What is CA: Full Form, Duration, Admission 2025, Colleges, Syllabus, Salary & Scope

Candidates can choose the Chartered Accountant course if auditing, taxes, and accounting interest them. Candidates who are interested in financial fields such as taxation or who want to independently launch their practice can also pursue the Chartered Accountant course. The students who need to pursue a Chartered Accountant course need to possess certain valuable skills to pursue this professional course. Time Management, Analytical, Reasoning, and Communication skills are some of the essential abilities that are required for a successful career path after the Chartered Accountant course.

After the Chartered Accountant course, students can find a variety of lucrative and well-known employment options in a variety of industries like finance, banking, tax, etc. in both private and public organisations. Besides, a CA can also become an Entrepreneur and start his firm.

Yes,  Chartered Accountancy is a recognised professional degree for pursuing a career as a chartered accountant. The University Grants Commission on March 15, 2021 announced that CA qualification will be treated equivalent to PG Degree based on requests submitted from the ICAI.

Although the Chartered Accountancy degree is a professional degree in and of itself, it cannot be divided into undergraduate or postgraduate degrees or levels. Rather, it is a degree that can be obtained after passing the three levels of exams that are required to complete the degree.

The decision solely depends on your career goals. CA focus on accounting, taxationa and auditing part, where MBA focus on business part. CA is a good option if you want to work in accounting and finace firms or same departments in any Corproate, while MBA graduates can work in finance, management and marketing  department of the companies. However, both can fetch high amount of salaries and grow as per the market trends. 

Yes, CS is a good career option. A certified CS can join finance, accounting and auditing firms which offer services to big organisations and multinational companies or they can start individual practice. They are also in charge of lowering the firm's administrative load and corporate governance, which would otherwise fall to the company directors.

It is tough for a freshly established firm or organisation to manage all administrative needs in addition to its day-to-day operations. As a result, it is critical in carrying out all of these company processes properly and effectively.

The Company Secretary (CS) course is divided into three levels  - Foundation, Executive, and Professional. There are four core subjects in the Company Secretary Foundation course. The Executive programme has two core modules and the Company Secretary Professional level has three modules. A Company Secretary's responsibilities include advising the board and ensuring that the company is legally compliant.

A secretary should have a comprehensive understanding of the governance framework and ensure that policies and processes are documented. There has been an increase in calls for transparency in corporate governance, and the company secretary plays an important role in this.

Hi Vilas CA means chartered accountancy and you may get all information about it at icai.org. You can pursue it with any stream after 12th or graduation(except BFA).

Yes CA does need lot of hardwork and determination as the success rate of completing it every year is just 2-3% but ppl hv completed it in the time span of 3 years too.

Of course, not. The CA course is administered by the ICAI, and once you complete your Class 12, you become eligible for it. There are many ways to enter a CA program, like right after Class 12, register for the CA Foundation course, or complete your BCom, skip the Foundation level, and start directly from the CA Intermediate level.
However, you'll still need to meet the % criteria.

No, it is not tough for a Science passed student. 

CA course is equally tough for everyone. You do not need any prior knowledge of any concepts of commerce so it does not matter whether your stream in 12th was Arts or Science or Commerce.

No, it’s not. If you have studied accounting and finance, you can pursue a CA. Though a Commerce background offers a strong base for this course, people generally consider it the only pathway for CA. But the Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is open to students from many academic backgrounds after completing their 12th.

In the CA course, candidates can make any number of attempts until they clear a particular level. They will be eligible to register for the next level only after clearing the previous level. For example, a candidate needs to clear the CA Foundation level to be able to register for CA Intermediate. For appearing in CA Final exams, a candidate needs to clear both Foundation and Intermediate levels.
Since, the level of difficulty of this course is very high, a maximum percentage of students make multiple attempts. Candidates who decide to pursue CA course, need to make sure that they are well prepared to a marathon of studies, preparation and exams. 

The CA exam is widely regarded as one of the toughest professional exams, both in India and globally. The exam demands a deep understanding of accounting, taxation, law, auditing, and financial management, among other subjects. The rigorous syllabus, combined with the need for analytical thinking and precision, makes it challenging.

