CA Full Form: Eligibility, Course Details, Process

The CA Full Form is Chartered Accountants; the Chartered Accountant is a professional who has passed the five levels of an accounting qualification. In this article know about the concepts, specialization, and eligibility criteria, etc.

The CA Full Form  is Chartered Accountants; a world-prestigious designation awarded to accounting experts worldwide. CA specializes in various areas, including audit and assurance, financial accounting and reporting, management accounting, as well as applied finance and taxation, enabling them to provide comprehensive financial solutions. 

CA Full Form 

The chartered accountants, respected professionals with global recognition, are associated with prominent organizations such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). The Chartered Account program is an exhaustive curriculum that encompasses financial analysis, auditing, taxation, and business accounting. In India, the ICAI assumes an important role in regulating and overseeing the Chartered Account course, ensuring the highest standards of professional excellence. 

Eligibility Criteria for CA 

To become a Chartered Accountant (CA), candidates need to meet the eligibility criteria to pass the three exam levels, which are organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. Here are the eligibility criteria for CA for each level:

Basic Eligibility Criteria

  • Age: There is no upper or lower age limit to apply for the CA course.
  • Education: Candidates must have passed the 10th standard examination from a recognized board.
  • Qualification: Candidates must have passed the 12th standard examination from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% marks.

Eligibility Criteria for CA Foundation Course:

  • Qualification: Candidates must have passed the 12th standard examination from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% marks.
  • Registration: Candidates must register with the ICAI for the CA Foundation course.

Eligibility Criteria for CA Intermediate Course:

  • Qualification: Candidates must have passed the CA Foundation examination with 60% marks.
  • Registration: Candidates must register with the ICAI for the CA Intermediate course.

Eligibility Criteria for CA Final Course:

  • Qualification: Candidates must have passed the CA Intermediate examination.
  • Registration: Candidates must register with the ICAI for the CA Final course.

Other Eligibility Criteria:

  • Articleship: Candidates must complete a minimum of 2.5 years of articles under a practicing Chartered Accountant.
  • Training: Candidates must complete a minimum of 35 hours of orientation program and 100 hours of information technology training.

Enroll Now for CA Courses

Process to Become a CA or  Chartered Accountant

Becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) requires a combination of academic excellence, professional training, and dedication. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve your goal:

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Criteria

  • Register with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) after completing your 10th standard examination.
  • Pass the 12th standard examination with a minimum of 50% marks.

Step 2: Enroll for the CA Foundation Course

  • Register for the CA Foundation course with the ICAI.
  • Complete the course within 4-6 months.
  • Appear for the CA Foundation examination.

Step 3: Complete the CA Intermediate Course

  • Register for the CA Intermediate course with the ICAI after passing the CA Foundation examination.
  • Complete the course within 8-10 months.
  • Appear for the CA Intermediate examination.

Step 4: Complete the CA Final Course

  • Register for the CA Final course with the ICAI after passing the CA Intermediate examination.
  • Complete the course within 2.5 years.
  • Appear for the CA Final examination.

Step 5: Complete the Articleship Training

  • Register for the articleship training with the ICAI after passing the CA Intermediate examination.
  • Complete the training within 2.5 years.
  • Gain practical experience in auditing, taxation, and financial management.

Step 6: Obtain Membership with the ICAI

  • Apply for membership with the ICAI after passing the CA Final examination and completing the articleship training.
  • Obtain the certificate of practice and become a certified Chartered Accountant.

By following these steps, you can become a certified Chartered Accountant and embark on a rewarding career in accounting and finance. 

Course and Syllabus for CA 

Below, you will find the syllabus for three levels of CA. 

CA Foundation Course Syllabus 

The CA Foundation course is divided into 4 papers. To achieve success in the CA Foundation exam, students must demonstrate overall knowledge by clearing all four papers. The following subjects and topics form the foundation of the CA Foundation course:

CA Foundation New Syllabus
Sl. No Paper Name Marks Types of Questions
Paper 1 Accounting 100 Marks Objective
Paper 2 Business Laws 100 Marks Objective
Paper 3 Quantitative Aptitude:
Part A: Business Mathematics
Part B: Logical Reasoning
Part C: Statistics
100 Marks
Part A: 40 Marks
Part B: 20 Marks
Part C: 40 Marks
Subjective
Paper 4 Business Economics 100 Marks Subjective

 

CA Intermediate Course Syllabus 

In the CA Intermediate course, students need to pass six papers. Below are the organized subjects of the CA Intermediate course.

CA Intermediate Course Syllabus
Groups Paper
Group 1 Paper 1: Advanced Accounting
Paper 2: Corporate and Other Laws
Paper 3: Taxation
Group 2 Paper 4: Cost and Management Accounting
Paper 5: Auditing and Ethics
Paper 6: Financial Management & Strategic Management

 

CA Final Course Syllabus 

The CA final course is also divided into two groups, comprising a total of six papers. The table below provides the details of the CA final course.

