CA Course: Eligibility, Fees, Duration, Syllabus & Career Scope

The Chartered Accountancy CA course is one of the most prestigious professional programs in India for students interested in accounting, auditing, taxation, and finance. Offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the course equips you with the knowledge and skills required to build a successful career in business and finance.

In this guide, we will cover everything about the CA course details, including eligibility, exam structure, syllabus, fees, and career opportunities. So without further ado, let’s get started.

What is the CA Course?

The CA course is a professional program for individuals who want to become chartered accountants. CAs play a crucial role in financial management, auditing, taxation, corporate law, and advisory services. It is recognised globally and opens opportunities in India as well as abroad.

Having a clear understanding of the CA course details, i.e., eligibility, duration, syllabus, fees, exam structure, and career scope, helps aspirants plan their CA journey effectively. Here is an overview table of CA course details:

Particulars	Details
Course Name	Chartered Accountancy (CA)
Conducting Body Name	Institutes of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
Level of course	CA Foundation CA Intermediate CA Final
Eligibility	Foundation: Passed Class 12 (any stream)- Intermediate: Passed Foundation or Graduate (Commerce 55%, Non-Commerce 60%) Final: Passed both groups of Intermediate + Completed Articleship
Course Duration	Around 4.5 to 5 years
Exam Mode	Offline
Course Fees	Foundation: INR 10,000 Intermediate: INR 20,000 Final: INR 25,000
Articleship	3 years with stipend
Passing Criteria	Minimum 40% in each subject and 50% aggregate
Average Salary After CA	INR 6-8 LPA (Freshers), INR 15-45 LPA (Experienced)
Career Opportunities	Auditor, Tax consultant, Finance Manager, Investment, Banker, corporate Advisor, government Jobs, Independent Practice

Also Read: SAP FICO: Course, Syllabus, & Eligibility

Why Should You Study Chartered Accountancy

Studying chartered accountancy opens the door to one of the most respected and rewarding career paths in finance and business. A CA qualification not only provides in-depth knowledge of accounting, taxation, and auditing.

Here are the reasons why studying chartered accountancy would prove beneficial for you:

• The demand for CAs is increasing exponentially in India. Nowadays, many organisations such as corporations, banks, and financial businesses require CAs. Therefore, the career scope would be huge.
• When candidates complete their education and receive a CA certificate, they will be able to start their auditing firm and provide services to numerous clients.
• The candidates will be able to leverage the benefits of high-paying jobs.
• Once the candidates gather proper skills as well as knowledge, they will be able to increase their pay scale.
• Since the exam for CA is extremely hard, only a handful of people will be able to crack it. This is why CAs receive the utmost respect and are regarded as one of the most highly educated candidates in the professional world.
• Candidates will also be able to work in the private sector, government sector, and startups as well.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for the CA Course?

Meeting the eligibility criteria is the first step in your CA journey. ICAI has straightforward eligibility rules, making the CA course accessible post-Class 12 or graduation. There are no age restrictions, allowing flexibility for all aspirants. The eligibility criteria for the CA course are:

• The candidates need to complete their class 12th as well as 10th exams successfully from a reputed educational institute.
• Additionally, the students also need to secure a minimum of 50% marks in their 12th standard.
• The candidates don’t need to face any age restrictions while applying for CA courses.

What Skills Do You Need to Become a Successful CA?

To become a successful chartered accountant, you need more than just technical knowledge. Strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail are essential to excel in this challenging and rewarding profession.

Here are the important skills you need to develop if you want to become a successful CA:

• Conceptual Understanding
• IT Proficiency
• Numeracy
• Hard work and Discipline
• Commitment
• Self-Motivation
• Time Management Skills
• Organisational Skills
• Analytical Skills

CA Course Duration

The CA course duration varies based on your entry point and exam attempts. This section breaks down the timeline to help you plan effectively. Typically spanning 4-5 years, the CA course includes exams and practical training. Graduates can shorten it slightly by direct entry. Breakdown:

• After Class 12: 4.5-5 years (Foundation + Intermediate + Final + 3-year Articleship).
• After Graduation (Direct Entry): 3-3.5 years (skip Foundation; complete 9 months of Articleship before Intermediate exams).
• After Class 10: Not direct; must complete Class 12 first (total around 6.5 years if starting preparation early).
• Additional programs like ICITSS (4 weeks) and Articleship (3 years) are mandatory.

