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CA Full Form: CA Course Details, Definition, Roles, Jobs
Edited By Sansar Singh Chhikara | Updated on Feb 05, 2025 03:13 PM IST | #CA Intermediate Exam
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The full form of CA is Chartered Accountant. The designation of Chartered Accountant (CA) is given to accounting professionals by the accountancy body in India, ICAI. The CA Professionals are typically those who have completed the chartered accountancy course which consists of three levels: CA Foundation, Intermediate and Final levels. The CA professionals practice Chartered Accountancy. CA’s practice professional accounting, taxation, auditing, and financial assessment for an organization or an individual.
This Story also Contains
- Course and syllabus of Chartered Accountancy course
- CA Foundation Course and Syllabus
- CA Intermediate course and Papers
- CA Final course and syllabus
- CA Salary - Based on Work Profile
Accountancy matters taken up by chartered accountants include tax filing, auditing financial statements as well as business practices, preparing review financial reports, etc. A professionally trained CA can also offer advisory services to their clients including either individuals or companies.
ICAI Full Form - The full form of ICAI is the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. The ICAI is the apex accountancy body created by the Indian Parliament under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949. The institute regulates the accountancy profession in the country.
To become a certified CA in India an individual needs to complete three levels of the CA exam including training that is designed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).
Candidates to become Chartered Accountants (CA) can take admission in CA foundation course after 10+2 or directly after graduation in the CA intermediate course. The CA foundation exams have replaced CA CPT exams and it is held twice a year for CA aspiring students. CA Foundation is followed by CA Intermediate and CA final exams.
Eligibility to enroll in Chartered Accountancy (CA) programme
To become a certified Chartered Accountant (CA), a candidate must go through a training process and also clear exams at three different levels conducted by ICAI.
Eligibility to enroll in CA foundation
The candidate should have passed 10+2 successfully
He/She should also complete four months of study period after CA registration to be eligible to appear for the CA foundation exam.
The candidate should get themselves registered with the ICAI board of studies and complete a four months study period.
Eligibility Criteria for CA Direct Entry Route:
For direct entry, graduates/ postgraduates from the commerce stream can enroll.
The person should have at least 55 percent marks in aggregate.
They must have studied accounting, mercantile laws, auditing, corporate laws, taxation both direct and indirect tax, cost and business management, etc.
Graduates or postgraduates from a non-commerce background should have secured a minimum of 60 percent marks in aggregate by any recognized university.
A person who has passed the intermediate level from the Institute of Cost Accountants of India can also get direct admission to the intermediate level of CA.
Candidates appearing in the final year exam of graduation can also get admission on a provisional basis but their admission will be based on successfully clearing their graduation with the required percentage of marks.
Process to become a Chartered Accountant (CA)
The process to become a CA requires very deep preparation. Aspirants willing to do a CA programme can start preparation at various stages in life. The different stages have been explained below:
CA Foundation
The foundation course is the entry level course for Chartered Accountancy (CA). Candidates who have appeared for the class 12 exams or appearing for class 12 exams can write the CA foundation exam. Graduates or postgraduates are exempted from writing this examination.
CA Intermediate
Candidates after successfully completing the CA foundation course need to enroll in the intermediate stage of CA. There is also a direct entry route for graduates and postgraduates from CA background to enroll in CA intermediate courses. Students can enroll for intermediate courses after 9 months of appearing for foundation course.
Articleship Training
After completing the CA intermediate course students must enroll themselves in the articleship training. The CA full form also consists of complete training of the CA’s in the Chartered Accountancy course. This training provides them with real time experience. In this training course, candidates get to learn about the nature of the work of CA. The primary motive of the training is to provide exposure of companies to the candidates.
CA Final
This is the last part of the course. Before coming to this, candidates need to clear GMCS and ITT exams. After clearing CA final course candidates can register themselves in the ICAI as practicing Chartered Accountants. The CA full form in commerce includes the successfully passed candidates in the CA final exams.
