CA Course Admissions 2025

  • SaveSave
  • Request a callbackRequest a callback
  • AskAsk us
author
Sep 24, 2024 21:04PM IST

CA Admission Overview

CA is a designation given to someone who has acquired Chartered Accountancy certification from a statutory organization that has determined that the person possesses the knowledge and abilities required to be carried out as a Chartered Accountant. The certification is offered in India by the ICAI, also known as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. Earlier, the only entry level exam for admission to the course was the Common Proficiency Test (CPT) which has now been replaced by the CA Foundation exam along with the changes in syllabus. Candidates will be eligible to take the Foundation exam after passing class 12th from a recognized school board or an equivalent exam as recognized by the Central Government of India, and upon completing four months of study period after registering with the Board of Studies.

Chartered Accountancy course exams for all three levels will be held in an offline mode and the minimum passing marks at each level is 40% for each paper and an aggregate of 50% marks in all papers combined. The registration date for the CA Foundation admission exam for June 2023 session is over now and the exam is slated to be held on June 24, 2023, June 26, 2023, June 28, 2023, and June 30, 2023. The registration for Foundation, Intermediate, and Final levels of the course remains open throughout the year for May/ June OR November/ December exam sessions.

The admission to CA course is possible via two different methods, the Foundation route and the Direct Entry route. It is always advisable, especially for 12th pass students, to choose the Foundation route to strengthen their fundamentals and have a good grasp of the course syllabus. However, Commerce/ Non-Commerce graduates and candidates who have passed the Executive and Intermediate levels of the Company Secretary course and Cost Management Accountant course, respectively, can take direct admission to the CA Intermediate level skipping the Foundation level of the course. There is no maximum age limit set forth by the ICAI for admission to the course. 

Show Less

CA Admission Highlights

The CA admission highlights will provide you with all the crucial information related to the course. Interested candidates can check out the below-mentioned table to get a good understanding of the important aspects of the CA course admission process. 

Course NameCA Course
Full FormChartered Accountancy is the full form of CA course.to
Regulatory BodyInstitute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
Course Duration
  • For Foundation/ CPT route: 4.5 - 5 years
  • For Direct Entry route: 3 years
Course Level

CA course has 3 levels:

  • Foundation
  • Interincludingmediate
  • Final
Eligibility Criteria

For Foundation Route:

  • A candidate must have finished the four months of mandatory study time after registering for CA Foundation and have passed class 12th exam to be qualified to sit for the Foundation exam.

For Direct Entry Route:

Direct admission to the CA Intermediate level is available to the following candidates:

  • Graduates in Commerce with aggregate marks of 55%
  • Graduates in non-Commerce with aggregate marks of 60%
  • Candidates with ICSI/ ICWAI Executive/ Intermediate level passed certifications
Age LimitNo age limit is prescribed by ICAI
Admission Process

The CA admission process takes place in two ways:

  • CPT/ Foundation Route: For 12th passed students
  • Direct Entry Route: For graduates, post graduates, ICSI/ ICWAI Executive/ Intermediate level passed candidates.
Job ProfilesChartered Accountant, Auditor, Finance Manager, Tax Consultant, etc.
CA Annual Salary in IndiaINR 5,00,000 - INR 20,00,000
Employment AreasTax Advisory Firms, Corporate Houses (includes budget and planning teams), Law Firms, Audit and Taxation, Banking and Financial Services, Investment Banking Firms, Chartered Accountant Firms, etc.
Show Less

CA Eligibility Criteria

CA course admission takes place in two different ways i.e CPT/ Foundation route OR Direct Entry route. The eligibility criteria for both methods are mentioned below:

CA Foundation Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for CA Foundation course level are as follows:

  • After clearing the 10+2 examinations from a recognised school board or an exam that the Central Government has recognised as equivalent, students are qualified to take the Chartered Accountancy Foundation exam.
  • A candidate must have finished the four months of mandatory study time with the Board of Studies after enrolling in the CA Foundation course and have passed class 12th to be qualified to take the Foundation exam.
  • The ICAI does not impose an upper age limit on candidates seeking admission to the CA Foundation programme.

