Unlock Your Career Success with the CA Full Form: Benefits of a CA Course!

Are you looking to become a Chartered Accountant? Do you want to unlock the door to high-paying job opportunities? Then you're in the right place! In this blog article, we'll explore the CA full form, the benefits of becoming a Chartered Accountant, what you need to know about the CA exams, the syllabus, and all the fantastic job opportunities that come with it. So, let's get started!

 On this page

• Overview of CA
• Benefits of becoming a CA
• How to become a CA
• CA course details
• CA foundation syllabus
• CA intermediate syllabus
• CA final syllabus
• CA course fees
• Job opportunities
• 5 essential skills and certification to take complete along with CA

What is the CA Full Form?

The CA full form stands for Chartered Accountant. A Chartered Accountant is a professional certified by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) to practice the profession of accounting. It is the highest professional accounting qualification in India, and a Chartered Accountant is highly sought after by employers for their financial expertise.

CA Key statistics

Benefits of Becoming a Chartered Accountant

Becoming a chartered accountant (CA) can provide numerous personal and professional benefits. Some of the main benefits of becoming a CA include the following:

1. High earning potential: CAs are highly sought after in the job market and tend to command higher salaries than other professionals with similar experience levels.
2. Versatility: CAs have a wide range of skills and can work in various industries, including accounting, finance, consulting, and business management. This allows for flexibility in your career path.
3. Global opportunities: The CA designation is recognised internationally, which can open up opportunities for work or study abroad.
4. Personal growth: Becoming a CA requires significant time and effort, which can lead to personal growth and development. Becoming a CA involves learning about various topics, including accounting, finance, and business management, which can benefit your personal and professional development.
5. Professional network: As a CA, you will have the opportunity to network with other professionals in the field, which can lead to new job opportunities and valuable relationships.
6. Prestige: The CA designation is a highly respected and prestigious qualification that can enhance your professional reputation and credibility.
7. Career stability: CAs are in high demand and tend to have stable careers with good job security.
8. Range of career paths: CAs can work in many different industries, including public accounting, private industry, government, and education. This allows for a diverse range of career paths and the opportunity to find a role that aligns with your interests and goals.
9. Continuous learning: As a CA, you must complete continuing professional development (CPD) to maintain your designation. This can help you stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field and improve your skills and knowledge.
10. Leadership opportunities: CAs can progress to leadership roles within their organisations, such as CFO or CEO. This can provide opportunities for personal and professional growth and the chance to impact your organisation positively.

Eligibility requirements to enrol in the CA Course

To be eligible to enrol in the Chartered Accountancy (CA) program of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), you must meet the following requirements:

1. Educational qualification: You must have passed 10+2 or an equivalent examination recognised by the Central Government of India.
2. Age limit: You must be at least 17 years old.
3. Foundation course: You must have completed the ICAI Foundation Course
4. Common Proficiency Test (CPT): You must have passed the Common Proficiency Test (CPT), a computer-based exam that tests your knowledge of fundamental accounting and business concepts.
5. If you are a student who has finished his Post graduation, you can enrol directly if you have scored 55% marks in aggregate.
6. Registration: You must be registered with the ICAI as a student of the CA program before you can begin the practical training component of the program.

Note that these are the general eligibility requirements. There may be additional requirements for specific categories of candidates, such as candidates who have completed their education at a foreign university. You should review the latest eligibility requirements on the ICAI website to ensure that you meet all the necessary criteria. 

How to become a CA?

The process to become a Chartered Accountant (CA) generally involves the following seven steps:

1. Meet the eligibility requirements: To enrol in the CA program, you must meet the educational, age, and other eligibility requirements set by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).
2. Complete the Foundation Course: The Foundation Course is a pre-entry level course that consists of four papers: Principles and Practice of Accounting, Business Law and Business Correspondence and Reporting, Business Mathematics and Logical Reasoning, and Business Economics and Business and Commercial Knowledge.
3. Pass the Common Proficiency Test (CPT): The CPT is a computer-based exam that tests your knowledge of fundamental accounting and business concepts. You must pass this exam before you can enrol in the CA program.
4. Register with the ICAI: Once you have passed the CPT, you must register with the ICAI as a student of the CA program. This will enable you to begin the practical training component of the program.
5. Complete the Intermediate Course: The Intermediate Course consists of two groups of papers: Group 1 (four papers) and Group 2 (four papers). You must complete both groups before proceeding to the CA program's final stage.
6. Complete the practical training: The practical training component of the CA program involves working under a CA's supervision for three years. You will gain practical experience in accounting, auditing, and finance during this time.
7. Pass the Final Examination: The Final Examination consists of two groups of papers: Group 1 (four papers) and Group 2 (four papers). You must pass both groups to qualify as a CA.

