CPA Exam in India - Eligibility, Syllabus, Exam Centres, Salary

CPA Exam in India - Eligibility, Syllabus, Exam Centres, Salary

Edited By Sumeet Sudarshan | Updated on Apr 22, 2024 04:30 PM IST

The CPA in India is available since 2021 and candidates can appear for the exam from India without travelling to the Middle East or USA. The CPA in India is an accounting qualification license granted by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to practice accountancy in the USA. CPA’s are certified accounting professionals who are hired by a company or firm to handle their accounts department. Before applying for CPA exam, candidates must make sure they fulfil the eligibility criteria and submit the necessary documents to successfully register for CPA in India.

CPA Course Duration and Exam in India

Within 18 months, candidates must pass the four subjects:

  • Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR),

  • Auditing and Attestation (AUD),

  • Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), and

  • One among Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)/ Information Systems and Controls (ISC) / Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)


CPA in India - Eligibility criteria

AICPA, world’s largest accounting organization, administers the CPA exams. Candidates need to pass all four CPA examinations to get membership in the AICPA. The 55-state board of accountancy in the United States who are members of NASBA, on the other hand, awards a CPA license. Each state board has its own eligibility for CPA that an aspirant must have to receive a CPA designation.

The following are some guidelines candidates need to follow to get CPA certification in India:

  • A bachelor's degree

  • To appear for US CPA tests, an aspirant requires 120 credits.

  • To acquire a US CPA license the candidate should have at least 150 credits.

  • One year of university education in India is equivalent to 30 credits in the United States.

Chitkara University Online MBA

Apply for Online MBA from Chitkara University

SRM University, Sonepat B.Com Admissions 2024

Upto 100% waiver in tuition fees for limited seats

CPA in India Application Process

To apply for CPA registration in India the candidate must apply online. The candidate first needs to register and upload the required documents for evaluation to NASBA after paying the international evaluation application fee. After successful evaluation by NASBA to determine the eligibility, the candidate can then register and pay the exam fee.

Application Process for CPA in India

  • Visit the official website- dashboard.nasba.org
  • Create an account with a registered email id.
  • Select CPA portal
  • Upload the necessary documents for evaluation
  • Complete the details for evaluation and determining eligibility
  • Confirmation of eligibility via email by NASBA after approximately 6 weeks
  • Login to the CPA portal again and pay the exam fee to complete the application

Documents Required for CPA in India Application Form

  • Copy of Passport or govt. issued ID card
  • Marksheet of each year/semester of the degree
  • Degree Certificate
  • Complete set of official English translations for marksheets and certificates for non-English documents

CPA Exam in India - Exam pattern

The CPA exam syllabus requires the candidate to pass three core exam sections and one discipline exam section chosen by the candidate. The three Core exam sections, Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) and Taxation and Regulation (REG). The three Discipline exam sections available are, Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Information Systems and Controls (ISC) and Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP). Each exam is four hour long.

CPA Exam structure

PaperCourseDurationNo. of multiple choice questionTask Based Simulations

Paper-1

Financial Accounting & Reporting (FAR)

4 Hours

50 (50% weight)

7 (50% weight)

Paper-2

Auditing & Attestation (AUD)

4 Hours

78 (50% weight)

7 (50% weight)

Paper-3

Regulation (REG)

4 Hours

72 (50% weight)

8 (50% weight)

Paper-4

Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)

4 Hours

50 (50% weight)

7 (50% weight)
Paper-5Information Systems and Controls (ISC)

4 Hours


82(60% weight)6 (40% weight)
Paper -6

Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)


4 Hours68 (50% weight)7 (50% weight)

CPA Syllabus in India

The syllabus of CPA in India is provided in the table below:

PaperSubjectTopics

Paper-1

Financial Accounting & Reporting (FAR)

  • Financial Reporting (30-40%)

  • Select Balance Sheet Accounts (30-40%)

  • Select Transactions (25-35%)

Paper-2

Auditing & Attestation (AUD)

  • Ethics, Professional Responsibilities and General Principles (15-25%)

  • Assessing Risk and Developing a Planned Response (20-30%)

  • Performing Further Procedures and Obtaining Evidence (30-40%)

  • Forming Conclusions & Reporting (15-25%)

