CA Syllabus & Subjects 2024

CA Syllabus spans three levels: Foundation, Intermediate and Final and contains major topics like accounting, taxation, auditing, business law, among other pertinent subjects that makes one a master in accounting and finance.

The CA Foundation Syllabus serves as an introductory stage with subjects such as Principles & Practice of Accounting, Business Laws, Business Mathematics & Statistics, Business Economics and Logical Reasoning.

Deepening understanding in CA Intermediate subjects such as advanced accounting concepts, company law, direct and indirect taxation, auditing IT & strategic management, ethics and communication; indeed play a vital role at this level.

The CA Final Syllabus concentrate on advanced financial reporting; strategic financial management – a crucial aspect in contemporary business operation, auditing and professional ethics – an integral part of maintaining transparency within corporate practices, Corporate & Economic Laws which govern commercial entities' actions; risk management - vital for mitigating potential hazards inherent in any venture or investment portfolio; finally International Taxation– an increasingly significant field that deals with cross-border fiscal responsibilities.

Periodically, the CA Syllabus undergoes revisions: this is done to mirror industry trends--ensuring its unyielding relevance. Upon passing rigorous exams and culminating a three-year practical training under an actively practicing CA, one earns the esteemed designation of 'CA'; this achievement paves way for diverse career paths not limited to finance or accounting but extending beyond them.

Below are the important highlights for CA Syllabus and Subjects:

While the CA examination consists of three levels individually, the syllabus for all the three CA exam levels are unique and distinct from each other. The CA Syllabus primarily incorporates major topics like: Financial Reporting, Strategic Financial Management, and Advanced Accounting. The following sections explain the current CA syllabus that is correlated to each CA level within the CA exams.

CA Foundation Syllabus

The CA Foundation also known as Common Proficiency Test is the entrance level examination regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) which takes the candidates to the Chartered Accountancy (CA) course. The CA foundation syllabus aims to provide a learning platform wherein students can grasp the basic accounting principles not only for their applications in various accounts but also the economics of the field.

The foundation level of each CA subject area is divided into four CA subject areas. The syllabus for CA Foundation offers a thorough understanding of Business Laws, Business Mathematics, Logical Reasoning & Statistics, Business Economics, and Commercial Knowledge.

CA Foundation Subjects

The CA Foundation course lays the groundwork for your Chartered Accountancy journey. It covers four subjects, each with its own unique focus:

CA Intermediate Syllabus

The CA Intermediate is the second level in the Chartered Accountancy exams. The course content is divided into two parts, and there are four subjects in each part. The CA Intermediate course includes deeper topics in Accounting, laws of companies, taxes, inspection of accounts, strategic planning and other important subjects.

CA Intermediate Subjects

Below, the CA syllabus for the Intermediate level is presented, detailing the various papers and subjects.

CA Final Syllabus 

The CA Final stands out as one of the most challenging examinations in the country, owing to its low passing percentage. It encompasses an extensive syllabus, delving into diverse facets such as Risk Management, International Finance Laws, Financial Management, Advanced Auditing, and other subjects outlined in the CA Syllabus. The detailed CA Final Syllabus is provided in the tabulated format below:

CA Final Subjects

Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the latest CA Final Syllabus, organized by individual subjects: 

The subjects covered in the Chartered Accountancy (CA) course vary depending on the level of study.Here's an overview of the level-wise CA subjects:

CA Foundation Subjects:

Principles and Practices of Accounting: This module helps to understand the theory of double-entry bookkeeping, preparation of financial statements, and generally accepted accounting principles.
Business Laws & Business Communication and Reporting: The topic will enable students to learn the legal framework of business in India and communication abilities, as well as report writing.
Business Mathematics & Logical Reasoning & Statistics: This subject is geared to develop students' mathematical and calculation skills, which includes the key to understanding financial data. That is the basis of the process of making sound business decisions.
Business Economics & Commercial Knowledge: This topic is essential in giving students insight on the Indian economy and business sphere.

CA Intermediate Subjects:

Advanced Accounting: Boosting your knowledge of the financial statements, consolidations, and accounting standards deepening your comprehension.
Corporate Law and Capital Markets: The knowledge of corporate governance laws, securities regulations, and capital market is a valuable one.
Taxation: Educating the students about Direct tax (income tax) and Indirect tax (GST), and providing the tax planning tips.
Auditing and Assurance Standards: Learning the fundamentals and practices involved in auditing financial statements and supplying an unbiased opinion regarding truthful compliance.
Strategic Financial Management and Cost Management: Skipping financial planning, budgeting, risk analysis and cost optimization which need to be learned in full.
Information Technology and Systems: Understanding the role of technology in accounting and auditing is the most important issue in my semester plan.

