Wondering how to become CA and build a prestigious career in finance? One of the highly reputed professions in India is Chartered Accountancy, and with every passing year, thousands of students aspire to qualify as CAs. If you are looking for how to become CA in India, this complete guide will walk you through every stage of the procedure from eligibility and registration down to the passing of all the levels in the CA course.
From school-level students to college-level scholars and those just setting out in their career, the fundamental granite toward innumerable professional opportunities is learning how to become a Chartered Accountant. So let’s dive into the actual pathway, exams, and strategy that will steer you into becoming a CA successfully.
Students who have completed their 12th or graduation with at least 55% are qualified to register for the course. However, to become a CA in India, they must clear three exams: Foundation, Inter and Final, and complete the 3-year practical training.
Furthermore, ICAI has made two ways through which aspirants can enroll for Chartered Accountancy:
- Foundation Route
- Direct Entry Route
In the Foundation route, you have to register for the Foundation level and pass all three CA exams. However, in the direct entry route, graduate students can directly register for the Intermediate level and skip the Foundation exams.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is the governing body of the CA exams. It handles all the matters related to the Chartered Accountancy course and profession.
Now, let us understand the process of becoming a Chartered Accountant in detail. The article is written by the VSI Jaipur team for students who want to pursue the CA course. VSI is a leading CA Institute in India that has helped thousands of CA aspirants achieve their dreams.
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Qualifications Required to Become a CA
If you are interested in learning about how to become CA, it begins with completing some educational criteria. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) offers two primary pathways to potential candidates: CA Foundation Route and Direct Entry Route.
The students should qualify their Class 12th (10+2) examination from a recognized board to be eligible for the CA Foundation Route. The commerce stream students should have at least 55% marks. If you are a student of non-commerce stream, i.e., science or arts, then you should have at least 60% marks in your Class 12th examination. It is essential for the students to know the process of becoming CA after 12th while choosing their career at an early stage.
Show MoreOr if one wants to know the method of becoming CA without appearing on the foundation level, Direct Entry Route is available. This is provided to postgraduates and graduates. Students of commerce should have scored a minimum of 55% in postgraduation or graduation, and students of other streams should score a minimum of 60%. This route is the best for those who decide the method of becoming CA after completing higher studies.
Not just being cognizant of these eligibility criteria but structuring your study life according to them is knowing how to become CA in India. Whether you pursue the foundation route right after school or straight after college, meeting the qualification criteria is the very first and most vital step to your CA career.
Once you have cleared the minimum eligibility, the learning process of how to become CA is getting familiar with different phases of the Chartered Accountancy course. If you wish to become CA after 12th or become CA after graduation, the process includes different levels of exams and practical training, all as per ICAI.
For CA Foundation Route students, the process of becoming CA begins with the CA Foundation Exam. It is a foundation exam that checks your understanding of basic accounting, business law, mathematics, and economics. Passing this phase is crucial for anyone who wants to become CA in India from the beginning.
After you've cleared the foundation, the next step is the CA Intermediate Exam, one of the most crucial milestones of your CA journey step by step. Here, the subjects are more advanced such as Accounting, Corporate Laws, Taxation, Auditing, and Financial Management. If you wish to know how to become CA, it is inevitable to master the Intermediate level.
For those students who have chosen the Direct Entry Route, they are able to join directly for the CA Intermediate level, skipping the Foundation stage. This is an important point of information for graduates who are searching for how to become CA after college or how to become CA without foundation.
Following both the groups clearing the Intermediate exam, the second step of how to become CA is to get enrolled in the CA Articleship, a 2-year practice training under the supervision of an experienced Chartered Accountant. This is a step of acquiring practical knowledge and is a solution to the question of how to become CA with practical knowledge.
The final step to becoming CA in India is the CA Final Examination on advanced subjects. Completion of this phase in a successful manner is the final step in your journey towards a complete Chartered Accountant. Thus, if you are sure that you would want to study to become CA, you must go through each stage—Foundation (if required), Intermediate, Articleship, and Final. Each stage shapes the knowledge and abilities you need to become a CA in India.
Must Check: CA Foundation Eligibility
Show LessHow to Become a Chartered Accountant in India
Step 1. Register for the CA Foundation Exams
The CA Foundation exam is an entry-level exam for becoming a chartered accountant in India. Class 12th appearing or passed students can enrol for the CA Foundation course. Registration for the CA Foundation course is done online through the ICAI official website and is valid for three years.
After registration, you’ll get a study period of 4 months to complete the CA Foundation syllabus. During this period, you must also fill out the CA Foundation exam form to get the admit card and sit in the exams.
CA Foundation Papers
There are 4 papers in the CA Foundation exams that students must clear:
- Paper 1: Accounting
- Paper 2: Business Law
- Paper 3: Quantitative Aptitude
- Paper 4: Business Economics
CA Foundation Exam Pattern
The CA Foundation exam pattern is partially objective and subjective. The first two papers are subjective types, and the following two papers are objective types. However, all the papers consist of 100 marks.