The pass rates are typically low, reflecting the exam's difficulty level. Success in the CA exam requires not only a solid grasp of the concepts but also disciplined study, consistent practice, and effective time management skills.

In the CA Foundation, there are 4 papers, followed by 8 papers each in CA intermediate and CA Final. The candidate must score at least 40 percent in each paper respectively to pass the examination. 

To know more about the CA Examination, Candidates can refer to the official website or Shiksha.

Candidates can check their results of CA Foundation, CA Intermediate and CA Final exams on the official websites of ICAI – icaiexam.icai.org,  caresults.icai.org and icai.nic.in. To check the result cum scorecard, candidates have to log in to their ICAI account. They can do so by using the login ID and password created at the time of exam form filling. The ICAI shares scorecard download link for the specific course at its website. Candidates have to locate the link and click on it to be able to login in the result dashboard. Candidates can also check the merit list of any course through the same process.

CA is tougher due to its longer duration, extensive syllabus covering diverse subjects, and the cumulative nature of the exams. JEE Main, while intensely competitive and requiring strong conceptual clarity, is a one-time entrance exam.

So in simple words, JEE Main's difficulty is based on high competition and intense pressure in a single exam, while CA's difficulty lies in its extensive syllabus, the need for consistentency across multiple stages over a longer period, and the relatively low pass rates at each level.

UPSC exams is generally considered tougher due to its broader and more unpredictable syllabus, plus the intense competition for limited positions, and the subjective nature of the evaluation, testing not just knowledge but also analytical skills, articulation, and personality. CA is considered highly challenging within its specialised domain, demanding rigorous technical knowledge and consistent performance across multiple stages. However, it depends on the indvidual aptitude and field of interest at the end of the day. 

There are four sections to the CA Foundation course. To pass the test, candidates must fully understand these subjects during their coursework.

CA Foundation Paper 1: Accounting Principles and Practice Business Laws and Business Correspondence and Reporting is the second CA Foundation Paper.

There are two sections in the CA Foundation document. There are five papers in Section 1. In order to take the foundation exam, these chapters must be completed in the allotted time. Business Economics and Business and Commercial Knowledge is the fourth CA Foundation Paper.

Principles and Practice of Accounting, by PC and Bharat Tulsian, is the first paper in the CA Foundation Books. PC Tulsian, Tushar Tulsian, and Bharat Tulsian are the CA Foundation Books for Paper 2: Business Laws, Business Correspondence, and Reporting.

The CA course has three levels. Given below are the CA levels in order of hierarchy:

• Level 1: CA Foundation course

• Level 2: CA Intermediate/ IPC course

• Level 3: CA Final course

A. After completing CA, one can pursue the following courses:

• Cost Management Accountancy (CMA)
• Bachelor of Law
• Master of Business Administration  (MBA)
• PhD in Accountancy or Taxation
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
• Company Secretary (CS)

The percentage of people who pass the Chartered Accountancy (CA) exams varies greatly depending on the level. For example, Group I passed the CA Final May 2025 exam with a success rate of roughly 27.35%, while Group II passed with a pass rate of 36.35%. Candidates who attempted both groups had a cumulative pass rate of 19.88%. This is an improvement over prior years, indicating a trend towards higher candidate performance. The pass percentages for Group I and Group II on the CA Intermediate May 2025 exam were 27.15% and 18.28%, respectively, with a combined pass rate of 18.42% for individuals taking both groups.

Both the course are considered to be the same level. But the general perception is that CA is tougher. There are some common subjects. You can prepare for them together.

You will need to divide your time for the other subjects. You could have timetable so that you spend equal time for both.

CA is a professional certification which can not be deemed equivalent to graduation or post graduation degree. ICAI allows an Indian CA to sit for foreign countries Charted Accounting Professional bodies examination in mutually signed agreements. 

Hello Vikrant, I can understand your angst. It’s actually a well-known fact that admission in IIT is one of the toughest propositions. It is said that getting admission in a US college is much easier.

