CA Course: Full Form, Course Details, Fees, Duration, Exam, Eligibility, Admission

CA is a five-year professional certification course that focuses on the practice of taxation, accounting, auditing, financial assessment, and budgeting, for an individual, business, or organization. The CA course is conducted by the ICAI. After the CA course completion, aspirants can work as consultants, auditors, financial managers, and more.

CA Course Details

Degree	Bachelors
Full Form	Chartered Accountancy
Duration	5 Years
Age	The minimum age limit to enroll in the course is 17 years.
Minimum Percentage	A minimum of 50% marks in 10+2 (high school degree)
Average Fees	INR 2 -2.5 Lakhs
Average Salary	INR 8.5 LPA.
Employment Roles	Accountant, Financial Manager, Banker, Taxation Consultant, Consultant and more.

What is CA Course all about?

CA full form is Chartered Accountancy, a professional course that aims at providing students with in-depth knowledge and practical skills required in order to be a competent and ethical accounting professional. The CA course duration is 4-5 years. 

CA course registration 2023 requires students to have a minimum of 50% in 10+2 (high school degree. The eligibility criteria vary for foundation, intermediate, and final CA exam levels. The CA syllabus differs as per the level of the course that involves the study of corporate law, accounting, business law, financial management, etc.

CA course enables students to work in various areas like public accounting firms, consulting firms, MNCs, etc. The average salary of a CA graduate is INR 8.5 LPA.

Table of Contents

• Why Choose CA Course?
• How to Become a CA in India?
• CA Eligibility Criteria
• Chartered Accountancy Admission 2023
• CA Course Duration
• CA Course Registration Fees
• Top CA Institutes in India
• CA Syllabus and Subjects
• Career Options After Chartered Accountancy

Why Choose CA Course?

When deciding to pursue Chartered Accountancy as a career path, students must ensure that they do thorough research on the course. Below mentioned are points regarding why to choose a CA course:

• After completing the entire course, students are presented with many job opportunities in the finance department as an internal auditor, tax consultants, and more.
• The education that graduates receive in this course directly trains the students with all the important information relating to the finance sector of the economy.
• The increase in demand for skills for CA graduates has grown by 15% due to the growth of the economy and new financial regulations.
• In recent years the growth of the financial sector is approx 8.5% and is expected to rise, leading to high demand for skilled finance and accounting professionals.

Top CA Institutes in India

Compare CA with similar courses

Who Should Pursue a Chartered Accountancy Course?

Below mentioned are points regarding who is the right fit to pursue the CA course:

• Candidates interested in finance, taxation, and a desire to work in the corporate world as a CA, FCA, or ACA are encouraged to apply.
• The Chartered Accountancy course is one of the most demanding, requiring dedication, determination, and enthusiasm for the subject and field of finance and taxation.
• Students with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, and a sharp eye for detail, can pursue CA courses.

How to Become a CA in India?

To become a Chartered Accountant, candidates must complete several steps, including meeting eligibility requirements and applying for and completing the required degree. Below are the steps on how to become a chartered accountant:

• Step 1: A student must register for a foundation course. Registration can be done online through the ICAI website.
• Step 2: The candidate must clear the foundation course consisting of four papers.
• Step 3: Further, the candidate should register for the Intermediate course and clear either Group I or Group II or both groups for the CA examination.
• Step 4: After clearing any one group or both a candidate has to undergo Articleship training.
• Step 5: Further clearing both the groups of intermediate courses, the candidate should register for the final course.
• Step 6: A candidate must complete 3 years of Articleship training and complete Advanced Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills.
• Step 7: A candidate should clear the final CA examinations and then apply for membership with the ICAI.

Read More: How to Become a CA in India?

CA Exam Eligibility Criteria

Students who have completed their 10+2 (high school degree) with a minimum of 50% in the commerce stream are eligible to pursue the CA course. The eligibility criteria differ according to the three different CA levels. 

• CA Foundation Eligibility Criteria
• CA Intermediate Eligibility Criteria
• CA Final Eligibility Criteria

CA Foundation Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the CA Foundation level, students must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Candidates must have completed the 10+2 examinations from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% marks.
• The candidate should have completed the registration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).
• Students of all ages can apply for the CA Foundation course.

Read More: CA Foundation

CA Intermediate Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the CA Intermediate level, students must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Candidates must have cleared the foundation-level CA exam.
• A candidate also needs a bachelor's or master's degree with a 50-60% mark from a recognized university.
• The candidate should have completed the registration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) for the Intermediate level.
• To have a CA Intermediate level certificate, candidates should also finish 9 months of practical training which can be started after passing Group I of the Intermediate CA exam.

