How to score 1800+ in CFA Level 1 | IIT Bombay Student Reveals Exact Strategy |The CFA Mindset Ep.13

Can an engineering student crack CFA Level 1 with one of the highest scores? Is CFA Level 1 still worth it in 2026? And what does it really take to score 1845 out of 1900? In this episode of The CFA Mindset Podcast, we sit down with Vansh Chandarana, an IIT Bombay student who recently achieved an outstanding 1845/1900 in CFA Level 1. Vansh -   / vansh-chandarana-6309aa2a8   From building the perfect study strategy and balancing college life to mastering revisions, mock exams, and avoiding common mistakes, Vansh shares his complete preparation roadmap. He also challenges popular myths around CFA, engineering students, and whether Level 1 still provides a competitive advantage. If you're preparing for CFA Level 1, this conversation is packed with actionable advice that can save you months of trial and error. 🔥 In this episode you'll learn: How to prepare for CFA Level 1 from scratch The exact study routine behind an 1845/1900 score Best books, YouTube channels & AI tools for CFA How to revise effectively Mock exam strategy that actually works Why analyzing mocks matters more than taking them Does engineering help in CFA? Is CFA Level 1 still worth pursuing? If this episode helped you, don't forget to Like, Share & Subscribe for more CFA preparation strategies and interviews with top scorers. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Introduction 00:51 - Meet Vansh Chandarana 01:16 - How He Scored 1845/1900 02:09 - Why an IIT Bombay Student Chose CFA 04:18 - Hardest Subjects for an Engineering Student 05:29 - How JEE Helped Him Crack CFA 07:31 - Complete CFA Level 1 Roadmap 08:00 - The Biggest Preparation Mistake Most Students Make 09:16 - His Complete Revision Strategy 10:04 - How to Study Every Subject Effectively 12:15 - Daily Study Routine & Hours 15:32 - Handwritten Notes vs Schweser Notes 18:01 - Mock Exam Strategy That Changed Everything 20:30 - Average Scores Before the Real Exam 21:07 - CFA Courtroom 23:26 - Is CFA Level 1 Really Difficult? 23:47 - Life at IIT Bombay & Finance Opportunities 24:58 - Does CFA Level 1 Still Give You an Edge? 26:38 - Blue Box Blitz⚡(Rapid Fire) 29:16 - Resource He Used for CFA Level 1 29:57 - Final Advice & Closing 🎙️ The CFA Mindset Podcast brings conversations with CFA charterholders, top scorers, finance professionals, and students who have successfully navigated the CFA journey so you can learn directly from their experiences. Subscribe for more CFA preparation strategies, career advice, and finance insights every week. ⚠️ Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guest and are shared for educational and informational purposes only. The preparation strategies and study methods discussed are based on personal experience and may not guarantee similar results for every candidate. Always refer to the official CFA Institute curriculum and guidelines for the most accurate and up-to-date information.