CA Course Structure

The CA course is divided into three levels: Foundation, Intermediate, and Final (plus self-paced online modules and practical training components). Each level builds on the previous one, following ICAI’s systematic approach that helps you progress from basic concepts to advanced professional skills. You’ll also complete practical training to gain real-world experience. Let’s explore each level in detail:

• CA Foundation: The entry-level CA Foundation introduces fundamental concepts. This sub-section details its role in laying the groundwork. This level tests basic knowledge post-Class 12. It includes four papers, covering: Accounting; Business Laws & Correspondence; Business Mathematics, Logical Reasoning & Statistics; Business Economics & Commercial Knowledge.
• CA Intermediate: CA Intermediate dives deeper into professional skills. This sub-section explains its group-based format and importance. Split into two groups of three papers each, this level focuses on application-oriented learning. Direct entry graduates start here after orientation.
• CA Final: The culminating CA Final level prepares you for expert roles. This sub-section covers its advanced focus. Comprising two groups of three papers each, it emphasizes strategic and ethical aspects, post-Intermediate, and partial Articleship.

CA Course Syllabus

The CA course syllabus evolves to meet industry needs, covering accounting to management. This section outlines subjects per level for targeted preparation. Updated for 2025 by ICAI, the syllabus emphasizes practical knowledge. Focus on core areas like taxation and auditing.

CA Foundation Syllabus

The foundation covers entry-level topics. Key subjects:

• Paper 1: Accounting
• Paper 2: Business Laws
• Paper 3: Quantitative Aptitude (Business Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, Statistics)
• Paper 4: Business Economics

CA Intermediate Syllabus

Intermediate builds expertise. Group 1:

• Advanced Accounting
• Corporate and Other Laws
• Taxation (Income Tax and GST)

Group 2:

• Cost and Management Accounting
• Auditing and Ethics
• Financial Management and Strategic Management

CA Final Syllabus

Final focuses on advanced applications. Group 1:

• Financial Reporting
• Advanced Financial Management
• Advanced Auditing, Assurance, and Professional Ethics

Group 2:

• Direct Tax Laws and International Taxation
• Indirect Tax Laws
• Integrated Case Study (Multidisciplinary)

CA Course Fees

The CA course fees are affordable compared to many professional programs, making it accessible to students from different backgrounds. The total cost varies across the Foundation, Intermediate, and Final levels, along with registration and exam charges. Here’s a table that would help you know the fees of the CA course:

CA Course Fees	Indian Student	Foreigner Student
CA Foundation (CPT)	INR 10,900	USD 1065
CA Intermediate- Single group	INR 28,200	USD 925
CA Intermediate- Both groups	INR 33,400	USD 1500
CA Intermediate- Direct	INR 33,600	USD 1500
Articleship Fee	INR 2,000	–
CA Final	INR 39,800	USD 1550

CA Course in India

In India, candidates interested in becoming a CA have to take a series of exams conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). The three levels of the CA Exam in India are the CA Foundation, CA IPCC (Integrated Professional Competence) Examination, and the CA Final.

In order to get the CA certification, candidates need to clear all the levels. One can do this course after class 12th as well as after graduation. The ones who decide to become a CA after graduation are exempted from the CA Foundation or the CPT Exam. Apart from that, the entire procedure remains the same for everyone.

Important Dates

Here are the important dates you should remember while planning to pursue the CA course:

Events	Dates
Registration Form	November 3, 2025
Deadline for application without a late fee	November 16, 2025
Exam Dates	January 5 to January 24, 2026
Result Date	To be announced approximately 2-2 months after exams

Also Read: How to Become a Cost Accountant?

CA in the USA

In the USA, the CA course is known as CPA, that is, Certified Public Accountant. It is the certification that is granted to individuals who are trained in the management of public accountancy.

