Do you have an interest in mathematics and a keen love for spreadsheets? Do you think about financial strategies and how companies can manage their accounts more efficiently? If so, Chartered Accountancy (CA) might be the right career choice for you.
Every business needs a skilled and sharp chartered accountant who can steer the company through the most complex and intricate accounting and financial situations. CA is a highly paid profession. However, becoming a chartered accountant is a long and expensive process.
In this article, we explore the steps to becoming a CA and how you can make the process less stressful financially with the help of an education loan for chartered accountant courses.
What is a Chartered Accountant(CA) Course?
A chartered accountant is an accounting professional who is trained to take on specific responsibilities and advanced tasks related to accounting within a business organisation. In India, chartered accountancy training and certification is regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). To become a chartered accountant, you must complete a 4-year course in the ICAI.
The four-year CA course consists of three levels:
1. Foundation course
The foundation course is the first step towards becoming a CA. This course teaches aspirants basic accounting principles, logical reasoning, mathematical reasoning, banking principles and business laws. The study period mandated by the ICAI for this course is 4 months followed by an examination and a 2 month waiting period for the results.
2. Intermediate course
The intermediate course can be taken up upon completion of the foundation course. CA Intermediate consists of two groups of subjects.
i. Group I covers advanced accounting, corporate laws and taxation.
ii. Group II covers cost and management accounting, auditing and ethics, and financial and strategic management.
The intermediate course has an 8-month study period followed by examinations and a 2-month waiting period for results.
3. Final course
The final course is the last step in your CA journey. This course also consists of two groups and has a 6 month study period. Each group has three papers.
Group I
i. Financial reporting
ii. Advanced financial management
iii. Advanced auditing, assurance and professional ethics
Group II
iv. Direct tax and international taxation
v. Indirect tax laws
vi. Integrated business solutions
Apart from these, CA students are required to complete a 2 year articleship training, an IT training program and a soft skills training program along with their CA courses.
In total, you can expect to complete your CA training in about 4 years.
Cost of Pursuing CA
Becoming a chartered accountant is a long and arduous process. It requires a lot of hard work, commitment and, of course, finances. Here is a course-wise breakdown of CA training fees:
1. Foundation Course: Rs 9200 + Rs 600 (optional for journal subscriptions)
2. Intermediate Course: Rs 18,000 if you choose to appear for exams for both groups at the same time or Rs 13,000 per group if you attend exams for each group separately. Along with this, there is a student activity fee of Rs. 2000.
3. Final Course: The registration fee is Rs 22,000. The exam is Rs 3,300 for both groups and Rs 1800 for a single group.
4. Articleship registration fee: Rs. 2000
5. IT Training Program: Rs 7,500
6. Soft Skills Training Program: Rs 7000
If you choose to join a coaching institute for additional training, you must factor in the fees for that as well.
Education Loan for CA – Why You Should Consider It?
For your CA education, you can expect to pay a minimum of Rs 71000. If you choose to go through a coaching program or need additional attempts to clear your exams, this amount will be even higher. Paying the CA training fees out of pocket may put a strain on your finances. In this case, an educational loan is a helpful tool that can provide you with the necessary funds to complete your education.
Given that CAs are highly paid professionals, the loan you take towards your education can be considered an investment in your future. With the right loan, you can complete your studies with zero worries about the cost of education.
Final thoughts
A good chartered accountant can make or break the financial backbone of an organisation. CAs are highly trained and skilled accountants with immense knowledge in accounting, taxation, financial laws, and other related subjects. CA is a safe career choice as you will have no dearth of opportunities upon graduation. However, becoming a CA can be expensive and securing an education loan for CA students can be an excellent choice.
Apply for an instant student loan with Tata Capital and get a headstart on your journey to becoming a sought-after Chartered Accountant. With Tata Capital’s education loans for CA, you get affordable interest rates and flexible repayment options that allow you to comfortably focus on your education. Our loan options come with pre-admission sanctions and quick approvals that make it ideal for all students.
05 November 2024
5 mins read
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