CA on the other hand appears simple but is not. It too requires dedicated studies and concentration. Having said this, I would sincerely advise you to introspect and first decide as to which of these two fascinates you more. Please select this subject as your future. I am sure you will achieve success.

Hi Sourav, According to me, you should continue your career as a doctor. Both, MBBS and CA deal with 2 different areas. If you are pursuing MS then why do you want to do CA?

Moreover, what’s the use of MS then? Think well before taking a decision.

Hi, If you plan to work in India, CA is the best. For global exposure, you may choose ACCA. ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), UK, is a global body of professional accountants and is recognized as the worlds largest and influential accountants association expanding over 170 countries and training more than 370,000 students all over the world.

The portability of the ACCA qualification is what makes it attractive in the global economic climate. Unlike CA or other accounting courses, ACCA qualification is in line with the current demands of employers all over the world. So make the best decision. Please feel free to discuss more. Wish you luck.

Candidates frequently get prestigious higher positions in illustrious companies. The qualifications and position that a candidate applies for determine the typical pay that a qualified chartered accountant will earn. Even for the same position, the pay will differ depending on the institute. 

The average salary of Chartered Accountants in India ranges from INR 6-7 Lacs per annum to INR 30 Lacs per annum. Salary package offered by international auditing firms can go as high as INR 75 Lacs per annum. 

Recruiters typically have specific expectations from a fresher Chartered Accountant (CA) when hiring. Here’s what they generally look for:

• Strong Technical Knowledge: Solid understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, taxation, and auditing.

• Practical Experience: Hands-on experience through internships or articles that demonstrate the practical application of accounting concepts.

• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze financial data, identify trends, and provide insights.

• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in financial reporting and auditing tasks.

• Problem-Solving Abilities: Capacity to address and resolve financial and accounting issues efficiently.

• Time Management: Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with accounting software and tools, such as Tally, QuickBooks, or Excel.

• Ethical Standards: Commitment to ethical practices and adherence to professional standards.

Getting hired by top recruiters for CAs is kind of a challenging thing, because many people qualify for CAs each year, and while there are lots of jobs, still everyone wants to work for top firms. These big companies like "Big Four", and large Indian and International businesses often pay good salaries, provide chances to grow, and builds a strong raputation, hence making them an attractive thing to new CAs. 

Ernst & Young (EY), PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG) and Deloitte are the top private companies that hire CAs. They are known as The Big Four. CA professionals can seek employment in these companies as well as other enterprises if they don't want to practice independently.

The ICAI has its own placement cell to, through which it provides placements to candidates who complete the Chartered Accountancy course. Some of the top companies that participate in the campus placements are Infosys, Pankaj Somaiya Associates LLP, Prism Johnson Limited, Tata Consultancy Services Ltd, Bandhan AMC Ltd, Mahindra Rural Housing Finance Limited, Hindalco Industries, Ford Motor Private Limited, LIC Housing Finance Ltd, Axis Bank among others.

Becoming a Chartered Accountant is challenging due to the rigorous demands of the qualification process. The journey involves mastering a broad and complex curriculum that spans accounting, auditing, taxation, financial management, and law. 

Candidates must pass multiple levels of exams - CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, and CA Final - each with strict passing criteria. 

In addition to academic challenges, aspiring CAs must complete a mandatory three-year Articleship, which requires balancing practical work experience with intense study. 

The extensive preparation needed, coupled with the high standards and long-term commitment, makes the path to becoming a CA both demanding and rewarding.

In the initial stages of CA careers while working in the private sector, especially with top firms or multinational corporations, often starts with a higher salary package compared to an entry-level IAS officer. External reports suggest that the average starting salary for a CA can range from INR 6 to INR 10 Lacs per annum, and even higher in Big 4 firms. The starting salary for an IAS officer, as per the 7th Pay Commission, begins at aprrox. INR 56,000 per month, which translates to roughly INR 6.7 Lacs per annum, excluding allowances.  