It is important to note that the process to become a CA can vary depending on your educational background and other factors. You should review the latest requirements on the ICAI website to ensure you know all the steps involved in the process.

Also read our blog on the ten essential traits required in a CFO.

CA Course details

The Course is split into three levels

1. CA Foundation
2. CA Intermediate
3. CA Final

We look at all three levels as under

CA foundation syllabus 

The Chartered Accountancy (CA) Foundation Course is a pre-entry-level course offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). It is designed for students who have completed 10+2 or an equivalent examination and wish to enrol in the CA program.

The CA Foundation Course consists of four papers:

1. Principles and Practice of Accounting: This paper covers the basic principles of accounting, including double entry, debit and credit, and preparing financial statements.
2. Business Law and Business Correspondence and Reporting: This paper covers the principles of business law, including topics such as contracts, partnerships, and company law. It also covers business correspondence and reports, including English in business communication.
3. Business Mathematics and Logical Reasoning: This paper covers mathematical concepts and techniques relevant to business and finance, such as algebra, trigonometry, and statistical analysis. It also covers logical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
4. Business Economics and Business and Commercial Knowledge: This paper covers the principles of economics and business, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, and business strategy. It also covers business and commercial knowledge, including marketing, finance, and human resource management.

To pass the CA Foundation Course, you must score a minimum of 40% in each paper and an overall minimum of 50% in all four papers. 

CA Intermediate syllabus

The Chartered Accountancy (CA) Intermediate Course is the second stage of the CA program offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). It consists of two groups of papers: Group 1 and Group 2. Each group has four subjects. The CA intermediate subjects are:

Group 1:

1. Accounting: This paper covers the principles of financial accounting, including the preparation of financial statements, analysis and interpretation of financial statements, and accounting for corporate reorganisations.
2. Corporate and Other Laws: This paper covers the laws and regulations that apply to companies and other organisations, including the Companies Act, the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, and the SEBI Listing Regulations.
3. Cost and Management Accounting: This paper covers the principles and techniques of cost and management accounting, including cost behaviour, cost-volume-profit analysis, and budgeting.
4. Taxation: This paper covers the principles and practices of taxation, including topics such as the Income Tax Act, the Goods and Services Tax Act, and the Wealth Tax Act.

Group 2:

1. Advanced Accounting: This paper covers advanced topics in financial accounting, including topics such as accounting for consolidated financial statements, accounting for amalgamations, and accounting for particular transactions.
2. Auditing and Assurance: This paper covers the principles and practices of auditing, including topics such as audit planning, audit procedures, and reporting on financial statements.
3. Information Technology and Strategic Management: This paper covers the use of information technology in accounting and business, including topics such as database management, enterprise resource planning, and cybersecurity. It also covers strategic management, including business strategy, corporate governance, and business ethics.
4. Financial Management and Economics for Finance: This paper covers financial management concepts and techniques, including topics such as financial analysis, financial planning, and working capital management. It covers finance economics, including macroeconomics, international trade, and financial markets.

To pass the CA Intermediate Course, you must score a minimum of 40% in each paper and an overall minimum of 50% in all eight papers. Once you have passed the Intermediate Course, you can proceed to the final stage of the CA program, which is the practical training component.

CA Final course syllabus 

The Chartered Accountancy (CA) Final Course is the final stage of the CA program offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). It consists of two groups of papers: Group 1 and Group 2. Each group has four subjects. The CA final subjects are:

Group 1:

1. Financial Reporting: This paper covers the principles and practices of financial reporting, including topics such as the preparation of financial statements, analysis and interpretation of financial statements, and accounting for corporate reorganisations.
2. Strategic Financial Management: This paper covers advanced topics in financial management, including topics such as financial analysis, financial planning, working capital management, and risk management.
3. Advanced Auditing and Professional Ethics: This paper covers advanced topics in auditing, including topics such as audit planning, audit procedures, and reporting on financial statements. It also covers professional ethics and conduct, including independence, objectivity, confidentiality, and integrity.
4. Corporate and Allied Laws: This paper covers the laws and regulations that apply to companies and other organisations, including the Companies Act, the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, and the SEBI Listing Regulations.

Group 2:

1. Advanced Management Accounting: This paper covers advanced topics in management accounting, including topics such as cost-volume-profit analysis, budgeting, and decision-making techniques.
2. Information Systems Control and Audit: This paper covers information systems in accounting and business, including database management, enterprise resource planning, and cybersecurity. It also covers the principles and practices of information systems control and audit.
3. Direct Tax Laws: This paper covers the principles and practices of direct taxation, including topics such as the Income Tax Act, the Wealth Tax Act, and the Gift Tax Act.
4. Indirect Tax Laws: This paper covers the principles and practices of indirect taxation, including topics such as the Goods and Services Tax Act, the Customs Act, and the Central Excise Act.