According to the passing criteria, you need to get 40% in each subject and a total of 50% in all the papers to clear the exams. The CA Foundation Result is declared by ICAI 2 months after the exams. Join the CA Foundation coaching from VSI to clear the exams in one go. Along with the result, ICAI also declares the CA Foundation Passing Percentage.
The fee for the CA Foundation course is Rs 11,300. It includes the registration fee of Rs 9800 and the exam form fee of Rs 1500.
Upon clearing the CA Foundation course, you will be eligible to register for the CA Intermediate course.
Must Check: CA Foundation Preparation
Step 2. Register & Crack the CA Intermediate Exams
Eligible students can register for the CA Intermediate exams for the January, May and September sessions, respectively. The CA Inter registration is valid for four years, which means you have 8 attempts to clear the exams.
After registration, you will get 4-month periods to study for the exams. Moreover, you must fill out the CA Inter exam form and also download the admit card on the prescribed date by the ICAI.
CA Intermediate Subjects
CA Intermediate Syllabus consists of 6 subjects categorized into 2 groups. The CA Inter subjects are:
CA Inter Group 1 Subjects:
- Paper-1: Advanced Accounting
- Paper-2: Corporate Laws & Other Laws
- Paper-3: Taxation
Section A: Income Tax Law
Section B: Goods and Service Tax
CA Inter Group 2 Subjects:
- Paper-4: Cost and Management Accounting
- Paper-5: Auditing and Assurance
- Paper-6: Financial Management and Economics for Finance
Section A: Financial Management
Section B: Strategic Management
The exam pattern of CA Intermediate is both subjective and objective. All four papers of both groups consist of 100 marks each. To clear a CA Intermediate group, you need to get 40% in each subject and 50% aggregate.
Students who get more than 60 marks in a subject get an exemption. It means they don’t have to appear in that subject in the successive 2 attempts. The CA Intermediate result is announced 2 months after the last paper.
To prepare for this exam, you’ll need to join a good CA Intermediate Coaching that guarantees course completion within 5-6 months. It will give you enough time for self-study and revision.
Furthermore, students also need to complete 4 weeks of the short integrated course on information technology and soft skills (ICITSS). The ICITSS training needs to be completed before commencing the practical training.
The CA Inter course fee is Rs. 18,000 for both groups and Rs. 13,000 for a single group. Furthermore, the examination fee is Rs 2700 for both groups and Rs 1500 for a single group.
Must Check: Study Plan for CA Intermediate Exams
Step 3. Complete the CA Articleship Training of 2 Years
Candidates can start their CA articleship training as soon as they pass any CA Intermediate groups and complete the ICITSS training. Afterward, they can register for practical training.
The 3 years of articleship training will give you vast exposure to practical work that a Chartered Accountant does in the real world. After completing 2 years of articleship training, students become eligible to appear for the CA Final exams. The fee to register for the CA Articleship is Rs 2000.
We have seen that some students go for dummy articleship. But they are making a big mistake as they’ll not get practical exposure while working on an article. So, never opt for a dummy articleship.
“The more you sweat in practice, the less you sweat in war.”
Step 4. Crack Both Groups of the CA Final Exams
Students need to clear both groups of CA Intermediate to be eligible to appear for the CA Final exams. Its registration is valid for 5 years, which means 10 attempts.
Moreover, to fill out the CA Final Exam Form, they need to complete 4 weeks of ICITSS & Advanced Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (AICITSS) training and 2 years of articleship.
CA Final Subjects
The CA Final New Syllabus includes 6 subjects that are categorized into two groups:
Group I Subjects:
- Paper-1: Financial Reporting
- Paper-2: Advanced Financial Management
- Paper-3: Advanced Auditing, Assurance, and Professional Ethics
Group II Subjects:
- Paper-4: Direct Tax Laws & International Taxation
- Paper-5: Indirect Tax Laws
- Paper-6: Paper-6: Integrated Business Solutions
Section A: Corporate and Economic Laws
Section B: Strategic Cost & Performance Management
CA Final Exam Pattern
Again, the CA Final exams are both subjective and objective. Here also, each paper consists of 100 marks. Paper 6 is an open-book exam, and you can choose from 6 optional subjects.
To clear the CA Final exams, you have to obtain 40% in each subject and 50% in aggregate. Those who got more than 60 marks in a paper get an exemption in the subsequent 3 attempts. The CA Final Result will be released by ICAI about 2 months after the last paper.
The fees for the CA Final course are ₹ 22000 for both groups. The examination fee is ₹ 3300 for both groups and ₹ 1800 for one group. At the final level, the registration fee is the same whether you enroll for one or two groups.
Furthermore, ICAI has released the CA Final Exam Date for the May 2025 Exam. To know the complete details click the link to check the exam dates.