Hence, from a monetary perspective, a well-placed and experienced CA in the private sector generally has the potential to earn more than an IAS officer.

It depends on when you are joining this course. Those who pursue CA courses straight after the 12th grade require around five years to complete the programme. The duration of the CA course for those joining after graduation is three years. To become a chartered accountant, one has to clear three levels along with three years of articleship.

1. The first level is the CA foundation stage.
2. The second level is CA Intermediate. 
3. The third level is the CA final, consisting of groups one and two. If you fail at any level, you will have to repeat it, which will increase the course duration for you.

Yes, a career as a CA can be quite stressful due to the demanding nature of the job. CAs often work long hours, especially during tax season or financial year-end, as they are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of financial records, compliance with regulations, and providing sound financial advice. 

The pressure to meet deadlines, the complexity of financial regulations, and the need to maintain a high level of precision can contribute to stress. However, effective time management, staying organized, and a strong support system can help manage the stress associated with the profession.

No, becoming a CA in just one year is not feasible due to the structured and rigorous nature of the CA course. The entire process typically takes several years to complete, even for the most dedicated students. 

The CA journey involves passing three levels of exams—CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, and CA Final—along with completing Articleship training, which itself requires a minimum of 2.5 to 3 years. 

Each exam level has specific preparation and eligibility requirements, and the exams are conducted at different intervals throughout the year. 

No, Chartered Accountancy (CA) is not a government job. Chartered Accountants are professionals who are certified by the Institute of ICAI to offer services in accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial consultancy. 

They can work in various sectors, including private companies, and public sector organizations, or practice independently. While some CAs may work in government roles, such as in public sector enterprises or regulatory bodies, the CA qualification itself is not tied to a government job. 

Yes, of ocurse, a student from a poor financial background can definitely become a CA. The CA course, offered by the ICAI, is relatively affordable compared to many other professional courses. ICAI also provides scholarships and financial assistance to students in need. 

Success in the CA exams is not dependent on financial status but rather on hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Many CAs have overcome financial challenges through disciplined study, effective time management, and support from scholarships or part-time work during their studies. 

Yes, a CA can become a CEO. Many CAs have successfully transitioned into leadership roles, including that of a CEO. The skills and knowledge gained through the CA qualification—such as financial acumen, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of business operations—are highly valued in executive positions. 

As of recent reports, one of the richest CAs in India is Kumar Mangalam Birla. He is the Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, one of India’s the largest and most diversified conglomerates.

Birla is a qualified Chartered Accountant and has significantly expanded his family business, making it a global powerhouse with interests in various sectors including metals, cement, textiles, and telecommunications. His net worth is in the billions, making him one of the wealthiest CAs in the country.

CA is a professional degree certification. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is a role . CEO can be a designation for a company of 5 employees or 5 lakh employees.

It is different to compare CA profession with CEO. Your question is not not clear. You may reframe your question.

Yes, BMC student has to possess the best of skills and experience to lead an organization.

Opening a startup, which comes as a new concept and becomes a good name, you can be a CEO. Never stop studying. It matters less to be CEO than being a knowledgeable person.

The first step before starting your studies is to prepare a timetable. Those students who think that making a timetable is a waste of time done a blunder mistake. Instead of wasting time every day thinking about what to study or where to start, make a proper plan. Pick Up the study material, check out the CA Foundation exam pattern and allocate time to every subject and every chapter according to the days left in your exam. This will not just organize your studies in a proper manner but also help you to analyze your performance.

Teachers play a major role in the success and the failure of a student. Many of the students crack this exam without coaching with just passing marks. But let me warn you, that clarity on the concepts is essential from the basic level because Chartered Accountancy is a long journey where you will be called experts. And a proper CA Foundation coaching helps you a lot in gaining clarity over your concepts.

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants popularly known as ACCA is a globally recognised course with over 200,000 members and 600,000 students across 180+ countries. The ACCA qualification is considered the largest professional accounting qualification in the world.

ACCA course is one of the most prestigious certifications in accounting and is preferred by many students who want to build a successful career abroad. In India, ACCA is said to be equivalent to CA and ACCA professionals are hired at the same salary in most companies such as PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, EY, Grant Thornton, and BDO. 

