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COMMERCE · After 10th or PU

Chartered Accountancy (CA)

CA Qualification → Practice (audit, tax) / Industry (CFO, Finance Director) / Consulting / Investment Banking

Duration

4.5–5 years total (Foundation 4 months + Intermediate + 3 years Articleship + Final)

Stream

COMMERCE

Entry Salary

₹7,00,000–₹12,00,000/year (freshly qualified CA)

5-Year Salary

₹15,00,000–₹40,00,000/year (industry or Big 4 firms)

Eligibility

Pass 10+2 from any recognised board (any stream — Science, Commerce, or Arts). Must register with ICAI after 10th or 12th. Can write Foundation exam after 12th.

Entrance Exam Details

ExamCA Foundation (conducted by ICAI)
Conducting BodyInstitute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
ScheduleJanuary, May, September (3 attempts per year)
PatternCA Foundation: 4 papers — Accounting (100), Business Laws (100), Quantitative Aptitude (100), Business Economics (100). Objective + Descriptive. CA Intermediate: 6 papers. CA Final: 6 papers.

Career Progression

CA QualificationPractice (audit, tax) / Industry (CFO, Finance Director) / Consulting / Investment Banking

Expected Salary Range

Entry Level (Year 1)

₹7,00,000–₹12,00,000/year (freshly qualified CA)

Starting salary for freshers

After 5 Years (Experienced)

₹15,00,000–₹40,00,000/year (industry or Big 4 firms)

With relevant experience and specialisation

Preparation Roadmap

Register with ICAI after 10th (provisional) or after 12th. Complete 4-month study period, then write Foundation exam. Pass rate is 20–30% — requires consistent study. Self-study is possible but coaching is common. Articleship (practical training under a CA) starts after Intermediate — this is where real learning happens.

Related Career Paths

If this path interests you, you might also want to explore these alternatives.

CMA (Cost & Management Accountancy)
B.Com + MBA (Finance)