Chartered Accountancy (CA): A Guide

What Chartered Accountancy is

Chartered Accountancy (CA) is a professional qualification in accounting, auditing, taxation, and finance, awarded by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), a statutory body. It is known for being rigorous and is pursued by many commerce students, though students from other streams can also take it.

How the course is structured

The CA qualification is organised in stages — a foundation level, an intermediate level, and a final level — combined with a period of practical training (articleship) under a practising CA. You can typically begin after Class 12 or after graduation through different entry routes. The exact stages, eligibility, fees, and durations are set by ICAI and revised over time, so confirm the current scheme officially.

• Foundation, Intermediate, and Final levels
• Practical training (articleship) with a practising CA
• Entry after Class 12 or after graduation (routes differ)

What CAs do

Qualified CAs work in audit and assurance, taxation, financial reporting, advisory, and finance roles, in practice (their own or a firm) or in industry. Many also move into leadership and entrepreneurship over time.

Plan with official information

Because the scheme, fees, and pass criteria change, base your plan on the official ICAI website rather than third-party summaries. This guide does not quote pass rates or earnings — both vary widely and are not promised by any course.