To pass the CA Final Course, you must score a minimum of 40% in each paper and an overall minimum of 50% in all eight papers. Once you have passed the Final Course, you will be eligible to apply for membership with the ICAI and use the designation "Chartered Accountant."

CA course fees 

The cost of the Chartered Accountancy (CA) course varies depending on several factors, including your location, the institution you choose to study with, and any additional expenses you incur during your studies.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has set the fees for the various stages of the CA course as follows:

1. Foundation Course: The fees for the Foundation Course range from approximately INR 8,000 to INR 10,000, depending on the location.
2. Common Proficiency Test (CPT): The fees for the CPT are approximately INR 1,000.
3. Intermediate Course: The fees for the Intermediate Course range from approximately INR 15,000 to INR 20,000, depending on the location.
4. Final Course: The fees for the Final Course range from approximately INR 20,000 to INR 25,000, depending on the location.

In addition to the above fees, you may also incur expenses such as study materials, travel, and accommodation costs if you choose to study with a coaching institute or at a location that is not near your residence.

It is important to note that these fees are subject to change and may vary depending on your location and other factors. It is recommended that you check the latest fees on the ICAI website or with the institution you choose to study with to get a more accurate estimate of the cost of the CA course.

CA Job Opportunities

Chartered Accountants (CAs) are highly sought after in the job market and have many career opportunities. Some of the leading job opportunities for CAs include:

1. Public accounting firms: Public accounting firms such as Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC are significant employers of CAs in India and offer various career opportunities in areas such as audit, tax, and consulting.
2. Private industry: CAs are in high demand, particularly in finance-related roles such as chief financial officer, financial controller, and finance manager. Some top companies that hire CAs in these roles include multinational corporations such as Tata, Reliance, Infosys, and HDFC Bank.
3. IT and consulting: IT and consulting companies in India may hire CAs for financial planning and analysis, financial reporting, and risk management roles. Some examples of IT and consulting companies that hire CAs in India include Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, and Wipro.
4. Telecommunications companies in India may hire CAs for roles such as financial planning and analysis, financial reporting, and risk management. Some examples of telecommunications companies that hire CAs in India include Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea.
5. Outsourcing companies hire CA's for their comprehensive knowledge of financial reporting, compliance, taxation and project management. Top Companies who hire CA's are Genpact, AMEX, and Macquarie Global.
6. Self-employment: CAs can also work as self-employed professionals, providing accounting and consulting services to businesses and organisations.

The starting salary ranges from 12 lakhs to 18 lakhs and can go up to 40 lakh to 2 crores if you become a financial controller and one crore to 4 crores if you become the CFO.

What are the Additional Certifications After Completing a CA Course?

In addition to the Chartered Accountancy (CA) qualification, there are several additional skill certifications that you can consider completing to maximise your salary and career growth. Some of the certifications that may be particularly useful for CAs include the following:

1. Certified Public Accountant (CPA): The CPA is a highly respected and recognised qualification in the field of accounting and is particularly useful for CAs who want to work in public accounting firms US Based in MNCs or the United States.
2. ACCA: ACCA is a professional qualification focused on developing technical, ethical, and professional skills in the field of accounting and finance. ACCA is recognised in over 180 countries worldwide and is suitable for CAs who want to move to Europe, the Middle East or South East Asia. Please read our detailed blog on ACCA after CA.
3. CIMA: CIMA is a professional qualification focused on developing skills in financial management and business strategy. CIMA is recognised in over 180 countries worldwide and is suitable for CAs who want to work in industry, particularly in financial management and business leadership roles.
4. ACCA Diploma in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS): The IFRS certification is a professional qualification demonstrating your expertise in applying the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). This certification may be beneficial for CAs who want to work in organisations that prepare financial statements per IFRS or who want to work in industries where IFRS is widely used. Listen to a CA final student who completed this course along with her CA.
5. Data analytics: The data analytics certification is a professional qualification demonstrating your expertise in using data analytics tools and techniques to analyse and interpret large amounts of data. This certification may benefit CAs who want to work in roles that involve analysing data to support business decision-making.
6. Blockchain: The blockchain certification is a professional qualification demonstrating your expertise in using blockchain technology. This certification may benefit CAs who want to work in industries adopting blockchain technology or who want to help organisations implement blockchain solutions. 

Summing up

Becoming a Chartered Accountant is an excellent way to improve your career prospects and earnings potential. The CA full form designation is recognised worldwide and with good reason. CA's are in high demand due to their financial expertise and ability to provide critical insights into the health of a business. 

If you want to become a CA, ensure you understand the exams and syllabus inside out. And supplement your learning with additional skill courses from eduyush - because boosting your salary should always be at the top of your mind!