Difference between CA and CS: Course Duration, Salaries, Careers
Difference between CA and CS: The Commerce stream includes two popular courses: Chartered Accountancy (CA) and Company Secretary (CS). Both CA and CS are often chosen courses after 12th Commerce, and their course content and professional career profiles are typically believed to be interconnected. However, while they may appear to be the same, Chartered Accountancy course and Company Secretary course are two different courses that focus on two different areas in an organisation. They are also regarded as India's most difficult examinations. In this article, you will get to know about the difference between CA and CS.
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Difference between Company Secretary and Chartered Accountant
Both of these programmes differ significantly in terms of course structure, duration, study levels, work options, etc. The primary points of distinction between CA and CS are mentioned below in the table.
Difference Between CA and CS
Parameter | CA | CS |
Name of the Course | Chartered Accountancy | Company Secretary |
Description | Aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of accounting and finance. | Students gain a thorough understanding of corporate governance and company law. |
Conducting Body | Institute of Company Secretaries in India | |
Duration | 3-5 years | 3-5 years |
Subjects to study | Taxation, Finance, Banking, Accounting, etc. These subjects include direct taxes, fundamentals, and basics of accounting, auditing and assurance, CAFM (cost accounting and financial management), MAFA (management accounting and financial analysis), etc. | Tax Laws, Company Law, General and Commercial Laws, Economic Labor and Industrial Laws, Banking and Insurance, Basic Economics, Business Environment, etc. |
Levels | A CA course can be cleared in 4 levels:
| A CS course can be cleared in 3 levels:
|
Entrance exam | Mandatory for all | Mandatory only in the case of an undergraduate. Commerce graduates can directly appear for the executive program. |
Articleship training | Minimum for 3 years | 15 months of training |
Duties | Advise the company on matters concerned with finance and taxation | Acts as the compliance officer for the company |
Exams | Conducted every year in the month of May and November | Conducted every year in the month of June and December |
How to Become a CA
In order to pursue a career as a CA, one needs to follow the given steps:
Enroll for the CA course in Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
Qualify for CA foundation and pursue a degree course in Commerce or any relevant field.
Qualify for the CA intermediate level.
Obtain articleship training and work experience under the supervision of a professional CA for a minimum of three years.
Pass the CA Final exams.
The CA Foundation exam can be taken straight after 12th grade. To appear for CA intermediate level, you must have completed your graduation.
How to Become a CS?
In order to handle the company profile and participate in decision-making, having excellent critical thinking skills is essential for pursuing a career in CS. To pursue a career as a CS, one needs to follow the given steps:
Enroll in the CS course at the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.
Clear the CS Executive Entrance Test (CSEET).
For additional qualifications, enroll and qualify in the CS executive programme.
To obtain specialisation, enrol and qualify in the CS Professional programme.
Qualify all the exams to become a successful Company Secretary.
For pursuing CS programme after graduation:
Complete your graduation in the field of Commerce for 3 years.
Pursue the CS Executive programme.
Pursue the CS Professional programme.
Career Pathways for CA and CS
Both fields begin with Commerce, but later diverge into two separate directions. Those wishing to pursue a profession in CA must possess good mathematical skills in order to cope with large amounts of accounting and budgeting.
Career Options as a CS
Candidates interested in a career in CS might look into a variety of options in large corporations throughout the world. They can work in a variety of areas, including governance, administration, stakeholder meetings, and the board of directors. They Students might also consider working as a Company Secretary for numerous businesses on their own.
Career Options as a CA
Students interested in pursuing a career as a CA have more options than students interested in pursuing a career as a CS. They can look into both the public and private sectors, such as government agencies, private companies, banks, law firms, businesses, and civil services.
Distinction Between CA and CS - Course Duration
Another factor to consider while deciding between CA and CS is the length of the programme. Although both CA and CS courses have three levels, the time of each field vary. When opposed to CA, CS is a shorter programme that can be finished in two to three years. CA, on the other hand, takes 5 years to accomplish.
Difference between CA and CS - Salaries
The average salary for the two professions is another difference between Company Secretary and Chartered Accountant. The average compensation for a CA is higher than that of a CS. The average income for a Company Secretary in India is Rs. 6 lakhs per annum, whereas the average salary for a Chartered Accountant in India is around Rs. 8 lakhs per annum.