Corporate Law includes various paperwork related to finance and accountancy, therefore, it is directly related to Chartered Accountancy. Therefore, the course curriculum of both courses includes Corporate Law and Chartered Accountancy as mandatory subjects.

Corporate Law also consists of various other laws such as the Companies Act and other CSR Laws which require a fair understanding of the principles of managing a company. Moreover, corporate law is also a popular choice in LLB especially for those who have completed or pursuing CA.

There are 2 CA colleges in Chennai,  offering only Accounting specialization. FTMS Global Academy (India) Private Limited and IIKMFE Financial Education are the top CA colleges in Chennai. CA course is a professional designation given to accounting professionals in India, denoting expertise in accounting, auditing, taxation, financial management, and general management. CA course graduates are qualified to offer a wide range of economic and business advisory services to organizations and individuals. CA course is a prestigious and challenging profession that offers diverse career opportunities and requires a commitment to ongoing learning and ethical practice.

Such systems are able to provide extremely accurate Management Information Reports and Decision Support outputs, sometimes replace human efforts. However, this field is yet to develop to replicate human intelligence and replace it. CA is statutory requirement and unless laws are changes by Government of India, AI will not able to replace CA in enterprises. CAs must be ready to adopt these valuable technology breakthroughs to understand and help technologist to create applications and systems to solve accounting and business problems.

These technology innovations will make CA more proficient, more productive, and capable of taking on and handling more clients. They will also help in delivering more value through insight by capturing hidden business knowledge in data and discovering business intelligence, rather than doing long hours of physical hard work. CA must be aware of these support systems to ease their business and help to increase accuracy and efficiency and not find any threat to their existence.

Hi, I would suggest not giving up on the articleship training. It is going to help you in long run in getting lucrative jobs and able to sustain the job pressures. You can still skip it and take up job but that's only a temporary phase.

More than getting a job it is very important to learn the various work process while learning in this articleship. This is going to help throughout in life and will fetch much more success.

CA world wide is a professional certification awarded by Charted Accountant body of professional in a particular country.

CA certification or degree is not awarded by any university.

There are about 20+ best CA colleges in India. Of these, 6 colleges are privately owned and 1 by public/government organisations. Students can secure admission after passing Class 12. Some of the top CA colleges in India include Navkar Institute, ICAI - Institute of Cost Accountants of India, Indian Institute of Finance and Accounts, Pune, CMS For CA, Shiksha Guru, ATM Global Business School (ATM-GBS), EduPristine, Mumbai, and many others.

Below is the table showing particulars of best CA colleges in India:

CA is a professional degree certification, while Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is a role. CEO is basically a designation for a company of 5 employees or 5 Lacs employees. It is different to compare CA profession with CEO.

The minimum duration of the Chartered Accountancy Course for a person joining after Class XIIth (I. e. through CPT Route) is 4.5 years.

The minimum duration of the Chartered Accountancy Course for a person joining after Graduation (I. e. through Direct Entry Scheme) is 3 years. Thank you.

A. There are 27 CA colleges in India. Out of which, Maharashtra and Delhi/NCR have the maximum number of CA colleges in India. Below is the table showing states having number of colleges:

Explore more at: Best CA Colleges in India

A Science student can become a Chartered Accountant (CA), but it usually involves a transition from a Science background to a Commerce and Finance-oriented one.

While it's possible for a Science student to become a CA, the transition may involve additional coursework to cover commerce-related subjects. 

Yes, it's true that you can do CA without giving the example CPT (Common Proficiency Test was the first level of Chartered Accountancy examinations).

For such that you have a need to score 55% in your graduation. And thereafter you can take admission in CA inter.

You can complete Chartered Accountant course typically in 4.5 to 5 years. It includes CA Foundation, Intermediate, and Final course. Moreover, the practical training period takes 10 to 12 months. 

