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FAQs

General Information

The Chartered Accountancy (CA) course in India is a professional qualification offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). It follows a structured curriculum encompassing theoretical learning, practical training, and examinations to provide students a deep understanding of accounting principles, taxation laws, auditing practices, financial management and corporate regulations.

The CA course has three levels:

  1. CA Foundation
  2. CA Intermediate
  3. CA Final
  4. The minimum duration to complete the CA course is around 3.5 to 4 years, assuming the student clears all exams on the first attempt.

    1. CA Foundation: Students who have completed their Class 12 from any recognized board, with a minimum score of 50% for Commerce students and 60% for other stream students.
    2. Direct Entry for CA Intermediate: Graduates/postgraduates with specified marks or those who have cleared the Intermediate level of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) or the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI).
    3. No, there is no age limit for joining the CA course.

      CA Foundation

      • Earlier, the CA Foundation exams were conducted twice a year - May and November.
      • From 2024 onwards, the CA Foundation exams will be conducted thrice a year – May/June, September and January. 
      • The CA Foundation syllabus consists of 4 papers:

        1. Paper 1 - Accounting

        2. Paper 2 – Business Laws 

        3. Paper 3 – Quantitative Aptitude

        • Part A: Business Mathematics
        • Part B: Logical Reasoning
        • Part C: Statistics 
        • 4. Paper 4 – Business Economics 

          • Paper 1 and 2: Each paper is 3 hours long.
          • Paper 3 and 4: Each paper is 2 hours long.
          • The CA Foundation exam has a total of 400 marks, with each paper of 100 marks. 

            • For Subjective Papers (Paper 1 and 2): There is NO negative marking.
            • For Objective Papers (Paper 3 and 4): 0.25 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.
            • A candidate must secure at least 40% marks in each paper and an aggregate of 50% in all papers combined.

              No, there is no limit. Multiple attempts are allowed.

              CA Intermediate

              The CA Intermediate syllabus is divided into 2 groups, each containing 3 papers:

              1. Group I:

              1. Paper 1 - Advanced Accounting
              2. Paper 2 - Corporate and Other Laws
              3. Paper 3 - Taxation
              4. 2. Group II:

                1. Paper 4 - Cost and Management Accounting
                2. Paper 5 - Auditing and Ethics
                3. Paper 6 - Financial Management & Strategic Management
                  • Each paper is of 100 marks, with 70 marks allocated for Descriptive Questions and 30 marks for Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). 
                  • There is NO negative marking for the MCQ section.
                  • Candidates who have passed the CA Foundation exam or are eligible through the Direct Entry route.

                    Yes, you can appear for one group at a time or both groups together.

                    A candidate must secure at least 40% in each paper and a total minimum of 150 marks in each group.

                    CA Final

                    The CA Final syllabus is divided into 2 groups:

                    1. Group I:

                    1. Paper 1 - Financial Reporting
                    2. Paper 2 - Advanced Financial Management
                    3. Paper 3 - Advanced Auditing, Assurance and Professional Ethics
                    4. 2. Group II:

                      1. Paper 4 - Direct Tax Laws and International Taxation
                      2. Paper 5 - Indirect Tax Laws
                      3. 1. Goods and Services Tax (GST)

                        2. Customs and Foreign Trade Policy (FTP)

                        3. Paper 6 - Integrated Business Solutions (Multi-disciplinary Case Study with Strategic Management)

                        One can register for the Final Course any time after passing both groups of Intermediate Examination.

                        A candidate must secure at least 40% in each paper and a total minimum of 150 marks in each group.

                        No, you must complete at least 2.5 years of the Articleship before appearing for the CA Final exams.

                        Articleship

                        • Articleship is a mandatory 3-year practical training period under a practicing Chartered Accountant, which gives students hands-on experience in the profession.
                        • Under the New Scheme of Education and Training by ICAI, the duration has been reduced to 2 years.
                        • After passing either one or both groups of the CA Intermediate exam.

                          No, you must complete your Articleship under a single Chartered Accountant unless you take a transfer under specific conditions permitted by ICAI.

