How to Become a CA After 10th: Step-by-Step Guide(updated)
Are you wondering how to become a Chartered Accountant (CA) after completing the 10th grade? This detailed guide will walk you through the process step by step, ensuring you’re well-prepared to embark on the path to becoming a successful CA. Though you cannot directly enroll in the CA course after 10th, you can start preparing early by making informed academic choices.
Step 1: Choose the Right Stream After 10th
Once you complete your 10th grade, selecting the right stream is crucial. To become a CA, you need to focus on subjects that align with commerce and finance.
- Choose the Commerce Stream: Choose for Commerce with Accountancy, Economics, and Business Studies in Class 11 and 12. This will provide a solid foundation for the CA course.
- Optional Mathematics: While not mandatory, taking Mathematics as an additional subject can be helpful, as it develops analytical and problem-solving skills which are important for CA exams.
Step 2: Complete Class 12th
Your next step is to complete your 12th-grade education. After passing Class 12th in Commerce, you will be eligible to enroll in the CA Foundation course, the entry-level exam for Chartered Accountancy.
- Prepare for Board Exams: Focus on doing well in your 12th board exams, as a good score in commerce subjects will give you an edge during your CA Foundation preparation.
Step 3: Enroll for the CA Foundation Course
The CA Foundation course is the first step in your CA journey. You can register for this course after passing Class 10th, but you can only take the exam after completing Class 12th.
- Registration Process: Visit the official ICAI website to register for the CA Foundation course. Registration is open all year, but you need to register at least four months before the exams.
- Study Material: After registration, ICAI provides study material to help you prepare for the exam.
Step 4: Pass the CA Foundation Exam
The CA Foundation exam is conducted twice a year (May and November). The exam consists of four subjects:
- Principles and Practices of Accounting
- Business Laws & Business Correspondence
- Business Mathematics, Logical Reasoning & Statistics
- Business Economics & Business and Commercial Knowledge
- Study Regularly: Create a study schedule that covers all subjects thoroughly.
- Practice Past Papers: Practice previous years’ papers and take mock tests to get comfortable with the exam pattern.
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Step 5: Enroll for CA Intermediate Course
After clearing the CA Foundation exam, the next step is to register for the CA Intermediate course. This level is more challenging and requires a strong grasp of accounting, taxation, and law.
- Subjects Covered: The CA Intermediate course consists of eight subjects divided into two groups.
- Complete the Study Period: The course requires 8 months of study, after which you can appear for the exams.
Read More Best Course List after 10th
Step 6: Complete Articleship Training
After passing one or both groups of the CA Intermediate exam, you need to complete 3 years of Articleship under a practicing Chartered Accountant. This is a critical part of CA training, where you gain practical experience in accounting, auditing, taxation, and other financial services.
- Register for Articleship: You can start Articleship after clearing either one or both groups of the CA Intermediate exam.
- Gain Practical Experience: This training helps you apply the theoretical knowledge gained during your studies to real-world situations.
Step 7: Clear CA Final Exam
The last step in becoming a CA is passing the CA Final exam. You can attempt the CA Final exam after completing your CA Intermediate course and completing at least 2.5 years of Articleship.
- Subjects Covered: The CA Final exam includes subjects like Financial Reporting, Strategic Financial Management, and Advanced Auditing.
- Prepare Well: Dedicate enough time to study all subjects in depth, as this is the most challenging part of the CA journey.
Step 8: Become a Certified Chartered Accountant
Once you clear the CA Final exam and complete your Articleship, you can apply for ICAI membership and become a certified Chartered Accountant. This is when you officially become a CA and can start working as a professional in the field of accounting and finance.
Conclusion
Becoming a Chartered Accountant after 10th involves a series of well-defined steps that require dedication and hard work. Start by choosing the Commerce stream, complete your 12th, pass the CA Foundation, Intermediate, and Final exams, and finish your Articleship to achieve your dream of becoming a CA. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll be on the right path to success in the world of Chartered Accountancy.
FAQs
Can I enroll in the CA course after 10th?
No, you cannot directly enroll in the CA course after 10th. However, you can start preparing by choosing the Commerce stream in 11th and 12th.
How long does it take to become a CA?
The CA course typically takes 4.5 to 5 years after completing Class 12th, including the time required for Articleship training.
Is Mathematics required to become a CA?
Mathematics is not mandatory, but it is beneficial as it helps with analytical skills required for CA exams.
