CA Course

CA Course is a professional degree course of learning about auditing, accounting, financial evaluation, and taxation for an individual or an organisation. The CA course full form is the Chartered Accountancy Course wherein the title of a chartered accountant is given to an accounting expert who has been approved by a statutory body as qualified to handle issues relating to accounting and taxation of a business enterprise. An aspiring CA candidate may pursue a Chartered Accountancy course either via the Foundation Course Route or the Direct Entry Route as provided under the Scheme of Education and Training. 

The entire CA Course is divided into three levels, namely - CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, and CA Final. The CA course duration is known to last for approximately 4 - 5 years. After the completion of your 12th grade, the foundational route would serve as your entry point into the CA programme. However, if you are someone who wishes to pursue the CA course after graduation, then you should opt for the Direct Entry Route wherein you won’t be required to sit for the CA Foundation exam. This way you will be able to directly sit for the CA Intermediate exam. Furthermore, the Direct Entry Route allows candidates to finish the course and become certified chartered accountants within a span of 3 years. 

The CA Course eligibility criteria requires candidates to have passed Class 10+2 from a recognised board and institution with at least 50% aggregate marks in any stream. The CA course fees vary according to the course level a candidate is aspiring to enrol for. For instance, if you are someone who is applying for the CA Foundation Course, then you will have to pay a sum of INR 9,800 whereas, the course fee for the CA Intermediate Course is INR 18,000 for both the groups and INR 13,000 for groups I/II separately and the course fee for the CA Final Course is INR 22,000. 

The CA course complete details have been tabulated in this highlights section that provide you with an overview of important aspects related to the chartered accountancy course like duration, course fee, top recruiters, and much more: 

FAQs 

What is the full form of a CA Course? 
The full form of a CA Course is Chartered Accountant. The CA course is a professional programme wherein candidates have to undergo three exams of different levels which decide whether they are eligible to become a Chartered Accountant or not. The CA Course duration is usually from 4-5 years. 

Is college compulsory for CA?
No, a college degree isn’t compulsory for a CA. You can join the CA course right after 12th which will take you at least 4.5 - 5 years to complete the full course. We strongly recommend you to complete a relevant degree like B Com, BBA, BBM, or B Com Hons which will strengthen your basic knowledge in accounting, taxation, and auditing which will make your work easy while pursuing your Chartered Accountant course and this way you will be able to complete the course in just 3 years. 

One of the most difficult and in-demand professional courses in the nation is the CA course, also known as the Chartered Accountancy Courses. For many people, it is the ideal profession, and it also pays well with lucrative salary packages. In addition to a variety of alternatives, a career in Chartered Accountancy has other additional benefits. Here are five compelling reasons to pursue CA as a career:

Versatility 

The profession of chartered accountancy gives a lot of flexibility to the candidate. There are numerous professional paths and options made available to CAs. Regardless of their size or industry, almost all businesses and organisations require financial expertise or someone who can manage their accounts and finances. As a result, chartered accountants get the opportunity to operate in a variety of industries. The training provided by the chartered accountancy course aids applicants in adjusting to and functioning in any industry thus resulting in a versatile career scope. 

Secure and Dependable 

One of the professions with the highest demand in the nation is that of Chartered Accountancy. CAs are required by almost every organisation to manage their accounting, finances, and auditing etc. Chartered Accountancy is regarded as a steady and secure career because there is a constant demand for qualified chartered accountants across all industries in the country. Employers are heavily dependent on their CAs for their day-to-day finances and thus, there is ample job security in this sector. 

Global Career Opportunities 

For those who wish to work abroad, entering the field of chartered accountancy could prove to be an excellent choice for their career growth. The demand for CA aspirants is significantly high and that is not only in the case in India, but abroad as well. Candidates can get internationally recognised certifications and professional qualifications in the necessary industries in addition to the CA course, which can strengthen their CV and provide them with an impetus so that they can secure better prospects in the field of chartered accountancy overseas. 

Lucrative Salary Packages 

Salary, bonuses, prestige, and other additional benefits that accompany a chartered accountancy job are some of the crucial factors to consider when choosing your area of study as well as a career path for the future. In comparison to other occupations, CA salary packages are quite excellent and lucrative in nature. Chartered Accountants rank among some of the highest paid candidates in the nation. For newly qualified chartered accountants, the average income package is around INR 6 - INR 7 LPA, and after obtaining some experience in this field, one can go up to higher salaries and better job prospects to earn even more money. 