Read More: CA Intermediate

CA Final Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for CA final level, students must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Candidates must have cleared the Intermediate level CA exam (Group 1 & 2).
• The candidate should have completed the registration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) for the final level and paid the fees.
• The candidate should also complete 3 years of practical training (Articleship).
• A candidate also needs to complete a four-week Advanced Information Technology Training.

Read More: CA Final

What is Articleship in Chartered Accountancy?

The Articleship or training in CA is mandatory for students to complete. CA Articleship training begins once the student has completed one or both CA intermediate groups. To be eligible for the CA Articleship program, here are the following pointers:

• Before beginning the CA articleship, students must complete a 100-hour ITT and orientation program. 
• For direct enrollment,  the candidate requires 55% to 60% marks in their graduation depending on their stream. 

Read More: CA Articleship

Chartered Accountancy Admission 2023

Students can complete CA certification courses by two routes given by ICAI. The following are the two types of approval procedures to earn CA Certification.

• CA After Class XII through CA Foundation (CPT Route)
• CA After Graduation through Direct Entry Scheme

CA After Class XII through CA Foundation (CPT Route)

Candidates who want to pursue the Chartered Accountancy course after 12th grade must first qualify for the CPT/ CA Foundation exam. The CA exam is held twice a year in May and November, with registration deadlines in April and October, respectively.

Below mentioned are the CPT Route details:

• Candidates should have completed the Class 12th examination from a recognized board to be eligible for the CA Foundation course.
• Candidates waiting for their 12th results can provisionally apply for the course.
• A candidate should complete the registration with ICAI to appear for the exam by paying CA foundation registration fees.
• Aspirants can apply for the IPCC (Integrated Professional Competence Course) after passing the CPT/ CA Foundation exam, and their 12th-grade examinations.

CA After Graduation through Direct Entry Scheme

Below mentioned are details regarding the CA certification course through direct entry:

• CA courses offer seats to candidates immediately following graduation, exempting them from the CPT. To do so, one must graduate with a minimum of 50-55% marks, allowing them to take the IPCC exam and begin their articles.
• A direct entry candidate must complete nine months of mandatory articleship training to be eligible for Intermediate CA Exams. 
• Candidates who have cleared the intermediate level of CS executive or CMA are eligible for direct entry.

Comparison Between CPT Route and Direct Entry Scheme in CA Course

Below is a comparative table highlighting the differences between CPT Route and Direct Entry Scheme in Chartered Accountant Course:

Particulars	CPT Route	Direct Entry Scheme
Eligibility	After XII	After Graduation or Passed CS Executive or Passed the CMA Intermediate Exam
Exemptions	No Exemptions	CPT Exempted
Minimum Duration	4.5 years	3 years
Eligibility to start Articleship	After clearing Group I of the IPCC	Immediately upon joining without clearing the IPCC Group I

Also, Check: Difference Between CA CPT and CA Foundation

CA Course Duration

In India, the duration of the CA (Chartered Accountancy) course varies depending on the individual's progress and the time required to pass each level of test. The following is an approximate breakdown of the duration of each level of the CA course:

S.No	CA Level	Duration
1.	Foundation Course	A minimum of 4 Months
2.	Intermediate Course	A minimum of 8 Months
3.	Articleship Training	3 Years
4.	Final Course	A minimum of 4-5 Months

Also, Read on How to Prepare for CA Foundation without Coaching

CA Course Registration Fees

The CA course fees vary for foundation, intermediate and final levels. The registration fees are decided by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). Below mentioned are the estimated registration fees for the CA course:

S.No	CA Level	CA Registration Fees
1	Foundation Level	INR 9,000
2	Intermediate Level	INR 18,000
3	Articleship Fees	INR 2,000
4	Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (ICITSS)	INR 7,000
5	Direct Entry	INR 34,000
6	Final Level	INR 22,000

Top CA Institutes in India

Below is the list of the ten best CA institutes that help students to prepare well for the CA Exam:

S.No.	Name of the Institute	Average Fees
1	Aldine CA	INR 19,000 PA
2	Academy of Commerce	-
3	Resonance	INR 20,000 PA
4	Vidya Sagar Career Institute Ltd	INR 45,000 PA
5	Chanakya Academy for Management and Professional Studies (CHAMPS)	-
6	KSG Square	-
7	Northern India Regional Council of ICA	INR 11,000 PA
8	Nahata Professional Academy	INR 43.000 PA
9	Navkar Institute	INR 60,000 PA
10	Mital Commerce Classes	INR 41,000 PA

