take a decision and move forward. Do not over think and waste time. Write down all the pros and cons and decide.
No one else can decide for you. Watch the following to know how to crack CA in first attempt:
Very Strong base in Finance, excel skills, Financial modeling, presentation, writing skills, communication skills.
Check the post below to understand the qualities needed to be a successful Investment Banker:
How to Become Employable!!
(Skills needed along with your Education to grow and Excel in your Career)
- Job Profile - the most important aspect is the role offered, the department offered. If you do not understand the role, read about it, connect with people on LinkedIn and ask questions. Do not have expectations that you will start executing top-notch work from Day-1. You will have to learn everything from scratch and climb your way up. Focus on what you can learn in that profile, which is the department, and how does it help you get closer to your long term goals. To be an investment banker, you need to start with equity research, you may not get the front-end IB role immediately.
- Pay - It depends on your personal situation, and also you feel more confident if this is good. It depends a lot on the current market situation, roles available, right place and opportunity, etc. Seems to be the most important factor but it isn't. A 20-30 percent compromise is fine if you are getting a good role. Even 40 percent if it's an amazing role, but it should help in the long term.
- The company- of course a brand is important. But if you do not learn much in a big brand, then go for a small company or a start-up. In your next job interview, you shall have to explain and prove your experience and learning in the previous job. So that's the most important part. When you do not go for a brand like a Big 4 or the Banks, look for the boss and the long term vision of the company that you are applying. If they have good culture, long term vision, and you will get good exposure in terms of learning then yes.
- The location being Mumbai, Bengaluru or NCR, makes interviews at other locations easy and good for networking. But this is the least important factor. If you get to travel in your beginning stint. Do take up. You learn a lot. Even if the location is Hyderabad, Pune it's good. Then Kolkata and then other cities. But this is not important. If you are getting a low pay job in your hometown, but good or same profile, take that. You shall be able to do a lot more as you will have more support.
The above is not exhaustive but the points you need to think about. Whatever options you have, make sure to write down in a table the pros and cons of all offers. Then take an informed decision. Talk to multiple people in the profession, but It's only you who has to decide.
Random stock market courses, courses on Finance will not add the kind of value that you are aspiring for. Think long term and do not waste time on the same. However, there are areas where the skill is more important and it has to be learned through practice and may not have a said Degree/ Certification available. For example, Technical analysis needs to be learned before one takes a CMT exam. Also, for skills like MS Excel, R, SQL, etc. one has to learn. In areas as such, more important than the Institute is the credential of the trainer and quality of training that matters. Since the ultimate objective of such training is going to be to enable you to crack the job interview.
For example, to learn Finance once studies CFA/FRM, and CA and MBA too have Finance subjects. But how to practically be able to make a Financial Model, or write Equity Research/Industry Research Report; one needs to learn the relevant skills.
Hence, do not go for short term courses unless it is to acquire a skill. While joining, make sure to check the credentials of the trainer, review from students of previous batches, and also do not fall for "100% placement assistance". Please check the designations and pay the previously placed students have received.
Do your research - Understand what shall look better on the resume:
- A degree/ or a random short term course.
- Whether after learning a skill, you will be able to crack an interview and perform well in your job?
Depends on a lot of factors:
-You need to be sure of the reason why you intend to pursue masters. If it is to party abroad, waste parents’ money by getting into any college whatsoever, in that case I shall not be able to advise
-Placements for MBA Colleges will be better in corporates, than masters. MBA requires experience and masters generally does not, hence the placements as well.
-Please check the ranking of the college and also the amount you are spending, and whether it is worth it, or for namesake.
-If the admission criteria is too lenient it is most probably not worth attending
-If you plan to take up a career in academics and research and wish to pursue Phd, in that case you may do your masters
-In case you wish to study some specific subjects relevant to your interest and job role it shall make sense. For example, I know Finance students have done masters in Psychology to study investment behavior, or statistics/ economics to get into quantitative finance roles. Please check -if you can pursue masters in such streams without specifically studying those in bachelors.
CFA is considered masters in the USA, hence doing a masters in Finance just for the sake of a stamp of degree abroad makes no sense.
-CA is considered masters in India by most colleges, hence M.Com will not be a value add unless you plan to teach in a college (where it might be a requirement)
-Even Masters from very good colleges from the UK and Paris, I have seen students not getting a job. Hence it is very important to do your cost benefit analysis, about job opportunities for non resident students.
-Distance masters for the sake of a degree for completing a 16 year education requirement( although most colleges accept 3 year graduate programs in India), may be fine.
-I would not discourage you from taking up masters, but you should do it for the right reasons and correct expectations. You may do masters to study, learn, but be very clear on the Why - is it for a job, to learn, or to just go abroad, or to pursue a career in academics.