Compared to India, in the USA, there is no such thing as called CA or CPA program; instead, there is a CPA examination that one must qualify for to become a CPA. Individuals who possess the right education and experience can qualify for this exam. This is a four-part exam that is to be cleared the duration of 18 months.

Institutes Offering CA Courses Across the Globe

There are numerous institutes that provide CA courses or allied programs. These institutes are mainly the affiliated CA governing bodies of different countries around the world. Some of these institutes include:

• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants
• Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland
• Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ireland
• Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe
• Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia
• Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
• Institute of Chartered Accountants of Srilanka

CA Course Duration After 10th

Earlier, students were eligible for CPT Courses after the 10th class, but from July 2017, any new registration is being conducted under CPT. So, now if you wish to pursue the CA Course Duration After the 10th, you need to pass your class 12th to take the CA Foundation test. So, if you do not have to take multiple attempts, you can crack the entire course in 6.5 years.

CA Course Duration After B.Com

After BCom or any other graduation, the course of CA takes a minimum of 3 years to crack. However, if you go for any extra attempts, that will take you six months extra for each case. Graduates are allowed to apply for the CA intermediate without having to pass the foundation level. However, they have to complete 9 months of article ship training to appear in the CA Intermediate examination and before that, they must undergo ITT and OT programs.

CA Course Duration After MBA

The CA Course duration follows the same path as that for a bachelor’s degree. You can directly apply for the CA Intermediate course and skip the foundation course. However, you have to complete 9 months of article ship training to appear in the CA Intermediate examination and before that, you must undergo ITT and OT programs.

CA ITT And Orientation Course Duration

The complete ICITS Course is for four weeks. This includes Informational Technology Training(ITT) and Orientation Courses. If you have registered for CA Intermediate or have taken a direct entry to the CA course, you can join the ICITS course.

Duration of Articleship in CA Course

Articleship is also known as practical training, is for three years. The candidates must serve under a practising CA for at least two years. For the third year, candidates can either choose to continue the training or opt for industrial training.

Career Opportunities After CA Course

There are numerous career options you can discover after completing a CA Course. Some of the major areas offering numerous opportunities in this field include:

• Taxation
• Auditing
• Management Consultancy Services
• Pursue Civil/Government services
• A career in the Insurance Sector
• Investment Banking
• Independent Practice

Top Companies That Hire Chartered Accountants

Top companies hire Chartered Accountants for roles in auditing, taxation, finance, and management, offering excellent career growth and high salary packages. Here are some of the top companies that hire CAs:

• SS Kothari
• RSM International
• Lodha & Co.
• Desai Haribhakti
• Grant Thornton International
• Deloitte
• KPMG
• PwC
• Ernst & Young (EY)

Also Read: CPA Course Details 2025: Eligibility, Pattern & More

CA vs MBA Program

Students aspiring for a career in Finance and Accounting might get confused in choosing between a CA Course and an MBA. Although both courses deal with similar subjects, there are various striking features that set them apart. Here is a table listing the major differences between the two:

Particulars	CA Course	MBA
No. of Years	4-5 Years	2 Years
Subjects	Differs as per the university/institute	Economics Business Operations Accounting, Marketing, etc.
Fee Structure	USD 900 – USD 1000 64,000 INR -71,000 INR approx.	Differs as per the university/institute
Passing Percentage	Around 32%	50%
Job Titles	Management Accounting, Public Accounting, Internal Auditing, Government Auditing	Leaders, Managers, Sales heads, Operations, etc.

In conclusion, the CA course in India is a perfect choice for students aiming for a successful career in finance, taxation, and accounting. Though it requires dedication and hard work, the rewards are high in terms of respect, career stability, and financial growth. With pepper preparation, anyone can achieve success and become a Chartered Accountant.

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Hopefully, this blog provided you with clarity about the CA Course. Regarded as one of the toughest courses around the world, cracking the various exams of CA can be a challenging process. Let Leverage Edu mentors help you master your preparation for these exams so that you can pass them with high scores and get closer to the rewarding career of CA.