Chartered Accountancy : Chartered Accountant is a designation given to an accounting professional who has received certification from a statutory body that he/she is qualified to take care of the matters related accounting and taxation of a business, like file tax returns, audit financial statements and business practices, maintaining records of investments, preparing and reviewing financial reports and documents. A Chartered Accountant is also qualified to offer advisory services to clients which include companies and individuals. Becoming a certified Chartered Accountant requires completing three levels of training designed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). The ICAI, is a statutory body which regulates and maintains the profession of chartered accountancy in India Under the Scheme of Education and Training, a candidate can pursue Chartered Accountancy Course either through, Foundation Course Route or Direct Entry Route. Foundation course is the entry point into the course after Class XII, while Direct Entry is for those who have completed Graduation. About ICAI Exam In India, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), conducts CA exams and certify a candidate as a qualified Chartered Accountant on successful completion of the three-level course. Examinations conducted are: Common Proficiency Test (CPT) Intermediate (Integrated Professional Competence) Examination Final Examination Common Proficiency Test is the entry level exam for CA course, followed by Intermediate and Final examination. Intermediate (IPC)E & Final examinations are conducted twice a year, in May and November. CPT is conducted twice a year, in June and December. Click here for all about ICAI exam. Process to become a certified Chartered Accountant Steps under Foundation Route entry Register with Board of Studies (BoS) after appearing in or clearing Class XII examination. Complete four months study period (bi-annual registration: till 30th June / 31st Dec.) Appear for Foundation examination in November/May. Qualify Foundation Course Register with the BoS for the Intermediate Course Complete 8 months of study course Appear and pass in either or both groups of Intermediate Course Successfully complete Four Weeks Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (ICITSS) any time after registering for Intermediate Course but before commencement of the Practical Training Register for Three Years Practical Training on passing either or both the Groups of Intermediate Course Register for the Final Course after qualifying both the Groups of Intermediate Course Successfully complete Four Weeks Advanced Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (AICITSS) during the last two years of Practical Training but before appearing for Final Examination Appear in Final examination during last six months of practical training Complete Practical Training Qualify both groups of Final Course Become a member Steps Under Direct Route Entry Graduates can pursue Chartered Accountancy course through Direct Route entry. In this entry route, Graduates/Post Graduates from Commerce stream with at least 55% aggregate or equivalent score can apply. However, they must have studied Accounting, Auditing, Mercantile Laws, Corporate Laws, Economics, Management (including Financial Management), Taxation (including Direct Tax Laws and Indirect Tax Laws), Costing, Business Administration or Management Accounting or similar to the title of these papers with different nomenclatures. Graduates/Post Graduates from non-commerce must have secured in aggregate a minimum of 60% of the total marks or its equivalent grade in the examination conducted by any recognized University (including Open University). Direct Route entry is also open to candidates who have passed Intermediate level examination conducted by The Institute of Cost Accountants of India or by The Institute of Company Secretaries of India. Such candidates are exempted from qualifying Foundation and can register directly to Intermediate Course. Candidates in their final year of Graduation can also register for the Intermediate Course on a provisional basis. Registration of such candidates would be regularized only on submission of final year mark-sheet or passing certificate within six months from the date of appearance in the final year graduation examination and on successful completion of ICITSS (Orientation Course and Information Technology). During the provisional registration period, a candidate can undergo and complete ICITSS (Orientation Course and Information Technology). Steps under Direct Entry Scheme for Eligible Graduates and Post Graduates: Register with the BOS for the Intermediate course Successfully complete Four Weeks ICITSS before the commencement of the Practical Training Register for Three Years Practical Training Appear in Intermediate examination after nine months of Practical Training Qualify Intermediate Course Register for the Final Course after qualifying both groups of Intermediate Course Successfully complete Four Weeks AICITSS during the last two years of Practical Training but before appearing for Final examination Appear in Final examination during last six months of practical training Complete practical training Qualify both groups of Final Course Become a member Steps under Direct Entry Scheme for students who have passed Intermediate level examination of the ICSI or the ICAI: Register with the BoS for the Intermediate Course Complete 8 months of study course Appear and Pass in either or both Groups of Intermediate Course Successfully complete four-week ICITSS any time after registering for Intermediate Course but before the commencement of the Practical Training Register for three-year Practical Training on passing either or both the Groups of Intermediate Course Register for the Final Course after qualifying both the Groups of Intermediate Course Successfully complete Four Weeks AICITSS during the last two years of Practical Training but before appearing for Final examination. Appear in Final examination during the last six months of Practical Training Complete Practical Training Qualify both groups of Final Course Become a member The job of a Chartered Accountant is one of the toughest ones in the world of business. The responsibility of company’s financial health is largely depended on its CA’s competency, for he not only advises the client on financial matters but also detects and prevents fraud and deal with financial irregularities. To be able to handle this ultra-sensitive aspect of business, the CA must possess the following skills: Skillset for Chartered Accountancy Aspirants Commercial Awareness Analytical Skills Communication Skills Teamwork SkillsQ: What is the eligibility criteria for Chartered Accountancy? A: CA course can be pursued right after Class 12th by registering for the Foundation course of ICAI. Also, there is direct entry route for those who have completed a bachelor or masters degree in commerce discipline with at least 55% marks and in other disciplines with 60% marks or have passed the Intermediate course of Institute of Company Secretaries of India. For direct entry admission, candidates have to register for the Intermediate course of ICAI. Q: Is there any age limit for Chartered Accountancy? A: There is no maximum age limit for the CA course. However, minimum age should by 17 years (Class 12 pass). Ethics and Professionalism Eye for detail