Various Aspects of CA Course 

Many people believe that the field of chartered accountancy is monotonous and the work gets tedious and repetitive after some time because it primarily involves numbers only. However, this is a fallacy, though, as CA involves much more than mere computation. Chartered Accountants perform a variety of roles that range from Financial Consultancy to providing Secretarial Services to small businesses and organisations, Business-related Advices, Auditing Services etc in the development of firms across all industries. 

Skills Required to Become a CA (Chartered Accountant)

Aspirants must also skim through and take a quick glance at the important skill set that an aspiring CA candidate must possess: 

• Deliverance and perseverance
• Inclination for numbers
• Understanding of concepts
• Analytical abilities 
• Budget management
• In-depth knowledge of financial accounting and controlling
• Understanding of financial reporting
• Knowledge of tax consulting
• Evaluation and management auditing

FAQs 

Is B.Com mandatory for CA?
No, B Com is not at all mandatory for the CA course. Graduates are free to study any stream before joining the Chartered Accountancy course, however, if you are a graduate/ postgraduate in a Commerce stream then you will have advantage over other non-commerce graduates/ postgraduates because commerce stream courses like B.Com, BBA, etc. teach the basic fundamentals of accounting and finance that forms the backbone of the CA course.

What is the need for CA? 
A CA ensures the smooth running and functioning of your business enterprise and tries to minimise the risks of auditing financial penalties. They are also equipped with the skills required to identify tax deductions and credits that the employer may have missed, in turn, optimising your tax strategy and saving you more money than you could have done on your own. 

Before deciding to apply for the study of CA, candidates must go through the eligibility criteria of the CA course and must confirm whether they meet the qualifying requirements prior to registration or not. The eligibility criteria for the entry-level of the Chartered Accountancy programme i.e CA Foundation Course is mentioned below: 

Eligibility Criteria for CA Foundation Course

Here are the eligibility criteria for CA Foundation course: 

• Students can register for the Chartered Accountancy Foundation Course if they have completed their Class 10th administered by an organisation that is legally recognised in India or if they have taken an exam deemed equivalent by the Central Government. 
• After passing the 10+2 examination from a body established by law in India or an examination recognised as equivalent by the Central Government, students are eligible to sit for the CA Foundation Examination. 
  Please note that the CA Course age limit clearly states that a candidate must be of at least 17 years of age to sit for the Foundation Course exam. 
• Candidates will then be eligible for the Chartered Accountancy Foundation Exam after completing four months of study from the date of their enrolment.
• Each year, students who register on or before January 1 or July 1 are eligible to take the May/November exams. 
• The ICAI does not impose any upper limit age restrictions on applicants who desire to enrol in the CA Foundation Programme. 

Eligibility Criteria for CA Direct Entry Route

For direct admission to the CA Intermediate course, the aspirants must meet the following eligibility criteria: 

• Commerce Graduates/Postgraduates with at least an aggregate of 55% marks or an equivalent score can apply for this direct entry route. 
• They must, however, have studied Accounting, Auditing, Mercantile Laws, Corporate Laws, Taxation (including Direct Tax Laws and Indirect Tax Laws), Costing, Economics, Management (including Financial Management), Business Administration, or Management Accounting.
• Graduates/Postgraduates from the non-commerce fields must have obtained a minimum of 60% aggregate or its equivalent grade from any recognised university examination (including Open University). 

Some Exemptions

• Aspirants who have qualified for the Intermediate Level Examinations conducted by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India are eligible for direct entry. 
• Contenders who have qualified for the Intermediate Exam organised by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India are also suitable for direct entry.
• Such candidates are exempt from qualifying for the Foundation Course and can enrol directly in the CA Intermediate Course. 
• Contenders in their last year of study may also apply for the CA Intermediate Course on a provisional basis. 
• Such candidates' registration would be regularised only after they have submitted their final year mark sheets or passing certificates within six months of appearing in the final year examination and completing ICITSS (Orientation Course and Information Technology).
• ICITSS can be taken and completed by a candidate during the provisional registration period (Orientation Course and Information Technology). 

FAQs 

Which degree is eligible for CA? 
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India does not lay emphasis on any specific degree, rather it demands for a candidate to have scored an aggregate of 55% marks from a recognised college/university in any bachelor’s programme. However, a candidate can also apply for the CA Course after passing Class 12th. 

How to become a CA after 12th? 
Students who wish to appear for the CA exams right after they have passed their Class 12th should have scored at least an aggregate of 60% marks in the non-commerce stream and an aggregate score of 55% in the commerce stream. Students can sit for the CA Foundation exam as it is the entry-level examination for CA. 