The major difference between the Chartered Accountancy or CA and Cost Accountancy or CMA courses is that - CA degree is the core study of accounting, taxation, auditing and finance, whereas CMA degree is the study of managing budgets, costing/ pricing, assets, liabilities, analysis, and much more.

Also Read: CA vs CMA/ ICWA

The CA result, scorecard or merit list can be accessed online only. Apart from direct download via login, there is a provision to obtain CA result via email. The provision of obtaining results via email was introduced in 2022. To get result via email, candidates have to submit a request on the ICAI website as per the schedule announced by the exam authorities.

These processes have been put in place for the convenience of candidates as a soft copy of the scorecard is saved in the student dashboard and they can download it as soon as it is announced or whenever they need. Online announcement of result is quick and safe.

There are 5 best CA colleges in Delhi and out of these one is owned by the government. Admissions to most top Chartered Accountancy (CA) institutes in Delhi are done on a merit basis. The courses are offered in both Full-time and distance / Correspondence modes of study, ICAI Indraprastha, Shiksha Guru, ATM Global Business School, Easy Solution CA Classes and ETEN CA Pitampura are the best CA Colleges in Delhi NCR.

Among the approximately 7 top CA colleges in Delhi NCR, only one is owned by a public/government organization. Students can secure admission after passing their Class 12 exams. Some of the popular CA colleges in Delhi NCR include ICAI - Institute of Cost Accountants of India, Shiksha Guru, ATM Global Business School, Easy Solution CA Classes, Academy of Commerce Noida,  and many others.

There is no maximum age-limit for the CA course. However, minimum age should by 17 years (Class 12 pass). A finance or accounting professional can pursue the CA course at any phase of their career.

CA is a designation given to an individual who has acquired Chartered Accountancy certification from a statutory body that has determined that the individual possesses knowledge and abilities.

No,  The annual tuition for seven institutes, including EduPristine Mumbai, CMS for CA, Shiksha Guru, International School for Financial Studies, and IIKMFEE Financial Education, Academy of Professional Training, Indian School of Business Adminstration and Adminstration is believed to be less than INR 1 lakh. Rest 4 colleges have total fee ranges of INR 2-3 Lakhs and 2 colleges have fee ranges of INR 3-5 lakhs. 

If we talk about the entry level jobs in both the field then, CAs earn slightly more than MBAs in finance, with an average starting salary of INR 8.05 LPA compared to INR 7.64 LPA for an MBA in finance. However, as the experience increases then both the professionals can fetch salary between INR 10 LPA to INR 15 LPA.

Industries that commonly hire CA professionals, are accounting firms, banking and financial services, corporate finance, consultation firms, auditing firms, investment banking, taxation services, mergers and acquisitions.   

Always remember there is a huge difference between the school exams and professional exams. I have seen students who were brilliant in school life, though they collapsed terribly in professional exams.

I am not demotivating you, never. For becoming a CA, you need hard work, determination, consistency and passion. Good command on maths is an additional benefit you have. Good luck.

Of course yes, you can get job in UK as CA is a reputed course.

Wherever you go you will be respected. But, if you want to work in UK, you should register with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England & Wales (ICAEW).

In India, there is no cap on the number of seats available for admission to the Chartered Accountant programme. There are no limits or quotas set by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) on the number of students who can join in the Foundation Course, which serves as the prerequisite for the CA programme following Class 12.

This indicates that your success on the Foundation Course entrance exam will be the main factor considered in the admissions process. You can guarantee a spot in the programme if you fulfil the requirements for eligibility and perform well on the test.

However certain factors like college capacity, demand, etc. might influence the availability of seats at CA colleges offering the foundation course.

Here are the roles of Chartered Accountants (CAs) summarized:

• Accounting and Financial Reporting: Maintain financial records and prepare financial statements.

• Auditing: Conduct audits, identify discrepancies, and provide improvement recommendations.

• Taxation: Advise on tax planning, prepare tax returns, and ensure tax compliance.

• Financial Management: Develop budgets, manage cash flows, and analyze investments.

• Consulting and Advisory: Offer strategic advice, risk management, and support for mergers and acquisitions.

