Step-by-Step Process to Become a CA

Step-by-Step Process to Become a CA

✅ Step 1: Choose Your Entry Route

There are two ways to enter the CA course:

1. Foundation Route (After Class 12)

  • Ideal for students who have just completed 12th grade.
  • You must register with ICAI and clear the CA Foundation exam.

2. Direct Entry Route (After Graduation)

  • Commerce graduates with 55% or other graduates with 60% marks can directly register for CA Intermediate, skipping Foundation.
  • Also open to candidates who have cleared the CMA Inter or CS Executive exams.

✅ Step 2: Register and Pass the CA Foundation Exam

  • Subjects:
    • Accounting
    • Business Laws
    • Mathematics and Logical Reasoning
    • Economics
  • Exam Pattern: Objective + Descriptive papers
  • Timeline: Exams held in June and December

✅ Step 3: Register for CA Intermediate

  • You can register for both groups or one group at a time.
  • There are 6 subjects divided into 2 groups (3 papers each):
    • Group 1: Accounting, Corporate & Other Laws, Cost and Management Accounting
    • Group 2: Taxation, Advanced Accounting, Auditing

✅ Step 4: Complete ICITSS (Soft Skills + IT Training)

Before you start articleship training, you must complete:

  • IT Training (15 days): Basics of computers, Tally, Excel, etc.
  • Orientation Course (15 days): Personality development, communication skills, and ethics.

✅ Step 5: Undergo 3 Years of Articleship (Practical Training)

  • Work under a practicing Chartered Accountant.
  • Learn real-world auditing, taxation, accounting, and finance.
  • You can also opt for industrial training in the last year (in a company instead of a CA firm).

✅ Step 6: Complete AICITSS (Advanced Training)

During the last 2 years of articleship, complete:

  • Advanced IT Training: ERP, data analytics, Power BI, etc.
  • Management & Communication Skills: Leadership, teamwork, and business communication.

✅ Step 7: Register and Clear the CA Final Exam

  • Final consists of two groups:
    • Group 1: Financial Reporting, Strategic Financial Management, Advanced Audit, Corporate Laws
    • Group 2: Strategic Cost Management, Direct & Indirect Taxes, Risk Management, Electives
  • You can appear for the exam during the last 6 months of articleship.

✅ Step 8: Apply for ICAI Membership

After passing the Final exam and completing your articleship:

  • Submit the required documents to ICAI.
  • Take the professional oath and become an official Chartered Accountant (CA).

💼 Career Opportunities After Becoming a CA

A qualified CA can work in:

  • Audit firms
  • Tax consultancy
  • Corporates (as CFO, finance manager, etc.)
  • Government bodies
  • Start their own CA practice
  • International firms (with global certifications like CPA, ACCA)

💡 Tips for CA Aspirants

  • Stick to a daily study routine.
  • Make the most of ICAI study materials and mock tests.
  • Choose a good CA firm for articleship.
  • Stay motivated—CA is tough but absolutely achievable with consistency.
  • Use online resources and group studies wisely.
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