How to Become a CA after 12th: Career Guide, Courses, Eligibility, Entrance Exams, Colleges, Benefits, Salary

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Ahana Bhaduri

Content Writer | Updated 3+ months ago

A CA is a qualified and skilled financial professional who is in charge of managing a single component of a firm, such as auditing financial accounts, depending on their area of specialization. Others might manage a company's accounting requirements or they might operate as independent contractors who manage accounting issues for numerous companies. CAs are also qualified to file tax returns for businesses, audit financial statements and operational procedures, and provide client advisory services. To become a CA, candidates are required to pursue CA Courses after clearing their class 12th board exams from a recognised board with a minimum aggregate score of 55% and above. However, candidates from commerce backgrounds with substantial knowledge in Accounting and Finance are in a better position than those who come from Science, Arts or any other backgrounds. After successfully completing these courses, they are then eligible to apply across various CA firms with a starting salary of INR 6.70 LPA - 8.90 LPA.  

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How to Become a CA after 12th: Quick Facts

Eligibility criteria Completion of class 12th from a recognized board and clear CPT examination
Or,
A commerce graduate with 55% marks and a non-commerce graduate with 60% marks and a passed IPCC exam.
Skills required Knowledge of regulatory standards, commercial awareness, understanding of financial reporting standards, analytical skills, discretion, market awareness
Starting salary INR 6.80 LPA - 9 LPA
Average Salary INR 17 LPA
Highest salary INR 50 LPA & above

What are the Eligibility Criteria to Become a CA after 12th?

The basic eligibility criteria required to become a CA after 12th are listed below for your reference. 

  • Foundation path: After class 12th, a candidate can sit for the common proficiency test exam (CPT) 
  • Direct path: commerce candidates with 55% marks in graduation and non-commerce candidates with 60% marks in graduation can have a direct entry to sit for the intermediate exams by applying to the ICAI for registration. 
  • The common proficiency test or the CPT exam is for the 12th-pass candidates. By clearing the exam, candidates can apply for their registration to the ICAI to sit for the intermediate-level exam. 
  • Only the candidates who are registered with the ICAI will receive guidance and study materials to proceed further in the CA course. 

What are the Steps to Become a CA after 12th?

In order to become a CA, candidates must pursue certain steps and procedures that would help them efficiently follow their goals in a hassle-free process. Listed below are the key steps to become a CA after 12th for your reference. 

  • One can become a CA through two routes: the direct path and the foundation path. 
  • Candidates who have passed class 12th are eligible to apply for registration in the ICAI.
  • after 4 months of getting registered under ICAI, the candidate is eligible to sit for the CA foundation exams. 
  • the candidate has to pass individually in 4 subjects to clear the foundation exam. 
  • Candidates who have got 40% marks in individual subjects and 50% marks in the overall subjects are eligible to sit for the intermediate exam. 
  • The intermediate exam takes place after 8 months of registration into the CA intermediate course
  • Candidates have to appear for 8 subjects divided into two groups. They can attempt one group at a time or both the groups 
  • Candidates who have got 40% marks in individual subjects and 50% marks in the overall subjects to get qualified for the articleship training
  • Candidates have to complete an integrated course on information technology and soft skill in order to proceed with the articleship training. 
  • Candidates have to go through 3 years of articleship training. They can register for articleship training after passing one or two groups in the intermediate course. 
  • Candidates have to complete advanced integrated information technology and soft skill courses before appearing in the CA finals 
  • Candidates who have passed both groups are eligible to sit for the CA final exams. there are 8 subjects divided into 2 groups. Candidates can attempt one group at a time. 
  • Candidates who have got 40% marks in individual subjects and 50% marks in the overall subjects is the one who the CA final exam. 
  • The candidate has to apply for membership in ICAI after successfully completing the articleship training and passing the CA finals. 

CA Courses after 12th 

Candidates aspiring to become a CA after 12th can pursue CA courses right after clearing their class 12th board exams or can even pursue them after clearing their graduation in any frelevant subjects. Tabulated below in detail is the CA Course across its three major levels for your reference.