Must Check: All Information regarding CA Exams
Step 5. Apply for the ICAI Membership
After clearing both groups of the CA Final course, students can apply for ICAI membership. Thus, this is the complete procedure to become a CA in India.
Here is the summary of the steps to become a Chartered Accountant in India:
- Register for the CA Foundation Course.
- Crack the CA Foundation exams.
- Register for the CA Intermediate Course.
- Crack any one group of CA Intermediate.
- Enrol for the CA Articleship training after clearing any one group of CA Intermediate.
- Crack both groups of the CA Intermediate Course.
- Complete the CA Articleship Training (2 years).
- Register for the CA Final Course.
- Clear Both groups of CA Final Exams.
- Apply for the ICAI Membership.
Check the VSI web story for the steps to becoming CA.
ICAI has recently proposed the CA New Scheme Course 2025. In the new scheme, ICAI has proposed many changes, such as reducing articleship training duration, removing subjects, etc. Check out the article for full details about the New CA Course curriculum.
Also Check: CA Salary in India
How to Become CA After Graduation through Direct Entry Route?
ICAI has provided direct entry into the CA Course for graduate or postgraduate students. Under this scheme, graduate students can register for the Intermediate course, skipping the CA Foundation exams.
The eligibility criteria for the direct entry scheme are:
- A minimum of 55% for commerce graduates or post-graduates.
- A minimum of 60% for Arts/Humanities/Science graduates or post-graduates
Moreover, these students have to register for both groups of CA Intermediate exams. Apart from that, the steps to becoming a CA are the same and include:
- Crack any one group of CA Intermediate.
- Register for the Practical training after clearing any one group of CA Intermediate.
- Crack both groups of the CA Intermediate Course.
- Complete the CA Articleship Training (3 years).
- Enroll for the CA Final Course.
- Crack both groups of the CA Final.
- Apply for the ICAI Membership.
Students who pursued BCOM or BBA after their 12th class can directly enrol for the CA Intermediate exams. They don’t need to take the CA Foundation exams. The steps to becoming a Chartered Accountant after Bcom or BBA will remain the same.
Must Check: Top 10 CA Firms in India in 2025.
How to Become a CA (Chartered Accountant) after 12th Science?
The steps to becoming a Chartered Accountant in India after 12th science are completely the same as those mentioned above. However, it will be a bit more difficult for science students. Initially, they didn’t have the basic accounting knowledge needed for the CA Course.
Students can read our article on “CA Entrance Guide after 12th Science“.
Eligibility Criteria for CA Foundation
After 12th Science, you can join the CA course by enrolling in the CA Foundation Programme. ICAI regulations allow any student who has passed the 10+2 (Class XII) examination from a recognized board to register for Foundation. In fact, ICAI even permits provisional registration after Class 10, giving students more time to prepare. The key eligibility points are:
- Academic requirement: Passed Class 12 (Science stream or any other stream) from a board recognized by the government. There is no specific subject requirement in 12th – science students are as eligible as commerce students.
- Age and attempts: There is no minimum age or attempt limit. Students can register right after 10th or 12th and take the Foundation exam after completing Class XII.
- Registration: Students must register for the CA Foundation course on ICAI’s website and complete at least 4 months of study before attempting the exam. ICAI offers free online lectures to help build fundamentals during this period.
Once registered, you become a Foundation student of ICAI. To appear for the Foundation exam, you must have passed your Class XII by the exam date. (The 4-month preparation period ensures you learn the basics of commerce subjects like Accounting and Economics.) After passing 12th, your Foundation registration is “regularized”. Thereafter, you must satisfy ICAI’s exam criteria: in Foundation (and all CA exams), a candidate must score at least 40% in each paper and 50% in aggregate to pass. (If you fall short, you must reappear in subsequent attempts.) These minimum marks ensure you have solid understanding across subjects.
In summary, science students can enroll in CA Foundation as easily as commerce students. The syllabus assumes no prior commerce background (aside from Accounting basics), so everyone starts on equal footing. As VSI Jaipur points out, “Besides accounting, the rest of the CA syllabus is new for everyone whether you have a commerce background or not”. In fact, science students often have strong analytical and quantitative skills, which can be an advantage in CA studies. With the right preparation, anyone who clears 12th can meet the eligibility criteria and begin the CA journey.
Step-by-Step Process to Become a CA After 12th Science
The CA curriculum has four stages: (1) Foundation, (2) Intermediate, (3) 2-year Articleship (practical training), and (4) Final, in that order. Each stage must be cleared before moving to the next. Here is the roadmap:
- Step 1: Clear CA Foundation (Entry Level). Enroll after 12th and study for at least 4 months. The Foundation exam has 4 papers (Accounting; Business Laws & Business Correspondence; Quantitative Aptitude; Business Economics). Papers 1–2 are subjective and 3–4 contain objective (MCQ) questions. (Note: ICai now holds Foundation exams three times a year – in January, May/June, and September – giving you more chances to attempt.) To pass, as noted, you need ≥40% in each paper and ≥50% overall. On passing, you move to registration for Intermediate.