Best CA Final Coaching Institue in India

Best CA Foundation Coaching Centres in India

CA Subjects and Syllabus

The chartered accountancy syllabus differs according to each course level. The syllabus is divided into three parts: CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, and CA Final Level. Below mentioned is the detailed syllabus for each level of the CA course details:

CA Foundation Syllabus

CA Foundation is an entry-level examination for students pursuing a CA course. The syllabus for CA Foundation is given by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). The major 4 subjects or papers are listed below:

• Paper 1: Principles and Practice of Accounting
• Paper 2: Business Law and Business Correspondence and Reporting
• Paper 3: Business Mathematics and Logical Reasoning & Statistics
• Paper 4: Business Economics and Business and Commercial Knowledge

CA Intermediate Syllabus

CA Intermediate is the second-level examination for students pursuing a CA course. The syllabus as given by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is bifurcated into two groups consisting of 8 subjects. 

Group 1 has 4 subjects or papers as given below:

• Paper 1: Accounting
• Paper 2: Corporate and Other Laws
• Paper 3: Cost and Management Accounting
• Paper 4: Taxation

Group 2 has 4 subjects or papers as given below:

• Paper 5: Advanced Accounting
• Paper 6: Auditing and Assurance
• Paper 7: Enterprise Information Systems and Strategic Management
• Paper 8: Financial Management and Economics for Finance

CA Final Syllabus

CA Final is the last level examination for students pursuing a CA course. The level consists of 2 groups divided into 8 papers/ subjects as given below:

Group 1 consists of 4 subjects or papers as given below:

• Paper 1: Financial Reporting
• Paper 2: Strategic Financial Management
• Paper 3: Advanced Auditing and Professional Ethics
• Paper 4: Economics and Corporate Law

Group 2 consists of 4 subjects or papers as given below:

• Paper 5: Strategic Cost Management and Performance Evaluation
• Paper 6: Elective Subject
• Paper 7: Direct Tax Laws and International Taxation
• Paper 8: Indirect Tax Law

Read More: CA Syllabus and Subjects

CA Skill Assessment & Marking Scheme

The Chartered Accountancy course tests certain skills and knowledge of the applicants essential for them to become successful Chartered Accountants. Below are the skill assessments for all 3 levels of the Chartered Accountancy course:

CA Foundation Course – Marking Scheme

The CA Foundation assessments are based on the comprehension and application skills of the candidates. Below is the marking scheme of the CA Foundation course:

Paper	Level I: Comprehension and Knowledge	Level II: Application Skills
Principles and Practice of Accounting	5%-20%	80%-95%
Business Laws	50%-65%	35%-50%
Business Correspondence and Reporting	100%	-
Business Mathematics & Logical Reasoning, Statistics	-	100%
Business Economics	40%-50%	50%-60%
Business and Commercial Knowledge	100%	-

Also, Check: How to Clear CA Foundation on First Attempt?

CA Intermediate Course – Marking Scheme

The CA Intermediate assessment is based on the candidates' comprehension and application skills. The marking scheme for the CA Foundation course is as follows:

Papers	Level I: Comprehension and Knowledge	Level II: Application Skills
Accounting	5%-15%	85%-95%
Paper 1. Company Law	40%-55%	45%-60%
Paper 2. Other Laws	35%-55%	45%-65%
Cost and Management Accounting	20%-30%	70%-80%
Section A: Income Tax Law	5%-20%	80%-95%
Section B: Indirect Tax Law	20%-45%	55%-80%
Advance Accounting	5%-15%	85%-95%
Auditing and Assurance	30%-55%	45%-70%
Enterprise Information System	40%-65%	35%-60%
Strategic Management	50%-70%	30%-50%
Financial Management	20%-30%	80%-70%
Economics For Finance	60%-80%	20%-40%

CA Final Course – Marking Scheme

The candidates' comprehension, analysis, application, evaluation, and synthesis skills are assessed in the CA Final. The following is the marking scheme for the CA Foundation course:

Papers	Level I: Comprehension and Knowledge	Level II: Analysis and Application Skills	Level II: Evaluation and Synthesis
Financial Reporting	5%-15%	55%-85%	15%-25%
Strategic Financial Management	0%-20%	20%-40%	50%-60
Advanced Auditing and Professional Ethics	15%-25%	40%-70%	20%-30%
Paper 1. Corporate Law	15%-25%	40%-55%	30%-35%
Paper 2. Economic Law	30%-50%	50%-70%
Strategic Cost Management and Performance Evaluation	0%-15%	45%-55%	35%-40%
Direct Tax and International TaxationPart 1. Direct Tax Laws	5%-10%	55%-75%	20%-35%
Part 2. International Taxation	40%-50%	50%-60%
Indirect TaxPart 1. Goods & Service Tax	10%-30%	40%-70%	20%-30%
Part 2. Customer & FTP	20%-40%	40%-70%	10%-20%

