On this page
The short answer
The Chartered Accountancy course is run by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). Students who start after school normally begin with the Foundation course and exam, then move to the Intermediate stage, complete a period of practical training, and finish with the Final examination. Some graduates can join at a later stage under ICAI's rules. ICAI sets when you can register, the papers, the attempts and the timelines, so use its current notices and not anyone else's summary. This page explains how the stages connect so that you can decide whether CA is a route you want to start.
Admission rules change; confirm with the official notice.
The basics
Run by
ICAI
The registration and exam rules are published on its site.
First stage
Foundation
Taken after school; registration timing is set by ICAI.
Later stages
Intermediate, practical training, Final
Each has its own papers and rules.
Papers
Accounting, law, quantitative aptitude, economics
Check the current scheme for the exact list.
Entry for graduates
Some routes skip Foundation
Eligibility is in ICAI's rules.
The stages of the CA course
Each stage has its own registration, papers and rules.
-
FoundationFirst step
The entry stage for students who start after school. It covers accounting, business law, quantitative aptitude and business economics, as listed in the current scheme.
-
IntermediateCore
Two groups of papers on accounting, law, taxation, costing and financial management. Registration and exam dates follow ICAI's schedule.
-
Practical trainingOn the job
A period of supervised training with a practising chartered accountant or an approved organisation, running alongside the course.
-
FinalLast step
The last examination before membership. Passing it, along with the other conditions, qualifies you as a chartered accountant.
How to decide and prepare
- Read ICAI's current notices on Foundation registration, eligibility and exam windows before you commit.
- Check your interest honestly: accounting, tax, audit and finance should appeal to you, since the course stays on these for years.
- Try the Foundation syllabus topics, such as basic accounting and business law, to see whether you enjoy them.
- Plan the time. Practical training and exams run side by side for several years, so consider how this fits with college or other plans.
- Compare CA with CA vs CS vs CMA before choosing. Your interests decide which suits you better.
- Keep a plan for what you will do if you need extra attempts, including how you will support yourself financially.
How CA fits with other commerce routes
Many commerce students combine a degree with professional courses. If you are still deciding, careers after 12th commerce lists degrees and professional options, and careers after 12th commerce without CA covers routes if you prefer not to start the CA course.
If Mathematics is not your strength, careers after 12th commerce without maths explains what is still open to you.
Frequently asked questions
Official sources to check
Use these for current rules and dates. We do not set or control admission criteria.