Parameters CA Foundation CA Intermediate CA Final
Eligibility criteria Class 12th pass and passing the CPT exam Candidates who have got 40% marks in individual subjects and 50% marks in the overall subjects are eligible to sit for the intermediate exam Candidates who have passed both groups are eligible to sit for the CA final exams Complete advanced integrated information technology and soft skill course
Average course fees 10,900 36,600 39,800

What are the Skills Required to Become a CA after 12th?

Some of the basic skill sets that are required to become a CA are tabulated below for your reference. 

Discipline, diligence, hard work Conceptual understanding Analytical skills
Attention to details Business knowledge Management
Communication skills Time management Computer skills

What are the Benefits of Becoming a CA after 12th?

Every job comes aling with its own sets of perks and benefits. Listed below are some of the key benefits of becoming a CA for your reference.

  • There is a huge job market that includes high salaries and the luxury of working independently 
  • CA course leads a person to better and higher managerial positions. It opens the door for prestigious job profiles
  • The demand for CAs is ever-increasing with the ever-increasing businesses and organizations. Every field requires a CA which is why the scope of CAs is huge. They have job security which no other profession can give.
  • Ability to work in flexible working hours. The work of the CA depends solely on the skills of the person.

What is the Salary of a CA after 12th?

Tabulated below is the average salary of a CA based on the years of relevant experience gained for your reference. 

Years of Experience Average Annual Salary (INR)
0-1 years 5.8 L
2-5 years 6.7 L
6-10 years 8.3 L
10-15 years 17 L
15-20 years 35.80 L
20 years and above 50 L & above

How to Become a CA after the 12th: FAQs

Ques. Is it necessary for a student to belong from an arts background in order to become a chartered accountant?

Ans. No it is not necessarily important to belong from a commerce background to become a chartered accountant. Arts and science students can also sit for the CPT exam. 

Ques. What are the 7 subjects in the CA course?

Ans. The different subjects in the CA course are:

  • Taxation
  • Auditing and assurance
  • Advanced Accounting
  • Accounting
  • Business law, ethics, and communication 
  • Cost accounting and financial management
  • Enterprise information system and strategic management

Ques. What is the duration of the CA course?

Ans. The duration differs from person to person as each student requires their own sweet time to pass every paper to clear the CA course. Usually, it takes 4-5 years to complete the course.

Ques. Is there any limitation to the attempt of examination in the CA course?

Ans. No. there is no such limitation to the number of attempts an individual can make. A candidate can sit several times in the examinations which take place twice a year. 

Ques. Which subject is the most difficult one in the CA syllabus?

Ans. Auditing is considered to be the most difficult subject in the CA syllabus. It is the most competitive subject which needs more attention and practice. 

Chartered Accountancy : 5 answered questions

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Ques. Which is the better option: SRCC or to pursue CA after standard 12?

● Top Answer By Swati Sinha on 11 Jan 22

Ans. According to the reviews online, SRCC is a much more reliable option than to pursue CA right after your class 12. Here are some things that will be better if you choose SRCC: SRCC will play a major role in developing your personality. CA tends to limit your learning and knowledge to only classes and studies. But SRCC will give you a chance to explore and learn various industry related things. SRCC will give you proper training which will be relevant when you join the industry. Studying in a college is basically like working in a professional environment. You have to maintain punctuality and prioritize your work. Lastly, even if you are unsure about studying CA, studying in a college will give you clarity. Therefore, it is suggested that you opt for SRCC rather than rushing with the stress of being a CA.Read more
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Ques. Is MBA better than CA?

