Chartered Accountant
Also known as: CA · Practising Chartered Accountant · Qualified CA
A qualified CA who provides audit, tax and advisory services, including in own practice.
What you’d do
A chartered accountant is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) who handles audit, taxation, accounting and advisory work. CAs work in audit and tax firms, in company finance teams, or in their own practice after taking ICAI's certificate of practice. Work includes statutory and tax audits, GST and income-tax filings, financial statements and advising clients.
- Audit financial statements of clients
- Prepare and file tax returns
- Advise clients on tax and compliance
- Certify financial documents as required
How you get in
Register with ICAI for the Foundation after Class 12, or enter directly at Intermediate as a graduate who meets ICAI's marks criteria. Clear Intermediate, complete articleship and the required training, then pass the Final to become a member. Practising in one's own name needs ICAI's certificate of practice.
Salary in India
Fresher salary over the years
middle of the 0–1 yr range, ₹ lakh a year
Fewer than two years of fresher data so far — the trend shows once there are two.
Skills you’ll use
From our guide · a curated list is coming
- Auditing and checking financial records
- Direct and indirect tax (income tax, GST) compliance
- Preparing financial statements under Ind AS
- Reading and applying the Companies Act and tax law
- Client communication and report writing
About this field · for freshers
Job openings by year
Is demand growing?
Not added yet.
Competition4
How many graduates enter each year?
B.Com graduates in 2023-24 at institutions that reported to AISHE — everyone finishing that degree, not only those entering this role.
Who hires
IT firms, banks, government, startups?
Not added yet.
Where the jobs are
Which cities?
Not added yet.
Women in the field4
Is it diverse?
Share of women among B.Com graduates in 2023-24 — the entry degree, not people already working in this role.
At a glance
- Many CAs spend a few years in a firm or in industry before starting their own practice.
- The course is long and exam-heavy; more than one attempt per level is common.
- Building a practice takes time; early income depends on the client base.
Stay safe
No legitimate employer ever asks you to pay to get a job.