CA Final Subjects:

Advanced Corporate Law and Professional Ethics: Exploring carefully the complex legal concepts that are beyond the scope of the lecture and preserving the professional ethics.
Direct Tax Laws (Advanced) and International Taxation: Discovering advanced methods of planning and international taxation.
Indirect Tax Laws (Advanced) and Goods and Service Tax (GST): In-depth knowledge obtained from learning of complicated GST theory and requirements of compliance.
Financial Management and Valuation: Grasping concepts, techniques, and valuation methods related to corporate finance and analysis of investments.
Elective Subjects: You can either choose one from the advanced skills such as Risk Management, Security Law & Compliance, or Financial Services & Capital Markets.

The CA Final course is a course with an optional six units from which candidates are to pick only one elective paper. Discussed below are the six elective subjects in the CA Final level of the course:

1. Risk Management: Journey into risk identification and assessment, also reduction and control over financial, operating and tech environments. Learn to implement internal controls, risk assessment frameworks and disaster recovery plans. Listen to the given audio, then say the phrase given below.

2. Financial Services and Capital Markets (FSCM): Go into the complex reality of the finances, where investment banking, mutual funds, insurance and derivatives are the heart of the financial system. How financial products, markets regulation and valuation techniques are used, is a good lesson to learn.

3. International Taxation: Oversee cross-border tax laws which include transfer pricing, and global tax treaties. Analyze the nature of cross-border trade and draft strategies for tax optimization measures.

4. Economic Laws: It is the legal setting where the economic activities including competition law, intellectual property rights and foreign trade regulations should be studied. Learn the liability part of contractual issues, arbitration and bankruptcy.

5. Global Financial Reporting Standards (G-FRS): International accounting standards convergence will be a focus level; know enough about IFRS and its impact on business financial processes.

6. Multidisciplinary Case Study: The purpose of the exercise is to build on and utilize the knowledge you gained in the other CA courses to arrive at solutions in cases where you are required to integrate concepts from different subjects to analyze complex business problems.

Identifying the appropriate course to choose can, in part, be due to you presenting your professional ambitions and your spontaneity among other career considerations. Remember your strengths that exist now and may, if desirable, develop your talents as well as specializations within the areas of work of the CA professional.

Below mentioned are some of the important and helpful books that will surely help you in your CA preparation. These books are vetted as per their current popularity amongst CA aspirants in India, their ability to clear and concisely deliver the concepts, etc.

CA Foundation

CA Intermediate

CA Final

The CA course in India is structured into three levels: Beginner, Elementary, and Proficiency levels, each with its own standardized tests and criteria.

CA Foundation:

Eligibility: Attained Class 12 with at least 50% marks(general) or 45% (SC/ST/OBC).
Duration: 6 months
Subjects: 

Accounting Principles and Practices
Business Rules and Business Communication
The areas of Business Mathematics, Logical Reasoning & Statistics.
Business Economics and Market Skill

Emphasis: Boosts a career which is built on accounting, business, and communication competencies.

CA Intermediate:

Eligibility: The CA Foundation exam has been cleared.
Duration: 10 months
Subjects:

Group 1: Paper 1 (Accounting), Paper 2 (Corporate & Other Laws), Paper 3 (Cost and Management Accounting), Paper 4 (Taxation)
Group 2: Paper 5 (Advanced Accounting), Paper 6 (Audit and Assurance), Paper 7 (Financial Management), Paper 8 (Information Technology and Systems).

Emphasis: Enriches ideas about main accounting, taxation and finance theories.

CA Final:

Eligibility: CA Inter cleared
Duration: 8 months
Subjects:

Group 1: Subject 1 (Financial Reporting), Subject 2 (Strategic Financial Management & Valuation), Subject 3 (Corporate and Economic Laws), Subject 4 (Professional Ethics)
Group 2: Note-5 (Advanced Auditing & Professional Ethics), Note-6 (Taxation Planning & Advanced Direct Taxes), Note-7 (Direct Tax Laws & International Taxation), Note-8 (Indirect Tax Laws & GST)

Emphasis: Dives deep into finance, taxation, and audit areas.

Additional Requirements:

Articleship Training: 3 years of on the job training in CA office.
Continuing Professional Education (CPE): Continued instruciton and development to ensure professional growth.

The CA exam is challenging but in the end it opens the door for a successful and respected career. The organized curriculum guarantees students acquire the groundwork in accounting, finance, management, and business that they can apply in their careers.