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    CFA Level 1 Questions Paper PDF - Download Sample Papers Here

    CFA Level 1 Questions Paper PDF - Download Sample Papers Here

    Mirza Farhan BaigUpdated on 01 Oct 2026, 12:17 PM IST

    The CFA Institute published the CFA Level 1 question paper format in detail on its official website - cfainstitute.org. There are a total of 180 CFA level 1 questions in the first level of the CFA exam. With changes in the paper pattern, the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) has reduced the number of questions in CFA level 1 2026. The CFA level 1 questions are in the form of MCQs. Candidates are given a total of 4.5 hours divided into two sessions of 2 hours 15 minutes each. Candidates have to attempt 90 CFA level 1 2026 questions in each session.

    CFA Level 1 Questions Paper PDF - Download Sample Papers Here
    CFA Level 1 Questions 2026 Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik

    The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) level 1 exams for the upcoming Nov 2026 session will be held from November 11-17, 2026. Chartered Financial Analyst exam will be conducted four times in the months of February, May, August, and November. Candidates aspiring to appear for the CFA exams 2026 can register and appear in any of the four sessions after checking the exam schedule. Each topic covered in the CFA Level 1 subjects has different weightage in the exam and candidates need to prepare for all topics.

    CFA Level 1 Question Paper Format

    As per the CFA Level 1 exam pattern, the questions included in the CFA question paper will all be multiple-choice questions. Candidates will be given 2 hours and 15 minutes in each session to solve 90 MCQs each.

    • The first session will have 90 MCQs and will cover topics related to quantitative methods, economics, ethics & professional standards, and financial reporting and analysis.

    • The second session will also have 90 MCQs and will cover topics related to equity, derivatives, fixed income, corporate finance, alternative investments and portfolio management.

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    CFA Level 1 Question Format Details

    FormatDetailsExample

    1.

    Sentence completion with three unique choices

    An analyst suspects that a company’s US GAAP financial statements may require adjustments because the company uses take-or-pay contracts.

    The most likely effect of the appropriate adjustments would be to increase the company’s:

    1. Return on assets

    2. Debt-to-equity ratio

    3. Interest coverage ratio

    2.

    Questions with three unique choices

    An analyst suspects that a company’s US GAAP financial statements may require adjustments because the company uses take-or-pay contracts.

    Which of the following is most likely to increase as a result of the appropriate adjustments being made to the company’s financial statements?

    1. Return on assets

    2. Debt-to-equity ratio

    3. Interest coverage ratio

    Sample Questions for CFA Level I Exam 2026

    The CFA Institute also helps candidates in their preparation by providing sample questions. Candidates can solve these questions to understand the basic CFA level 1 question paper format. These will also help in gaining knowledge about the strengths and areas for improvement that are required by a candidate.

    Click here to access CFA Level 1 Sample Questions

    Topics in CFA Level 1 Question Paper

    SessionTopicExam weight
    1Ethical and Professional Standards15-20%
    1Quantitative Methods6-9%
    1Economics6-9%
    1Financial Statement Analysis11-14%
    1Corporate Issuers6-9%
    2Equity Investments11-14%
    2Fixed Income11-14%
    2Derivatives5–8%
    2Alternative Investments7-10%
    2Portfolio Management8-12%


    Basic points to remember while attempting the CFA Level 1 previous year paper

    Other than solving the CFA Level 1 practice questions from reliable sources, the candidates are advised to check the tips given below to avoid any confusion during the exam-

    • While attempting the CFA Level 1 previous year question papers, candidates should keep in mind that there is no negative marking for incorrect answers as per the paper pattern.

    • Unless otherwise specified, questions from the Financial Reporting and Analysis (FRA) will be based on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). It will be stated in the CFA Level 1 sample paper if it is based on U.S. GAAP.

    • Practice the use of calculator while solving the CFA Level 1 past papers pdf.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q: How many questions are asked in CFA level 1 exam?
    A:

    The CFA level 1 exam will have 180 multiple choice questions in total. Out of this, 90 MCQs will be asked in first session and remaining 90 MCQs will be asked in second session.

    Q: Does CFA Institute provide any sample questions on its official website?
    A:

    Yes, CFA Institute helps candidates by providing sample questions as well as mock test.

    Q: What type of questions are asked in CFA level 1 exam 2026?
    A:

    Candidates will be asked only multiple choice questions as per the paper pattern of CFA level 1 exams.

    Q: Do CFA Level 1 questions repeat?
    A:

    Yes, many CFA questions repeat themselves over the course of time.

    Q: How hard is CFA Level 1 questions?
    A:

    Going by the pass rate, CFA Level 1 is hardest out of all the three levels.

    Q: What type of questions come in CFA Level 1?
    A:

    CFA Level 1 has multiple-choice questions.

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