CA Direct Entry Eligibility Criteria

For direct acceptance into the CA Intermediate course, the candidate must fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

  • Candidates for this admission route must have completed their undergraduate or graduate studies in the Commerce stream and have minimum aggregate marks of 55% or an equivalent score. However, the topics they had to have studied had to be Accounting, Auditing, Mercantile Laws, Corporate Laws, Economics, Management (including Financial Management), Taxation (including Direct Tax Laws and Indirect Tax Laws), Costing, Business Administration, or Management Accounting, or topics with names that sound similar to these papers but use distinct nomenclatures.
  • Graduates and postgraduates from non-Commerce streams must have received an overall score of at least 60 per cent, or its equivalent, on the examination conducted by any accredited university (including Open University).
  • Those who have completed the Executive or Intermediate levels of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) or the Institute of Cost and Work Accountants of India (ICWAI) are also eligible for direct admission. 
  • The CA Intermediate course is also open to applicants who are in their final year of graduation. Only after presenting their final year marksheet or passing certificate within six months of the date they took the final year graduation exam, as well as after successfully passing the ICITSS (Orientation Course and Information Technology), would such candidates' registration become official. Throughout the provisional registration period, a candidate is permitted to take part in and complete the ICITSS.
Show Less

CA Fees

CA course fees for all the three levels of the ICAI programme are mentioned in the table below:

CA Foundation Course Fee

Fee DetailsFee (in INR)Fee for Foreign Students (in USD)
Prospectus Cost20020
Foundation Registration Fee9000700
Students’ Journal Subscription (for 1 year) -  Optional20020
Members’ Journal Subscription (for 1 year) -  Optional40040
Total Fee9800780

CA Intermediate Course Fee

Fee DetailsBoth Groups (in INR)Both Groups (in USD)Group I/ II (in INR)Group I/ II (in USD)
Registration Fee15,00011,000
Students’ Activities Fee20002000 (to be paid only once)
Registration Fee (as Articled Assistant)1000
Total Fee18,000100013,000600

Note: Direct entrance students must pay INR 200 (about $20) for the prospectus in addition to the fees listed above.

CA Final Course Fee

Fee DetailsFor Indian Students (in INR)For Foreign Students (in USD)
Final Registration Cost (without article)22,0001100
Show Less

CA Entrance Exam

The Common Proficiency Test (now replaced by CA Foundation) is the only entry-levelexam for the Chartered Accountancy course. A student who has completed the 10th grade may enroll for the Foundation level by submitting the required paperwork and payment. Students are only allowed to take the CA Foundation exam only after passing class 12th and completing four months of mandatory study period with the Board of Studies.

CPT/ CA Foundation Entrance Exam Schedule

The schedule for CA Foundation/ CPT exam is as follows:

Exam EventsCA Exam Dates 2023
Application form dateFebruary 3, 2023
Application submission last date (without late fee)February 24, 2023
Application submission last date (with late fee)March 03, 2023
Application Form Correction WindowMarch 4, 2023 to March 10, 2023
CA Foundation Exam Dates

24 June, 2023

26 June, 2023

28 June, 2023

30 June, 2023

Note: Candidates registered under the Old Scheme are required to convert from CPT to Foundation on the Self Service Portal by paying INR 500.

CA Entrance Exam Syllabus

The CA Foundation consists of four papers. One must pass all four papers to complete this level of the Chartered Accountancy programme. The syllabus covered in the four papers of the Foundation course is listed in the table below:

PapersCA Foundation SyllabusMarks
Paper 1Principles and Practices of Accounting100 Marks
Paper 2

Business Law & Business Correspondence and Reporting

  • Part I: Business Law [60 Marks]
  • Part II: Business Correspondence and Reporting [40 Marks]
100 Marks
Paper 3

Business Law & Business Correspondence and Reporting

  • Part I: Business Law [60 Marks]
  • Part II: Business Correspondence and Reporting [40 Marks]
100 Marks
Paper 4

Business Economics & Business and Commercial Knowledge

  • Part I: Business Economics [60 Marks]
  • Part II: Business and Commercial Knowledge [40 Marks]
100 Marks
Show Less

CA Selection Process

CA selection process is different for foundation and direct entry routes involving multiple crucial steps as mentioned below:

CA Foundation Selection Process

  • Candidates who have passed class 10th can register themselves for the CA Foundation course. 
  • After registering for the CA Foundation course, candidates need to also register with the Board of Studies (BoS) and complete four months of mandatory study period.
  • Now, after completing class 12th or equivalent from a recognized school board, candidates will be eligible to sit for the CA Foundation exam.
  • Candidates are required to enroll in CA Intermediate course level after passing the Foundation level exams.
  • One must finish 4 weeks of Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills before starting the articleship (ICITSS)
  • Applicants will now need to finish the 8 months of CA Intermediate study period and show up for the Intermediate exams. Candidates must pass at least one of the two sets of tests to advance to the next level.
  • One must enroll in three years of articleship training after passing the ICITSS and CA Intermediate exams (either group I/ II or both).
  • Now, candidates can register for the CA Final course.
  • Within the last two years of practical training, but before taking the final exam, successfully complete the four-week Advanced Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (AICITSS).
  • After passing AICITSS, take the final exam after finishing your practical training or during your last six months of articled training.
  • Complete the remaining time period of your articleship training.
  • Appear and pass the CA final exam
  • Become an ICAI member to qualify as a Chartered Accountant.

