CA is a common term mostly for the students of commerce stream. With the
rapid development in economy, careers in finance and accounts have been
in demand in many places. The term CA is connected with all these, well
CA stands for Chartered Accountant and the course related to same is
called Chartered Accountancy course.
It is a dynamic, challenging and rewarding profession. All the countries
have their own Accountancy Association which regulates the quality and
quantity of the professionals in this field. Chartered Accountancy
Course is a professional course in Accounting introduced in our country
in 1949, with the enactment of the Chartered Accountants Act. The
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) was formed the same
year .
There are different stages to become a CA. Aspirant may join through
Common Proficiency Course. One may enrol with the Institute for Common
Proficiency Course (CPC) after passing class 10th examination conducted
by an examining body constituted by law in India or an examination
recognized by the Central Government as equivalent thereto. To appear in
CPT students must pass senior secondary level of examination.
After completing CPC one may join Intermediate (IPC) Course/ATC after
passing CPT and 10+2 examination. Students need to undergo orientation
programme and also 100 hours of IT training. Student may appear in
Intermediate (IPC) Examination/ATE on completion of 8 months of study
course as on first day of the month in which the examination is to be
held and join articled training after passing either Group I or Both
Groups of Intermediate (IPC) Course. There are courses related to
management and communication in this stage for different days.
Student may also opt for the Accounting Technician Course. One may
enroll for Common Proficiency Test (CPT), after passing Class 10
examination. Aspirant need to appear and pass in CPT after appearing in
Senior Secondary (10+2) Examination however one should pass both CPT and
10+2 examination before registering for ATC. One may get Accounting
Technician Certificate and designate as “Accounting Technician” once the
course is finished successfully. There are also ways to become CA after
becoming Accounting Technician.
There is provision for direct entry for CA courses for which Commerce
Graduates/Post-Graduates needs 55% or Other Graduates/Post-Graduates
needs 60%. Instead of CPC they may directly enroll with the Institute
for Intermediate (Integrated Professional Competence) Course for Both
Groups with or without the option of Accounting Technician Course (ATC).
Before appearing for the final examination there are some more stages
which students must complete.
Candidates who have passed Intermediate level examination of Institute
of Company Secretaries of India or Institute of Cost Accountants of
India may enroll with the Institute for Intermediate (Integrated
Professional Competence) Course either for Both Groups or Group I with
or without the option of Accounting Technician Course (ATC). There are
other stages before appearing for the final exams.
Career options and opportunities are tremendous for the registered CAs.
All the companies registered under the Companies Act, are required to
get their accounts audited only by practising Chartered Accountants.
A qualified Chartered Accountant has the option of joining the
Government Service, Public Sector undertakings or taking up a profitable
job in the private sector. Some of the opportunities available for
Chartered Accountants are in capital markets, business houses and
industry. Many are seen working independently as consultant and they
provide services to their clients.
I have seen many students initially enroll for the course but most of
them do not complete the course in due time. Once someone registered for
the course they must try and complete the same with the time period.
There are many who have completed CA and also completed law and they are
working as consultants and earn good salary. CAs are also associated
with Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and different charitable
trusts and other associations