CA Final Course Syllabus
Groups Syllabus
Group 1 Paper 1: Financial Reporting
Paper 2: Advanced Financial Management
Paper 3: Advanced Auditing, Assurance and Professional Ethics
Group 2 Paper 4: Direct Tax Laws & International Taxation
Paper 5: Indirect Tax Laws
Paper 6: Integrated Business Solutions (Multidisciplinary Case Study with Strategic Management)

 

Roles & Responsibilities of CA 

Here are the key roles and responsibilities of a chartered accountant:

Key Roles:

  • Financial Reporting and Analysis: Preparing and analyzing financial statements, such as balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
  • Auditing and Assurance: Conducting audits to ensure compliance with laws and regulations and providing assurance on the accuracy of financial statements.
  • Taxation: Providing tax planning, compliance, and advisory services to individuals and organizations.
  • Financial Planning and Advisory: providing financial planning and advisory services to individuals and organizations, including investment advice, financial modeling, and risk management.
  • Management Accounting: Providing management accounting services, including budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis.

Responsibilities:

  • Maintaining Financial Records: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date financial records, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger.
  • Compliance with Laws and Regulations: Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, including tax laws, company laws, and financial regulations.
  • Providing financial guidance: Providing financial guidance and advice to management and stakeholders.
  • Conducting Audits and Reviews: Conducting audits and reviews to ensure the accuracy and reliability of financial statements.
  • Staying Up to Date with Industry Developments: Staying up-to-date with industry developments, including changes in laws and regulations and new accounting standards.

Career Opportunities as a Chartered Accountant

Upon completing the Chartered Accountancy course, individuals are conferred with an official membership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). This milestone opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities, including:

  • Banks
  • Auditing firms
  • Taxation firms
  • Public limited companies
  • Management consultancy firms
  • Legal firms
  • CFO firms
  • Investment houses
  • Mutual funds
  • GST
  • Teacher
  • Professor
  • Bussiness

CA Salaries in India 

The salary of Chartered Accountants (CA) in India varies based on job profile, industry, and employer, with an average annual salary of approximately ₹9 lakh. Top multinational corporations and Indian conglomerates, such as IBM, Ranbaxy, Sony, TCS, and Infosys, offer significantly higher starting salaries, ranging from ₹20 lakh to ₹30 lakh per annum.

CA Salary in India
Job profile Salary Per Annum (avg)
Finance officer Rs. 35 Lakhs
Account executive Rs. 25 Lakhs
Accountant Rs. 25 Lakhs
Finance controller Rs. 19 Lakhs
Finance manager Rs. 10 Lakhs
Chartered Accountant Rs. 7.25 Lakhs
Financial analyst Rs. 6 Lakhs
Assistant account manager Rs. 5 Lakhs
Senior account executive Rs. 4 Lakhs
Senior Accountant Rs. 3.5 Lakhs
Business analyst Rs. 4 Lakhs
Account Assistant Rs. 2 Lakhs

 

FAQs

What is the CA full form?

The CA full form is Chartered Accountant. It is a professional designation given to accounting professionals who have completed the required education and training.

What is the role of a Chartered Accountant?

A Chartered Accountant is responsible for financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and financial planning. They provide expert advice on financial matters to individuals and organizations.

What are the eligibility criteria for becoming a Chartered Accountant?

To become a Chartered Accountant, one must have passed the 12th standard examination and register with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). They must also complete the required coursework and training.

What is the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)?

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is a statutory body established under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949. It is responsible for regulating the profession of Chartered Accountancy in India.

How long does it take to become a Chartered Accountant?

The duration to become a Chartered Accountant varies depending on the individual's educational background and the course they choose. Typically, it takes around 4-5 years to complete the Chartered Accountancy course.

What are the career opportunities for chartered accountants?

Chartered accountants have a wide range of career opportunities in various sectors, including auditing, taxation, financial planning, and management accounting. They can work in industry, practice, or government.

Can chartered accountants work abroad?

Yes, chartered accountants can work abroad. The ICAI has mutual recognition agreements with several countries, including the UK, Australia, and Canada, which allow Chartered Accountants to practice in these countries.

What is the difference between a chartered accountant and a certified public accountant (CPA)?

A Chartered Accountant is a professional designation given to accounting professionals in India, while a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation given to accounting professionals in the United States.

Can chartered accountants start their own practice?

Yes, chartered accountants can start their own practice. They can provide services such as auditing, taxation, and financial planning to clients.

What are the benefits of becoming a Chartered Accountant?

The benefits of becoming a chartered accountant include high earning potential, job security, and opportunities for career growth and advancement. Chartered accountants are also respected professionals who play a critical role in the economy.