Do you want to learn how to become a Chartered Accountant? If so, then you have come to the right place. Becoming a CA (Chartered Accountant) is the dream of every person in India. It provides a high-level job, high salary, and job security. Let’s learn the entire process in easy steps.
Firstly, important to know what a Chartered Accountant.
A Chartered Accountant is one who is responsible for accounting, taxation, auditing, budgeting, and financial management. CAs are required in every company, be it a small one or a large MNC.
Now let’s find out how to become a Chartered Accountant in India.
Step 1: Begin After Class 10th
Yes, an early start is possible. Right after your 10th class, enroll yourself with the ICAI (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India) for the CA Foundation course. This is the first step in becoming a Chartered Accountant.
But you can sit for the CA Foundation exam only after your 12th.
Step 2: Clear the CA Foundation Exam
From your 12th board exams, begin studying for the CA Foundation. The exam has four papers:
Principles and Practice of Accounting
First, Business Laws
Business Mathematics
Business Economics
You must achieve a minimum of 40% in each paper and 50% overall to pass. Having passed this stage, you are halfway through your pursuit of how to become a Chartered Accountant.
Step 3: CA Intermediate Registration
CA Intermediate follows Foundation. There are two groups and eight papers in total in this course. You can attempt both groups together or separately.
The subject matter is more specialized, i.e., Accounting, Corporate Law, Taxation, and Auditing. This is an important part of the process of becoming a Chartered Accountant.
Step 4: Finish the 8-month study and clear the Intermediate
You need to prepare for 8 months before sitting for the Intermediate exam. Once again, you need to get at least 40% in each subject and 50% in aggregate in a group.
Clearing both groups is mandatory before proceeding. Don’t panic — remain vigilant and committed. Remember that becoming a Chartered Accountant is a journey of perseverance.
Step 5: Articleship Training Registration
Now comes the practical experience period — 3 years of Articleship training under the guidance of a practicing CA. This period teaches you how the actual financial world operates.
You can begin your Articleship after passing at least one group of the Intermediate. But clearing both groups is better. This training is the foundation of becoming a Chartered Accountant.
Throughout your Articleship, you will:
Work with clients
Study taxes and audits
Run actual business accounts
This provides you with actual experience and confidence-building.
Step 6: Register for CA Final
In Articleship, you may enroll for the CA Final course. It is the final step of your study in CA. It consists of two groups and eight papers, and they are:
Strategic Financial Management
Direct and Indirect Tax Legislation
Advanced Auditing
Corporate and Economic Laws
Before the Final exams, you are also obliged to undergo a 4-week Advanced IT and Soft Skills course.
Step 7: Clear the CA Final Exam
After finishing your Articleship and IT course, you can sit for the CA Final exam. It is the most challenging level. But yes, it is possible through hard work.
Most of the students solve it on the first attempt. Remain regular, practice well, and attempt mock tests.
After finishing both sets of CA Final, you’re through! Congratulations to you on having completed all the steps of becoming a Chartered Accountant.
Step 8: Join as an ICAI Member
The final step is to become an ICAI member. You will now be an officially designated Chartered Accountant.
With this membership, you can:
Job in leading companies
Establish your own CA practice
Foreign labor (after clearing local tests, if any)
How Long Does It Take to Become a Chartered Accountant?
It generally requires 5 years to become a CA if you clear all the exams in one go. But some students may take a couple of years extra, and that’s okay too. Everyone’s journey is different.
Why CA as a Career?
There are numerous grounds to become a CA:
High pay scales
Respected career
Expanding professional opportunities. You can be working in any sector So, assuming that you are enthusiastic and willing to work hard, becoming a Chartered Accountant is a worthwhile goal to aim for.
Final Thoughts:
Now that you know the step-by-step process to become a Chartered Accountant. It is not simple, but it is not impossible if you are determined. Start early, set a timetable, remain disciplined, and never lose hope. Thousands of students ask the question each year, “How to become a Chartered Accountant?” The reply is to remain concentrated and move step by step. Then, are you ready to start your CA journey? All the best, Forango… Explore more Best courses after 12th commerce