CA Course exams are now held thrice in a year. The Foundation and Intermediate Course exams are held at a regular interval of every four months which implies that the exams are held in January, May/June, and September. The CA Course entrance exams are conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and they are deemed to be one of the toughest exams in the country. 

The CA Exams are respectively divided into three levels, CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, CA Final. Here are the brief descriptions of all three exams tabulated below: 

FAQs 

Can I join CA after 10th?
Yes, you are eligible to register for the CA Foundation course after completing 10th from a recognised school board in India or equivalent exam as mandated by the Central Government of India. However, you can only attempt the CA Foundation exam after completing 12th and studying for 4 months post registration with the Board of Studies through ICAI’s official website.

What does a CA do?
CA or Chartered Accountant is a person who is a genius in accounting, auditing, and taxation skills and knowledge. Basically, a Chartered Accountant is employed by various big companies or individuals to look after their tax filing, auditing, and ensuring that the company’s account and business is in accordance with the country’s rules and regulations along with the firm’s guidelines and regulations.

Before a candidate decides to appear for the CA exam on the basis of its eligibility criteria and exam details, it is important for them to know the CA course admission process. Different routes of selection methods are adopted for each level of the CA course and an explicit description of the same is given below: 

Chartered Accountancy Selection Process and Structure

Candidates can work through their journey of becoming a Chartered Accountant mainly via two routes i.e the Foundation Route or the Direct Entry route. So, if you are wondering as to how to get admission in CA Course then here are some of the crucial admission details on how to become a Chartered Accountant: 

Through Foundation Route

The steps to become a certified Chartered Accountant via the foundation route are as follows:

• After completing the Class 10th Exam administered by an examining body established by law in India, or an Exam recognised by the Central Government as an equivalent, enrol in the CA Foundation Course. 
• For the exam to be held in the months of May/June or November/December, respectively, register for the Foundation Course by the first day of January or the first day of July, whichever comes first.
• Enter the Foundation Examination after passing the Senior Secondary Examination (10+2 examination) administered by an examination body established by law in India or by an examination deemed equal thereto and after fulfilling (ii) above.
• After completing the Foundation Exam and Class 12th, enrol in the Intermediate Course.
• At the earliest opportunity, enrol in the four-week Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (ICITSS), which consists of classes on information technology and orientation. These courses must be successfully completed before beginning their articleship, though.
• Participate in the intermediate examination after completing the 8-month study course as of the first day of the examination's scheduled month.
• After clearing one or both groups of the intermediate course and completing the ICITSS satisfactorily, enrol in articled training.
• Clear the remaining Group of the Intermediate Examination, if any.
• Sign up for the final course.
• During the final two years of practical training, but prior to taking the final examination, successfully complete the four-week Advanced Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (AICITSS), which consists of courses on Advanced Information Technology and Management Communication Skills.
• After successfully completing AICITSS, appear in the final examination upon completion of practical training or while serving the final six months of articled training on or before the last day of the month preceding the month in which the test is to be held.
• Complete the three years of articled instruction.
• Pass the CA final exam.
• Become a "Chartered Accountant" by enrolling as an ICAI member.

Through Direct-Entry Route

For Commerce Graduates and Postgraduates with a minimum aggregate percentage of 55% or for Other Graduates and Postgraduates with a minimum aggregate percentage of 60%:

• Enrol in an intermediate course at the institute.
• Prior to beginning their articleship, participants must complete a four-week Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (ICITSS) that consists of Orientation and Information Technology Courses.
• Register for the three-year practical training programme.
• After completing nine months of practical training, show up for the intermediate examination on the first day of the exam's scheduled month.
• Appear for both the groups of the intermediate examination and pass them.
• Enrol in the final chartered accountancy course.
• Complete the four-week Advanced Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (AICITSS), which includes classes on advanced IT and management communication skills, successfully within the final two years of practical training but before showing up for the final exam.
• After successfully completing AICITSS, appear in the final examination upon completion of practical training or while serving the final six months of articled training on or before the last day of the month preceding the month in which the test is to be held.
• Complete the three years of articled instruction.
• Pass the CA final exam.
• Become a "Chartered Accountant" by enrolling as an ICAI member. 

