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How to Become a CA After 12th
Becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) is a dream for many commerce students in India. If you’re passionate about finance, accounting, auditing, or taxation, this career path is both prestigious and rewarding. The best part? You can start your journey to becoming a CA right after completing your 12th.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to become a CA after 12th — including eligibility, course structure, duration, fees, and job opportunities.
Who is a Chartered Accountant (CA)?
A Chartered Accountant (CA) is a certified financial expert authorized to handle accounting, taxation, auditing, and financial planning for individuals and organizations. In India, CAs are licensed and regulated by The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).
Can You Pursue CA Right After 12th?
Yes, absolutely!
If you have completed your 12th (preferably in commerce), you are eligible to start your CA journey through the Foundation Route of ICAI.
Step-by-Step Process to Become a CA After 12th
Let’s break down the process into 5 major steps:
📚 Step 4: Prepare for UPSC Examination
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1. Register for the CA Foundation Course.
After passing Class 12 (from a recognized board), you can register for the CA Foundation Course, which is the entry-level exam.
Eligibility: 12th pass from any recognized board
Best time to register: After Class 12 board exams (in February or August, depending on your target exam month)
Note: You must register at least 4 months before the exam.
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2. Prepare and Clear the CA Foundation Exam
The Foundation exam is held twice a year — in May and November. It comprises four papers: Principles and Practice of Accounting
Business Laws and Business Correspondence
Business Mathematics and Logical Reasoning
Business Economics and Commercial Knowledge
To clear the exam:
You need 40% marks in each paper and
An aggregate of 50% overall -
3. Register for the CA Intermediate Course
Once you clear the Foundation exam, register for the CA Intermediate Course. This is the second level and is divided into two groups:
Group I: Accounting, Corporate & Other Laws, Cost Accounting, Taxation
Group II: Advanced Accounting, Auditing, Financial Management, EIS & SM
Pro Tip: You can appear for both groups together or one at a time. Most students take one group at a time.
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4. Complete ICITSS & Articleship Training
Before starting your practical training, you must complete:
ICITSS (Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills) – 4 weeks
After that, you begin your 3-year Articleship training under a practicing CA. This is the real-world experience phase of your CA journey. -
During the articleship, you'll:
Work on audits.
File taxes.
Handle accounting for real clients.
It’s like an internship, but for serious future professionals. -
5. Register for CA Final and Clear the Exam
In the last year of your articleship, you can register for the CA Final Exam, the final hurdle.
There are two groups in the CA Final:
Group I: Financial Reporting, Strategic Financial Management, Advanced Auditing, Corporate Laws
Group II: Strategic Cost Management, Electives (Risk Mgmt, Int. Tax, etc.), and Direct & Indirect Taxes
Once you pass both groups, you become a Chartered Accountant!
Congratulations — you can now apply for membership with ICAI and use the “CA” prefix with pride.
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Total Duration to Become a CA After 12th
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
|
CA Foundation |
4-6 months |
|
CA Intermediate |
8-10 months
|
|
Articleship + CA Final
|
3 years
|
|
Total Duration
|
Around 4.5–5 years
|
CA Course Fees (Approximate)
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
|
CA Foundation
|
₹9,800 |
|
CA Intermediate |
₹18,000 (1 group) or ₹25,000 (both)
|
|
ICITSS |
₹7,000
|
|
Articleship Reg |
₹2,000
|
|
CA Final
|
₹22,000
|
|
Total
|
₹60,000 – ₹75,000 approx
|
Career Opportunities After Becoming a CA
A Chartered Accountant is highly respected and in demand across multiple industries. Some of the career options after CA include:
- Auditor (Internal or External)
- Tax Consultant
- Financial Analyst
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Forensic Accountant
- Independent CA Practitioner
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Top companies hiring CAs:
Big 4 Firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG)
MNCs like Tata, Infosys, Reliance, Amazon
Government departments (through UPSC, PSU recruitment)
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Starting salary: ₹6–10 LPA With experience, it can go beyond ₹25–30 LPA, especially in finance or international firms.
FAQs: How to Become CA After 12th
Yes, students from any stream can apply for CA after 12th. However, commerce students may find it easier due to their accounting background.
You need a minimum of 40% in each paper and 50% overall in each group to pass.
There is no limit on the number of attempts. However, registration validity is for 5 years and can be revalidated.
Not mandatory, but most students prefer coaching, especially for Intermediate and Final, due to the vast syllabus.
Articleship is a 3-year mandatory internship under a practicing CA where you gain real-world experience in accounting, auditing, and taxation.