- Step 2: Register for CA Intermediate (IPCC). After Foundation, register for Intermediate. There are two groups (Group I & II) with 4 papers each: these cover advanced Accounting, Taxation, Law, Cost Accounting, Audit, IT & Strategic Management, etc. Science students often need to learn many new topics, but those with math skills may find quantitative and analysis papers easier. If you are a graduate in any stream (60% for non-commerce; 55% for commerce graduates), you may skip Foundation under ICAI’s Direct Entry Scheme and go straight to Intermediate. (But after 12th Science, you will normally complete Foundation first.) The Intermediate exam is also offered thrice yearly under the new scheme. Passing criteria remain 40% per paper and 50% overall. Many students clear one group at a time, but you must clear both to proceed.
- Step 3: Complete 2-Year Articleship (Practical Training). This is a mandatory apprenticeship under a practicing CA. You can begin Articleship after passing either one or both groups of Intermediate. During the 2-year period you work at an accounting firm, in industry, or other approved office. ICAI’s regulations specify a minimum three years practical training, which must be certified by your principal (the senior CA under whom you train). The Articleship bridges theory and practice: you learn auditing, taxation work, finance, and client handling on the job. This is also when you must complete ICAI’s orientation and management/IT training. Notes: (a) You earn a stipend (often starting from a few thousand rupees per month) during Articleship. (b) In the last 6 months of your Articleship, you can register for the CA Final exam.
- Step 4: CA Final Examination. In the final stage, you must pass the CA Final exam to qualify as a CA. The Final exam has two groups (Group I & II, 4 papers each) covering advanced Accounting, Audit, Financial Reporting, Economics, Law, Management, Taxation, Financial Management, etc. This is the most challenging level. The passing marks rule is the same (40% each, 50% aggregate). Once you clear both groups of Final and complete your 2-year Articleship, you are eligible for ICAI membership. You then become a Qualified Chartered Accountant (ACA).
Each of these steps involves official procedures: you must register separately for Foundation, Intermediate, and Final on the ICAI student portal, pay fees, and apply for each exam. Remember that ICAI now offers Foundation and Intermediate thrice a year (the Final exams remain twice a year), so plan your study schedule accordingly. Altogether, if everything goes smoothly, the CA course takes about 4 to 4.5 years (including the 2-year Articleship). Delays can occur if you fail and retake exams, so strong preparation is key.
Course Duration and Exam Schedule
After 12th Science, you typically begin CA around age 17–18. The fastest timeline is:
- Register for Foundation soon after 12th (or even after 10th for provisional registration.
- Study 4–6 months and clear the Foundation exam. Exams are now held in Jan, May/June, Sep (thrice a year)
- Register for Intermediate and complete 8–12 months of study. Intermediate exams are also thrice a year (Jan, May/June, Sep).
- Begin a 2-year Articleship as soon as you clear at least one group of Intermediate. Concurrently, finish the remaining group if needed. After 2 years of Articleship, register for the Final exam (held thrice yearly).
- Clear the Final exam (after about 3–4 months study) during the last 6 months of Articleship.
In total, the minimum time from Foundation registration to qualifying as a CA is roughly 4.5 years: ~6 months (Foundation study) + ~1 year (Intermediate) + 2.5 years (Articleship + Final prep). Some students complete quicker by overlapping Intermediate study with Articleship start. Under the new ICAI scheme (effective July 2023), Foundation and Intermediate exams are offered thrice a year, which can potentially shorten waits between levels. For example, ICAI reported that in 2024 around 4.36 lakh students were enrolled in CA courses – the highest ever, as exam frequency increases opportunities.
Keep in mind: each exam has registration windows and exam forms. You must fill in exam application forms within ICAI’s deadlines for each attempt. Also, ICAI requires you to complete practical training articles even if you pass all exams; the CA final qualification is granted only after the 2-year Articleship is fully completed. In summary, plan for at least 4–5 years of continuous study and training after 12th to achieve the CA degree.
Skills Required for CA After 12th Science
Becoming a CA requires dedication, analytical skills, and good communication. Here are key abilities that science students (and all CA aspirants) should develop:
- Strong Numerical and Analytical Aptitude: CA involves extensive accounting, finance, and quantitative problems. Your science background (with math and reasoning) can be an asset, as ICAI notes science students often have sharp analytical skills.
- Conceptual Clarity in New Subjects: You will study many commerce subjects (accounting principles, tax laws, auditing standards, etc.) from scratch. This demands consistent study and understanding of concepts.
- Hard Work and Discipline: The CA syllabus is vast. You need discipline to manage study schedules for multiple papers simultaneously. Many students suggest creating a strict timetable and study routine.
- Time Management: Juggling self-study, classes (if any), and later Articleship work requires time-management skills. You’ll often study while working under your principal CA during Articleship.