• Corporate Governance: Ensure compliance with governance standards and establish internal controls.

• Forensic Accounting: Investigate fraud and provide litigation support.

• Management Accounting: Analyze costs and measure business performance.

• Financial Planning: Assist with retirement and estate planning.

• Regulatory and Compliance: Ensure adherence to financial regulations and update policies.

No, CA (Chartered Accountancy) course in India in approximately 3.5 to 4.5 years from the 12th grade, provided you clear all the examinations at each level (Foundation, Intermediate, and Final) on your first attempt and complete the mandatory articleship training within the stipulated time.

No, CA is not a government job, as becoming a Chartered Accountant is a professional qualification awarded by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament.

However, CA qualification opens up various job opportunities in various sectors,  including the government and public sector undertakings (PSUs). Governments and PSUs require skilled professionals in finance, accounting, auditing, and taxation, and CAs are well-suited for these roles

There is currently a record-high demand for Chartered Accountant course graduates in the global market. For candidates who have always wished to reside abroad and advance their career opportunities, Chartered Accountant course graduates are one of the best choices. Candidates who have earned their CA certification can also commence their own auditing company and begin offering auditing services to clients. Although the process of becoming a CA is not simple, many students choose it because it offers one of the best career prospects and stable employment in a variety of positions.

• Career Versatility: Chartered Accountants also work as business consultants who help businesses grow and move forward. CAs play a critical role in propelling a company to greater heights contributing to better profit margins, dividends and market share.  
• Nice Payscale: As CA is always in demand owing to her/his financial expertise (especially tax knowledge) - a chartered accountant with 3 to 5 years of experience may easily earn an average package of INR 6-8 lakh. 
• Get Internationally Recognised: As the CA organising body ICAI has international value, it enables CA graduates to land job opportunities in other countries too if they cover the eligibility criteria and visa requirements. 

CA Final is considered the most difficult where you have to study more to score good marks. Also, the syllabus at the Final level is vast and complex, requiring a deep and integrated understanding of advanced topics in accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial managemen. But it also depends on the individual based on their aptitude and interest.

The average salary of an MBBS doctor can range between INR 2.5 LPA and INR 15 LPA, whereas, the CA earns around 10 LPA.

However, the earning potential for Chartered Accountants (CA) and doctors can vary widely based on their specialization, experience, and the sectors they work in. 

Doctors, especially those in specialised fields like surgery, cardiology, or neurology, can earn substantial incomes, particularly if they work in private practice or prestigious hospitals. On the other hand,  

Chartered Accountants can also achieve high earnings, especially those who work with large corporations, and MNCs, or have successful practices. Senior CAs in top positions, such as CFOs, can earn salaries comparable to or even exceeding those of many doctors. 

Definitely yes, you can self-study for CA course, where Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) provides detailed study materials and resources for each level (Foundation, Intermediate, and Final). Many successful Chartered Accountants have cleared the exams through self-study.

To effectively self-study for CA, you should:

• Create a Structured Study Plan
• Thoroughly Understand Concepts
• Utilize ICAI Materials Extensively
• Practice Regularly
• Take Mock Tests
• Seek Clarifications

Yes, the syllabus has been changed. After class 12th, first, you need to get yourself registered for CPT (Common Proficiency Test) at any of ICAI institute near you. They will give you the study material. Then after clearing that register for IPCC; it has 2 groups to be cleared. After that, one needs to undergo 6months of articleship training under a CA.

Here come the last step i.e. finals. Again it has 2 groups to be cleared. Meanwhile they have some IT trainings also about which you will be informed timely.

Yes, you can pursue CA after completing class 12th with PCM. However, without a basic understanding of Accounting, it will be difficult. In the first exam, CPT, subjects like Accounting, Economics, and Mathematics are covered.

Simply knowing the basics won't be enough—you need a strong grasp of these subjects, especially Accounting. So, if you're serious about CA, focus on improving your skills in Accounting and Economics, as Chemistry and Physics won't be of much help in this field.

