Course Overview
The Certificate in Financial Planning equips students with essential skills in investment, insurance, retirement, and estate planning. It covers financial analysis, risk management, and portfolio strategies, preparing individuals for careers in financial advisory and planning.
Duration:
6 to 12 months (depending on the institution)
Syllabus (Semester-wise):
The syllabus for a Certificate in Financial Planning typically focuses on foundational concepts of personal finance, investment strategies, and regulatory frameworks. Here's a generalized outline:
Semester 1:
Introduction to Financial Planning: Fundamentals of financial planning, goal setting, budgeting, and the financial planning process.
Investment Planning: Basic concepts of investment, risk assessment, and portfolio management. Topics include equity, bonds, mutual funds, and other investment vehicles.
Taxation Planning: Overview of personal income tax in India, tax-saving investment options, tax computations, and compliance.
Retirement Planning: Strategies for building retirement funds, pension schemes, and other retirement vehicles like EPF, PPF, and NPS.
Insurance Planning: Understanding different insurance products (life, health, and general insurance) and their role in financial planning.
Semester 2:
Risk Management: Identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risks in personal and business finance.
Estate Planning: Inheritance laws in India, wills, trusts, and estate tax considerations.
Advanced Investment Strategies: Asset allocation, diversification, and advanced portfolio management techniques.
Wealth Management: High net-worth individuals (HNI) planning, wealth preservation, and growth strategies.
Financial Planning Software & Tools: Practical training on using software for financial analysis and planning, e.g., FinPlan, NaviPlan.
Average Fees:
₹15,000 to ₹60,000 depending on the institution, location, and facilities provided.
Exams to Attend:
Certification is typically awarded after successful completion of semester-end exams conducted by the institution. In addition, industry-recognized certifications may require students to pass standardized exams such as:
Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Examination by the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) India.
NISM-Series-X-A: Investment Adviser (Level 1) Certification Examination for becoming a registered investment advisor in India.
Ten Most Ranking Institutions Combined Ranking in India:
Indian Institute of Financial Planning (IIFP), New Delhi
The Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI), Hyderabad
International College of Financial Planning (ICoFP), New Delhi
Financial Planning Academy (FPA), Mumbai
Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI)
Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL), Pune
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai
Indian School of Business & Finance, New Delhi
Institute of Finance Banking and Insurance (IFBI), New Delhi
Christ University, Bangalore
Top Ten Institutions in Kerala:
Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI), Kochi Chapter
Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Kochi
Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam
Kerala University, Thiruvananthapuram
Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kochi
Sacred Heart College, Ernakulam
St. Joseph’s College, Devagiri, Kozhikode
St. Teresa’s College, Kochi
Farook College, Kozhikode