Candidates who have successfully completed the Intermediate level examination of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India or the Institute of Cost Accountants of India:

• Enrol in an intermediate course at the Institute
• Complete a four-week Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (ICITSS), which must be finished before beginning their articleship. This course consists of information technology courses and an orientation course.
• Show up for the intermediate exam after completing the required 8 months of study as of the first day of the exam's scheduled month.
• After clearing one or both groups of the intermediate course and after completing the ICITSS satisfactorily, enrol in articled training.
• Pass the remaining groups of the intermediate examination, if any.
• Enrol in the CA Final course.
• During the final two years of practical training, but prior to taking the final examination, successfully complete the four-week Advanced Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (AICITSS), which consists of courses on Advanced Information Technology and Management Communication Skills.
• After successfully completing AICITSS, appear in the final examination upon completion of practical training or while serving the final six months of articled training on or before the last day of the month preceding the month in which the test is to be held.
• Complete the three years of article training.
• Attempt and pass the CA Final Exam.
• Become a "Chartered Accountant" by enrolling as an ICAI member. 

FAQs 

How many CAs are selected every year?
Every half-year between 6000 and 7000 students become certified Chartered Accountants in India. There’s always a restricted supply and a huge number of aspirants who want to become a CA. Needless to say, Chartered Accountancy or CA exams are one of the toughest exams in the world and also a very prestigious one, thus making the selection process even more complex.

Is CA a stressful job?
Yes, being a Chartered Accountant is quite challenging because they have to deal with so many numbers and calculations which they cannot afford to mess up because they are being paid a huge sum of money for the same and individuals/ companies consider them experts; therefore, scope for any mistakes by them is quite bleak which makes their job quite difficult and stressful. 

To become a successful Chartered Accountant in India, the candidates must be aware of the CA Course subjects and syllabus in order to prepare confidently for the CA exams:

Here we have mentioned the subjects and syllabus for all three levels of the chartered accountancy course: 

The following are the key CA subjects and topics covered in each of its exam modules:

CA Foundation Exam Subjects

The table below contains the subjects covered in the CA Foundation Course:

CA Intermediate Exam or IPCC Subjects

The CA syllabus in the Intermediate level of the exam are divided into two groups : Group 1 and Group 2. Both the groups contain four papers, skim through all the CA Course subjects list from the table given below:

CA Final Exam Subjects

The CA syllabus in the final level of the exam are divided into two groups : Group 1 and Group 2. Both the groups contain four papers. Mentioned below are the CA Final Exam subjects: 

FAQs 

What is the CA exam syllabus?
The syllabus for the Chartered Accountancy test includes many subjects such as Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, Laws related to companies and economics, Accounting of costs and management aspects, Managing finances well strategically too. Advanced topics in Auditing are covered alongside Information Systems Control with Audit procedures and also there is a focus on Professional Ethics. This detailed course plan aims to provide learners with all they need in terms of knowledge and abilities for becoming professional accountants.

What is the salary of a CA without maths?
First of all, there is no such thing as becoming a CA without maths. You will have to compulsorily deal with the maths calculations which is the core part of becoming a Chartered Accountant in India. Now, for the salary, the median annual salary for CAs in India is INR 7,40,000. 

There are a number of books on Chartered Accountancy that candidates can find both online and offline. Referring to the prescribed books is of utmost importance while studying for the CA course. Have a quick glance at some of the best CA books here: 

Books for CA Subjects

Here are the best recommended books for the chartered accountancy subjects at each different levels of the CA course.

CA Foundation Exam Best Books 

• Business Economics and Business Commercial Knowledge Study Material For CA Foundation
• Introduction to Financial Accounting
• Shuchita Prakashan Scanner foundation on Principles and Practice of Accounting (New Syllabus) Paper – 1
• Shuchita Prakashan Scanner foundation on Business Laws and Business Correspondence and Reporting (New Syllabus) Paper – 2
• Shuchita Prakashan Scanner foundation on Business Mathematics, Logical Reasoning and Statistics (New Syllabus) Paper – 3 
• Shuchita Prakashan Scanner foundation on Business Economics and Business Commercial Knowledge (New Syllabus) Paper – 4

CA IPCC Exam Best Books 

• Law for CA – PCC/ IPCC
• Goods & Services Tax (GST) Law & Practice with MCQs
• Corporate Governance, Ethics and Social Responsibility
• Auditing and Assurance: Theory and Practice
• Advanced Cost Accounting
• Chartered Accountancy Intermediate Study Guide 2021
• Handbook on Income Tax for CA Inter/ IPCC
• Business Ethics And Communication (CA - PCC/ IPCC/ ATC)
• CA - IPCC Auditing And Assurance (For CA-IPCC Group-II)

CA Final Exam Best Books 

• CA Final Study Guide
• Indirect Taxes Containing GST, Customs, FTP & Comprehensive Issues
• Strategic Management
• Financial Management eBook
• Derivatives And Risk Management
• Tulsian’s Financial Reporting
• Mergers And Acquisitions: Strategy, Valuation, And Integration
• International Accounting

FAQs 

Can I get CA books for free? 
Yes, CA books and other important study material is provided by ICAI for free to all aspiring students. 

