Becoming a CA after your Graduation or after 12th grade, is one of the most respected professions in India. CA also known as Chartered Accountant, are professionals who offer auditing, taxation, and financial advice services to people. If you want to know detailed information about How to Become CA, then here is the detailed guide. And if you're looking for expert guidance and the best coaching to crack the CA exams, check out our CA Coaching for complete support.
Eligibility Criteria to become a CA
Chartered Accountant Eligibility depends on the Two paths you will take.
If you are applying for the CA Foundation
You should pass the 12th class with a certified board.
Students who are aiming to register for the exam after the 10th for CA Foundation, then you can register but you can appear for it after the 12th class.
There are no criteria for Marks.
If you are applying directly after graduation
If you are a Commerce Student, then you should pass with 55% marks.
If you are a Non-Commerce Student, Graduate from Science/Arts then you should pass with 60% marks.
Students who have passed the Intermediate level of CMA or CS can also apply.
The ICAI has provided the two routes to become a CA. It depends on the Background of your education.
The majority of students who want to become a CA, begin their journey right after 12th class and start with the Foundation Exam.
Students pursuing any stream, whether it is (Science, Arts, or Commerce), should pass the 12th class with a certified board.
If you are eager to start your journey after the 10th class, then you can register for it and start your preparation, but you will be eligible to take the exam after the 12th class.
Process for the CA Foundation
First of all register yourself for the CA Foundation Exam, generally in 12th class.
If you are sure that you want to become a CA then start your preparation at least 4 Months before.
Clear all the CA Foundation Exams like Business Law, Business Economics, Aptitude Test, Accounting.
After clearing all your CA Foundation Exam, then register yourself for CA Intermediate.
After clearing the CA Intermediate Paper Group 1, start your Articleship and see the official website of ICAI for further process.
For students who are planning to start early for their career, then it is the best path.
Foundation helps you to build good knowledge from the beginning.
This path is for those who have completed their Graduation or Post-graduation and are aiming to become a CA or want to expand their education level.
Graduates with a Commerce Background should have at least 55% marks.
Non-Commerce Student Graduate with Arts or Science should have at least 60% marks.
Students who have appeared for the CS or CMA or cleared it, then they can also apply.
Register for CA Intermediate directly.
Complete your ICITSS Training.
As you complete your training then appear for the CA Intermediate Exam.
Once your CA Intermediate groups are cleared, register yourself for the CA Final.
As your CA Intermediate is cleared, you have to do the Articleship for 2.5 years.
Once you have completed the Articleship and completed the CA Exam register yourself for ICAI membership.
It will save you time, as you will not be attempting the CA Foundation Exam.
Best for the students who have Accounts Knowledge.
After Graduation/Postgrad
After clearing Inter Group I
Immediately after registration
Process of How to Become CA
Becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) involves professional training with a good knowledge of academics. Here is the process of How to Become CA from your registration to your membership in ICAI.
Register yourself for the CA Foundation Exam right after the 12th class and start preparing for it at least 4 months before the exam. Ca Foundation includes Business Economics, Business Law, Principles of Accounting, and Reasoning. ICAI has 3 years of Registration Validity.
Your CA Foundation Exam is conducted in Offline Mode and is held Twice a year. If you pass then you are eligible for the next level CA Intermediate.
CA Intermediate Exam has 2 groups with 4 subjects in each paper.
Group 1 include (Costing, Law, Taxation, Accounting)
Group 2 include (Auditing, Management, Statics, Entrepreneurship)
You can attempt both groups together also or one group at a time according to your capacity.
Complete your ICITSS (Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills) Training before the Articles.
Once you have cleared the CA Intermediate Group 1 you are eligible for the Articleship and if you have cleared both Groups then you can register for CA Final.
CA Articleship will be for 2 years in which you will learn about Taxation, Accounts, Auditing, Law, and Financial Reporting.
After completing your CA Articleship, register for the CA Final.
Tip: Start your preparation for the CA Final during your Articleship for better management.
CA Final Exam also has 2 Groups which include management, Auditing, Direct & Indirect Taxes, etc.
After passing both the CA Final group, apply for ICAI Membership. ICAI will award you with a CA Degree.
Class 10 → Register for CA Foundation (optional)
Class 12 → Appear for CA Foundation Exam
Clear CA Foundation → Register for CA Intermediate
Pass Group 1 → Start Articleship (2 years)
Pass Group 2 + Complete ICITSS
Register for CA Final → Appear for Final Exam
Clear Final + Articleship Completed
Apply for ICAI Membership → Get CA Title!
Educational Background for Becoming CA
Students from any stream can pursue CA, there is no Boundation but you should have a strong base of the Subjects.
Mathematics: Benefit in Reasoning and Tax Calculation.
