CA Course Details: Exams, Eligibility, Fees structure

Are you interested in becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) in India? Students who have finished their 12th grade in the Commerce stream frequently want to become a CA. There is a significant need for CA who study abroad or in India, and they are recognized for making good money. Before starting this career path, it's important to comprehend the CA course, including the prerequisites, tests, and fee schedule.

What is a Chartered Accountant (CA)?

 A recognized professional with the required knowledge and abilities in accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management is known as a chartered accountant. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the recognized accrediting authority for this profession in India, grants the CA certification.

Skills Required to Excel as a Chartered Accountant (CA)

A combination of technical knowledge and soft qualities is necessary to succeed in the field of chartered accounting. Here are some key skills required to succeed as a CA:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy in financial analysis
• As a CA, you must have the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• You must showcase proficiency in financial software and IT tools
• You must follow ethical and professional conduct
• Must have Numerical and mathematical skills
• Time management along with organizational skills

How to Become a Chartered Accountant (CA)?

Becoming a chartered accountant takes commitment, diligence, and a systematic approach. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to pursue the CA course:

• Step 1:  Clear CA Foundation Exam : You must start by focusing on clearing your CA Foundation exam (entry-level exam) for the course. Before that, you must ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and thoroughly prepare for the exam.

• Step 2: Complete CA Intermediate: After passing the CA Foundation exam, move on to the CA Intermediate level. Complete the necessary academic requirements and pass the Intermediate exam for both groups.

• Step 3:     Undergo Practical Training: After passing the Intermediate exam, you must complete a 2.5-year practical training program. Under the supervision of a trained CA, you will receive practical expertise in a variety of accounting and financial topics throughout this time.

• Step 4:     Clear CA Final Exam: After completing the practical training, you can appear for the CA Final exam. Clear both groups of the Final exam to become a certified CA.

Overview of the Chartered Accountant (CA) Course

The three phases of the CA course are called CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, and CA Final. This comprehensive program has a strong emphasis on experiential learning and prepares students for professions in accounting, reviewing financial accounts, filing taxes, and assessing the financial health of individuals and companies. Including the registration period, the CA course lasts roughly 4.5 to 5 years.

Students must meet specific eligibility requirements to enroll in the CA course. Students must graduate from a recognized school with a minimum grade point average of 50% to be eligible for the CA Foundation. Students who want to take the CA Intermediate must pass the Foundation exam and hold a bachelor's degree. Suppose a student has earned their degree or is enrolled in a Company Secretary (CS) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program at the intermediate level. In that case, they may also choose the Direct Entry option.

The CA Exam Structure

The three levels of exams for the CA course are CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, and CA Final. Every level has its own eligibility requirements and curriculum. Let's examine each stage in more detail:

CA Foundation

The CA Foundation is the entry-level examination for the CA course. To be eligible for this exam, candidates must have completed their class 12th from a recognized school with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. The syllabus for the CA Foundation includes subjects like Principles and Practice of Accounting, Business Laws, Business Mathematics and Logical Reasoning, and Business Economics.

CA Intermediate

After successfully clearing the CA Foundation exam, candidates can proceed to the CA Intermediate level. In addition to clearing the Foundation exam, candidates must also complete their bachelor's degree to be eligible for the Intermediate exam. The syllabus for the CA Intermediate includes subjects like Accounting, Auditing and Assurance, Corporate and Other Laws, and Financial Management and Economics for Finance.

   
 

 CA Final

The CA Final is the last level of the CA course. To be eligible for this exam, candidates must clear both groups of the CA Intermediate course and complete a practical training of 2.5 years. The syllabus for the CA Final includes subjects like Financial Reporting, Strategic Financial Management, Advanced Auditing and Professional Ethics, and Corporate and Economic Laws.

CA Course Fees Structure

The fee structure for the CA course varies for different levels and categories of students. Here is a breakdown of the fees for each level:

CA Foundation Fees

• Indian Students: The CA Foundation course fee for Indian students is INR 9,800.
• International Students: The CA Foundation course fee for international students is $1,065.

CA Intermediate Fees

• Indian Students: The CA Intermediate course fee is INR 18,000 for both groups.
• International Students: The CA Intermediate course fee is $600 for a single group and $1,000 for both groups.

CA Final Fees

• Indian Students: The CA Final course fee is INR 13,000 for Group 1 and INR 22,000 for Group 2.
• International Students: The CA Final course fee is $550 for both groups.

Students are advised to visit the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) official website for the most recent information about fees, as these fees are subject to change.

CA Level	Eligibility	Course Fees
CA Foundation	Completion of class 12th with 50% marks	INR 9,800
CA Intermediate	Clearing the Foundation exam and completion of bachelor's degree	INR 18,000
CA Final	Clearing both groups of the Intermediate exam and completion of practical training	Group 1: INR 13,000 Group 2: INR 22,000

CA Course Registration Fees

In addition to the course fees, students are required to pay registration fees for each level of the CA course. Here are the registration fees for each level:

CA Foundation Registration Fees

The CA Foundation registration fee for Indian students is INR 9,000. For international students, the registration fee is $700.

CA Intermediate Registration Fees

• Single Group: The CA Intermediate registration fee for a single group is INR 13,000.
• Both Groups: The CA Intermediate registration fee for both groups is INR 18,000.