Paper-3

Regulation (REG)

  • Ethics, Professional Responsibilities and Federal Tax Procedures (10-20%)

  • Business Law (15-25%)

  • Federal Taxation of Property Transactions (5-15%)

  • Federal Taxation of Individuals (22-32%)

  • Federal Taxation of Entities (23-33%)

Paper-4

Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)


  • Business Analysis (40-50%)

  • Technical Accounting and Reporting (35%-45%)

  • State and Local Governments (10-20%)

Paper 5Information Systems and Controls (ISC)
  • Information Systems and Data Management (35%-45%)
  • Security, Confidentiality and Privacy (35%-45%)
  • Considerations for System and Organization

    Controls (SOC) Engagements (15-25%)

Paper 6Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)
  • Tax Compliance and Planning for Individuals and Personal Financial Planning (30-40%)
  • Entity Tax Compliance (30-40%)
  • Entity Tax Planning (10-20%)
  • Property Transactions (disposition of assets) (10-20%)

CPA exam centres in India

AICPA & NASBA administers the CPA exam in India at eight test centers. The list of test centres is given below:

  • Hyderabad

  • Ahmedabad

  • Mumbai

  • Delhi

  • Bangalore

  • Chennai

  • Kolkata

  • Thiruvananthapuram

CPA Course benefits in India

A Certified Public Accountant is an respected professional in the world of accounting and finance. A CPA license can boost an accountants careers and also provide plenty of opportunity for upward mobility.

  • Increased Opportunity in the Short Term

  • Increased Opportunity in the Long Term

  • Higher Salary and Benefits Potential

  • Future Job Stability

  • It is a Well-Respected Credential

Job Opportunities after CPA Certification in India

Candidates after getting CPA certification in India can apply for the following job opportunities:

  • Internal Audit Director

  • Tax Manager

  • Vice President, Finance

  • Financial Controller

  • Chief Accountant

  • Finance Manager

  • Finance Director

  • Chief Financial Officer

  • Chief Executive Officer

  • Chief Audit Executive

  • Commercial Director

Cost of CPA Course in India

  • International Evaluation Fee: The international evaluation fee is USD 225

  • Examination Fee: The CPA examination fee for each section is approximately USD 193.45 .

  • Registration Fee: The fee is charged as per the state or depends upon the number of sections chosen by the candidates. One section at a time- USD 63, Two sections at a time- USD 81, Three sections at a time- USD 99 , Four sections at a time- $177 (approx. Rs. 12,900)

  • Ethics Fees for the CPA exam: To attain an ethics license, you should clear the ethics exam according to your state. The ethics fee ranges approximately USD 150 to USD 200.

  • CPA Licensing Fees: Upon completing the ethics exam, candidates are considered eligible to receive the CPA license. This fee needs to be paid every year and is approximately $ 50 to 500 per year and may vary from state to state.

  • Systematic Professional Education for CPA: These fees is approximately $ 800 and increases up to $5000.

Roles and Responsibilities of CPA

The primary roles and responsibilities of a CPA in India are:

  • CPA’s perform tasks such as book-keeping (Physical or technical), financial planning, advising, preparing government audits, recording of taxes, financial policies etc.

  • CPA’swork is to maintain the transaction history of the company.

  • They keep a check on the organization’s budget and financial management.

  • They suggest effective methods to save the capital of the firm.

  • To organize and audit transaction reports.

  • To implement monetary benefits.

  • CPA’s are also involved in the construction as well as nalysis of budgets

  • CPA’s are responsible for updating and applying with the firm new financial methods.

  • To update the management of tax consequences of business judgement.

  • CPA’s are involved in rectifying the errors, fluctuations caused by monetary activities and money and solving fraudulent activities.

  • They handle tax-related activities such as maintaining tax records, tax collection and on-time tax deposits.

  • CPA’s analyze ledgers and estimate the revenue

  • CPA’s also prepare the company balance sheet

  • They act as an advisory for asset safety, company benefits as well as compensations

CPA salary in India

With an increase in organizations, the requirement for CPAs has also increased. Since , their requirement has increased they are paid well. The minimum salary for a CPA is Rs 7.6 lakh per annum.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the eligibility criteria for India students to appear in CPA exam?