Hello Jithika, Definitely, you are eligible for pursuing CA any background subject students can pursue it. CA has huge demand and scope in India. CA course deals with Accounting, Taxation, laws, Costing and finance.

It needs more dedication to achieve this professional course only 3% students are cleared at first attempt. All the Best for your future.

The CA course is all about accounting, checking finance (audit) and taxes, and looking at the financial information. Also, if you have an eye for detailing and dealing with numbers, then also you will find it easy for you. So, if you are interested about businesses and their account related matters then this course will be a right fit for you. 

The fees to be paid for registration of CA courses are given below:

• CA Foundation: INR 9,800
• CA Intermediate: INR 18,000
• CA Final: INR 22,000 

The CA course in India does not directly require Class 12 marks for entry. The CA course is administered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and has three levels: CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, and CA Final. 

• CA Foundation Course: To enroll in the CA Foundation Course, candidates must have completed their Class 12 from a recognised board. There is no specific minimum percentage required in Class 12 for eligibility to register for the CA Foundation.

Under the Education and Training Scheme, there are two ways to start a CA degree: the Foundation Course Route and the Direct Entry Route.

• If you want to start the CA degree right after finishing Class 12,  you need to take the Foundation Route, which includes passing exams given by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).
• But if you have already finished your graduation or postgraduation, you can skip the Foundation exams and directly apply for the Intermediate exams.

In short, the Foundation Course is for students who just completed Class 12, while the Direct Entry Route is for graduates.

Given below is the process of CA Foundation route entry for pursuing a CA degree from ICAI:

• Step 1: Register Yourself for the CA Foundation Exam and pass it
• Step 2: Register Yourself for the CA Intermediate Exam 2025
• Step 3: Once you pass the CA Intermediate Exam, enrol for the Articleship And Final Exam
• Step 4: Enroll in the Institute of Chartered Accountants

Following is the step-by-step process to become a CA through Direct Route:

• Step 1: Pass Class 12 in the Commerce stream with a minimum aggregate of 55% marks. Other graduates or Postgraduates must score a minimum aggregate of 60% marks. Candidates who are in the Final Year of Graduation can register provisionally.
• Step 2: Directly register with ICAI – CA Inter
• Step 3: Register and complete 4 weeks of ICITSS (Orientation Program and Information Technology) 
• Step 4: Register for Articleship (Total Duration: 3 years; Out of which 9 months is to be completed before appearing for the CA Inter Exam). Study along with Articleship. Appear and clear both groups of CA Inter
• Step 5: Register for CA Final 
• Step 6: Undergo 4 weeks of AICITSS during the last two years of practical training but before appearing for the CA Final Examination.
• Step 7: Appear for the CA Final Exam in the last 6 months of the Articleship
• Step 8: Qualify both groups of CA Final. 
• Step 9: Complete the Articleship and become a Member of ICAI.

If you want to become  a CA After Passing Intermediate-Level Exams of the ICSI or the ICAI then follow the below mentioned steps:

• Step 1: Sign up for CA Inter with ICAI. The registration process for CA Intermediate is the same for these students as it is for regular students. 
• Step 2: Study for eight months to prepare for CA Intermediate Exams.
• Step 3: Take and pass one or both groups of CA Intermediate exams.
• Step 4: Enroll in a three-year Articleship training programme upon passing one or both groups of CA Intermediate.
• Step 5: Register for the CA Final after completing both groups of CA Intermediate.
• Step 6: Complete a 4-week AICITSS course during the last two years of practical training but before taking the CA Final Examination.
• Step 7: Sit for the CA Final Examination during the final 6 months of Articleship training.
• Step 8: Pass both groups of CA Final exams.
• Step 9: Finish Articleship Training.
• Step 10: Become a member of ICAI.

After completing the CA course there are many advanced courses and certifications that can further enhance your career prospects and open new opportunities for your growth.
Below are some of the options candidates can pursue after the CA course for further advancements in their careers:

• Diploma in Information System Audit
• Chartered Financial Analyst
• Certified Information System Auditor
• Investment Banking
• Financial Risk Management
• Bachelors of Law