Economics: for understanding the Business Environment
Accountancy: Have Knowledge of Financial Statements.
English: Helps in understanding Law.
CA Course Duration on your Educational Background
Skills Required to Become a CA
Becoming a CA is not just about clearing exams, it is an analytical and ethical skill.
A CA should be able to understand the financial data and its report and identify the mistake in the account and the risk in it.
CA journey will be very tough, you should manage your time because, at the time of articles, you have to manage your studies also.
You should have a way of communication, as you will deal with clients and banks.
Modern Accounting work is done on the software, so you should know the digital tools like Excel, Tally, Audit Tools, etc.
CA should know how to present the information about the financial report and summarise the tax discussion.
Career opportunity after becoming CA
Tax Consultant - It is one of the major parts of CA. You will help businesses file GST, handle tax disputes, and income tax returns.
Internal or External Auditor - As an auditor, you will check the financial statements of the companies and ensure their accuracy.
Financial Analyst - If you are friendly with Generic Data and love working with it. Then you will have the role of preparing the budget and conducting cost analysis.
Chief Financial Officer - When you get the good experience of CA then you can rise to the top position in a company. The CFO is responsible for managing the financial strategy of the company.
You can start your own CA Firm.
CA Salary is vast from taxation to Finance, a CA can explore various vibrant sectors.
CA is a gateway to the highest-paying careers. Whether you want to be an independent consultant or a corporate leader.
Advantages of Becoming CA
CA is one of the highest professions in managing finance and accounts.
You will have job security, even in economic dowtrums.
After becoming CA you have the freedom to choose where to work.
Indian CA is highly respected in the UK, Canada, UAE, and Australia.
The word CA, when it is added at the beginning of a name, your name will command respect.
Unknown facts about CA in India
CA Final exam passing rate is less than 10% which makes it one of the toughest exams.
Second-largest accounting body in the world is ICAI.
Did you know the youngest person in India became a CA at the age of 19 only.
Indian CA can pursue the international certificate also like ACCA, CPA, or CFA.
No other profession can replace them, CA are the Auditors of the Company.
Being a Chartered Accountant is not an easy journey. But once you succeed, the rewards are truly unbeatable. Whether you start in your class 12 or understand How To Become CA is your first step towards your future in finance and business.
Real Life Success Stories of CA Achievers
Kinjal Ajmera - She cracked the CA Intermediate Exam with a good percentile as she followed the strict study plan of 6-7 hours and handled its B.com degree. She is inspired by her Father who is also a CA.
Ruth Das - He just does not study but also teaches the Juniors and struggles with coaching but still manages to crack the CA Final at the age of 21 only. There is only a key that you have to revise daily, no matter what happens.
Kumar Mangalma Birla - Chairman of Aditya Birla Group. He just became the CA at the age of 28 and took charge of its empire. His CA background helped him to make financial decisions and expand his company. A CA degree just not only guides you about the accounts but also about the entire industry.
Naina Lal Kidwai - The first woman to become a CA in India. She was told that banking is not for women. She made history and got the highest rank in CA. Her CA experience gave him credibility.
Piyush Goyal - He was a policymaker. He left the corporate job to serve the nation. Now he is the Union Minister of India and CA by qualification. CA is not just a degree for respect, it can shape your future.
Common FaQ on How to Become CA
Q.1 How much percentage is required to become a CA?
There are no criteria like this, you just have to pass the 12th grade from a certified board.
Q.2 What is the time - period of becoming CA after the 12th?
The average time to complete a CA after the 12th is 4.5 to 5 years which includes Articleship training, exams, and other programs.
Q.3 What is the process to get a membership of ICAI?
You just have to visit the ICAI official Website and fill out the form there with the required documents and don't forget to pay the registration fees.
Q.4 Is a Commerce background necessary to become a CA?
No, it is not specific you can become a CA from any stream but if you have commerce then it will be easy for you to understand the accounts and economics.
Q.5 It is important to do an Articleship in CA and what is the duration of it?
Yes, it is important as it will enhance your training in your field and the time period is 2 years. It generally starts after you clear Group 1 of CA Intermediate.
Q.6 How hard is it to become a CA?
CA is considered one of the hardest exams in India. It requires dedication, concept clarity with proper management.
Q.7 Does the CA course have an age limit?
No. There is no age limit; you can pursue it at any age.
Q.8 Can I pursue a CA degree along with a regular college degree?
Yes, many of the students perform like this only but it requires dedication with time management.
Q.9 How do I register for the CA Foundation Exam?
You should register by the official website of ICAI. Create an account there, upload your 10th and 12th certificates and pay the registration fee online.
Q.10 How many attempts are allowed by ICAI to become CA?
Each level has a limited number of attempts, generally 3-6 attempts are provided depending on your validity.
