CA Eligibility: Who Can Apply for the Chartered Accountancy Course in India?

Chartered accountancy is a professional qualification for financial experts who specialize in areas like auditing, accounting, taxation, and financial management.

Chartered accountants work in all fields of business and finance, including auditing, taxation, financial and general management. Some are engaged in public practice work, others work in the private sector and some are employed by government bodies.  In India, Chartered Accountants are regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) which was established by the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949. 

Who can apply for Chartered Accountancy?

A student who has passed the Class 10 examination conducted by an examining body constituted by law in India (or an examination recognized by the Central Government as equivalent thereto) may register for Common Proficiency Test.

A registered student may appear for CA Foundation after he has appeared in the Senior Secondary Examination* (10+2 examination) conducted by an examining body constituted by law in India (or an examination recognized by the Central Government as equivalent thereto) and has complied with such requirements as may be specified by the Council from time to time.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR CA:

CA Eligibility through the Foundation Route

• The student must have passed Class 12 and completed four months of study period after Chartered Accountant course registration to be able to appear for the Foundation examination.
• The student needs to register with the Board of Studies and complete four months of study period.

CA Eligibility Through the Direct Entry Route

• In this entry route for the Chartered Accountant course, graduates/postgraduates from the Commerce stream with at least 55 per cent aggregate or equivalent score can apply. However, they must have studied Accounting, Auditing, Mercantile Laws, Corporate Laws, Economics, Management (including Financial Management), Taxation (including Direct Tax Laws and Indirect Tax Laws),etc.

• Graduates/postgraduates from non-commerce must have secured a minimum of 60 per cent aggregate or its equivalent grade in the examination conducted by any recognised University (including Open University).

• Direct Route entry in the Chartered Accountant course is also open to students who have passed the intermediate-level examination conducted by The Institute of Cost Accountants of India or by The Institute of Company Secretaries of India. Such students are exempted from qualifying Foundation and can register directly for the Intermediate course.

• Students in their final year of graduation can also register for the Intermediate course on a provisional basis. Registration of such students would be regularised only on submission of the final year mark sheet or passing certificate within six months from the date of appearance in the final year graduation examination, and on successful completion of ICITSS (Orientation Course and Information Technology). During the provisional registration period, a student can undergo and complete ICITSS (Orientation Course and Information Technology).

FAQs on Chartered Accountancy Eligibility

• What is the age limit for the CA course?

There is no age limit for the CA course

• Whether Is graduation required for the CA course?

A bachelor's degree is not mandatory to start the course, but it one can apply for the Direct Entry route.