Indian graduates in any stream are eligible to apply for CPA.

2. What is the difference between CA and CPA exam?

CPA exam is conducted by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), US. CPA is a single-level exam with 4 papers and is recognized in the US as well as globally. On the other hand, CA exams are conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and is a 3-level exam with 16 papers.

3. Is CPA recognized in India?

Yes, CPA certification is recognized not only in India but also globally.

4. What is the minimum salary of a CPA professional in India?

The minimum salary of CPA professional ranges between 7-8 lakh per annum

5. Is CPA exam difficult to pass?

The difficulty level of the CPA exam is moderate, as there is flexibility in attempting the exam within a period of 18 months. Candidates can prepare strategically by paying equal attention to each section.

Articles

Upcoming Finance Exams

Application Date:25 October,2024 - 05 December,2024

Application Date:10 November,2024 - 23 November,2024

Exam Date:20 November,2024 - 24 November,2024

CMA Intermediate

Exam Date:10 December,2024 - 10 December,2024

View All Finance Exams

Certifications By Top Providers

Management of Commercial Banking
Via Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
Digital Banking Business Model
Via State Bank of India
Direct Tax Laws and Practice
Via Tezpur University, Tezpur
Foundations of Modern Finance I
Via Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge
Udemy
 192 courses
Edx
 175 courses
Vskills
 52 courses
Swayam
 51 courses
Coursera
 47 courses
Futurelearn
 40 courses

Explore Top Universities Across Globe

University of Essex, Colchester
 Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQ
University College London, London
 Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT
The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
 Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, Post Code EH8 9YL
University of Bristol, Bristol
 Beacon House, Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1QU
University of Nottingham, Nottingham
 University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD
Get answers from students and experts
Budget Analyst

Budget analysis, in a nutshell, entails thoroughly analyzing the details of a financial budget. The budget analysis aims to better understand and manage revenue. Budget analysts assist in the achievement of financial targets, the preservation of profitability, and the pursuit of long-term growth for a business. Budget analysts generally have a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a closely related field. Knowledge of Financial Management is of prime importance in this career.

4 Jobs Available
Data Analyst

The invention of the database has given fresh breath to the people involved in the data analytics career path. Analysis refers to splitting up a whole into its individual components for individual analysis. Data analysis is a method through which raw data are processed and transformed into information that would be beneficial for user strategic thinking.

Data are collected and examined to respond to questions, evaluate hypotheses or contradict theories. It is a tool for analyzing, transforming, modeling, and arranging data with useful knowledge, to assist in decision-making and methods, encompassing various strategies, and is used in different fields of business, research, and social science.

3 Jobs Available
Underwriter

An underwrite plays crucial roles in the finance and insurance industry and works for mortgage, loan, and insurance companies. He or she analyses applications for insurance policies and assess the risk capacity to decide whether to approve application or reject. He or she assesses and evaluates the risk of another party for a fee in the form of commision or premium. 

Underwriters have strong analytical skills and they understand the insurance principle to evaluate the health of potential clients. They collaborate with agents, brokers, and to their clients to collect information and explain the insurance product details. They work on all kinds of insurance like mortgage, health insurance, life insurance, automobile, and several other kinds of insurance.

3 Jobs Available
Finance Executive

Finance Executives manage money, overseeing a company's income, expenses, and investments. They monitor financial transactions, create and assess reports like cash flows, and strategies to enhance profit margins and reduce expenses. Their role is crucial for staying competitive and making wise market decisions in response to current dynamics.

Finance Executives establish strategic financial goals, objectives, and performance criteria. Strong accounting and analytical skills are fundamental to this role. While often working fixed hours, they may extend their work hours to meet deadlines. This career is well-suited for individuals with a keen understanding of finance, attention to detail, and the ability to navigate complex financial landscapes.

3 Jobs Available
Product Manager

A product manager is a professional who determines what a product should do and how it should look like. A product manager analyses customer needs and combines them with company goals to develop a product that satisfies everyone. He or she works in coordination with different departments like engineers, salespersons, and product designers to ensure everyone works towards achieving the company's goals.

