How to Become a CA After 10th: Step-by-Step Guide

Dreaming of Becoming a CA After 10th? Here’s What You Need to Know:

So, you’ve just finished 10th grade and already thinking about becoming a Chartered Accountant? That’s awesome — you’re way ahead of the game! While you can’t technically jump into the CA course right after 10th, you can lay a rock-solid foundation that makes the journey smoother later on.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step plan to become a CA after 10th, including everything from picking the right stream to finally holding that CA certificate. Let’s get started!

🧭 Step 1: Choose the Commerce Stream After 10th — It’s a No-Brainer

The first real step to becoming a CA after 10th is choosing the Commerce stream in 11th grade. This stream aligns perfectly with the CA syllabus and helps you build essential concepts from the ground up.

📚 Must-Have Subjects:

• Accountancy – The heart of CA. Get comfy with debit-credit rules!

• Business Studies – Helps you understand business operations and management.

• Economics – Gives you insight into how economies work — super important.

• Mathematics (optional, but highly recommended) – Great for logical reasoning and financial calculations.

📝 Pro Tip: Some students avoid Math, but if you’re serious about CA, it’s a smart move to keep it.

🎓 Step 2: Crush Your 11th & 12th – Build That Academic Muscle

Once you’ve chosen Commerce, it’s time to lock in and really focus on doing well in your 11th and 12th grades. These years are crucial not just for your school results, but also for preparing your mind for CA Foundation concepts.

🔑 Tips to Stay on Top:

• Stick to a daily study routine. A little every day beats cramming.

• Don’t just memorize — understand the logic behind the concepts.

• Use class notes, reference books, and YouTube for better clarity.

• Talk to seniors or teachers if you’re stuck. No shame in asking!

🏆 Remember: You’ll be eligible to register for the CA Foundation course only after completing 12th — so give it your best shot.

📝 Step 3: Register for the CA Foundation Course After 12th

As soon as you finish 12th, it’s game time! The CA Foundation course is the official first step in the Chartered Accountancy journey.

🗓️ Here’s How It Works:

• You can register online at the official ICAI portal.

• Registration should be done at least 4 months before your desired exam attempt (May or November).

• Once registered, ICAI will send you all the study materials, books, and syllabus updates.

💡 Heads-up: You can register after your 10th results, but can only take the Foundation exam after clearing 12th.

📘 Step 4: Clear the CA Foundation Exam Like a Pro

The CA Foundation exam is your first real test — and it’s very doable if you prepare smartly. It checks your basic knowledge in key areas like accounting, math, and business laws.

📚 Subjects You’ll Tackle:

1. Principles & Practice of Accounting

2. Business Laws & Business Correspondence

3. Maths, Logical Reasoning & Statistics

4. Business Economics & Commercial Knowledge

🧠 Study Tips:

• Use ICAI’s materials — they’re gold.

• Practice previous year question papers and mock tests.

• Break your study time into focused chunks (try the Pomodoro technique!).

💬 Friendly advice: Don’t fear the Math paper — just practice consistently and you’ll be fine.

🧑‍🎓 Step 5: Register for the CA Intermediate Course

Once you pass the CA Foundation exam, congratulations! You’re now ready for the CA Intermediate level. This is a much deeper dive into the world of accountancy and finance.

📘 Here’s What to Expect:

• The Intermediate course is split into 2 groups with 8 subjects in total.

• Topics include Advanced Accounting, Corporate Laws, Taxation, and more.

• The study duration is at least 8 months before you’re eligible to appear for the exam.

🎯 Goal: Try to clear both groups in one go — it saves you time and keeps your momentum strong!

💼 Step 6: Begin Your Articleship (Practical Training)

After clearing either one or both groups of the Intermediate course, you can start your Articleship — a 3-year training period under a practicing Chartered Accountant.

This is where things get real. You’ll work with actual clients, prepare audits, file taxes, and more.

🛠️ Why Articleship is Crucial:

• You gain real-world experience — what textbooks can’t teach.

• You’ll learn time management, teamwork, and professional ethics.

• You can work in audit firms, CA offices, or corporate finance departments.

🗓️ Note: You need to complete at least 2.5 years of Articleship to be eligible for the Final exam.

🏁 Step 7: Tackle the CA Final Exam — The Last Mile!

By now, you’re almost at the finish line. The CA Final is your last exam before you officially earn the title of “Chartered Accountant.”

📘 Subjects in CA Final:

• Financial Reporting

• Strategic Financial Management

• Corporate & Economic Laws

• Strategic Cost Management

• Auditing

• Direct & Indirect Taxes

• Elective Paper (choose your area of interest)

🧠 Final Prep Strategy:

• Focus on understanding — not just memorizing.

• Stay updated with amendments in laws and taxes.

• Practice case studies and write mock tests under exam conditions.

📢 Big Tip: Time management is everything — balance your work and study efficiently.

🥳 What Happens After You Clear CA Final?

Once you pass the CA Final and complete your 3-year Articleship, you can finally register as a member of ICAI and call yourself a Chartered Accountant (CA)!

🎉 Career Paths After Becoming a CA:

• Join top accounting and audit firms (like Deloitte, EY, KPMG).

• Get into corporate finance departments of MNCs.

• Start your own CA practice and be your own boss.

• Work in government sectors like Indian Revenue Services, PSU banks, etc.

💸 Bonus: CAs are in huge demand and enjoy high salaries, job security, and growth opportunities — both in India and abroad.

🙋‍♂️ FAQs: Quick Answers to Common Questions

Q1. Can I do CA directly after 10th?

Not exactly. But you can start preparing early by choosing Commerce and staying focused. Official registration starts after 12th.

Q2. Is it mandatory to take Math in 11th and 12th?

No, but it’s highly recommended. Math helps a lot in CA Foundation and beyond.

Q3. How many years does it take to become a CA after 10th?

Roughly 5–6 years from the time you finish your 10th grade, depending on how many attempts you take for each exam level.

Q4. Can I pursue CA along with college?

Yes, many students pursue CA while doing B.Com or other degrees. Just be ready for a busy schedule.

💡 Final Thoughts: Start Today, Shine Tomorrow!

Becoming a Chartered Accountant after 10th might sound like a long road — and it is — but starting early gives you a serious edge. With the right mindset, planning, and dedication, you can absolutely achieve your dream.

You’ve already taken the first step by reading this guide. Now, all that’s left is to take action. Pick Commerce, study smart, and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way. Your CA journey starts now!