- Written and Communication Skills: Answers in ICAI exams must be written clearly. Also, as a CA you may interact with clients and colleagues, so communication and presentation skills help. English and Hindi proficiency is important (ICAI allows exams in either language).
- Ethics and Professionalism: CAs must follow strict ethical standards in audits and financial reporting. The CA curriculum includes professional ethics training. An honest, responsible attitude is essential.
Building these skills early (even during 11th-12th) can ease your CA journey. For example, participating in maths contests or economics clubs can sharpen your aptitude. Remember, the CA course also includes soft-skills training (management, IT, orientation programs) as part of CA Intermediate, to groom you for the professional world.
Challenges in the CA Course For 12th Science Students
CA is famously challenging, so it’s important to be aware of the hurdles and plan accordingly. Examination difficulty and low pass rates are the primary challenges. ICAI results consistently show that only about 20% of Foundation candidates pass, and about 5–6% pass both groups of Intermediate on a given attempt. For example, in the September 2024 session only 20.47% of Foundation students and 5.66% of Intermediate students qualified. Such low pass percentages mean many students must attempt exams multiple times.
Other challenges include:
- Extensive Syllabus: Each level covers many subjects. Science students, in particular, need to learn commerce basics that may be entirely new. This can be daunting initially.
- Time Pressure: Balancing 2 years of full-time Articleship with studying for the Final exams is tough. You must allocate evenings and weekends for study while working under a CA.
- Competitive Environment: With lakhs of students vying for limited campus placements and jobs, maintaining a strong record is competitive. Statistics show ICAI’s campus placement had only about 4,782 offers for over 15,000 registered fresh CAs in 2024.
- Consistency: The CA course spans years, so staying motivated over this long period can be hard. Many dropouts occur if a student fails exams repeatedly or loses interest.
To overcome these challenges: start early (even study during 11th-12th if possible), seek proper guidance (coaching or mentorship), practice extensively with past exam papers, and stay disciplined. Use ICAI’s study materials and mock tests. Remember, perseverance pays off – the payoff is a respected qualification and in-demand career.
CA after 12th Science vs Commerce: What’s the Difference?
Many students wonder whether coming from Science puts you at a disadvantage compared to Commerce for CA. The good news is: Officially, there is no disadvantage. Both science and commerce students follow the same curriculum from Foundation onwards. Key comparisons:
- Subject Background: Commerce students have already studied accounting, economics, and business subjects in school, which gives them some familiarity with those papers. Science students, however, bring strong math, analytics, and reasoning skills to the table. In practice, a VSI Jaipur article notes that aside from accounting, the CA syllabus is new to everyone, regardless of background. So if you grasp the fundamentals, you can catch up. Many science students successfully become CAs by working hard to learn these new topics.
- Exam Performance: There is no official data showing a systematic advantage for one stream. Pass percentages include all students, and success depends more on preparation than background. Some believe that science students may perform better in quantitative papers, while commerce students may initially be more comfortable with law and accounting. However, with ICAI’s structured study materials and lectures, both can succeed.
- Direct Entry Scheme: One notable difference arises after graduation. Commerce graduates with ≥55% and other graduates with ≥60% can skip Foundation and enter the Intermediate stage directly. But after 12th alone, both science and commerce students must take Foundation; there is no separate route for commerce 12th. (If you pursue a commerce degree later, you might qualify for the Direct Entry Route, but that’s beyond the 12th-level path.)
In summary, your choice of 11th-12th stream does not limit your CA journey. As VSI Jaipur affirms, “you don’t have to worry whether you are from a science or commerce background” – the CA course is designed for students with no assumed commerce knowledge. The main factor is your interest and commitment, not your 12th stream.
Conclusion
Pursuing CA after 12th Science is entirely feasible and can lead to a lucrative and respected career. The eligibility criteria allow science students to start at the Foundation level, and the step-by-step CA course (Foundation → Intermediate → Articleship → Final) is the same for all. While the CA journey is challenging – with a vast syllabus and rigorous exams (pass rates ~20% at Foundation and 6% at Intermediate – proper planning and hard work can overcome these hurdles.
With high demand for qualified CAs and excellent career prospects in auditing, finance, taxation, and management roles, the investment in becoming a CA pays off. Students from science backgrounds should focus on building their grasp of accounting basics and leverage their analytical skills.
In the words of ICAI, “Chartered Accountants with their education and training are best managers and complete business solution providers”. For ambitious 12th science pass-outs, CA offers not just a degree, but a gateway to senior financial roles in India and abroad. Use the resources from ICAI – syllabus, study materials, mock tests – and consider coaching if needed.
Stay disciplined, seek support when needed, and keep the long-term goal in mind. By following this guide and the official ICAI curriculum, a science student can confidently embark on the CA path and build a successful career.
Can I do CA after the 10th Class?