CA Direct Entry Selection Process

The direct entry selection process is divided into two parts and explained as follows:

Part - I (For Commerce graduates/ postgraduates with minimum aggregate marks of 55% and Non-Commerce graduates/ postgraduates with a minimum aggregate percentage of 60%)

  • Register for the CA Intermediate course at icai.org.
  • Before beginning their articleship, participants must complete a four-week Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (ICITSS).
  • Apply for the three-year practical training programme.
  • Show up for the intermediate examination on the first day of the exam's scheduled month after completing nine months of practical training.
  • Pass the Intermediate examination for both groups.
  • Enroll in the CA Final course
  • Complete the four-week Advanced Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills with a passing grade during the final two years of practical training, but before taking the CA final exam (AICITSS).
  • After passing the AICITSS, you must show up for the final exam at the end of your practical training or during the last six months of your articled training
  • Finish the remaining articled training
  • Attempt and pass the CA Final exam.
  • Become ICAI certified Chartered Accountant.

Part - II (For CMA/ CS Intermediate/ Executive passed candidates)

  • Register for the CA Intermediate course at ICAI’s official website.
  • Before starting the articleship, finish the four-week Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (ICITSS).
  • Complete 8 months of necessary study period before appearing for the Intermediate exam.
  • You can enroll in articled training after passing one or both groups of the intermediate course and the ICITSS.
  • Pass the intermediate exam's remaining groups
  • Sign up for the CA Final programme.
  • Within the last two years of practical training, complete the four weeks of Advanced Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (AICITSS) before taking the CA final exam.
  • After passing the AICITSS, you must show up for the final exam at the end of your practical training or during the last six months of your articled training
  • Finish the remaining period of your articleship, if any.
  • Take the CA Final Exam and successfully clear it.
  • Become an ICAI member as a certified Chartered Accountant.
Show Less

How to apply for the CA course?

Candidates can apply for the CA course through two methods, one is Foundation and the other is Direct Entry. Chartered Accountancy Foundation method is mostly for the 12th pass candidates and Direct Entry method is opted by graduates/ postgraduates/ CS Executive or CMA Intermediate level passed candidates. Candidates can easily register themselves through ICAI's centralized self-service platform. Applicants do not need to physically submit their documents or register at a branch of the ICAI.

To begin the CA registration and application process, candidates can follow the steps mentioned below:

  • Go to www.icai.org/post/students-services
  • Click on the link for Entry level forms [Foundation and Intermediate (Direct Entry)]
  • Have a working email address and mobile phone number
  • Complete the OTP-based registration process 
  • You will receive the OTP on your registered email address or mobile number 
  • To complete the verification process, enter the OTP received
  • Candidates will receive the login information via email or SMS after inputting the OTP.
  • Aspirants must use the login information they obtained to log in to the ICAI website in the following step.
  • Candidates will next be presented with two alternatives from which they can choose the student cycle on the left side.
  • Next, candidates need to choose the CA course level they wish to apply for
  • After this, an online form will be presented to the candidate with some information auto-filled. Candidates need to fill out the rest of the required information and click on the “Save and Next” option.
  • Scan and submit all the required self-attested documents in prescribed format
  • Now, scan and upload a recent colored passport-size photo and signature in the prescribed format
  • Pay the required course level registration fee 
  • Take a printout of the acknowledgement email received along with the payment receipt for future reference.
  • Wait for the Institute to verify the supporting documentation and confirm the registration
  • Information on how to order study materials through the centralized distribution system portal, icai-cds.org, will also be given to students upon successful registration.
Show Less

Documents Required for CA Course Admission

The documents required for CA admission at each level of the course are as follows:

Documents Required for CA Foundation Course Admission

Before registering for the CA Foundation 2023, candidates should maintain scanned copies of the following documents:

  • Attested copy of class 12th or its equivalent Central Government recognized exam Mark sheet and certificate
  • Class 10th Mark sheet and certificate attested copies
  • Government issued ID proof (preferably Aadhar Card)
  • A recent colored passport-size photo
  • Candidates belonging to SC/ ST/ OBC/ PwD must have their caste certificate

Documents Required for CA Intermediate Course Admission

The following documents will be required to register for the CA Intermediate 2023:

  • Attested copy of class 12th Mark sheet or its equivalent Central Government recognized exam Mark sheet and certificate
  • Attested copy of graduation mark sheet - For graduates/ postgraduates through direct entry
  • CS Executive/ CMA Intermediate passed scorecard - For ICSI Executive / ICWAI Intermediate passed candidates through direct entry
  • One recent colored passport-size photo
  • Government issued ID proof (preferably Aadhar Card)
  • Attested copy of Nationality proof (in case of a foreign candidate)
  • Caste certificate (if applicable)

Documents Required for CA Final Course Admission

Before registering for the CA Final 2023, candidates should have scanned copies of the following documents:

  • One recent passport-size photo 
  • Valid Nationality proof (for foreign category applicants)
  • Attested Mark sheet of CA Intermediate/ IPCC
  • Attested proof for reserved categories (SC/ ST/ PwD, etc.)
  • Attested mark sheet of CA Foundation/ CPT (not applicable for direct entry candidates)
Show Less

FAQs about CA Admission Process

Can I take admission to the CA course without an entrance exam?

