CA (Chartered Accountancy): Admission 2025, ICAI Exam, Eligibility, Fees, Syllabus, Salary

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 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.

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 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

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.

No, pursuing a BCom course is not necessary for enrolling in the CA course. The Chartered Accountancy course, administered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), is open to students who have completed their Class 12 from a recognised board. 

Students can directly register for the CA Foundation course after Class 12. Alternatively, graduates, including those with a BCom degree, can enter the CA course through the Direct Entry Scheme, which allows them to skip the Foundation level and start directly from the CA Intermediate level, provided they meet the specified percentage 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 is not true that only a commerce student can become a CA. While a background in commerce can provide a strong foundation due to the overlap in subjects like accounting and finance, students from other educational streams can also pursue a CA.

The CA course, offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), is open to students from various academic backgrounds after completing their 12th grade. 

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

The starting salary of a Chartered Accountant in India is minimum INR 7 Lacs per annum. With experience of four-five years, the annual earning potential rises up to INR 24-25 Lacs per annum. The top notch CAs charge greater amount for their services. One can join a financial auditing company or start their independent practice depending on their choice of career path.

The prospects of a Chartered Accountancy as a career is very high in India as well as abroad. Since, the ICAI certificate is globally recognized, aspirants can seek career opportunities in the foreign countries after completing the course.

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.

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).

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.

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.

The syllabus for the Chartered Accountant (CA) programme in India is prescribed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). ICAI is the national professional accounting body that regulates the accounting profession in India.

Here's a breakdown of how ICAI is involved in the CA syllabus:

• Setting the curriculum framework: ICAI defines the overall learning objectives and areas of knowledge covered in the CA program. 
• Developing the detailed syllabus: They create a detailed syllabus outlining specific topics, learning outcomes, and reference materials for each subject in the CA program.
• Updating the syllabus: The syllabus is periodically reviewed and updated by ICAI to reflect changes in the accounting profession, regulations, and industry practices.

So, ICAI plays a crucial role in establishing and maintaining the CA syllabus to ensure it remains relevant and prepares aspiring chartered accountants for a successful career. 

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.