Aspiring Chartered Accountants generally ask if it is possible to begin the preparation for CA immediately after clearing Class 10. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) introduced a provisional registration scheme, wherein students clearing 10th board exams can register for the CA course. Even pre-registration is permitted, but actual eligibility to sit for the CA Foundation exam is only when you clear Class 12. Here is a step-by-step explanation of how to begin a CA process after the 10th standard, along with tips for selecting school subjects that will best equip you for a Chartered Accountancy career.
Show More- Provisional Registration for CA After 10th: ICAI’s provisional registration facility creates an excellent opportunity for motivated students who are certain about pursuing Chartered Accountancy. Under this scheme:
- Eligibility for Registration: Any aspirant who has passed the Class 10 board examination from a recognized board is eligible to apply for provisional registration for the CA Foundation Course.
- Early preparation: As soon as you are provisionally registered, you can make use of study material, reference books, and systematic guidance for Foundation-level topics. Although you won't be allowed to appear in the Foundation exam before clearing Class 12, advance preparation actually means a lot.
- Confirmation of Eligibility: If you wish to have your provisional registration converted to confirmed registration to take the CA Foundation exam, you must submit your passing certificate of the Class 12 board exam. As soon as ICAI gets your passing certificate of Class 12, you qualify to sit for the Foundation exam.
- Advantages of Early Registration: Extended Preparation Window: You can familiarize yourself with foundational concepts in accounting, economics, and business law well before Class 12 board exams.
- Reduced Academic Pressure: Knowing that your CA preparation is already underway can help you balance school studies and CA curriculum more effectively.
- Enhanced Conceptual Clarity: Early exposure allows you to clarify doubts, practice sample papers, and build confidence, making the actual CA Foundation exam less daunting.
- Timeline: From 10th Pass to CA Foundation
- Complete Class 10: After passing the Class 10 board examination, apply for provisional registration on the ICAI portal. You will receive study materials for Foundation-level subjects.
- Study Concurrently with School: Use the extra time to cover topics such as Accounting Principles, Business Laws, Economics, and Quantitative Aptitude. You may also join coaching classes if needed, though self-study with ICAI’s materials can suffice if you remain disciplined.
- Clear Class 12 Board Exams: Register for and complete Class 12 in any stream—Commerce, Science, or Arts. Once you receive your passing certificate, submit it to ICAI to confirm your CA Foundation registration.
- Appear for CA Foundation: After ICAI verifies your Class 12 results, you will become eligible to sit for the CA Foundation examination, typically held twice a year (May and November).
- Is It Advisable to Start CA Preparation Immediately After 10th?
- Build Strong Fundamentals: Fundamental understanding of accounting and economics by the end of Class 12 often translates into better performance in the CA Foundation exam.
- Develop Effective Study Habits: Acclimatizing to CA-style problems and rigorous study routines early fosters time management, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Reduce Exam Anxiety: Familiarity with question patterns, marking schemes, and exam-level difficulty minimizes stress when you eventually sit for the Foundation examination.
- The Importance of Discipline: Discipline is necessary for early registration. Unless you are disciplined in your studies, there is a possibility of spreading yourself thin between school requirements and CA curriculum. So make sure you prepare a study plan and, if needed, take advantage of veteran CA teaching staff or mentors.
- Selecting School Subjects for CA Aspirants
- Importance: Core subject of Chartered Accountancy. Understanding accounting basics—journal entries, ledger posting, trial balance—provides a head start for CA Foundation.
- Outcome: Familiarity with recording financial transactions and preparing financial statements.
- Importance: Covers essential business concepts, organizational structure, and legal frameworks.
- Outcome: Improves comprehension of ICAI’s Business Laws and Business Correspondence segments.
- Importance: Foundation-level topics on microeconomics and macroeconomics overlap with CA Foundation Economics.
- Outcome: Enhanced ability to analyze market trends, demand-supply dynamics, and economic policies.
- Importance: Quantitative Aptitude section in the CA Foundation exam draws heavily on mathematical reasoning, arithmetic, and basic algebra.
- Outcome: Strengthened numerical ability and analytical skills, which are crucial for solving CA Foundation problems.
- Importance: Effective communication is essential for report drafting, professional correspondence, and client interactions in a CA career.
- Outcome: Polished writing and verbal articulation, aiding in group discussions and interviews.
- Can Science or Arts Students Transition to CA?
- Enroll in Foundation Coaching Classes: To build basic proficiency in Accountancy, Business Laws, and Economics.
- Utilize ICAI Study Materials: Study the CA Foundation syllabus independently, focusing on conceptual clarity.
- Practice Sample Papers Extensively: Work on ICAI’s past question papers to understand examination patterns and difficulty levels.
Beginning CA studies after Class 10 can be strategically beneficial for students who are absolutely sure about choosing Chartered Accountancy as their career path. By starting early, you can:
Subject selection in Class 11 and 12 becomes an extremely crucial part of your CA preparation. While ICAI offers students studying any stream (Commerce, Science, or Arts) an opportunity to study CA, studying in the Commerce stream offers you correspondence with the syllabus of the Foundation course directly.
