How to Become a Chartered Accountant (CA) After 12th: Step-by-Step Guide for Commerce & Science Students

For students exploring career options after class 12, a promising professional path lies in becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA). This role offers a blend of academic rigour and practical experience, opening doors to respected opportunities in finance, auditing, taxation, and other fields.

One notable aspect of the chartered accountant career pathway is its flexible nature that allows students from various Class 12 streams to pursue the course. Students from Arts, Science and Commerce backgrounds can become Chartered Accountants by following the right path and fulfilling the eligibility criteria. ICAI, or the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, doesn't discriminate between commerce and science students. The eligibility for pursuing CA after 12th is the same for all students, regardless of their class 12 stream.

Understanding how to become CA after 12th step by step is essential to begin the process confidently. With proper preparation and dedication, this pathway can lead to a respected career.

This blog discusses how to pursue CA after 12th grade. Continue reading to learn the essentials of this course, including the chartered accountant course duration after 12th and the CA exam after 12th.
However, let’s first understand who a Chartered Accountant is.

Who Is A Chartered Accountant?

Chartered Accountants (CAs) are professionals who help organisations maintain financial accuracy, comply with regulations, manage risk, and make informed business decisions. They work across industries such as banking, insurance, public sector enterprises, multinational corporations, and startups.

CA Eligibility After 12th

Before discussing the CA course details after the 12th, it is essential to review the eligibility criteria for becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA).

• Students must have cleared the 10+2 or the senior secondary examination.
• After passing grade 12th, students can register for the CA Foundation course with the ICAI (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India).

CA Course Duration And Fees

The main CA course details after 12th are mentioned below.

• Course Name: Chartered Accountancy
• Duration: 4-5 years
• Name of CA Exam Conducting Body: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
• CA Eligibility After 12th: Passed class 12 from a recognised board
• Career Opportunities: Accountant, Financial Manager, Auditor, Consultant, Banker etc
• Total Fees: Approximately ₹70,000–₹1.2 lakhs (including exams, training, and registration)

Quick Details On How To Become CA After 12th Step By Step

In order to know how to become CA after 12th commerce or how to become CA after 12th science, students must stay aware of the exact steps of the process.

Here are the quick steps for students who want to know how to become a chartered accountant after 12th:

• Enrol in the CA foundation course after clearing the 12th class examination
• Appear for the CA foundation examinations
• Upon passing, enrol in the CA intermediate course
• Complete four weeks of an integrated course on IT and soft skills (ICITSS)
• Undergo eight months of study under the CA intermediate curriculum
• Appear for both groups of intermediate examinations
• After passing the intermediate exams and completing ICITSS, commence a three-year articleship
• During the final two years of articleship, complete a four-week advanced integrated course on information technology and soft skills (AICITSS)
• Appear for the CA final examinations
• Upon clearing the final exams, enrol with the official accounting body (ICAI) and obtain the designation of chartered accountant

Let’s now elaborate on the steps to understand them in a better way.

Details On How To Become A Chartered Accountant After 12th

The following details will help students get a clear and detailed idea of how to pursue CA after 12th.

There are two ways to pursue the CA course:

• Foundation Course Route
• Direct Entry Route

Students who have just completed their class 12 and are wondering how to become CA after 12th commerce or how to become CA after 12th science need to take the foundation route. This involves registering for and passing the CA Foundation Exam.

The direct entry route is for graduates and postgraduates, allowing them to skip the foundation level and register directly for the CA Intermediate Exam.

Register for the CA Foundation course

o Visit the ICAI Self-Service Portal (SSP).
o If you are a new user, click on "New Student Register Here!".
o Create a login ID and password.
o Log in with your credentials.
o Fill out the application form, including personal details and course information.
o Upload necessary documents as specified.
o Pay the fee online.

Once students have cleared the CA Foundation course, they can proceed to the next level of the CA exam, that is, the Intermediate level. Students can register for the CA intermediate exam by following the same steps as mentioned above.

Complete Articleship Training

• After passing the Intermediate level, students must undergo a three-year training programme called Articleship
• This training is done under the mentorship of a practising Chartered Accountant

Register for the CA Final Course

• Registration for the CA final course takes place during the final six months of the articleship
• After completing all final exams, candidates can enrol with the official body and attain the chartered accountant designation

Understanding CA Exam After 12th

Students who wish to know how to prepare for CA after 12th must be familiar with the complete structure of the CA exam. Here is the detailed structure of the CA exam.

CA Foundation – Level 1

• Paper 1: Accounting
• Paper 2: Business Laws
• Paper 3: Quantitative Aptitude
• Paper 4: Business Economics

CA Intermediate – Level 2

GROUP I
• Paper-1: Advanced Accounting
• Paper-2: Corporate and Other Laws
• Paper-3: Taxation
GROUP II
• Paper-4: Cost and Management Accounting
• Paper-5: Auditing and Ethics
• Paper-6: Financial Management and Strategic Management

CA Final – Level 3

· Paper-1: Financial Reporting
· Paper-2: Strategic Financial Management
· Paper-3: Advanced Auditing and Professional Ethics
· Paper-4: Corporate and Economic Laws
· Paper-5: Strategic Cost Management and Performance Evaluation
· Paper-6: Electives (Students can choose one out of 6 elective options as mentioned below)

• Risk Management
• Financial Services and Capital Markets
• International Taxation
• Economic Laws
• Global Financial Reporting Standards
• Multidisciplinary Case Study

· Paper-7: Direct Tax Laws and International Taxation
· Paper-8: Indirect Tax Laws

Conclusion

The answer to how to prepare for CA after 12th involves a structured process that includes multiple academic levels and practical training. Students must gain a clear understanding of the entire CA journey—beginning with the foundation level, progressing through the intermediate stage, and completing the final level along with mandatory articleship training. Success in this field demands consistent effort, disciplined preparation, and strong commitment at every stage. With focused dedication and a clear roadmap, achieving the CA designation is a highly attainable goal.

FAQs

Q1: How to do CA after 12th?

A1: To do CA after class 12th, students must follow the steps below.
• Register for the CA foundation examination
• Upon clearing the foundation level, they must register for the CA intermediate level
• After passing the intermediate level and completing the required training, students can appear for the CA final examination

Q2: Can I do CA after 12th science?

A2: Yes, you can pursue the course of a chartered accountant after 12th science. Students from any stream, including science, are eligible to pursue the CA course after class 12th. The eligibility criteria remain the same for all students, regardless of their academic background in class 12.

Q3: Can I do CA after 12th commerce?

A3: Yes, you can pursue the career pathway of a chartered accountant after 12th commerce. There is no distinction made based on academic stream in the eligibility criteria.

Q4: How many years does it take to become a CA?

A4: It typically takes 4 to 5 years to become a chartered accountant after class 12th.

Q5: What are the courses after CA for a high salary?

A5: Post-qualification, professionals can pursue further certifications such as:
– Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
– Financial Risk Manager (FRM)
– Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
– Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
– Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Courses in investment banking, risk management, and company secretarial practice are also beneficial.

Q6: How to apply for the CA course?

A6: To apply for the CA course after clearing the class 12th examination, students can register for the CA foundation examination. Registration is open to students from all academic streams.