● Top Answer By Sushmita Mukherjee on 29 Oct 20

Ans. MBA is offered as a 2 year full time program MBA in India. It is one of the most popular postgraduate courses in India. Admission in MBA is based on the CAT, XAT, CMAT, Gmat, etc. exams. The entire Chartered Accountant course takes 5 years for completion. Students have to go through a CPT (Common Proficiency Test) which will lead to the inclusion in ICAT (Indian Chartered Accountants Institute). The table given below shows a brief overview of both programs: Categories MBA CA Course Fee (approx.) 23 Lakh 1.85 Lakh Placement Percentage 100% 42.79% Highest CTC 70 LPA 50-70 LPA Average CTC 25.83 LPA 20 LPA Placements:  MBA Recruiting Companies -  The top recruiting companies include Deloitte, Accenture, Infosys, Capgemini, Citibank, ITC, Nestle, Saint Gobain, JP Morgan, Wipro, Microsoft, Phillips, Reliance, L&T, McKinsey & Company, Avendus, Asian Paints, etc. CA Recruiting Companies - The top recruiting companies include JP Morgan, KPMG, Deloitte, E&Y, Federal Bank, Lodha & Co., IDFC Bank, Luthra & Luthra, Citibank, Edelweiss, Morgan Stanley, etc. Admission:  Admission in MBA is based on the various entrance examinations like CAT, CMAT, SNAP, XAT, MAT and NMAT. CA admissions is based on the Common Proficiency Test (CPT), Intermediate (Integrated Professional Competence) Examination and a Final Examination. The amount invested in a CA is less compared to an MBA degree. Out of 100 only 3-5% of candidates are able to qualify with CA and get certified. 90-95% of candidates who opt for MBA courses end up getting good jobs with generous salary packages. So the demand of pursuing MBA is much higher in India than CA.Read more
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Ques. How are the placement opportunities for Chartered Accountants/ Finance Professionals at ISB (PGP) Hyderabad?

● Top Answer By Animesh Tripathi on 15 Feb 23

Ans. It is advised that you not rely on overly optimistic answers from admission consultants, enthusiastic alumni, or overpaid faculty regarding the opportunities for Chartered Accountants/ Finance Professionals at (ISB (PGP) Hyderabad.  Placements: Finance jobs are considered to include investment banking, private equity, venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, financial planning and analysis, equity research, credit rating, asset management, and tax and advisory services (by Big 4).  Faculty: The visiting faculty at the Mohali campus is highly engaged and humble, but the domestic faculty is deemed by a lot of students as incapable and arrogant, with one professor even coming to class drunk. Curriculum: The finance curriculum at ISB is well-designed and provided enough material and case studies to students. There are students who also take electives in Data Analytics in Finance and Introduction to FinTech and found the quality of these courses to be good. It is up to you to decide whom to believe. The information given is simply to provide you with an honest and factual account of the finance program at ISB Hyderabad and to caution anyone considering finance as a career path to not rely on overly optimistic or sugar-coated answers.Read more
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Ques. Which one is better after 12th commerce, doing IPM IIM Indore or doing Chartered Accountant?

● Top Answer By Saija Luthra on 12 Jan 23

Ans. Chartered Accountants and IPM from IIM Indore are not comparable because of their vastly different natures. You are advised to move toward the area of interest over here. IPM aims to develop each student holistically by helping him learn and excel in a variety of areas. Your presentation abilities improve, and your overall development is boosted. It has several different domains as its primary focus. A CA, on the other hand, is deeply involved in the accounting industry. To be clear, it's a correspondence course. After studying, you take your exams, then write your articles. Your course of action in this will determine only your personality development and presentation skills. You should choose between these two based on your area of interest.Read more
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Ques. Which will pay me better: CA or IPM IIM Indore?

● Top Answer By Anumita Mukharjee on 10 May 23

Ans. CA (Chartered Accountancy) and IPM (Integrated Program in Management) are two different career paths with different job prospects and salaries. CA is a professional degree in accounting and finance and is highly respected and has a well-salaried job in the industry.  A fresher Chartered Accountant in India can earn an average salary of around 7-8 lakhs per annum , and higher with more experience and expertise. On the other hand, IPM is a five-year program offered by IIM Indore that combines undergraduate and postgraduate studies in management. Graduates from this program are generally placed in management roles in various industries, with starting salaries averaging around 10-12 lakhs per annum , and increasing with experience. The final decision of which career path to pursue depends on your interests, skills, and career goals. Both CA and IPM offer excellent job opportunities and potential for growth. So, choose wisely, All the best buddy!Read more
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