How to Become a CA After Graduation: A Complete Guide

Explore the pathway to becoming a CA after graduation. Know about eligibility, course duration, and the Direct Entry Route for becoming a chartered accountant.

Considering a career in chartered accounting after completing your degree? Look no further! This article provides a complete guide to help you navigate the path to becoming a CA after graduation.

The Chartered Accountant (CA) course has gained huge popularity in India, driven by its rising demand. As a result, an increasing number of students are pursuing CA to turn their dreams into reality. While many students start their CA journey immediately after completing their 12th class, others discover their passion later in life. Some individuals may even choose to switch careers to pursue CA and unlock new opportunities for growth and advancement.

CA After Graduation Details 

If you are planning to earn a Chartered Accountancy (CA) degree after graduation, here are key factors to consider as you embark on this exciting career path:

Eligibility Criteria 

  • For commerce, graduate/postgraduate required: at least 50% marks in graduation or postgraduation. 
  • For non-commerce graduates/postgraduates: A minimum of 60% marks is required if you are in arts, humanities, science, etc.  

Course Duration 

After graduating, you can complete the CA course in a minimum of 3 years. The journey begins with registering for the course, after which you can appear for the CA Intermediate exam (formerly IPCC) in just 9 months. Following the completion of your CA degree, you'll also need to fulfill a 2-year articleship requirement to officially qualify as a Chartered Accountant.

Enroll Now for CA Courses

CA Foundation Route 

To pursue the CA immediately after 12th grade, students must meet the eligibility criteria for the CA Foundation exam. It's essential to register at least four months before the exam, which is held annually in May/September/December.

CA Direct Entry Route

Candidates who have cleared the CS Intermediate (ICSI) or CWA Intermediate (ICMAI) exams are exempt from taking the CA Foundation exam and can directly enroll for the CA Intermediate course through the CA Direct Entry route. 

How to Become a CA after Graduation 

Pursuing CA after graduation? Follow these steps to prepare for the Chartered Accountant Course through the Direct Entry System:

Note that students who enroll in the CA Course after graduation, or those who have completed the Intermediate level of ICSI or ICWA, are exempt from taking the CA Foundation Exam. Simply follow these steps to get started on your CA journey. 

  • Start your CA journey with the ICITSS Training program: It is necessary to complete the course that is offered by the ICAI that focuses on information technology and soft skills.
  • Next, enroll for the CA Intermediate Examination: You must register with the ICAI Board of Studies. This necessary step enables you to appear for the intermediate exam, a key milestone in your CA journey. 
  • Start a three-year articleship training program: a hands-on learning experience that provides invaluable exposure to the accounting field, equipping you with practical skills and expertise.
  • Complete the initial 9 months of your articleship training: Marking a crucial milestone in your CA journey and paving the way for further growth and development.
  • Clear the CA Intermediate exam: Pass either Group 1 or Group 2, or both, of the CA Intermediate exams to successfully clear this milestone.
  • Complete your articleship training: Process the Advanced Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (AICITSS), a crucial step in enhancing your skills and expertise.
  • Take the next step by registering for the CA Final exam: It’s a crucial milestone that awaits you after completing your Articleship training and clearing the CA Intermediate exams.

Duration Required for CA Preparation After Graduation

The duration of the Chartered Accountancy course can vary from student to student. However, for graduates, the journey to becoming a CA typically spans three years, provided you complete your training and clear all exams in the first attempt, thereby bypassing the need to take the CA Foundation exam.

Duration required for CA Preparation after Graduation
Details Direct Entry Route CPT Route
Exemptions CPT Exempted No. Exemptions
Eligibility After graduation After Class 12th
Duration 3 years 4.5 years
Eligibility to appear in the IPCC After 9 months of training After 9 months of study
Eligibility for Articleship After Registration After clearing the 1st group

 

FAQs

What are the eligibility criteria for CA after graduation?

To pursue CA after graduation, you must have a graduate degree in any discipline with a minimum aggregate mark of 55%. Commerce graduates with 50% marks and non-commerce graduates with 60% marks are eligible.

Can I pursue CA along with a job after graduation?

Yes, you can pursue CA along with a job after graduation. However, you'll need to balance your work and study schedule effectively to meet the course requirements.

How many attempts are allowed for the CA Intermediate exam?

You are allowed to appear for the CA Intermediate exam a maximum of 4 times in a year, with 8 attempts in total.

Can I skip the CA Intermediate exam and directly appear for the CA Final exam?

No, you cannot skip the CA Intermediate exam. You must clear the CA Intermediate exam to be eligible to appear for the CA Final exam.

How much does it cost to pursue CA after graduation?

The total cost of pursuing the CA after graduation includes registration fees, tuition fees, and exam fees, which can range from ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000.

Can I pursue the CA from a private institute or only from ICAI?

While ICAI is the primary institute for CA education, you can also pursue CA from private institutes that are authorized by ICAI.

How long does it take to complete the CA Articleship training?

The CA Articleship training typically lasts for 3 years, during which you'll work under the guidance of a practicing CA.

Can I change my CA Articleship employer during the training period?

Yes, you can change your CA Articleship employer during the training period, but you'll need to obtain prior approval from ICAI.

How do I prepare for the CA Final exam after completing the Intermediate exam?

To prepare for the CA Final exam, focus on revising the Intermediate syllabus, practicing mock tests, and attending coaching classes or online tutorials.

What are the job prospects after becoming a CA?

After becoming a CA, you can work in various industries, including auditing, taxation, finance and accounting. You can also work as a financial consultant, auditor, or taxation expert.