Accountancy:Absolutely. If you are in the Science or Arts stream, you can still enroll for the CA Foundation Course. However, since you may not have studied core commerce subjects in school, you should:
Can I Become a CA After Engineering?
To become a Chartered Accountant after engineering, you need to crack the three CA exams and complete the 2 years of practical training. Engineering students can directly enroll for the CA Intermediate course and skip the CA Foundation exams. For this, they need to register through the direct entry route.
Rest, the steps to becoming CA after engineering are the same as mentioned in the direct entry route section. They need to clear the CA Intermediate for both groups and articleship of 3 years. After that, they can enroll for the CA Final exams. Upon clearing the CA Final for both groups, they’ll become a Chartered Accountant.
Engineering students don’t have a strong concept in accounting, so it is advised to focus more on understanding the concepts.
Knowledge Base for the Students
Important ICAI links for the Chartered Accountancy Course:
Skills Needed to Become a Chartered Accountant
Essential skills that you’ll need to become a CA in India:
- Critical Thinking and Problem-solving.
- Sound Communication skills.
- Organisational skills.
- Discipline and the ability to accept failures.
- IT proficiency.
You should also know the main Qualities of a Chartered Accountant student, and try to learn and inculcate qualities.
Why Build a Career in CA?
Let us look at the benefits of a career in Chartered Accountancy and, why you should consider it.
1. High CA Salary
Chartered Accountants are one of the highest-paid professionals in India. The average salary offered to a fresher CA is around 7 to 8 lakhs per annum. After gaining experience of 4-5 years and the necessary skills, a CA can earn 30 lakhs per annum.
2. Growing Future Scope
The scope of the CA career is growing and is estimated to grow consistently in the coming years. With the establishment of new businesses and the development of financial sections, the demand for CAs will only increase.
3. Safe & Secure Career Path
CA is among those professions that everyone knows about. There are higher chances that you’ll find a CA in your family relations only. So, becoming a CA is considered a safe and secure career option.
4. Numerous Career Choices
As a Chartered Accountant, there are many options open for you. You can do a job, practice independently, offer consultation, teach, and many more. Talking about the job roles, you can go for, accounting, auditing, financial management, etc. You can also do further courses and apply to international companies.
5. High Growth Opportunity
Another advantage that motivates many students to become a CA after 12th or graduation is the opportunity to grow.
Compare: CA vs CMA
Working Scope of Chartered Accountancy
After studying and working rigorously for 5-6 years, Chartered Accountants have enough knowledge to work in various fields. So as a CA, you can work in these sectors:
- Companies
- CA Firms
- Financial Institutions
- Consultancy firms
- Own Practice
As a CA, these are some sectors you can go to. CAs are in high demand. There are many vacancies available in businesses and financial institutions. However, if you want to get a good experience, then a CA firm must be your priority.
Other than that, you can also offer consultancy services related to your strong areas. Or else, you can start your practice and make clients. This entirely depends on how you can get the big clients. There is no upper limit in terms of remuneration when you are practicing.
Job Roles for Chartered Accountants in India:
- Financial Officer – He manages the financial transactions of businesses, preparing budgets and reports for the company.
- Account Executive: This person handles and manages the financial accounts as per the company’s act, implements accounting systems, etc.
- Financial Analyst: Analyzes the financial performance of the business according to estimates and forecasts and plans the future course of action.
- Asst. Account Manager—Their major responsibility is to do the clerical support work for the manager, including managing documents, attending calls, scheduling meetings, etc.
- Finance Controller: Their work includes daily routine accounting tasks, preparing financial reports and budgets, and overseeing financial performance.
- Business Analyst – They work with both customers and shareholders to collect crucial details, manage them in documents, analyze and derive useful insights, etc.
Career Scope After Becoming a CA
Many students search for how to become CA — but what comes next is just as important. Once you clear all the stages and officially become a Chartered Accountant, a world of lucrative and dynamic career opportunities opens up. From working with Fortune 500 companies to launching your own CA firm, the possibilities are limitless.
Understanding how to become CA is the starting point. But what truly drives long-term success is knowing the value and scope the CA qualification brings to your career.
Career Opportunities After You Know How to Become CA
1. High-Profile Corporate Roles
After learning how to become CA, professionals are in high demand in sectors like IT, finance, manufacturing, and e-commerce. Popular roles include:
- Tax Consultant
- Financial Analyst
- Statutory Auditor
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
CAs are the backbone of financial integrity in businesses and are crucial to decision-making and policy planning.
2. Start Your Own CA Practice
If independence is your goal after understanding how to become CA, you can start your own firm. Services offered may include:
- Tax filing
- Auditing
- Company registration
Financial advisory
This path offers both flexibility and high-income potential based on your client base and specialization.
3. Government Jobs and PSUs
After you figure out how to become CA, you can pursue opportunities in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), banks, SEBI, or the RBI. These roles offer security, good salaries, and career stability.