Difference between CA and CS - Conclusion
It's natural to feel perplexed while thinking about which one best meets your qualifications and career goals. To get an idea about it, read the aforementioned aspects including duration, course procedure, scope, and difficulty level, and then decide which one best fits your professional profile. CA should be chosen if you want to pursue a career in finance or accounting, but CS is the best option for those who want to seek higher-level managerial roles or legal management.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) - Difference between CA and CS: Course Duration, Salaries, Careers
Question: Is it possible for a CS to rise to the position of CEO?
Answer:
Yes, a CS can advance in the organization and become the CEO.
Question: Which one is a better profession CA or CS?
Answer:
Both of these are among the most in-demand in India. You can choose between CA and CS based on your preferences, talents, and competency.
Question: Is CS more simple than CA?
Answer:
The difficulty level of the two courses varies depending on the student's background. In comparison to CA, CS is thought to be easier. CA is more math-oriented, whereas CS is more theory-based.
Question: Who makes more money a CA or CS?
Answer:
The average compensation for CA is higher than the average pay for CS. In India, a CS earns Rs. 6 lakh per annum on an average whereas the average salary for a CA is around Rs. 8 lakhs.
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Questions related to CA Final Exam
Hi sir, I have to appear for CA FInal exams in Nov 2022, i have registered for CA final on 07-02-2022 Is it okay sir? And during the CA FINAL registration through SSP , in my application, choice of elective paper was not shown to me.. Is it a problem?
Hello Aspirant,
See application process is already live for CA Final 2022 examination for November 2022 session so if you had applied for it then it is alright and the last date to apply for it is July 1st 2022.
Now coming to the question of choice of elective paper so don't worry because choice of elective paper will be asked while filling examination form for CA final 2022 which would be available for the candidates in October 2022 so you can fill it out at that time and till then you will have to wait for it.
You can check out more information from the official site as given below :-
https://www.icai.org/new_post.html?post_id=15755
or you can also check out our article for all latest updates and complete details :-
CA Final Registration 2022 - Steps to Apply Online, Fees, Eligibility (careers360.com)
I hope this information helps you.
Good Luck!!
Can I apply for CA Final registration after the cut off date? I am going to be appearing for May 22 Final examination, however, I have not yet applied for CA final registration as my Advance ITT examination is still pending.
Hello,
No you cannot apply after the final date of registration. Unless the officials extend the last date you will not be eligible for applying after the final date of registration. As of now there are no information from the officials regarding the extension of the final date. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has opened the CA Final 2022 registration in online mode. The last date for the CA Final May 2022 registration was January 1, 2022. You can apply for December session. The last date is on July 1, 2022.
I wanna ask how should i start studying commerce more producttivly
Hi there,
First of all make plan that what are you going to study,for how many hours you are going to study a topic and on what you will focus on. Plan all these things so that you don't get distract while studying. Then maintain a timetable and follow it .
We all have same working hours but we don't utilize them properly so start utilizing your working hour according to your mental energy .
Always study in a peaceful environment so that you can learn more in less time that means effective study .
Now if you are talking pparticularly about commerce then you can divide subjects into two part
(A) Numerical portion: First clear you concepts and after that practice as much as you can for Numerical.
(B) THEORY Portion: Make notes and clear your concept and revise them.
Try to understand instead of just mugging up lessons so that you can remember it for long time .
And last but not least study with enthusiasm. Enjoy study . Don't take study as burden.
Hope it helps you.
Good luck!
I have bymistake entered wrong information in my CA Final exam form of initial date of registration would admit card be issued to me ?
Hi Aspirant,
Hope you are doing great as per the question asked by you as you have made mistake while filling up the form you should definitely mail to the required authorities regarding the mistakes you have sometimes correction window is given to the students to correct the mistakes if made any during the process.
Hope you found this answer useful.Stay motivated stay positive.
All the best!
can i give ca final exam after clear ca intermediate exam without articleship?
Hey aspirant,
Sorry but this cannot be done as it is mandatory and one must complete at least 2 years of training before sitting for the finals