All About CA Course : Eligibility , Registration & Fees.
Becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) is one of the most prestigious and rewarding career paths in India. The CA course is structured to equip aspiring professionals with expertise in accounting, taxation, auditing, and financial management. This guide provides an in-depth look at the CA course in 2025, covering everything from the registration process and course levels to subject details, preparation strategies, and career prospects.
1. Understanding the CA Course Structure
1. Understanding the CA Course Structure
The CA course is conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and consists of three levels:
CA Foundation
CA Intermediate
CA Final
Each level is designed to progressively enhance a candidate's understanding and expertise in financial and accounting disciplines.
2. Details of Chartered Accountant Course
2. Details of Chartered Accountant Course
| Particulars | CA Foundation Course Details | CA Intermediate Course Details | CA Final Course Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last Date of Registration for May 2025 | Before 1st March for May 2025 | Before 1st Sept 2024 for May 2025 | Before 1st Jan 2025 for May 2025 |
| Examination Held | January, May and September | January, May and September | May and November |
| Validity of Registration | 3 Years | 5 Years | 5 Years |
| Subjects | 4 Subjects (1 Group) | 6 Subjects (2 Groups) | 6 Subject (2 Groups) |
| Fees | 9800 | 18000 | 22000 |
| Eligibility | Should Appear 12th Exams | Should Clear Foundation or Graduation or PG | Should Clear Intermediate Level and 2-Year Practical Training |
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a CA
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a CA
A. CA Foundation Level
A. CA Foundation Level
A1 Eligibility:
A1 Eligibility:
Candidates can register after passing Class 10 but must appear for exams after completing Class 12.
Students from any stream can apply, but commerce students may have an advantage due to their familiarity with the subjects.
Candidates can register after passing Class 10 but must appear for exams after completing Class 12.
Students from any stream can apply, but commerce students may have an advantage due to their familiarity with the subjects.
CA Foundation Eligibility Exemptions:
Criteria for Candidates Exemptions UG & PG Candidates who have secured aggregate marks of 55% in UG or PG degree in Commerce stream or any other equivalent stream for any recognized university will be exempted from CA Foundation Eligibility Criteria. NIOS Students who have qualified UG & PG degrees from Open University will be exempted from CA Foundation Eligibility Criteria . Non-Commerce Students who have UG & PG degrees in a stream other than commerce and have secured around 60% marks from a recognized university will be exempted from CA Foundation Eligibility Criteria 2024.
| Criteria for Candidates | Exemptions |
| UG & PG | Candidates who have secured aggregate marks of 55% in UG or PG degree in Commerce stream or any other equivalent stream for any recognized university will be exempted from CA Foundation Eligibility Criteria. |
| NIOS | Students who have qualified UG & PG degrees from Open University will be exempted from CA Foundation Eligibility Criteria . |
| Non-Commerce | Students who have UG & PG degrees in a stream other than commerce and have secured around 60% marks from a recognized university will be exempted from CA Foundation Eligibility Criteria 2024. |
Read this blog : All About CA Foundation
A2. Subjects of CA Foundation:
A2. Subjects of CA Foundation:
The CA Foundation exam consists of four papers:
Principles and Practice of Accounting
Business Laws and Business Correspondence & Reporting
Business Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, and Statistics
Business Economics and Business & Commercial Knowledge
A3. Passing Criteria:
A3. Passing Criteria:
Candidates must secure a minimum of 40% in each paper and an overall aggregate of 50%.
A4. CA Foundation Registration Process
A4. CA Foundation Registration Process
Apply for the course by following the steps in the CA Foundation registration process:
Step 1: Go to the ICAI portal. Go to the "Course Registration" area by clicking the Student's Tab.
Step 2: Select "New User" under the registration form section.
Step 3: Enter your information, including your name, date of birth, gender, Aadhaar card details, phone number, email address, and password.
Step 4: Select "Generate OTP" and proceed with its verification. Your listed mobile phone number will receive the OTP, and your email address will receive the verification link.