4. International Opportunities
Once you understand how to become CA, global careers become achievable. With credentials like CPA (USA) or ACCA (UK), Indian CAs can work in countries like Canada, UAE, Australia, and the UK.
CA Salary in India
The average salary of a fresher CA in India ranges between 7 and 8 lakhs per annum. Chartered Accountants with 4-5 years of experience can earn around 20 lakhs in India. The salary offered to Chartered Accountants by international firms is even higher. In foreign companies, CAs get a package of 70 to 80 lakhs per annum.
CA is a challenging course, and aspirants must keep a positive mindset throughout the journey. They must believe that they can clear all the levels on the first attempt and have faith in themselves. Follow only the ICAI study materials for the preparation. All the CA toppers and mentors always recommend that you give top priority to the ICAI materials. And then, you can go for some other book, if needed.
Smart and hard work will be the key to clearing the CA exams. Firstly, make a clear study plan for the exams and follow it strictly. Your study plan should be based on the weightage, volume, and difficulty level of the topics. Irrespective of your course level, you need to complete the CA syllabus early so that you can do at least 2-3 times revisions.
Join coaching that can teach and guide you. Students need the guidance of experienced teachers to clear the exams. You can prefer offline or online classes for the CA course at your convenience. Focus on building soft skills, such as communication skills. This will surely help you get a better package than others.
CA Course Details
Mentioned below is a tabular representation of the complete CA Course details, including eligibility, registration, subjects, exams, and fees for all three levels.
| CA Foundation | CA Intermediate | CA Final | |
| Eligibility | Appear in 12th exams | Clear foundation or graduation or PG | Clear intermediate level practical training |
| Last date to Register for 2025 Exams | Before 1 Feb, 2025 for June 2025 Exam | Before 1 Jan, 2025 for May 2025 Exam | Before 1 Jan, 2025 for May 2025 Exam |
| Examination held | January, May and September | January, May and September | January, May and September |
| Registration Validity | 3 years (6 attempts) | 4 years (6 attempts) | 5 years (10 attempts) |
| Subjects | 4 | 6 (3 each group) | 6 (3 each group) |
| Fees | Rs 11300 | Rs 27200/23200 | Rs 39800 |
Also Read: CA Course Fees
CA Course Duration
After the 12th class, it will take a minimum of 5 years to become a CA in India. However, graduated students will need 4.5 years. The period of 6 months is saved through the direct entry route.
The students must note that the CA course duration will be increased by 6 with every failed attempt.
Tips for the Chartered Accountant Aspirants
Chartered Accountant aspirants can follow these tips while pursuing the CA course:
1. Understand the Path: To truly grasp how to become CA, start by learning the complete course structure, including CA Foundation, Intermediate, and Final levels.
2. Master the CA Foundation: This is the very first step in a road that leads to becoming CA. Focus on conceptual understanding instead of memorizing.
3. Choosing the Right Coaching: One of the crucial factors of how to become CA is choosing an institute that has experienced teachers, arranges regular mock tests, and provides updated study material.
4. Time Management: Time management plays a significant role in learning how to become CA. Provide for yourself a realistic study schedule including revision times and balanced breaks.
5. Practice with Mock Tests: Referring to previous papers and taking mock tests help you get familiarized with the pattern—which is an essential aspect of being successful in CA.
6. Conceptual Clarity: If you understand the concepts well, it will help you in exams as well as in your future as a professional. That’s one major aspect of becoming CA.
7. Stay Updated with ICAI: Always be on the lookout for announcements or syllabus updates made by the ICAI. Properly staying informed is the continuous side of attaining CA in a systematic and strategic way.
8. Seek Mentorship: Connect with those who are Chartered Accountants already. Their worth worth spread can reduce your number of mistakes on how to become CA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.Which stream is best for the Chartered Accountancy course?
Ans: Commerce is the best stream for the students who want to do CA.
Q2. Is maths compulsory for CA?
Ans: Students need to study maths for the CA Foundation course. Other than that, there is no paper for maths in CA Intermediate and Final exams. However, there will be long calculations at every stage, so students must have a basic knowledge of mathematics and calculation.
Q3. Is it easy to become a CA (Chartered Accountant)?
Ans: CA is undoubtedly one of the most difficult courses in India. However, if a student prepares for this exam smartly, with full discipline and dedication, it can be cleared in the first attempt.
Q4. Is there any age limit to pursuing a CA?
Ans: No, there are no age limit criteria to pursue the CA course in India.
Q5. Should I pursue my CA Course after the 12th or graduation?
Ans: Candidates can pursue CA courses after the 12th and after graduation. It depends upon their preferences when they want to start their courses.
Q6. Is a job guaranteed after becoming a Chartered Accountant?
Ans: Yes, you’ll get a job but the package will depend on the candidate’s performance in exams, his personality, and communication skills.
Q7. Is CA a government job?
Ans: No, CA is not completely a government job. However, a Chartered Accountant can work in PSUs to handle their finances and accounts.