Course and syllabus of Chartered Accountancy course
The syllabus of the primary three levels of the CA course at each level has been mentioned below:
CA Foundation Course and Syllabus
The CA foundation course has been divided into four papers. To qualify for the examination, students need to pass all the papers. The subjects and topics from the CA Foundation new syllabus have been covered below:
CA Foundation Papers Wise Topics
CA foundation papers | Topics |
|---|---|
Paper 1 | Accounting |
Paper 2 | Business Laws |
Paper 3 | Quantitative Aptitude |
Paper 4 | Business Economics |
CA Intermediate course and Papers
In the CA Intermediate course as per the CA Inter new syllabus, students now need to clear six papers of the accountancy course. The table below explains the subjects in the course:
CA Intermediate Group Wise Papers
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 and syllabus
As per the new CA Final syllabus, ICAI has reduced the total number of papers from eight to six into two groups. The table given below explains the syllabus in detail:
CA Final Group Wise 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 (Multi-Disciplinary Case Study With Strategic Management) |
Important - Check the Complete List of Full Forms
Roles and Responsibilities of a Chartered Accountant
The key roles and responsibilities expected from a CA have been given below:
- Filing income tax returns for businesses and individuals.
- Conducting an audit of the financial statements of a company
- Ensuring businesses and individuals are complying to laws and regulatory standards
- Making Profit/Loss accounts for businesses.
- Preparing business performance reports
- Conducting regular forensic accounting investigations
- Helping candidates with financial advises
- Regular review and advisory services to businesses in terms of budgets, payrolls and investments
Career options as a Chartered Accountant
After the successful completion of the course a person becomes an official member of ICAI. They have the option to either join a company or a firm or start their own firm. Some of the domains where CA can work are:
Banks
Auditing firms
Taxation firms
Public limited companies
Management consultancy firms
Legal firms
CFO firms
Investment houses
Mutual funds
Some of the top corporate firms hiring CA’s are:
E&Y
BDO
KPMG
PwC
Deloitte
JP Morgan Chase
Credit Suisse
Edelweiss
Grant Thorton
Kuwait Resources House
State Bank of India
Khumji Khiverji & Co
Luthra & Luthra
ICICI bank
Kotak Mahindra
Axis Bank and many more
Certificate Courses Offered by ICAI
Download this e-book to know more about the certificate courses.
Download NowCA Salary in India
The salary of a chartered accountant in India depends on his job profile and the company that hires him. The average salary for a CA or Chartered Accountant is approcimatelt 9 lakh per annum.. IBM, Ranbaxy, Sony, TCS, Infosys, and others offer starting salaries ranging from Rs. 20 LPA to 30 LPA. The salary of a CA according to their job profile has been mentioned in the table below.
CA Salary - Based on Work Profile
Job profile | CA 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the eligibility criteria to get enrolled for CA intermediate?
To get enrolled at CA intermediate a candidate needs to complete graduation or post-graduation with a minimum cut-off mark of 55%. For non-commerce graduates, the percentage of marks is at least 60% from the Institute of Cost Accountants of India or ICSI.
2. Is it important to opt for mathematics in 10+2 exams to appear for CA foundation exams?
No, it is not mandatory to opt for mathematics in 10+2 exams to appear for the CA foundation course.
3. Is there any limit on the number of attempts for CA exams?
No, there is no limit on the number of attempts for CA exams.
4. How can I apply for CA after 12?
Candidate who have passed their class 12, should get themselves registered with the ICAI board of studies and complete a four months study period to be eligible to appear in CA Foundation exam
5. What does a CA do?
A chartered accountant is a well-known financial professional who helps clients with budgeting, auditing, taxes, and business plans.
6. What are subjects included in CA?
CA exam included subjects such as accounting, business laws, ethics and communication, cost accounting and financial management, taxation, advanced accounting, auditing and assurance, etc.
7. Is CA easy to pass?
CA is one of the toughest exams in the country. However, with proper planning, hard work and dedication candidates can clear this exam.
8. What is the full form of CA?
The full form of CA is Chartered Accountant. The designation of CA is given by the ICAI to those who complete the CA course.
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Questions related to CA Intermediate Exam
Have a question related to CA Intermediate Exam ?
Hello,
CMA or Cost and Management Accounting is a certificate course providing CMA designation to the qualifiers. CMA has both descriptive and objective questions. CMA foundation is a mixture of questions. It is a three hour long exam conducted by ICMAI and it is a paper based on mainly class 12th concepts.
CMA examination has a mixture of objective and descriptive questions.