CA Course Comparison

There are other courses that aspirants can pursue to become Chartered Accountants. However, slight differences make these courses distinct from the Chartered Accountant course. We have provided comparisons of the CA course with other accounting courses for your reference:

ACCA VS CA

CA and ACCA degrees are similar in terms of functionality and opportunities. However, there are a few distinctions, which are listed below:

Full-Form	Chartered Accountant	Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
Course Duration	4 to 5 years	3 – 4 years
Eligibility	10+2 with minimum 50% aggregate marks.	10+2 with Accounting and Maths, with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks.
Average Total Fees	INR 2 -2.5 Lakhs	INR 1.5 - 3 LPA
Average Salary	INR 8.5 LPA	INR 6.24 LPA

Read More: CA vs ACCA

CA vs CPA

CA and CPA degrees are similar in terms of functionality and opportunities. However, there are a few distinctions, which are listed below:

Full-Form	Chartered Accountant	Certified Public Accountant
Course Duration	4 to 5 years	2 to 4 years
Eligibility	10+2 with minimum 50% aggregate marks.	Bachelor's degree in commerce with economics, mathematics, and accounts as core subjects.
Average Total Fees	INR 2 -2.5 Lakhs	INR 3.5-4 Lakhs
Average Salary	INR 8.5 LPA	INR 8 LPA

CFA vs CA

Given below are the differences between the CA and CFA courses:

Course	Chartered Financial Analyst	Chartered Accountancy
Course Duration	1.5 - 4 years	4-5 years
Eligibility	Bachelor's degree or 4 years of professional work experience	10+2 with minimum 50% aggregate marks.
Average Total Fees	INR 1.9 - 3.86 Lakhs	INR 2 -2.5 Lakh.
Average Salary	INR 6.8 LPA	INR 8.5 LPA

Read More: CFA vs CA

CMA vs CA

Given below are the differences between the CA and CMA course:

Course	Cost Management Accounting	Chartered Accountancy
Course Duration	3 Years	4-5 Years
Eligibility	10+2 with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks with commerce.	10+2 with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.
Average Total Fees	INR 50,000-2.5 Lakhs	INR 2 -2.5 Lakh.
Average Salary	INR 2.5 LPA - 7 LPA	INR 8.5 LPA

Read More: CMA Vs CA

CA Vs MBBS

CA Vs CS

CA vs MBA

Courses After CA

After completion of CA students can pursue various certification courses to enhance knowledge and domain expertise. Below listed are various certification courses that students can enroll in after CA:

• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
• MBA
• DISA or Diploma in Information System Audit

Career Options After Chartered Accountancy Course

The CA course is a very rewarding and promising career path for graduates. CA qualification helps students build a career path that will help them get a good job in both public and private sectors. Some of the job roles for students are mentioned below:

• Auditor
• Tax Consultant
• Financial Analyst
• Financial Controller
• Management Accountant
• Risk Manager

Read More: What Next after Completing CA Final

Top CA Firms

Candidates who have completed the Chartered Accountant course seek employment with the most prestigious chartered accounting firms. Below is a list of the top 20 accounting firms suited for CA graduates.

PWC	SS Kothari	Sir Dinodia & Co. LLP
KPMG	RSM International	Deewan PN Chopra & Co.
Ernst & Young SS Kothari	Deloitte	Khanna & Annadhanam
Sahni Natrajan & Bahl	Suresh Surana & Associate LLP	C.Vasudeva & Co
BDO International	Grant Thornton International	Lodha & Company
Luthra & Luthra	Desai Haribhakti	TR Chadha & Company
SP Chopra & Company	S Aiyar & Company	-

Read More: Top CA Firms in India

CA Course Salary in India

According to Payscale, the average salary is INR 8.5 LPA for a CA in India. However, the salary varies according to different factors such as experience, skills, job designation, industry, organization, location, and more.

Read More: CA Salary in India

Skills to Excel as a Chartered Accountancy Graduate

As a CA graduate, there are various skills one needs to excel in their career. Some of these skills include: 

• Financial and Accounting Knowledge
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Adaptability and Resilience
• Problem-Solving Abilities
• Ethical Conduct
• Communication skills
• Time Management

Top CA (Chartered Accountancy) Colleges