The minimum age to apply for CA is 18 years old.
Chartered Accountant manages finances for individuals, companies and organisations, providing financial guidance in areas such as accounting, financial planning, investment, tax planning and legal matters.
Every student opting for commerce in the 11th and 12th grades aspires to pursue a career in finance. Typically, they pursue a Bachelor’s in Commerce, Economics, or Business Administration for their undergraduate studies, paving the way for careers in commerce and finance. However, some students choose a different path, preparing for the Chartered Accountants (CA) examination.
Becoming a Chartered Accountant is no easy feat and requires years of dedicated preparation to clear the examination. Prospective candidates must register on the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) website, www.icai.org, to begin their journey.
Every year, countless youths register with the ICAI, seeking to become Chartered Accountants. The work profile of a CA encompasses a wide array of responsibilities, from managing the financial budgets of companies to taxation, auditing, devising business strategies and providing financial record information. The initial salary package for a CA is also lucrative.
Job Profile
The role of a CA primarily involves financial management and advising. They are responsible for managing finances for individuals, companies and organisations, providing financial guidance in areas such as accounting, financial planning, investment, tax planning and legal matters. Additionally, they oversee the financial structure of companies, chartered accounting firms and private consulting companies.
Eligibility Criteria
To pursue the CA course, candidates must have passed at least the 12th board examination, with graduation and postgraduation students also eligible to enrol. The minimum age requirement for CA eligibility is 18 years.
Duration
The CA course in India comprises three levels, typically taking 4.5 to 5 years to complete. The CA Foundation course spans 8 months, providing students with foundational knowledge. The CA Intermediate course extends for nine months, offering advanced finance education. Finally, the CA Final course, lasting 2.5 years, culminates in obtaining a CA certificate.
Salaries
Chartered Accountant salaries in India rank among the highest-paying jobs. According to the ICAI’s 2022 report, fresher CAs can expect a starting salary of Rs 8–9 lakh per year, with experienced professionals commanding packages of up to Rs 60 lakh.
Pursuing a career as a Chartered Accountant offers a promising pathway in the realm of finance, with substantial rewards for those willing to undertake the rigorous journey of education and examination.