I hope this helps,
All the best
Tanya Gupta 29 July,2022
Hello Aspirant,
Hope you are doing great. A common course that covers accounting, taxation, financial analysis, and financial economics is called chartered accountancy, or CA. The three-level CA course offered in India is in high demand both domestically and internationally. Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad are a few of the most well-known Indian cities for studying accounting. Students frequently see each other studying B.Com and CA at the same time. Students from Nepal are also seen travelling to India to enroll in a CA programme in addition to students from India.
In India, CA programmes are typically offered by private and semi-government institutions. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) considers the students certified and qualified Chartered Accountants after they complete this course (CAs).
Top CA Colleges in India:
- Vista Academy, Dehradun
- ETEN CA, Guwahati
- PIRON Scholl of Business and Finance, Mumbai
- Siddhartha Academy, Thane
- Navkar Institute, Ahmedabad
- The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), Noida
- Indian Institute of Finance and Accounts, Pune
- Pearn Accountants, International Accountants and Business Consultants, Kochi
- Zell Education Mumbai
- CMS For CA, Hyderabad
- PIRON School of Business and Finance, Bangalore
- International School of Financial Studies, Secunderabad
ALL THE BEST
LALBEE 27 July,2022
Hi,
For being eligible for the direct entry route in CA i.e for giving CA Intermediate exam directly without apppearing for the CA foundation exam you need to atleast complete your graduation. Since you have just completed your second semester exam you are not eligible for the direct entry route as you have not completed your graduation. Hence, you must prepare for your CA foundation exam first . Only when you clear CA foundation you will be eligibe for appearing for your CA intermediate exam.
Hope this helps
Thanks
Astha Jain 27 June,2022
Hi
To become a CA one needs to go through given 4 levels, listed below :-
1) ca foundation
2 ) ca intermediate
3) articleship Training
4 )ca final
>>>>>>>>> Class 12th pass students need to start with foundation
>>>>>>>>>>> while graduates
-
commerce graduates with at least 55%
-
and non commerce graduate with at least 60% in their graduation
don't have to go through CA Foundation, they can start directly start from level 2 i. e CA Intermediate through direct scheme.
As you are a BA i. e non- commerce graduate with 71 % i. e more than 60 % , so yes, you can definitely directly start with CA Intermediate through direct entry scheme .
To register you need to visit the official website i. e icai.org (http://icai.org/) . And after registration you need at least 8 months of study to appear for CA intermediate examination.
Each level you need to go through is described below briefly :-
----------------) 2. CA Intermediate
In your CA Intermediate, you have 2 groups with 4 papers or subjects in each group
>>>>>CA Intermediate Group 1:- You have following subjects :-
*accounting
* cost and management accounting
*corporate and Other laws
* taxation
>>>>>CA Intermediate Group 2:- You have following subjects :-
*advanced accounting
*enterprise information systems & strategic management
*auditing and assurance
*financial management & economics for finance
In oder to clear CA intermediate , you need at least 40% marks individually in each subjects and at least 50% in overall aggregate .
----------------) 3. Articleship Training
You can register for articleship after 1 or both groups of CA Intermediate. Articleship Training is of 3 years. During the last 2 years of your Articleship Training you have to complete your AICITSS i. e Advanced Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills
----------------) 4. CA Final Group
After qualifying both groups of CA Intermediate, you become eligible for CA Final registration. And can appear in CA final examinations either after completion of your Articleship Training or when you are in the last 6 months of your articleship training.
There are 2 groups with 4 subjects in each which are given below:-
>>>>>CA Final Group 1:
*financial reporting
*advanced auditing and professional ethics
*strategic financial management
*corporate and allied Laws
>>>>>CA Final Group 2:
*advanced Management Accounting
*direct Tax Laws
*indirect Tax Laws
*information Systems Control and Audit
After the completion of articleship training and clearing CA Final , you become eligible for applying for the membership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India after which become a CA.
For detailed information visit
https://finance.careers360.com/articles/how-to-become-a-ca-in-india
Thank you
ADITYA KUMAR 13 March,2022
Hello,
The last date to register for CA Intermediate 2022 November is March 1, 2022. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) keeps the registration for CA Intermediate open throughout the year. To register for CA Intermediate course, candidates have two options - admission through direct entry route or after clearing CA Foundation exam. There is no upper age limit for CA Intermediate registration. Candidates who are in their final year of graduation can also register for the CA Intermediate course on a provisional basis.
Shubham Dhane 08 March,2022
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