Which is Better IAI vs IFoA?

The Institute of Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) and the Institute of Actuaries of India(IAI) have changed their structures and hence have become hot topics of debate these days ,namely IAI vs IFoA. The new curriculum was released in 2019. IAI, which regulates the profession of Actuaries in India, is a statutory body which was known for lower exam fees but this advantage has started to fade away now. The IFoA, which has turned out as the largest IFoA student membership base after the United Kingdom, has now almost equal structure as that of IAI. Lets take a deep dive to get the better understanding of IAI vs IFoA.

When it comes to the topic of IFoA vs IAI, it is only reasonable that we first understand the difference between IFoA and IAI.
IFoA is a 170  year old institute and has exemption agreements with almost all the institutes across Globe. IFoA has comparatively easier exam papers than IAI. Before the revised structure of 2019, the IAI was on the higher side in monetary terms. Before you are innately convinced that which is better than which, have a look at the key pointers that summarize the topic of IFoA vs IAI.

Most of the IAI exams are cheaper than IFoA exams. Exam fees difference between IFoA and IAI is around  75,250.

Under the topic of IFoA vs IAI, the difference between all study material fees is to be paid special attention because the difference is at least two times between both exams.

Again the difference of having membership under these two conducting bodies is pole apart and easily noticeable. In case the exemption continues, it is wise to take both memberships. IFoA has advantages of giving higher pass rates but IAI also has its own benefits. IAI membership is comparatively cheaper for sure and they provide seminars and events which prove to be productive on a long term basis. The membership fees vary for members and non-members and sometimes the event is for members only. IFoA also has provisions for exemptions with various universities.

If the discussion is about IFoA vs IAI then a student should be well aware of the recent exemptions. The IFoA and IAI have issued a joint statement announcing the signing of a mutual recognition agreement, according to which, starting from 1 January 2023, the IFoA will not be accepting any applications for exemptions from IAI. 

Exemptions available under the current curriculum is jotted down below:

Exemptions are not given for these exams individually. You must have sat and passed both exams with the IAI, not through IAI awarded SP exemptions like if a student has passed on IFoA or other association’s SP exams, these exemptions are not available to him/her.

So to conclude, in the debate of IFoA vs IAI, both have their own advantages and disadvantages but the clock leans more towards IAI. It would be better for a student to take membership under both. The students could give half of the papers which seem difficult to them from IFoA which has easy papers and others could be given from IAI which is comparatively cheaper and hard copy of study materials .