To become a Chartered Accountant (CA), you need to clear three levels of the CA course conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI):
- CA Foundation
- CA Intermediate
- CA Final
Each level covers specific subjects and topics designed to build expertise in accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management. Here’s a breakdown of the main topics you need to study at each stage:
- CA Foundation
The CA Foundation is the entry-level exam, focusing on basic concepts of accounting, business, and law.
Subjects and Key Topics
- Principles and Practice of Accounting:
Basic accounting concepts.
Preparation of financial statements.
Partnership accounts and non-profit organizations.
Company accounts and accounting for branches.
- Business Laws and Business Correspondence and Reporting:
Indian Contract Act, 1872.
Sale of Goods Act, 1930.
The Companies Act, 2013 (Basics).
Writing skills, report drafting, and communication essentials.
- Business Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, and Statistics:
Ratio and proportion, indices, and logarithms.
Probability, permutations, and combinations.
Logical reasoning: Series, puzzles, and data interpretation.
- Business Economics and Business and Commercial Knowledge:
Demand and supply analysis.
National income and the business environment.
Business organizations and governance.
- CA Intermediate
This is the second level and requires an in-depth understanding of accounting, taxation, and laws. It is divided into two groups.
Group 1 Subjects and Key Topics
- Accounting:
Advanced accounting standards.
Preparation of financial statements for companies.
Partnership and amalgamation accounts.
- Corporate and Other Laws:
Company Law (The Companies Act, 2013): Incorporation, management, and winding up.
Other laws: Contract Act, Negotiable Instruments Act, General Clauses Act.
- Cost and Management Accounting:
Costing methods and techniques.
Budgeting, marginal costing, and standard costing.
Decision-making tools and cost control.
- Taxation:
Income Tax: Basics, exemptions, deductions, and assessment.
Goods and Services Tax (GST): Supply, valuation, registration, and returns.
Group 2 Subjects and Key Topics
- Advanced Accounting:
Consolidation of accounts.
Accounting standards and partnership accounts.
Banking, insurance, and non-profit organization accounts.
- Auditing and Assurance:
Auditing principles, standards, and practices.
Risk assessment and internal control.
Special audits (banks, insurance companies).
- Enterprise Information Systems and Strategic Management:
Information systems: Business process automation, ERP, and security.
Strategic management: Business policies, environmental analysis, and decision-making.
- Financial Management and Economics for Finance:
Financial management: Working capital, investment decisions, and capital budgeting.
Economics: Public finance, money markets, and international trade.
- CA Final
The CA Final is the last level, focusing on advanced topics and practical applications in auditing, taxation, and strategic financial management. It is also divided into two groups.
Group 1 Subjects and Key Topics
- Financial Reporting:
Advanced accounting standards (Ind AS).
Consolidation and corporate restructuring.
Share-based payments and financial instruments.
- Strategic Financial Management:
Risk management, derivatives, and portfolio management.
Mergers and acquisitions.
Forex and
