#CareerBytes: All your questions about CA program answered
What's the story
Chartered Accountancy (CA) is one of the most sought-after professional courses in the country. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) provides the three-level CA program.
The career path for becoming a Chartered Accountant is challenging and aspirants might have a number of doubts regarding the course, eligibility, career prospects, and preparation.
Here are some important things aspirants should know about CA.
Details
Eligibility, duration, and other CA program details
The minimum eligibility to pursue CA is the 10+2 examination. After Class-12, aspirants can register for Foundation (four-month study period), pursue BCom, and enroll for Intermediate (eight-month study period).
Next, they should pursue Articleship (three years) and clear CA Final. The course duration after the 10+2 level is about 4.5 years. Since the CA program is quite difficult, its success rate—around 5%—is also low.
Online or Offline?
Online preparation v/s offline coaching for CA preparation
Some aspirants have a hard time deciding between offline and online coaching to prepare for CA.
While coaching institutes offer guidance/mentorship of experienced tutors and good material, online platforms also provide good quality study material and other resources. However, online preparation is a cost-effective option compared to coaching institutions.
Aspirants can alternatively go for self-study to prepare and clear CA exams.
Apps, Websites
Some apps, websites for online CA preparation
For online preparation, CA aspirants can take help of mobile applications like CA Study, EduRev's CA Foundation Preparation App, ICAI's mobile app, Suphalaam's CA preparation apps, and Youth4work's CA CPT Exam Preparation app among others.
Students can also download CA course-related notes and study material from websites such as CA Study Web, SuperProfs, and the official ICAI website, too.
Job options
Career prospects and salary of Chartered Accountants
Chartered Accountants (CAs) have a wide range of job options. They can practice privately or work with companies.
CAs are involved in cost auditing, accounting, statutory auditing, tax-auditing, banking, etc. They are responsible for an organization's core accounting work among other things.
Similarly, their salary also depends on the type of job. The average salary offered to fresher CAs is around Rs. 6.5 LPA.
Global career
CA is great for pursuing global career
Chartered Accountancy is also a great career option for those who want to pursue an international career. Not only in India, but the demand for CAs is high in several other countries, too.
Along with CA, candidates can complete globally-recognized certifications and professional qualifications in relevant fields that can offer additional skills for getting better opportunities abroad.