Some students considered the CA course after 12^th while others started their CA journey after Graduation, but all the students have the same questions: what is the duration of the CA course after 12^th & after graduation? Is there any benefit to starting the CA journey after graduation or not? Is the duration of the CA course the same after 12^th & graduation and many more?

Whether you are a 12^th student or a graduate, the journey toward becoming a Chartered Accountant entails overcoming obstacles, achieving victories, and gaining priceless experience.

We are writing this article to clear all your doubts so that you can make your decision correctly and complete your CA journey with ease.

CA program duration length after 12^th

CA program duration length after Graduation

CA program process after 12^th 

Students who are pursuing the Chartered Accountancy (CA) course after completing 12^th in this initial stage are also known as the foundation route.

Process to become CA under the Foundation route:

• Register for the CA Foundation course and complete the 4 months of study period for the foundation course.

• To appear in the foundation examination, fill out the examination form.

• After 12^th, appear for the foundation exam and pass it.

• After completing the CA Foundation examination, register for the CA Inter course.

• Complete the 8-months study period for the Intermediate course.

• To appear in the CA inter exam, fill out the examination form.

• Appear and pass both groups of CA Inter exams.

• Before practical training, complete Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (ICITSS).

• After passing both groups of the CA Inter course and completing ICITSS, register for two years Practical Training.

• Register for the CA Final course and complete the four self-paced online modules and qualify for the online assessment.

• Complete practical training

• Undergo and qualify for Advanced ICITSS after completion of practical training but before appearing in the final examination.

• Fill the examination form to appear in the final examination.

• After completion of 6 months of study period from the end of the practical training period.

• Qualify both groups of the CA Final examination and become a member.

CA program process after Graduation:

It is important to note that after graduation, students can get direct entry into the Intermediate exam without giving the CA Foundation exam.

• For Commerce Graduates/Post Graduates with a minimum of 55% marks.

• Other Graduates/Post Graduates with a minimum of 60% marks.

• Candidates who have passed the Intermediate level passed candidates of the Institutes of Company Secretaries of India and the Institutes of Cost Accountants of India.

Steps under the direct entry route are as follows:

• Register with the BOS for the Intermediate course.

• Complete 8 months of study period of the Intermediate course.

• Fill out the CA Inter examination form.

• Appear and clear both the groups of CA Inter level.

• Complete ICITSS before the commencement of the practical training.

• Register for two years of practical training

• After qualifying both groups, register for the CA Final course.

• Complete the four self-paced online modules and qualify for the online assessment.

• Complete practical training

• Undergo and qualify for Advanced ICITSS on completion of practical training but before appearing in the final examination.

• Fill the CA Final examination form.

• After completing six months of study period from the end of practical training, appear in the final exams.

• Qualify both groups of CA.

• Become a Chartered Accountant

Benefits of doing CA after 12^th

Early career start: By starting CA after 12^th, you can become a Chartered Accountant at an early age, which gives you more time to build your career.

More years of experience: Starting earlier means you can get more work experience through articleship and jobs, which will help you grow professionally.

Fewer career shifts: CA after 12^th means you commit early to a profession, which avoids the possibility of switching fields after graduation.

Benefits of doing CA after graduation

Strong foundation: If you are from a commerce background, then you already have foundational knowledge of subjects, which makes the CA course less daunting.

Direct entry to Intermediate: After graduation, you will get entry into the CA Intermediate level, bypassing the CA foundation course, which saves time and allows you to focus on advanced topics.

More career flexibility: If you pursue graduation first, you have time to explore different career options before fully committing to the CA profession. If in any case, you think CA isn’t the right fit, you still have your graduation degree to fall back on.

Which is better, a CA course after 12^th or graduation?

If you are fully sure that you want to become a CA and want to start your career early then doing CA after 12^th is a better option, while if you want a stronger foundation, clarity about your career directions, and the flexibility of gaining some work experience before committing to CA, doing CA after graduation may be a better option.

Lastly, the best path depends on your personal interests, readiness for a rigorous program, and career goals, as both options can lead to a successful career as a Chartered Accountant.

Conclusion

The duration of the CA program in India varies based on whether you pursue it after 12^th or graduation, but understanding the CA course duration at various entry points helps in better planning and preparation. 

FAQs   

Q1. Can I do CA after 10^th class?

Ans. You can register for the CA Foundation course after completing 10^th but you can only take the exams after completing 12^th.

Q2. What is the CA course duration after graduation?

Ans. It is important to note that after graduation you can get direct entry in the CA Inter level, and the course takes almost 4.5 years.

Q3. Who is eligible for direct entry in the CA Inter exam?

Ans. Students who graduate or post graduate with at least 55% marks while other graduates or postgraduates with a minimum of 60% marks are eligible for the ICAI Direct Entry Scheme.

Q4. What is the duration of the CA course after 12^th?

Ans. After 12^th, it takes 4.5 years to complete the CA course.

Q5. How long does it take to complete an articleship?

Ans. The duration of articleship is 2 years, and it is a mandatory part of the CA program, whether you're pursuing it after 12th or graduation.

Q6. Can I directly enter the intermediate course after graduation?

Ans. Yes, graduates (with a minimum of 55% in Commerce or 60% in non-Commerce) can directly register for the Intermediate course under the Direct Entry Scheme.

Q7. How long should I prepare for the CA Foundation exam?

Ans. You should ideally prepare for the CA Foundation exam for 4 months before appearing for the exam.

Q8. Can I clear the CA exams in one attempt?

Ans. Yes, it is possible to clear the CA exam in one attempt by making a proper strategy, using ICAI study material, hard work, consistent practice, and practicing mock test papers.

Q9. How often are the CA exams conducted?

Ans. CA Final, CA Inter, and CA Foundation exams are now conducted thrice a year in the months of January, May, and September. 

Q10. Is there any age limit to pursue the CA course?

Ans. No, there is no age limit for pursuing the CA course in India. You can register for the course at any age.

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