The Chartered Accountancy (CA) course is one of the most in-demand professional qualifications in India, offering strong career opportunities in accounting, auditing, taxation, finance, and corporate laws. Conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the CA course is designed to develop technical expertise, practical knowledge, and professional competence. Students can pursue CA after 12th standard through CA Foundation or via the Direct Entry Route after graduation, preparing for careers in corporate finance, audit firms, taxation, and independent practice.
Accounting
Taxation
Auditing & Laws
Practical Training
The CA Foundation course is the entry-level stage of the Chartered Accountancy programme conducted by ICAI. It builds strong fundamentals in accounting, business laws, quantitative aptitude, and economics, preparing students for higher levels of the CA course. Students can enroll after 12th standard and begin their journey towards becoming a Chartered Accountant.
| Eligibility | Qualified 10+2 exams, PUC or Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 months |
| ICAI Registration Fee | ₹9,000/- (including study material) |
| Exam Terms | 3 sessions/year (Jan, May/June, Sep) |
| Papers | Accounting, Business Law, Quantitative Aptitude, Business Economics |
| Exam Duration | Paper 1 & 2: 3 hrs | Paper 3 & 4: 2 hrs |
| Question Pattern | Paper 1 & 2: Subjective | Paper 3 & 4: Objective (0.25 marks negative marking) |
| Passing Criteria | Min 40% in each paper & 50% aggregate |
The CA Foundation course lays a strong academic base for students aiming to clear CA Intermediate and CA Final examinations. With structured preparation and expert guidance, students can confidently progress in their Chartered Accountancy journey.
The CA Intermediate course is the second level of the Chartered Accountancy programme conducted by ICAI. This stage focuses on building strong conceptual and practical knowledge in accounting, taxation, auditing, corporate laws, and financial management, preparing students for Articleship training and CA Final.
| Eligibility | After CA Foundation or Direct Entry for Graduates |
|---|---|
| Duration | 9 months |
| ICAI Registration Fee | ₹18,000/- (both groups), ₹11,000/- (single group) |
| Exam Terms | 3 sessions/year |
| Papers |
Group I: Advanced Accounting, Corporate & Other Laws, Taxation Group II: Cost & Management Accounting, Auditing & Ethics, Financial Management & Strategic Management |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours per paper |
| Question Pattern | 30 marks MCQ + 70 marks Descriptive |
| Passing Criteria | Min 40% per paper + 50% aggregate; 60%+ in a paper gives exemption for next 3 exams |
The CA Intermediate level plays a crucial role in shaping a student’s professional competence and exam readiness. Clearing this stage allows students to begin Articleship training and move closer to becoming a Chartered Accountant.
CA Articleship Training is a mandatory practical training phase of the ICAI Chartered Accountancy course, undertaken after clearing both groups of CA Intermediate. This training provides hands-on exposure in audit, taxation, accounting, corporate compliance, and finance, helping students apply theoretical knowledge in real-world professional environments.
| Eligibility | After clearing both groups of CA Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years |
| Training Areas | Audit, Taxation, Accounting, ROC Filing, Finance, MIS |
| Mandatory Courses | ICITSS (Orientation + IT) & AICITSS (Advanced IT + MCS) |
| Leaves | As per ICAI regulations |
| Stipend | As per ICAI norms |
| Working Hours | 35–40 hrs/week under principal supervision |
The CA Articleship period plays a crucial role in shaping a student’s professional skills and ethical standards. Successful completion of Articleship is essential to appear for the CA Final examination and qualify as a Chartered Accountant.
The CA Final course is the last and most advanced stage of the Chartered Accountancy programme conducted by ICAI. It focuses on advanced financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and strategic management, preparing students for professional practice and senior corporate roles as a Chartered Accountant.
| Eligibility | Pass CA Intermediate, complete Articleship & AICTSS |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6–9 months |
| Subjects |
Group I: Financial Reporting, Advanced Financial Management, Advanced Auditing & Professional Ethics Group II: Direct Tax Laws, Indirect Tax Laws, Integrated Business Solutions |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours per paper |
| Paper Pattern | Descriptive & Case Study based |
| Passing Criteria | Min 40% per paper & 50% aggregate per group |
| ICAI Registration Fee | ₹22,000/- (both groups), ₹13,000/- (single group) |
Successful completion of the CA Final course leads to the award of the prestigious Chartered Accountant designation by ICAI. This qualification opens career opportunities in audit firms, corporate finance, taxation, consultancy, and independent practice.
The journey to becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) is challenging yet highly rewarding. With consistent effort, disciplined preparation, and the right academic guidance, students can successfully clear the ICAI CA examinations. A career in Chartered Accountancy offers long-term professional growth, financial stability, and diverse opportunities across industries in India and abroad.
Complete Class 12. Graduates can join Intermediate via Direct Entry.
Yes, basic concepts are taught; prior commerce knowledge is helpful but not mandatory.
Foundation, Intermediate, Final + 2 years Articleship.
Graduates with 55% (commerce) or 60% (non-commerce) can enter Intermediate.
Unlimited within course validity.
~4–4.5 years if cleared in one go.
Challenging but manageable with planning, coaching, and revision.
Yes, highly recommended.
Yes, provides real-world exposure.
Yes, in MNCs, Big 4, global finance roles.
Auditor, Tax Consultant, Financial Analyst, Risk Manager, CFO, or own practice.
No. Logic, accounting, and analysis are more important.
Not mandatory, but highly recommended for structured guidance.