All About CA: In the field of accounting and finance, the Chartered Accountancy course is one of the most prestigious professionals in India as well as globally. It opens doors to diverse career opportunities such as auditing, taxation, Financial Management, and consultancy. 

This exam is conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and helps students to become highly skilled accounting professionals.

This article breaks down everything you need to know about becoming a CA in India – from its full form to qualification requirements, exam structure, and career path.

Full form of CA 

The full form of CA is Chartered Accountant, and it’s a designation conferred by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) on successful completion of its examination program.

To become a CA, one has to pass all three levels of CA and 2 years of articleship training. Under the new scheme of Education and Training, a student can pursue a CA course or the direct entry route. 

All about CA: Highlights

All about CA: Qualification Requirement

CA Foundation 

• You are eligible to apply for the CA foundation exam, after clearing your 10^th class exams from a state or central government board or an equivalent exam. However, you can give the exam after clearing your 12^th exam.

• You are also eligible to apply for the CA Foundation exam if you are in 12^th class or have completed the exams.

• Students who get a minimum of 50 percent marks in class 12^th are also eligible to register for the CA Foundation exam.

CA Intermediate

• Must have completed the CA Foundation exam

• For the direct entry route: 

• Commerce Graduate and Post Graduate with a minimum of 55% marks can directly apply for the CA Intermediate exam.

• For non-commerce graduates and post graduates it is necessary to achieve a minimum of 60% marks.

• Students who have cleared either the CS Executive level or the CMA Inter level are also eligible to apply for the CA Inter course. 

CA Course Structure: The Path to Becoming a CA

Step 1: CA Foundation

Read more: 

• CA Foundation Application Form 2025

• ICAI CA Final exam held thrice a year from 2025

• ICAI CA Final exam 2025 overview

Step 2: CA Inter

Step 3: CA Articleship Training

Step 4: CA Final

Step 5: Apply for the ICAI Membership

Step 1: Meet the eligibility requirements

Step 2: Fill out the ICAI Application form

Step 3: Submit the Application and fees

Step 4: Wait for the enrolment letter

Step 5: Receiving the membership card or certificate.

Quick Recap: CA Journey

Conclusion:

From understanding the full form of CA to navigating through its qualification requirements and structured course path, it’s clear that the road to becoming a Chartered Accountant is rigorous but immensely rewarding.

Whether you start right after school or come in through a direct entry route, the CA journey is designed to mold you into a financial expert with real world experience, strategic thinking, and ethical integrity.

FAQs

Q1. What is the full form of CA?

Ans. CA stands for Chartered Accountant. The title is granted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) after completing all the levels.

Q2. Who can pursue the CA course?

Ans. Anyone who has completed class 12 from a recognized board can apply for the CA course. 

Q3. How many levels are there in the CA course?

Ans. There are three levels in the CA Course namely, CA Foundation, CA Inter, and CA final.

Q4. Can I do CA after Graduation?

Ans. Yes, you can apply for CA after graduation. It is important to note that if you apply after graduation then you can get direct entry into the CA Inter exam. 

Q5. When are CA exams held?

Ans. All three levels of CA are now held three times a year in the months of May, September, and January.

Q6. What is the structure of the CA course?

Ans. The CA foundation level included 4 papers, while CA Inter and CA Final have 6 papers, which are divided into two groups.

Q7. Is it mandatory to have a commerce background to do CA?

Ans. No, students from any stream can pursue CA after 12^th.

Q8. Is there any age limit to pursue CA?

Ans. No, there is no age limit. Anyone with the required qualification can start CA at any age.

Also check:

• India’s Most Successful CAs: The Top 10 Wealthiest Professionals
• CA program duration length after 12th & graduation in India
• All essential information about CA articleship
• Top 10 Indian CA Firms for Excellent Careers
• The Role of Technology in Modern Accounting for CAs
• Can you pursue CA, CS, and CMA together?
• Which course is better than CA?
• After Failure in the CA Intermediate exam, what to do next?
• ICAI Releases CA Final Eligibility & SPOM Criteria for September 2025 & January 2026 Exams