How to become a chartered accountant (CA)
CA Foundation, Intermediate, articleship and Final – the complete path to becoming a chartered accountant, with direct entry for graduates.
Chartered Accountants handle audit, taxation, accounting, finance and business advisory. The qualification is awarded by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).
Path after 12th
- Register for CA Foundation (you can register after Class 10 and appear after 12th).
- Clear CA Foundation – accounting, business laws, quantitative aptitude, business economics.
- CA Intermediate – two groups.
- Articleship – practical training under a practising CA (2 years under the current scheme), along with self-paced online modules and ICITSS training.
- CA Final – two groups, plus advanced training (AICITSS).
- Become a member of ICAI – you are now a Chartered Accountant.
Direct entry for graduates
Commerce graduates with 55% or other graduates with 60% can skip Foundation and register directly for Intermediate (check ICAI rules for the current requirements).
Things to know
- Pass rates are low, so CA rewards discipline and consistent study.
- Many students do B.Com alongside CA.
- Rules and the scheme of education change – always follow ICAI announcements.
Career options
Audit firms (including the Big Four), corporate finance, taxation, investment banking, own practice, and government roles in audit and finance.
Course fees, seats, exam patterns and salaries change over time and differ between institutions and states. Use this guide to plan, and confirm details on official websites before you decide.