- Under ICAI's New Scheme of Education and Training, effective 1 July 2023, the obsolete CPT and IPCC stages were replaced by CA Foundation, CA Intermediate and CA Final
- Practical training (articleship) is now two years instead of three
- Direct entry requires 55% for commerce graduates and 60% for other graduates.
Chartered Accountancy is one of India's most respected finance qualifications. A Chartered Accountant is trained to handle taxation, auditing, financial reporting, business advisory and the records of an organisation's finances and investments. The profession in India is regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), a statutory body that sets the syllabus, conducts the examinations and licenses qualified professionals.
What Is a Chartered Accountant and What Do They Do?
A Chartered Accountant is a certified finance professional licensed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India to handle auditing, taxation, financial reporting and advisory work. CAs file tax returns, audit financial statements, maintain investment records and advise individuals, firms and companies on compliance, accounting and strategic financial decisions.
To qualify as a CA you must complete the training and examinations prescribed by ICAI. A candidate can enter the course through one of two routes, depending on their level of education.
- Foundation route: the entry point into the CA course after passing Class 12.
- Direct Entry route: the entry point for graduates and post-graduates, who join directly at CA Intermediate.
What Are the Three Levels of the CA Course in 2026?
Under ICAI's New Scheme of Education and Training, effective 1 July 2023, the CA course has three levels: CA Foundation, CA Intermediate and CA Final. The older CPT and IPCC formats were discontinued. Candidates clear all three examinations and complete two years of practical training to qualify as a Chartered Accountant.
Each level builds on the previous one. The Foundation level tests core accounting, law, economics and quantitative aptitude; the Intermediate level covers advanced accounting, taxation, cost and auditing; and the Final level focuses on advanced financial reporting, strategic management and professional ethics.
| CA Course Level (2026) | Entry Point | Minimum Study Period |
|---|---|---|
| CA Foundation | After Class 12 | 4 months |
| CA Intermediate | After Foundation or via Direct Entry | 8 months |
| CA Final | After clearing both Intermediate groups | During the last six months of articleship |
How Do You Become a CA Through the Foundation Route?
The Foundation route is for students entering after Class 12. You register with ICAI's Board of Studies, complete a minimum four-month study period, then clear the CA Foundation exam. Next you register for and pass CA Intermediate, complete the ICITSS training and two-year articleship, and finally clear CA Final to qualify.
- Register with ICAI's Board of Studies after passing the Class 12 examination.
- Complete the minimum four-month study period and appear for the CA Foundation examination.
- Qualify the CA Foundation, then register for CA Intermediate.
- Complete the eight-month study period and clear both groups of CA Intermediate.
- Complete the Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (ICITSS) before starting articleship.
- Undergo two years of practical training (articleship) under a practising Chartered Accountant.
- Register for CA Final and complete the Advanced ICITSS during articleship.
- Clear both groups of the CA Final examination to qualify as a Chartered Accountant.
How Does the Direct Entry Route Work?
The Direct Entry route lets graduates skip CA Foundation and register straight for CA Intermediate. Commerce graduates need at least 55% and other graduates at least 60% aggregate marks. After registration they complete an eight-month study period before sitting CA Intermediate, then undergo articleship and clear CA Final, just like Foundation-route students.
- Commerce graduates or post-graduates with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks are eligible.
- Graduates or post-graduates from other streams need a minimum of 60% aggregate marks.
- Candidates who have passed the Intermediate level of ICSI or ICMAI are also eligible.
- Final-year students may register provisionally and confirm eligibility once results are declared.
- Eligible candidates register directly for CA Intermediate and complete the eight-month study period before the exam.
What Skills Do You Need to Succeed as a CA?
Succeeding as a Chartered Accountant takes more than passing exams. Employers value commercial awareness, strong analytical and numerical reasoning, clear written and verbal communication, attention to detail, ethical judgment and teamwork. Because CAs advise clients on complex financial and regulatory matters, problem-solving ability and up-to-date knowledge of accounting standards are equally essential.
- Commercial awareness
- Communication skills
- Analytical and numerical skills
- Attention to detail and ethical judgment
- Teamwork
Which Top Firms Recruit Chartered Accountants?
Chartered Accountants are recruited across audit, banking, consulting and industry. The Big Four firms, Deloitte, PwC, EY and KPMG, are major employers, alongside global banks like Citi and JP Morgan Chase. In India, banks such as Axis, RBL, Federal and IDFC First, plus corporates and government bodies, regularly hire qualified CAs.
- Deloitte
- PwC
- Citi Bank
- JP Morgan Chase
- Olam International
Among Indian recruiters, banks and financial institutions such as Federal Bank, RBL Bank, Axis Bank and IDFC First Bank regularly hire Chartered Accountants for roles in audit, risk, taxation and finance.