A product manager develops strategies and plans to help the employees work towards a common goal that is to develop a product that the customers demand. He or she plays the role of the first point of contact in the organisation for anyone who needs to know about the product. Concerning larger programmes, they work with Technical Program Managers to deliver results.

3 Jobs Available
Operations Manager

Operations manager is tasked with supervising the financial and business experts involved in the production of goods and services. A career as operations manager needs to supervise many divisions and coordinate daily activities. The role of operations manager is to oversee and manage diverse activities which is part of a profession as an operations manager.

All levels of an organisation's operational activities are overseen by an operations manager. He or she is in charge of selecting candidates, imparting instruction, and managing quality control programmes. Operations managers also develop plans for process improvements to ensure that everyone finishes their work on schedule. He or she must regularly evaluate budgets, manage costs, and analyse data and statistics.

3 Jobs Available
Stock Analyst

A stock analyst is an individual who analyses and evaluates various stocks and securities in the financial market. He or she in the stock analyst career forecasts stock market results, normally with an emphasis on the securities that a company or firm invests in. He or she also prepares scientific reports on financial forecasts, predictions, and recommendations based on a stock's expected profit. 

Individuals who enjoy learning and data processing, are good problem solvers, and have a strong work ethic will excel in the stock market analyst sector. Students can pursue a BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration), MBA (Master of Business Administration), M.Stat (Master of Statistics) to opt for a career in stock market analysis

2 Jobs Available
Researcher

A Researcher is a professional who is responsible for collecting data and information by reviewing the literature and conducting experiments and surveys. He or she uses various methodological processes to provide accurate data and information that is utilised by academicians and other industry professionals. Here, we will discuss what is a researcher, the researcher's salary, types of researchers.

2 Jobs Available
Welding Engineer

Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues. 

5 Jobs Available
QA Manager

A Quality Assurance (QA) Manager, synonymous with a Quality Assurance Manager, holds a pivotal role in ensuring products meet predefined standards. Responsible for planning, directing, and formulating control policies, the QA Manager safeguards company efficiency and profitability. By scrutinizing products for flaws and ensuring compliance with internal and external requirements, they uphold quality, validating the effectiveness of quality assurance teams in maintaining high standards before product release.

4 Jobs Available
Quality Controller

A quality controller plays a crucial role in an organisation. He or she is responsible for performing quality checks on manufactured products. He or she identifies the defects in a product and rejects the product. 

A quality controller records detailed information about products with defects and sends it to the supervisor or plant manager to take necessary actions to improve the production process.

3 Jobs Available
Production Manager

A Production Manager oversees manufacturing processes, ensuring timely and budgeted delivery of products. Responsible for safe, cost-effective production meeting quality standards, their role adapts to the production system. Also known as an Operations Manager, they manage human and material resources, contributing to efficient production and service delivery.

3 Jobs Available
Product Manager

A product manager is a professional who determines what a product should do and how it should look like. A product manager analyses customer needs and combines them with company goals to develop a product that satisfies everyone. He or she works in coordination with different departments like engineers, salespersons, and product designers to ensure everyone works towards achieving the company's goals.

A product manager develops strategies and plans to help the employees work towards a common goal that is to develop a product that the customers demand. He or she plays the role of the first point of contact in the organisation for anyone who needs to know about the product. Concerning larger programmes, they work with Technical Program Managers to deliver results.

3 Jobs Available
QA Lead

A QA Lead is in charge of the QA Team. The role of QA Lead comes with the responsibility of assessing services and products in order to determine that he or she meets the quality standards. He or she develops, implements and manages test plans. 

2 Jobs Available
Structural Engineer

A Structural Engineer designs buildings, bridges, and other related structures. He or she analyzes the structures and makes sure the structures are strong enough to be used by the people. A career as a Structural Engineer requires working in the construction process. It comes under the civil engineering discipline. A Structure Engineer creates structural models with the help of computer-aided design software. 

2 Jobs Available
Process Development Engineer

The Process Development Engineers design, implement, manufacture, mine, and other production systems using technical knowledge and expertise in the industry. They use computer modeling software to test technologies and machinery. An individual who is opting career as Process Development Engineer is responsible for developing cost-effective and efficient processes. They also monitor the production process and ensure it functions smoothly and efficiently.

2 Jobs Available
Back to top