Yes, candidates can take direct admission to the CA Intermediate level via the direct entry route. Commerce graduates with an overall 55% and Non-Commerce graduates with an aggregate of 60% marks along with CS Executive/ CMA Intermediate passed candidates are eligible for the direct entry route. These candidates are not required to pass the CA Foundation exam (formerly CPT).

Can I pass the CA Foundation admission exam with self preparation?

Yes, it is possible to clear the CA Foundation exam with self preparation. However, candidates must be disciplined, stick to their preparation plan, properly study from ICAI provided material, revise daily, prepare important notes, take lots of mock tests, study and solve previous year’s question papers in order to successfully clear the exam in one single sitting through self study only.

What is the purpose of CA qualification?

CA qualification allows a person to become a certified Chartered Accountant and a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). The CA certification is considered to be a prestigious and highly respected qualification in India, which further adds to the demand for CAs. Chartered accountants have specialized and in-depth knowledge in domains like accounting, auditing, taxation, and finance which makes them an extremely valuable asset for any organization. CAs in India have an excellent reputation and are considered to be well-trained and knowledgeable professionals who can provide valuable financial advice, perform auditing, and aid in the overall financial management and growth of a firm.

Do I need to join colleges to prepare for CA?

No, you do not need to join any college to prepare for the CA course. There are study materials provided by the ICAI to prepare for the course levels. Apart from that, there are online sample papers, previous year’s question papers, Youtube videos, etc. that can immensely help you in your CA exam preparation. However, if you still need help then you can look out for good coaching centers that help aspirants in successfully clearing each level of the course through proper guidance, practice, and teaching.

What is the last date for CA Foundation admission 2023?

The last date to fill out the application for the CA Foundation admission June 2023 exam was February 24, 2023 (without late fee), and March 3, 2023 (with late fee).

What is the age limit for the CA course?

There is no specified age limit by the ICAI to pursue the CA course in India. However, candidates must have at least completed their class 12th to be eligible to take the CA Foundation exam.

What are the CA admission fees?

The CA admission fees differ with the levels of the Chartered Accountancy course and are as follows:

CA Foundation level admission fees: INR 9800 (USD 780)
CA Intermediate level admission fees: INR 13,000 (Group I/ II), INR 18,000 (for both groups), USD 1000 (both groups), and USD 600 (Group I/ II) - Direct entry students must also pay an additional fee of INR 200 as the prospectus cost.
CA Final level admission fees: INR 22,000 or USD 1100 (for foreign candidates)
 

Can I apply online for CA admission?

Yes, candidates can apply online for admission to the CA course. The application process for all the three levels of the CA course is online based through ICAI’s centralized self service portal. Candidates can visit the following link www.icai.org/post/students-services, then click on another link “Entry level forms (Foundation and Intermediate (Direct Entry))” and get started with the registration and application process to the course.

How can I apply for the CA course after 12th?

Candidates who have passed class 12th can immediately register for the CA Foundation course along with registering with the Board of Studies to complete four months of mandatory study period before appearing for the Foundation entry level exam to the course. CA Foundation registration can be done online by visiting this link www.icai.org/post/students-services and clicking on “Entry level forms (Foundation and Intermediate (Direct Entry))”. The entire application process for all the three levels of the course is done online through ICAI’s centralized self service portal. We have also mentioned about how to apply for the course on this page, interested candidates may check the same.

How can I get admission to the CA course?

Candidates can get admission to the CA course through two ways mentioned below:

Foundation Route: This route is best for 12th pass students. Candidates who have passed class 10th can register for the CA Foundation course and complete 4 months of mandatory study period by registering with the Board of Studies and once a candidate clears class 12th, they become eligible to sit for the CA CPT/ Foundation entrance exam to the course.

Direct Entry Route: Graduates/ Postgraduates in Commerce and Non-Commerce streams along with ICSI Executive/ ICWAI Intermediate level passed candidates can take direct admission to the CA Intermediate level skipping the Foundation level of the course. Commerce graduates must have at least 55% aggregate marks and Non-Commerce must have at least 60% aggregate score to be eligible for the direct entry admission.
 

Show Less

CA Colleges in Cities