The CA (Chartered Accountancy) Intermediate course is the second level in the Chartered Accountancy program offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). This course aims to provide advanced knowledge in accounting, auditing, taxation, and other essential areas necessary for a career in Chartered Accountancy. Here's a detailed overview of the CA Intermediate course:
Course Structure
The CA Intermediate course is divided into two groups, with a total of eight papers:
Group I:
Accounting (Paper 1)
- Accounting Standards
- Company Accounts
- Special Transactions
- Partnership Accounts
- Financial Statements
Corporate and Other Laws (Paper 2) Part I: Company Law
- The Companies Act, 2013
- Incorporation of Company and Matters Incidental thereto
- Prospectus and Allotment of Securities
- Share Capital and Debentures
- Registration of Charges
- Management and Administration
- The Indian Contract Act, 1872
- The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881
- The General Clauses Act, 1897
- Interpretation of Statutes
Cost and Management Accounting (Paper 3)
- Basics of Cost Accounting
- Costing Techniques
- Cost Control and Analysis
- Standard Costing
- Budgetary Control
Taxation (Paper 4) Section A: Income Tax Law
- Basic Concepts
- Residential Status and Scope of Total Income
- Incomes which do not form part of Total Income
- Heads of Income
- Income of Other Persons included in Assessee’s Total Income
- Aggregation of Income, Set-Off, and Carry Forward of Losses
- Deductions from Gross Total Income
- Computation of Total Income and Tax Liability of Individuals
- Tax Deduction at Source, Tax Collection at Source, and Advance Tax
- Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- Customs Law
Group II:
Advanced Accounting (Paper 5)
- Accounting Standards
- Partnership Accounts
- Company Accounts
- Banking and Insurance Companies
- Consolidated Financial Statements
Auditing and Assurance (Paper 6)
- Auditing Concepts
- Engagement and Quality Control Standards
- Audit Planning, Strategy, and Execution
- Internal Control
- Audit Sampling
- Audit of Various Items in Financial Statements
Enterprise Information Systems & Strategic Management (Paper 7) Section A: Enterprise Information Systems
- Automated Business Processes
- Financial and Accounting Systems
- Information Systems and its Components
- E-Commerce, M-Commerce, and Emerging Technologies
- Introduction to Strategic Management
- Dynamics of Competitive Strategy
- Strategic Management Process
- Corporate Level Strategies
- Business Level Strategies
Financial Management & Economics for Finance (Paper 8) Section A: Financial Management
- Scope and Objectives of Financial Management
- Types of Financing
- Investment Decisions
- Risk Analysis in Capital Budgeting
- Dividend Policy Decisions
- Determination of National Income
- Public Finance
- The Money Market
- International Trade
Eligibility
To enroll in the CA Intermediate course, a candidate must have:
- Passed the CA Foundation course, or
- Completed graduation in any discipline with the specified percentage of marks (direct entry).
Examination Pattern
The CA Intermediate 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 descriptive and objective questions.
Duration
The CA Intermediate course can typically be completed in 9 to 12 months, though this may vary based on individual study schedules and preparation.
Practical Training
Students are required to undergo practical training, including:
- Articleship: A 3-year training period under a practicing Chartered Accountant, which can be started after passing either one or both groups of CA Intermediate.
Career Prospects
After passing the CA Intermediate exams, students can enroll in the CA Final course. Successfully completing the CA Final course 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.
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 Intermediate course online through the ICAI website. The registration fee for the CA Intermediate course varies based on the number of groups and other factors, with concessions available for certain categories of students.
The CA Intermediate course is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management, preparing them for the final stage of the Chartered Accountancy program and a successful career as a Chartered Accountant.