                          The stipend varies and is based on the guidelines provided by ICAI. It typically increases with each year of training.

                          Registration & Examination Process

                          Registration can be done online through the ICAI’s official website by filling out the necessary forms and paying the required fees.

                          • The registration for CA Foundation is valid for 3 years and can be revalidated. 
                          • For CA Intermediate, it is valid for 4 years and can also be revalidated.
                          • After registering, you need to fill out the exam application form online for the respective level during the specified application period.

                            The fees vary depending on the level and the number of groups you are appearing for. Specific details are available on the ICAI website.

                            Yes, you can apply for revalidation of your registration for a nominal fee.

                            Results and Onwards

                            Results are typically declared 6-8 weeks after the exams, usually in January (for November exams) and July (for May exams).

                            The results are based on the performance in each paper, with the requirement to secure at least 40% in each paper and 50% in aggregate in each group.

                            The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experiences positions CA aspirants for diverse career opportunities. Achieving the esteemed CA designation marks a significant accomplishment, opening doors to a successful and fulfilling professional journey in various spheres such as the Accounting and Finance industry, Public Practice, Corporate sectors, Government services, Entrepreneurship and many more.

                            Miscellaneous

                            Yes, you can pursue CA alongside graduation. Many students opt for the CA Foundation after Class 12 and continue with graduation simultaneously.

                            No, coaching is not mandatory. However, many students find it beneficial to join coaching classes for structured guidance and preparation.

                            Common challenges include managing the vast syllabus, balancing studies with Articleship, handling exam pressure, and maintaining consistency.

                            Official information is available on the ICAI website www.icai.org .

                            You can contact ICAI through their regional offices, helpline numbers, or email provided on their website.

                            Tips and Strategies 

                            • Break down the syllabus for each level (CA Foundation, Intermediate, and Final) into manageable sections.
                            • Familiarize yourself with the subjects and topics covered in each paper.
                              • Daily and Weekly Goals: Set specific, achievable targets.
                              • Prioritize Subjects: Focus more on challenging subjects, but ensure you're revising everything.
                              • Time Management: Allocate time for each subject based on difficulty and your comfort level.
                                • Institute Material: Stick to ICAI study material and practice manuals.
                                • Reference Books: Use reference books for additional practice, but avoid over-reliance.
                                • Mock Tests and Past Papers: Practice mock tests and solve past exam papers under timed conditions.
                                  • Focus on understanding concepts rather than rote learning.
                                  • Discuss complex topics with peers or mentors.
                                  • Use diagrams, charts, and summaries to reinforce understanding.
                                    • Schedule regular revision sessions for each subject.
                                    • Use summary notes and flashcards for quick revision.
                                      • Practice answering questions within the allotted time.
                                      • Allocate time wisely during the exam: prioritize questions you know well.
                                      • Leave time for revision and avoid leaving questions unanswered.
                                        • Keep up with amendments and updates in laws and standards, especially for papers like Taxation and Law.
                                        • Subscribe to relevant newsletters or join forums for the latest updates, but do not overdo. 
                                          • Diet: Eat a balanced diet to maintain energy levels.
                                          • Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to reduce stress.
                                          • Sleep: Ensure you get enough sleep, especially before exams.
                                            • Join study groups or online forums to discuss doubts and share knowledge.
                                            • Seek guidance from seniors or mentors who have cleared the exams.
                                              • Set short-term and long-term goals to keep yourself motivated.
                                              • Celebrate small successes along the way. Don’t be disheartened by setbacks; use them as learning opportunities.
                                                • Use apps and online resources for planning, practicing, and revising.
                                                • Watch video lectures for complex topics.
                                                  • Prepare for articleship interviews by practicing mock interviews.
                                                  • Research the firm and understand the role you’re applying for.
                                                  • Brush up on practical knowledge, especially on topics relevant to the role.
                                                    • Make the most of your articleship by applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
                                                    • Reflect on your work experience during articleship when studying.
                                                      • Understand and adhere to the ethical guidelines laid down by ICAI.
                                                      • Integrity and professionalism are key to a successful career.
                                                        • Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
                                                        • Avoid comparing yourself to others; focus on your own progress.