Anyone hoping to become a chartered accountant should take the CA course duration into account. Although becoming a chartered accountant is a renowned career path, it takes time, effort, and devotion.
Depending on variables like exam performance and the course’s length. The stages of the CA course, the amount of time needed for each, and the overall schedule for earning this prestigious certification will all be covered in this blog.
Understanding the CA Course Structure
The CA course is divided into three levels:
- CA Foundation
- CA Intermediate
- CA Final
The amount of time required to finish each of these stages varies, and each level has particular requirements. The overall CA Course Duration is often determined by how fast you pass each test and how long your articleship (practical training), which is an essential component of the course, lasts.
Let’s examine each stage’s CA Course Duration in more depth.
1. CA Foundation: The Starting Point
The first test taken by candidates seeking the CA certification is the CA Foundation. You can register for the Foundation exam if you have finished your 12th grade in commerce or a related field. Graduates can go straight to the intermediate level and skip this one.
You will need to prepare for the test for at least 4 months after registering. During this time, you will study subjects like accounting, business law, economics, and quantitative aptitude.
- Duration: 4 months of preparation
- Eligibility: 12th grade (commerce or equivalent) completion
2. CA Intermediate: Building on the Basics
You advance to the CA Intermediate level after passing the CA Foundation exam. Advanced subjects like accounting, taxation, auditing, and financial management are covered at this stage. There are two categories on the Intermediate exam, and they can be taken jointly or separately.
Depending on your study speed, the CA Course Duration for exam preparation usually lasts 8 to 12 months. Additionally, a 3-year mandatory articleship with a business or chartered accountant provides practical accounting experience. The articleship may be extended, but it lasts for at least 2.5 years.
- Duration of Exam Preparation: 8 to 12 months
- Duration of Articleship: 2.5 to 3 years
- Eligibility: CA Foundation or graduate status
3. CA Final: The Final Hurdle
The most difficult part of the CA course is the CA Final, where you will study complex subjects like management accounting, corporate law, financial reporting, and advanced auditing. You are qualified to take the CA Final Exams after finishing your articleship.
The majority of students spend 6 to 12 months studying for the final exams because the material is complex and demands a deep comprehension of the subject. There are two groups of the CA Final Exams, and you can take one group at a time or both at once.
Once you clear the final exams, you officially become a chartered accountant.
- Duration of Preparation: 6 to 12 months.
- Eligibility: Completion of Articleship and Intermediate exams.
Overall CA Course Duration
Taking into account each of the phases mentioned above, the overall CA course duration often falls between 4 to 6 years. This can change, though, based on how quickly you study, how long it takes you to pass each test, and how long your articleship is.
Here’s a breakdown of the CA Course Duration:
- Foundation Level: 4 months (for preparation).
- Intermediate Level: 8 to 12 months (for preparation) + 2.5 to 3 years of Articleship.
- Final Level: 6 to 12 months (for preparation).
You can finish the course in around 4 years if you work hard and pass your exams on your first try. Many students, however, take longer because they have to wait to finish exams or because their articleship period has been extended.
Key Factors Influencing CA Course Duration
How long it takes to finish the CA course depends on some factors:
1. Exam Preparation Time
The amount of time you need to prepare for each level will depend on how well you comprehend and master the material.
2. Success in Exams
You will save a great deal of time if you pass the exams the first time. Exam retakes will increase the total time.
3. Articleship Duration
The mandatory Articleship is a fixed part of the process, and you cannot complete it in a shorter period.
4. Personal Study Schedule
How much time you dedicate to studying and the consistency in your study routine will determine how quickly you progress through each level.
Final Thoughts
Being a chartered accountant is a significant achievement that requires perseverance, diligence, and commitment. The CA Course Duration usually lasts 4 to 6 years, but your progress will determine how long it takes.
For those seeking professional advice and excellent study resources, Lecture Kharido is the ideal resource. For CA and CS candidates, we offer reasonably priced online lectures and expert guidance to help you ace your tests. You can confidently and easily complete the CA Course Duration with our extensive study materials and advice.
FAQs
Q.1 How long does CA take to complete?
Ans. Depending on exam results and the length of practical training, a CA degree normally takes 4 to 5 years to complete.
Q.2 How long is the CA course after the 12th?
Ans. After completing grade 12, the CA program takes 3 to 4 years to finish, including tests and hands-on instruction.
Q.3 Is CA easy to pass?
Ans. CA is difficult and demands a lot of preparation and knowledge. Because of its low pass rate, it is challenging but achievable with commitment.
Q.4 How many exams are there in CA?
Ans. Three levels make up the CA exam: Foundation, Intermediate, and Final.
Q.5 Does CA require 12th marks?
Ans. For commerce students to enroll in the chartered accountancy program, they must have 50% of their 12th grades. For science students to enroll in a chartered accountancy course, they must receive a score of at least 55 percent without mathematics and 60 percent with mathematics.
Follow us on Facebook for the latest updates!
