Your Guide to Becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) After 12th!

If you’re passionate about numbers, accounting, and finance, then becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) might be the perfect career choice for you! This respected and rewarding profession opens doors to a world of opportunities in India and abroad.

Let’s explore everything you need to know about the CA course after 12th.

1. Duration of the CA Course

The duration to become a CA after 12th typically ranges between 4.5 to 5 years, depending on
how a student clears each level on the first attempt.
Typical Timeline:
• CA Foundation – 4 months
• CA Intermediate – 8-12 months (study + exams)
• Articleship Training – 2 years (starts after passing both Groups of Intermediate)
• CA Final – 6-12 months

🧩 2. Levels in the CA Course & Subjects

The CA course is divided into 3 main levels:

Level 1: CA Foundation

Duration: 4 months
Subjects:
1. Principles and Practice of Accounting
2. Business Laws & Business Correspondence and Reporting
3. Business Mathematics, Logical Reasoning & Statistics
4. Business Economics & Business and Commercial Knowledge

Level 2: CA Intermediate

Duration: 8-12 months
Divided into 2 groups (6 subjects total)
Group I:
1. Advance Accounting
2. Corporate & Other Laws
3. Taxation (Income Tax & GST)
Group II:
4. Cost & Management Accounting
5. Auditing and Ethics
6. Financial Management & Strategic Management

Level 3: CA Final

After completing Articleship and 6 months study period
Also divided into 2 groups (6 subjects total)
Group I:
1. Financial Reporting
2. Advanced Financial Management
3. Advanced Auditing, Assurance and Professional Ethics
Group II:
4. Direct Tax Laws and International Taxation
5. Indirect Tax Laws
6. Elective Paper (e.g., Risk Management, Financial Services, etc.)

3. Registration Process & Fee Details

CA Foundation Registration Process:

Approx Fee: ₹9,800 (including study material)

Steps:

1. Visit ICAI official website – https://www.icai.org
2. Create your account
3. Fill the online form
4. Upload documents
5. Pay registration fee

4. Direct Entry Route (Without Foundation)

This route is for Graduates/Post Graduates or ICSI/ICWA Inter pass students.

🧩 Eligibility:

• Commerce Graduates with 55%+ marks
• Non-commerce with 60%+ marks

Steps:

• Direct registration for CA Intermediate
• Complete 8 months of study
• Begin 2 years of Articleship

Intermediate Registration Fee: ₹18,000 approx

5. Documents Required for Registration

10th & 12th Marksheet
Passport Size Photo
Aadhaar Card
Signature (scanned)
Proof of Nationality (for foreign students)
Graduation Marksheet (for direct entry)

6. Eligibility for CA Course

Passed 12th from a recognized board
No minimum marks required for Foundation
Direct Entry requires graduation with specific % as mentioned above

7. Salary/Earning After Becoming a CA

A Chartered Accountant can expect excellent salary packages based on skills and experience:
• 🧩 Fresher CA Salary: ₹10 – ₹12 LPA
• Top CA Firms (like Big 4): ₹15 – ₹20 LPA
• International Firms: ₹20 LPA+
• Self-practice or Consultancy: Income varies widely, often ₹10 LPA+
With specialization and experience, CA professionals can even earn ₹50 LPA+ in India and abroad!

Conclusion: A Path to a Prestigious Career

Becoming a Chartered Accountant is a journey of dedication, knowledge, and professionalism. Whether you dream of working in top firms, starting your own practice, or exploring international opportunities, the CA course equips you with all the tools needed for success.

Tip: Stay consistent with studies, get real-world exposure during Articleship, and aim to clear levels in the first attempt.
For more guidance, visit ICAI’s official site.