How to Become a CA: Your Complete Guide
How to Become a
Chartered Accountant (CA) in India — Complete Guide
Becoming
a Chartered Accountant (CA) in India is a rigorous but highly rewarding
journey. This guide takes you through each stage — eligibility, exams,
training, and certification — giving you a clear roadmap.
Why Choose CA?
- Prestige & Recognition:
Chartered Accountants are highly respected in finance, auditing, taxation,
and corporate advisory.
- Strong Career Opportunities:
Work in accounting firms (Big 4), MNCs, banks, or start your own practice.
- Long-Term Value:
CA qualification equips you with technical skills, business acumen, and
ethical judgment.
Routes to Enter the CA Course
There
are two main entry routes:
|
Route |
Eligibility |
Key Features |
|
After 12th (CA Foundation Route) |
Passed 10+2 / PUC (or equivalent) |
Start from the foundation level; pass
all 4 subjects in CA foundation exam. |
|
Direct Entry |
Commerce Graduates/Post-Graduates (>55%)
or Other Graduates/Post-Graduates (>60%) |
Skip Foundation ? Register
directly for CA Intermediate. |
CA FOUNDATION
COURSE DETAILS
|
Category |
Details |
|
Eligibility |
10+2 / PUC / Equivalent |
|
ICAI Registration Fee |
Rs. 9,200 (includes study material) |
|
Cut-off Dates |
Jan Attempt – 1 Sept May/June Attempt – 1 Jan Sept Attempt – 1 May |
|
Exam Sessions |
January / May-June / September |
|
Course Duration |
6 months |
|
Subjects |
Paper 1 :
Accounts Paper 2 :
Business Law Paper 3 :
Quantitative Aptitude Paper 4 :
Business Economics |
|
Exam Mode |
Offline |
|
Exam Duration |
Paper 1 & 3 held for - 3 hrs |
|
Paper Pattern |
Paper 1 & 2 – Subjective Paper 3 & 4 – Objective (0.25
negative marking) |
|
Passing Criteria |
Min 40% in each paper AND 50%
aggregate |
CA INTERMEDIATE
COURSE DETAILS
|
Category |
Details |
|
Eligibility |
After
CA Foundation OR Direct Entry (Graduates: 55% Commerce / 60% Others) |
|
ICAI
Registration Fee |
Both
Groups – ?18,000 Single
Group – ?11,000 |
|
Cut-off
Dates |
Jan
Attempt – 1 May (Prev Year) May/June
Attempt – 1 Jan (Prev Year) Sept
Attempt – 1 May (Same Year) |
|
Exam
Sessions |
January
/ May-June / September |
|
Course
Duration |
8–10
months |
|
Subjects
(Groups) |
Group
I:
Advanced Accounting Corporate & Other
Laws Taxation Group
II: Cost & Management
Accounting Auditing & Ethics Financial Management
& Strategic Management |
|
Exam
Mode |
Offline |
|
Exam
Duration |
3
hours per paper |
|
Paper
Pattern |
70%
Descriptive + 30% MCQs (No negative marking) |
|
Passing
Criteria |
40%
in each paper AND 50% aggregate per group |
ARTICLESHIP
TRAINING DETAILS
|
Category |
Details |
|
Eligibility |
After
clearing Both Groups of CA Intermediate |
|
Duration |
2
years |
|
Training
Areas |
Audit,
Taxation, Accounting, ROC filings, Finance, MIS etc,. |
|
Mandatory
Courses |
ICITSS
(Orientation + IT Training) before beginning articleship AICITSS
(Advanced IT + MCS) – before appearing CA Final |
|
Leave,
Stipend & Working Hours |
Leave
allowed as per ICAI regulations Stipend
paid according to ICAI norms 35–40
working hours per week under principal supervision
|
CA FINAL COURSE
DETAILS
|
Category |
Details |
|
Eligibility |
Pass
both groups of CA Intermediate, Complete Articleship (or last 6 months),
Complete AICITSS |
|
Exam
Sessions |
January
/ May-June / September |
|
Course
Duration |
6–9
months |
|
Subjects
(Groups) |
Group
I:
Financial Reporting Advanced FM Advanced Auditing &
Professional Ethics Group
II: Direct Tax Laws Indirect Tax Laws Integrated Business
Solutions |
|
Exam
Mode |
Offline |
|
Exam
Duration |
3
hours per paper |
|
Paper
Pattern |
Mostly
descriptive + case study-based |
|
Passing
Criteria |
40%
in each paper AND 50% aggregate per group |
The
journey to becoming a Chartered Accountant may seem demanding, but it’s also
one of the most rewarding paths you can choose. With focus, discipline, and a
strong belief in yourself, every challenge you overcome will bring you closer
to a career full of respect and opportunity. Stay committed, trust your
preparation, and keep moving forward—your hard work today is shaping the
successful professional you’re destined to become. Your CA dream is within
reach, and you have everything it takes to achieve it.
