One of the most common questions among CA aspirants is the step-by-step process of how to become a CA after 12th. While plenty of information is available online, it is often scattered. Here, we will provide a detailed, structured guide on the journey to becoming a CA. Additionally, we will explore online CA courses that can enhance your chances of passing the exam successfully.
To become a Chartered Accountant (CA), individuals must complete their class 12th board exams from a recognised board with a minimum aggregate score of 55% or higher. Candidates with commerce experience and extensive knowledge of accounting and finance, on the other hand, have a competitive advantage over those with a science, arts, or other background. After successfully finishing these courses, they are entitled to apply to various CA businesses, with starting salaries ranging from INR 6.70 LPA to INR 8.90 LPA.
A CA is a competent and skilled financial professional responsible for managing a specific aspect of a company, such as auditing financial statements, depending on their area of competence. Others may manage a company's accounting requirements or work as independent contractors, handling accounting concerns for various organizations. CAs can also prepare business tax returns, examine financial accounts and operational procedures, and give client advising services.
Eligibility Criteria to Become a CA after 12th
The basic eligibility criteria required to become a CA after 12th grade are mentioned below for your convenience.
- Foundation path: After class 12th, a candidate can take the common proficiency test exam (CPT). After passing the exam, students can register with the ICAI to take the intermediate-level exam.
- Direct path: Commerce candidates with 55% graduation marks and non-commerce candidates with 60% graduation marks can apply to the ICAI for registration and appear for the intermediate exams directly. Only ICAI-registered candidates will receive assistance and study materials for the CA course.
Also Read: Best CA Foundation Coaching Centres in India
Steps to Become a CA after 12th
To become a CA, individuals must follow particular stages and processes that will allow them to achieve their goals efficiently and without hassle. For your convenience, we have listed the major steps to becoming a CA after class 12th.
- Candidates who have completed their Class 12 education are eligible to register with ICAI.
- After four months of registration, they can appear for the CA Foundation exam.
- To pass, candidates must clear four subjects individually, scoring at least 40% in each subject and 50% overall.
- Candidates who meet the foundation exam criteria can register for the CA Intermediate course.
- The Intermediate exam is conducted after eight months of registration.
- It consists of eight subjects divided into two groups, which can be attempted individually or together.
- To qualify for articleship training, candidates must score at least 40% in each subject and 50% overall.
- Before starting the articleship, candidates must complete an integrated course on information technology and soft skills.
- The articleship lasts three years and can be started after passing one or both groups of the Intermediate exam.
- Additionally, candidates must complete an advanced course on information technology and soft skills before appearing for the CA Final exam.
- Candidates who have passed both Intermediate groups are eligible for the CA Final exam.
- The Final exam consists of eight subjects divided into two groups, which can be attempted separately or together.
- To pass, candidates must secure at least 40% in each subject and 50% overall.
- After completing the articleship and passing the CA Final exam, candidates must apply for ICAI membership to become a Chartered Accountant.
Also Read: Best CA Final Coaching Institute in India
CA Courses after 12th
Candidates who want to become a CA after 12th grade can attend CA courses immediately after passing their class 12th board examinations or after completing their graduation in any suitable discipline. The CA Course is broken down into three primary levels and tabulated below for your convenience.
Parameters |
Eligibility Criteria |
Course Fees |
CA Foundation |
Completion of Class 12 and successfully clearing the CPT exam |
INR 10,900 |
CA Intermediate |
Candidates who have secured a minimum of 40% in each subject and an overall aggregate of 50% are eligible to appear for the Intermediate exam. |
INR 36,600 |
CA Final |
Candidates who have successfully cleared both groups are eligible to appear for the CA Final exams. They must also complete the Advanced Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills. |
INR 39,800 |
Benefits of Becoming a CA after 12th
Every profession has its own set of perks and bonuses. For your convenience, we have listed some of the primary benefits of being a CA below.
- There is a massive job market with excellent incomes and the luxury of working autonomously.
- The CA course prepares a person for better and higher managerial roles. It opens the door to premium job profiles.
- As businesses and organizations grow, so does the demand for CAs. Every field requires a CA, which explains why the scope of CAs is so broad. They have job stability that no other profession can offer.
- Ability to work flexible hours. The CA's work is entirely dependent on the individual's skills.
Skills Required To Become a CA after 12th
Many people in India are currently interested in becoming Chartered Accountants after completing their secondary education. Additionally, there are several jobs available in the Chartered Accounting field. Even for beginners and experienced persons. However, just as the business world changes, so does the Chartered Accounting profession.
Listed below are the top Chartered Accounting skills that will make you a useful resource:
1. Mathematical Skills
The most basic prerequisites for a career in Chartered Accounting are math skills. These number-crunching talents are built on fundamental mathematical skills. Indeed, you may demonstrate your capacity to understand and analyze numerical information. This will assist you in drawing important conclusions to make the best decision.
As a Chartered Accountant in India after 12th grade, you would be responsible for preparing a variety of financial reports. You should be comfortable with numbers. It will also assist you in relating the data from the income statement to the balance sheet.
2. Time Management Skills
A Chartered Accountant in India is expected to handle many responsibilities. It also entails compressing a variety of tasks in a short period. As a result, keeping track of these duties is crucial.
Such responsibilities include portfolio management, transaction processing, and meeting critical deadlines. Completing these tasks effectively can earn you brownie points. Also, you will be demonstrating organisation and dependability on your side among your co-workers.
3. Computer Proficiency
Given the volume of information you will need to process regularly, computer skills may be your most important attribute. You should also have basic computing skills in Excel and Word. Today's Chartered Accountants must employ a variety of accounting technologies.
4. Communication Skills
Chartered Accountants are responsible for preparing reports and presenting them to top management. So you must be an effective orator and narrator. As a result, as a Chartered Accountant in India after 12th, you would be able to articulate your ideas more effectively.
In actuality, if you want to be an auditor, you must be able to communicate your findings simply. It should also contain legally difficult vocabulary.
5. Business Knowledge
Business knowledge is essential for a successful Chartered Accountant in India after 12th grade, and it should be at the top of your list of required skills. While other technical and soft skills are necessary, business knowledge is very vital.
What is the Salary of a CA after the 12th?
The table below presents the average salary of a Chartered Accountant based on years of relevant experience for your reference.
Years of Experience |
Average Annual Salary |
0-1 years |
INR 5.8 Lakh |
2-5 years |
INR 6.7 Lakh |
6-10 years |
INR 8.3 Lakh |
10-15 years |
INR 17 Lakh |
15-20 years |
INR 35 Lakh |
20 years and above |
INR 50 Lakh and above |
Also Read: Difference Between CA CPT and CA Foundation
Becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) after completing 12th requires dedication, hard work, and strategic planning. Start by enrolling in the CA Foundation course, which serves as the entry point. After clearing the foundation exam, you can move on to the Intermediate level, followed by practical training (articleship) for 2-3 years. Once the training is complete, you can appear for the CA Final exams. Consistent study, time management, and staying updated with accounting principles are essential for success. By following this structured pathway, along with perseverance, one can successfully achieve the goal of becoming a CA after 12th.