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 in the CS Vs CA comparison are mentioned below in the table.

Difference Between CA and CS

CA Vs CS: Eligibility

While the CA course consists of three levels, namely the Foundation, Inter and Final, the CS course consists of CSEET exam followed by the CS Executive and CS Professional exams. Candidates progress from one level to the next. In order to appear for CA Foundation, a candidate must have appeared for the Class 12 exam and also completed a 4 month study period. Graduates can directly join CA Inter through the direct route. In order to be eligible for CSEET/CS Foundation a candidate must have cleared class 12 exam. Graduates in commerce can directly enrol for CS Executive which is the second level in CS through the direct route.

CA Vs CS Eligibility Criteria

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. Given below are a few options

• Governance
• Administration
• Stakeholder meetings and the board of directors.
• Independent practice as CS

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.

• Government agencies
• Private companies
• Banks
• Law firms,
• Businesses
• 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. This also helps in deciding on CA or CS which is tough.

Difference between CA and CS - Salaries

The CA vs CS salary comparison 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 Salaries

CA Vs CS - Which is Better

It's natural to feel perplexed while thinking about which one best meets your qualifications and career goals. To get an idea about it,consider certain factors such as 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.