Can I do CA without maths? 
To become a CA, one need not have studied maths. Maths is not a compulsory subject for students who wish to pursue CA as a career. 

The CA course fee for the Foundation, Intermediate, and Final Course levels is mentioned below:

CA Foundation Course Fee 

CA Intermediate Course Fee

Note: In addition to the above fees, direct entry students must also pay INR 200 (about $20) for the prospectus. 

CA Final Course Fee

FAQs 

What is the age limit for CA?
There is no maximum age limit to become a Chartered Accountant (CA) in India. ICAI, which is the official body conducting CA exams in the country, hasn't prescribed any maximum age limit for the course, however, the minimum age limit is above 17 years.

What are the CA course fees?
The total CA course fees for Foundation level is INR 9,800; the total course fees for CA Inter is INR 18,000 (both groups) and INR 13,000 (for either group I or II). The CA course fees for the final level of the programme is INR 22,000.

Chartered Accountants act as business advisors in high-level strategic decisions such as increasing market share for clients or employers and improving their profit margins. Aside from that, many CAs start their businesses and become highly successful entrepreneurs. 

Below is a list of top industries for Chartered Accountants :

• Audit and Taxation
• Tax Advisory Firms
• Cost Accountant
• Insurance Sector
• Corporate Houses (includes planning and budget team)
• Law Firms
• Project Finance or Financial Advisory
• Banking and Financial Services (Government and Private)
• Investment Banking Firms
• Chartered Accountant Firms
• Outsourcing
• Academics

CA Course Scope in India

Chartered Accountancy is one of the most sought-after professions in the financial industry. Chartered Accountants offer their services in monitoring and maintaining a company's financial health. Chartered Accountants hold key positions in both the public and private sectors because they serve as business consultants who aid in the creation of financial reports, the acquisition of loans, the creation of financial predictions, the demonstration of the means by which the loans will be repaid, and the assessment of the viability of businesses. The CA also represents its client before government bodies and assists him in adhering to tax regulations.

A few of the major CA Course scope including the duties and responsibilities of chartered accountants in public and private sectors are mentioned below : 

• They might take on the role of an accountant who manages the data in the business's records book.
• They might perform the duties of a general manager in the finance division.
• They have the ability to audit the government.
• They had the option of working as finance managers in government banks.
• They had the authority to perform the duties of assistant administrative officers.
• In government banks, they will be in charge of loans and advances.
• CAs have the option of establishing their own independent practice or selecting their clients based solely on merit.
• They may also seek a Chartered Accountant position with an established company.
• They might provide their services to the stock market as well.
• Since the government favours startups and provides loans, there is a demand for CA specialists with the aim of analysis in the banks as well.
• The CA might be crucial to the company's ability to make timely decisions and generate revenues.

CA Course Salary in India

The following table provides the average annual CA salary based on various job profiles:

Top Organisations Hiring CAs (Chartered Accountants)

Many CAs practice independently, while a majority of them also join reputable business organisations after completing the course. Mentioned below are some of the top companies recruiting CAs (chartered accountants): 

FAQs

What is the monthly Chartered Accountant salary?
The monthly Chartered Accountant salary is around INR 50,000 to INR 90,000 in India.

What is the CA salary in India?
CA salary in India for fresh graduates can range anywhere between INR 4,00,000 and INR 8,00,000. For Chartered Accountants with some experience, the salary in India lies between INR 6,00,000 and INR 12,00,000. As of February 2024, the average annual CA salary in India is INR 5,00,000 - INR 15,00,000. 

When an aspirant combines the knowledge gained through CA subjects with other advanced courses, they can have an advantage over different roles in an organisation and add more value to the organisation.

Some of the top additional courses for CA students after they are done with all the three exams are mentioned below:

• Investment Banking
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
• Bachelors of Law (LLB)
• Financial Risk Management (FRM)
• MBA in Finance
• Cost and Work Accountants (CWA)
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Company Secretary (CS)

FAQs 

Which course is best after CA? 
Out of the many options that are available to CA students, the most sought after options after completing CA are becoming an investment banker, chartered financial analyst, financial risk manager, company secretary or taking up the suits by pursuing a bachelor's in law. 

What next after becoming a CA? 
After you have completed CA, you can look up to pursuing a course like the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) which will enhance your career prospects and your financial expertise.