Step 5: Your personal profile will be created after verification, and you will be sent the login information.
Step 6: Log in now, then choose "Student Cycle. , click "Apply for Foundation," enter the required information, and then select "Save and Next."
Step 7: Finally, make the registration payments. You will need a Master /Visa /Maestro Credit /Debit /Rupay / Net Banking Card because the fees must be paid online.
Step 8: You'll receive the registration form after successfully paying the CA Foundation registration charges.
The candidate must sign the form properly and deposit it within seven days.
A5. Documents for the CA Foundation Registration
10th Class Report Card
12th Admit card
Passport-size Photo
Proof of Nationality for Foreign students
A6. How to Check Your CA Foundation Exam result?
Visit the official websiteicai.nic.in
Click on the result link for Foundation Examination
Enter your 6 Digit Roll Number and PIN/Registration No and submit
The CA Foundation result scorecard will appear on the screen
Download and check.
A7. Preparation Tips:
A7. Preparation Tips:
Focus on conceptual clarity, especially in Accounting and Law.
Regularly practice MCQs for Mathematics and Logical Reasoning.
Solve past papers and mock tests for better time management
B. CA Intermediate Level
B. CA Intermediate Level
B1. Eligibility Criteria
B1. Eligibility Criteria
There are two ways for candidates to register for the intermediate course:
Through the CA Foundation Course: Candidates who scored at least a 50% mark in the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India's CA Foundation Examination.
Through Direct Entry Route: The following candidates are allowed to directly register for the CA Intermediate course:
Read this blog as well : All about CA Intermediate
B2. Subjects of CA Intermediate :
B2. Subjects of CA Intermediate :
GROUP I
Paper-1: Advanced Accounting
Paper-2: Corporate and Other Laws
Paper-3: Taxation
GROUP II
Paper-4: Cost and Management Accounting
Paper-5: Auditing and Ethics
Paper-6: Financial Management and Strategic Management
B3. Passing Criteria:
B3. Passing Criteria:
Minimum of 40% in each paper and 50% aggregate overall.
Read this blog as well : Best CA Inter Coaching Classes in India
B4. How to Register for CA Intermediate ?
B4. How to Register for CA Intermediate ?
Visit the official ICAI website and log in to the ICAI Self-Service Portal (SSP) using your email ID and password.
Navigate to the Student SSP portal after authentication.
Select the registration process (CA Foundation Route/Direct Entry Method).
Update your personal and academic details.
Click Save and Next after entering the required information.
An OTP will be sent to your registered number for verification.
After successful OTP verification, log in again and complete the remaining details.
Pay the required registration fees online through the ICAI portal.
ICAI will process your application within 7 days.
Within a month, students will receive their CA Intermediate study materials from ICAI.
B5. Documents Required for CA Intermediate Registration
B5. Documents Required for CA Intermediate Registration
For Foundation Route Students: Attested copy of Class 12 Marksheet or an equivalent Central Government-recognized examination pass mark statement.
For Direct Entry Students: Attested copy of Graduation/Post-Graduation Marksheet or Intermediate level mark sheet of ICSI/ICMAI.
Recent passport-size color photograph to be attached to the registration form.
For Foreign Nationals: Attested copy of nationality proof.
For Reserved Category Students: Authenticated copy of the certificate proving SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled status.
B6. How Can I Check the Results of My CA Intermediate Exam?
B6. How Can I Check the Results of My CA Intermediate Exam?
Visit icai.nic.in, the institute website.
Select the Intermediate Examination results link.
Submit your 6-digit roll number, PIN, and registration number.
The scorecard for the CA Intermediate exam will show up on the screen.
Download, then verify.
C. Training in the Chartered Accountancy Course
Training is a mandatory stage in the Chartered Accountancy (CA) course, and without completing it, students are not eligible to appear for the CA Final exams. The training phase equips students with the practical skills and daily responsibilities of a Chartered Accountant. There are four key training components in the CA course, with the Articleship training being the longest at 2 years. These include:
ICITSS Training
AICITSS Training
Articleship Training
Industrial Training (Optional)
C1. ICITSS Training
The first training in the CA course is the Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (ICITSS), designed to develop essential soft skills and IT knowledge. This training includes two main components: Information Technology (IT) and Orientation Course (OC), each lasting 15 days.