For international students, the registration fee for the Intermediate level is $600 for a single group and $1,000 for both groups.

CA Final Registration Fees

The CA Final registration fee for both groups is INR 39,800 for Indian students. For international students, the registration fee is $1,650.

CA Exam and Application Fees

In addition to the registration fees, students are required to pay examination or application fees for each level of the CA course. Here are the fees for exams and applications:

CA Foundation Exam Application Fees

The CA exam fee for the Foundation course varies as per the center you choose:

• If you choose centers in India, you need to pay a fee of INR 1,500
• For the Kathmandu center, the fee will be INR 2,200
• For centers in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, or Muscat, the exam fee will be $325

CA Intermediate Exam Application Fees

The CA Intermediate course exam fees are as follows:

• The single Group fee will be INR 1,500
• Both Group's fees will be INR 2,700

Note: For international students, the examination fee is around $325 for a single group and $500 for both groups.

CA Final Exam Application Fees

The following are the exam costs for the CA Final course:

• Single Group: INR 1,800
• Both Groups: INR 3,300

Both groups' exam costs for international students are $550.

Note that these costs are liable to change, and students are urged to visit the ICAI's official website for the most recent details.

 

Fees for CA Articleship and Training 

Students must complete an articleship or practical training as part of their CA study. The costs for training and articleship are listed below:

CA Articleship Fees

During the time of registration or the commencement of practical training, students need to pay articleship fees of INR 2,000.

CA AICITSS Training Fees

AICITSS training is a mandatory 4-week training course for CA students. The fees for this training are as follows:

• Information Technology: INR 7,000
• Soft Skills: INR 7,500

A late fee of INR 600 is applicable for centers in India and Kathmandu and $10 for overseas centers.

CA Coaching Fees in India

Many students opt for coaching classes to prepare for the CA exams. The coaching fees for CA courses in India vary based on the level. Here are the approximate coaching fees:

• CA Foundation course fee: INR 53,000
• CA Intermediate single group fee: INR 50,000
• CA Intermediate for both groups fee: INR 90,000
• CA Final single group fee: INR 50,000
• CA Final both groups fee: INR 1,00,000

It's important to note that these coaching fees may vary depending on the coaching institute and location.

Why Choose Chartered Accountancy (CA)?

If you plan to study (Chartered Accountancy) CA in India you will get several advantages as well as opportunities for aspiring professionals. Check out some reasons why you must consider pursuing a career as a CA:

• High Demand : Chartered Accountants are highly in demand among organizations such as financial institutions, banks, and corporates. The demand for CAs is consistently high, providing excellent job prospects.

• Entrepreneurial Opportunities : With a CA certification, you can start your auditing firm and offer auditing services to clients. You may manage your career and be your boss thanks to this.

• Lucrative Salary Packages : Regarding salary, chartered accounts earn a handsome average starting salary ranging from INR 6 LPA to 7 LPA. If you are experienced, you can significantly increase your salary, as some of the CAs earn up to INR 75 LPA.

• Respect and Prestige: Chartered Accountants are highly in-demand professionals and earn respect as their profile is seen as highly qualified individuals in the business world.

• Limited Competition : The CA exams are quite tough, so only a few candidates successfully qualify. Thus, this exam has a lot of scope due to the lack of qualified workers and the strong demand for their skills.

• Versatile Career Options: As a CA, you can get the opportunity to work with various sectors of private as well as government organizations. You can even start your venture. CA offers versatility regarding career options, which allows you to explore different areas of interest.

Who Should Pursue a Chartered Accountant (CA) Course?

A CA is something that takes work to pursue. Dedication, perseverance, and effort are required to pass the exam in the course. If you love math, accounting, and financial management and are willing to try to excel in the field, being a CA can be the ideal choice for you.

Career Prospects for Chartered Accountants (CAs)

You will have many employment options in a variety of industries once you become a chartered accountant. Some of the key roles and responsibilities of a CA include:

• Auditing financial accounts for accuracy and legal compliance
• Handling tax returns and offering tax planning assistance
• Maintaining records of investments and financial transactions
• Evaluating financial performance and offering both individual's and corporations financial advice.
• Managing budget analysis and financial planning for organizations.
• Providing corporate finance and strategic management consulting services.

Organizations, including banks, financial institutions, corporations, and governmental agencies, all have a significant demand for CAs. Additionally, they might establish their own auditing firms and provide clients with their services. For CAs, the starting pay ranges from INR 6 to 7 LPA; with experience, it can reach INR 75 LPA.

Top Chartered Accountant (CA) Firms in India

Working for a reputable CA firm might give you excellent exposure and professional growth opportunities. Here are a few of India's top accounting firms:

• KPMG
• PwC
• Ernst & Young (EY)
• Deloitte
• BDO International
• SS Kothari
• RSM International
• Grant Thornton International
• TR Chadha & Co.
• Desai Haribhakti

Conclusion

In conclusion, those interested in finance, accounting, or auditing can consider the CA course an appealing career choice. It offers great career prospects, high pay, and the opportunity to impact the business world. Before beginning this trip, it's crucial to consider the price structure, eligibility requirements, and commitment amount necessary.

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