Courses Details

The CA (Chartered Accountancy) Foundation course is the entry-level examination for the Chartered Accountancy program in India, conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). This course aims to build a strong foundation in accounting, economics, business law, and mathematics, preparing students for the subsequent stages of the CA program. Here’s a detailed overview of the CA Foundation course:

Course Structure

The CA Foundation course consists of four papers:

Paper 1: Principles and Practice of Accounting

• Basic Accounting Principles
• Preparation of Financial Statements
• Accounting for Special Transactions
• Partnership Accounts
• Company Accounts
• Accounting Standards

Paper 2: Business Laws and Business Correspondence and Reporting

Section A: Business Laws

• The Indian Contract Act, 1872
• The Sale of Goods Act, 1930
• The Indian Partnership Act, 1932
• The Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008
• The Companies Act, 2013

Section B: Business Correspondence and Reporting

• Communication
• Sentence Types and Vocabulary
• Comprehension Passages
• Note Making
• Introduction to Basics of Writing
• Precis Writing
• Article Writing
• Report Writing
• Formal Letters and Mails
• Writing Formal Mails

Paper 3: Business Mathematics, Logical Reasoning and Statistics

Part I: Business Mathematics and Logical Reasoning

• Ratio and Proportion, Indices, and Logarithms
• Equations and Matrices
• Linear Inequalities
• Time Value of Money
• Permutations and Combinations
• Sequence and Series
• Sets, Functions, and Relations
• Differential and Integral Calculus
• Logical Reasoning: Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Odd Man Out, Direction Tests, Seating Arrangements

Part II: Statistics

• Statistical Description of Data
• Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion
• Probability
• Theoretical Distributions
• Correlation and Regression
• Index Numbers
• Time Series Analysis

Paper 4: Business Economics and Business and Commercial Knowledge

Part I: Business Economics

• Introduction to Business Economics
• Theory of Demand and Supply
• Theory of Production and Cost
• Price Determination in Different Markets
• Business Cycles

Part II: Business and Commercial Knowledge

• Business and Commercial Knowledge – An Introduction
• Business Environment
• Business Organizations
• Government Policies for Business Growth
• Organizations Facilitating Business
• Common Business Terminologies

Eligibility

To enroll in the CA Foundation course, a candidate must have:

• Passed the 10th standard examination or equivalent from a recognized board (provisional registration).
• Passed the 12th standard examination or equivalent from a recognized board (final registration).

Examination Pattern

The CA Foundation exams are conducted twice a year – in May and November. Each paper is worth 100 marks, with a 3-hour duration per paper. The exam pattern includes both objective (multiple-choice questions) and subjective (descriptive) questions.

• Paper 1 and Paper 2: Subjective, each worth 100 marks.
• Paper 3 and Paper 4: Objective, each worth 100 marks, with negative marking for incorrect answers.

Duration

The CA Foundation course can typically be completed in six months, though the actual duration may vary based on individual study schedules and preparation.

Study Resources

• Official Study Material: Provided by ICAI, covering all topics in the syllabus.
• Reference Books: Various authors provide books focusing on specific subjects within the syllabus.
• Online Classes and Tutorials: Many coaching institutes offer online resources, including video lectures and practice tests.
• Mock Tests and Sample Papers: Available for practice and preparation.

Registration and Fees

Candidates can register for the CA Foundation course online through the ICAI website. The registration fee for the CA Foundation course is generally around INR 9,000, with concessions available for certain categories of students.

Career Prospects

After passing the CA Foundation exams, students can enroll in the CA Intermediate course, followed by the CA Final course. Successfully completing these stages and fulfilling other ICAI requirements, including practical training, enables students to become qualified Chartered Accountants. Chartered Accountants have diverse career opportunities in fields such as auditing, taxation, financial management, consultancy, and corporate finance.

The CA Foundation course is designed to build a solid base in accounting, business law, mathematics, and economics, setting the stage for a successful career in Chartered Accountancy.