C2. Articleship Training
The Articleship training is a crucial part of the CA course, offering two years of practical experience in the day-to-day work of a Chartered Accountant. Students can begin their Articleship training only after clearing one or both groups of the CA Intermediate exam. However, before starting the Articleship, students must complete the ICITSS training.
For students who enter the CA Intermediate course through direct entry, they can begin their Articleship training right after registering for the Intermediate course, with the ICITSS training being a mandatory prerequisite.
After completing the three years of Articleship training, students can apply or register for the CA Final Course. There are also specific guides available for securing Articleship positions with top firms like the Big 4.
Read this Blog as well : How to Get Into The Big 4 For Articleship?
C3. AICITSS Training
The Advanced Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (AICITSS) is another compulsory training under the CA course. It focuses on enhancing two critical skills: Advanced Information Technology and Management & Communication skills. Each skill development program takes 15 days to complete. The primary goal of this training is to help candidates develop communication, presentation, leadership skills, and a broader understanding of the business environment. These skills are vital for career progression and help CA students secure desirable jobs in the field.
C4. Industrial Training
Industrial Training is an optional component for CA students interested in gaining experience in industrial environments. This training helps candidates understand industrial operations and functioning, providing valuable insights into the corporate world. It is ideal for those who wish to pursue a career in industry rather than public practice. However, participation in this program is entirely voluntary and depends on the student’s career goals.
These training programs ensure that CA students are not only equipped with theoretical knowledge but also possess the practical skills necessary for a successful career in Chartered Accountancy.
D. CA Final Level
D. CA Final Level
D1. Eligibility for CA Final Course:
Students must pass both groups of CA Intermediate exams with a minimum score of 40% in each of the papers and 50% in aggregate of all the papers and also complete the Articleship training to become eligible for the CA Final course.
D2. Subjects of CA Final
D2. Subjects of CA Final
CA Final Group 1 Subjects
- Paper-1: Financial Reporting
- Paper-2: Advanced Financial Management
- Paper-3: Advanced Auditing, Assurance and Professional Ethics
CA Final Group 2 Subjects
- Paper-4: Direct Tax Laws & International Taxation
- Paper-5: Indirect Tax Laws
- Paper-6: Integrated Business Solutions (Multidisciplinary Case Study with Strategic Management)
- Section A: Corporate and Economic Laws
- Section B: Strategic Cost & Performance Management
D3. Passing Criteria:
D3. Passing Criteria:
Minimum 40% in each paper and 50% aggregate.
D4 .Registration Process for CA Final
D4 .Registration Process for CA Final
Visit the official ICAI website.
Log in using your allotted password and registration ID.
Select the SSP portal.
Choose the Student Cycle option.
Select the CA Final registration option.
Your basic details will auto-fill from your CA Intermediate registration.
If corrections are needed, use the available edit option.
Upload the required documents in the specified formats.
Proceed to pay the registration fees via net banking, credit card, or debit card.
After successful payment, print and save your CA Final registration form for future reference.
4. Scope of Chartered Accountancy in India
Before enrolling in the Chartered Accountancy (CA) course, it is essential to understand the career opportunities it offers in India. The demand for Chartered Accountants remains high, primarily due to a significant shortage of qualified professionals in the country.
According to a report by the Times of India, India currently has only 44% of the required Chartered Accountants, which is insufficient to meet the workload in various firms and industries. Moreover, with the continuous rise in the number of businesses and taxpayers, the demand for CAs is expected to grow further in the coming years.
Chartered Accountants have diverse career prospects across multiple sectors, including:
CA Firms
Financial Institutions
Corporate Businesses
Consultancy Firms
Independent Practice
As the business landscape evolves, the role of CAs will become even more crucial, making it a highly rewarding profession in 2025 and beyond.