Can graduates skip the CA Foundation exam?

Yes. Through ICAI's Direct Entry route, commerce graduates with 55 percent and other-stream graduates with 60 percent register directly for CA Intermediate and do not sit the CA Foundation exam.

How long does articleship take under the new scheme?

Articleship, or practical training, is now two years under the New Scheme of Education and Training that took effect on 1 July 2023, reduced from the earlier three-year requirement.

How many papers are there in CA Intermediate and CA Final?

Under the New Scheme, CA Intermediate has six papers in two groups of three, and CA Final also has six papers in two groups of three.

Is there any age restriction to become a CA?

No. There is no upper age limit to register for or pursue the Chartered Accountancy course with ICAI.

Is mathematics compulsory for CA?

No. Mathematics is not a compulsory subject. Students who did not study mathematics after Class 10 or in graduation are still eligible to pursue CA.

When can I attempt the CA Final exam?

You become eligible to appear for the CA Final examination six months after completing the two-year articleship, having already cleared both groups of CA Intermediate.

How to Become a CA After Graduation in 2026

📌

Verified 2026 Updates:

ICAI replaced the old CPT and IPCC stages with the New Scheme of Education and Training, effective 1 July 2023
The course now has three levels, CA Foundation, CA Intermediate and CA Final
Graduates enter directly at CA Intermediate through the Direct Entry route
Practical training (articleship) is now two years, not three.

Chartered Accountancy remains one of the most popular career choices in India, especially for commerce students. Graduates and postgraduates do not have to start from the CA Foundation exam. Through ICAI's Direct Entry route they register straight into CA Intermediate, which saves time and lets them build on their degree.

⚡ Quick Answer

Chartered Accountancy is a professional finance qualification awarded by ICAI. Graduates skip the CA Foundation exam and enter directly at the CA Intermediate level through the Direct Entry route. Under the New Scheme effective July 2023, the path runs Intermediate, then articleship, then CA Final, taking roughly three years.

📌

Verified 2026 Updates:

ICAI replaced the old CPT and IPCC stages with the New Scheme of Education and Training, effective 1 July 2023
The course now has three levels, CA Foundation, CA Intermediate and CA Final
Graduates enter directly at CA Intermediate through the Direct Entry route
Practical training (articleship) is now two years, not three.

What Is the CA Course After Graduation?

Graduates get Direct Entry and do not appear for the CA Foundation exam.
They register straight into the CA Intermediate course.
The whole journey can take about three years if all exams are cleared in the first attempt.
Students already hold a completed Bachelor's degree, giving them a fallback qualification.
Practical training can begin after clearing both Intermediate groups and the ICITSS course.

CA Subjects and SyllabusRead →

What Is the Eligibility for CA After Graduation?

Commerce graduates or postgraduates need a minimum of 55 percent aggregate.
Graduates or postgraduates from other streams need a minimum of 60 percent.
Candidates who cleared the ICSI or ICMAI intermediate examinations are also eligible.
Direct Entry students must complete the four-week ICITSS training before starting articleship.
A minimum eight-month study period is required before sitting the Intermediate exam.

Chartered Accountant Career GuideRead →

How Do You Become a CA After Graduation?

Register for CA Intermediate via the ICAI Self Service Portal using your graduation marksheets.
Complete the minimum eight-month study period and the four-week ICITSS training.
Clear both groups of the CA Intermediate examination.
Enrol for the two-year practical training (articleship) under a practising CA.
Complete Advanced ICITSS and register for the CA Final.
Clear both groups of the CA Final and become a member of ICAI.

How Do You Register for CA Intermediate After Graduation?

Create an account on the ICAI Self Service Portal and fill in your details.
Upload scanned copies of your graduation or post-graduation marksheets.
Pay the Direct Entry registration fee online and register for both Intermediate groups.
Register at least eight months before your intended Intermediate attempt.
Late registration attracts an additional late fee, so plan the timeline carefully.

CMA Course After GraduationRead →

What Exams Must You Clear to Become a CA?

CA Level (2026 New Scheme)	Number of Papers	Structure
CA Foundation	4	Entry level, graduates are exempt
CA Intermediate	6	Two groups of three papers
CA Final	6	Two groups of three papers

Which Career Paths Can CAs Explore?

Auditing and assurance firms
Taxation and advisory services
Banks and finance companies
Management and financial consultancy
Investment houses and mutual funds
Independent CA practice or entrepreneurship