Chartered Accountant (CA) Salary in India: An Overview

Chartered Accountancy (CA) is one of the highest-paying career options in India. There are many job opportunities available for CAs across various sectors, such as tax consulting and finance. CAs play an important role in managing organizations’ taxes and finances and are required to have expertise in accounting, taxation, and financial management. Understanding the pattern of CA salary in India based on different factors can help you make informed career decisions. In this blog, we will explore the salary of CAs based on their experience, designation, skills, and location, and provide tips to help you earn higher wages.

Who is a Chartered Accountant?

A Chartered Accountant (CA) is a professional who has completed the necessary education and training to provide a range of accounting, auditing, tax, and financial advisory services. It is one of the highest-paying accounting jobs in India. CAs help businesses manage their finances, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and provide strategic financial guidance. In addition, they often work in diverse settings, including corporate offices, government agencies, and as independent consultants.

How to Become a Chartered Accountant in India?

To become a CA in India, candidates must follow the steps mentioned below:

Step 1: Complete Class 12 (or equivalent)

Before pursuing a career as a CA, you must pass the class 12 exams from a recognized board or equivalent (commerce stream with mathematics is often preferred but not mandatory).

Step 2: Register for the CA Foundation Course

Next, you are required to register for a CA foundation course. The details of the course have been mentioned below:

• Eligibility: You can register after completing class 12.
• Duration: Minimum of 4 months study period after registration.
• Exams: The CA foundation exams are held in May and November every year.

Step 3: Pass CA Foundation Exam

After studying for a minimum of 4 months (can vary), appear for the CA Foundation exams and clear all the papers with a minimum aggregate of 50% and at least 40% in each subject.

Step 4: Register for the CA Intermediate Course

After passing the CA Foundation, register for the CA Intermediate course. You can also register directly for CA Intermediate if you have completed a graduation or post-graduation degree with the required percentage (55% for commerce graduates and 60% for others).

Step 5: Complete 8 Months of Study Period (for Intermediate)

You must complete 8 months of study before you can attempt the CA Intermediate exams.

Step 6: Pass CA Intermediate Exams

The CA Intermediate exam consists of 8 papers divided into two groups. You can attempt one group at a time or both together. To pass, you need to score a minimum of 40% in each paper and an aggregate of 50% overall in each group.

Step 7: Register for CA Articleship (Practical Training)

After clearing at least one group of CA Intermediate, register for 3 years of articleship under a practicing Chartered Accountant (CA). During articleship, you will get practical exposure to accounting, auditing, taxation, and other CA-related work.

Step 8: Appear for CA Final Exams

After completing both groups of CA Intermediate and at least 2.5 years of articleship, register for the CA Final course. Complete Advanced ICITSS, which includes advanced IT training and soft skills development before appearing for the CA Final exam. The CA Final exam consists of 8 papers, divided into two groups.

Step 9: Pass CA Final Exams

You need to score a minimum of 40% on each paper and an aggregate of 50% to pass the CA Final exam. After passing the CA Final exams and completing your articleship, apply for membership with ICAI. Once approved, you can use the designation Chartered Accountant (CA).

Average CA Salary in India

The salary of a chartered accountant in India varies widely depending on several factors like experience, designation, location, and skills. On average, a CA’s salary in India per month is between ₹40,000 and ₹1,00,000 per month, with experienced professionals having significantly higher pay. If you want to know more about applying for a job in finance as a CA, check out our guide on how to get a job in finance and find the right opportunity. 

Now we will break down the average salaries across different categories to give you a clear understanding of what you can expect in your career as a CA.

1. CA Salary in India Based on Experience

Experience is a major factor in determining the salary of a Chartered Accountant. As you gain experience, your ability to handle complex financial challenges will improve. This would significantly impact your earning potential as a CA in India. Freshers typically start with entry-level roles, while experienced professionals can secure leadership or managerial positions. 

The table below outlines the average chartered accountant salary in India based on their experience level.

Experience Level	Average Salary Based on Experience (LPA)
Freshers (0-2 years)	₹6 LPA – ₹8 LPA
Mid-level (3-5 years)	₹8 LPA – ₹12 LPA
Senior level (6-10 years)	₹12 LPA – ₹20 LPA
More than 10 years	₹20 LPA and above

2. CA Salary in India Based on Designation

CAs can hold various designations depending on their role within an organization, ranging from entry-level accountants to CFOs (Chief Financial Officers). The higher the designation, the more responsibilities, and hence, the higher the salary. 

Here’s a look at the average salary of CAs based on their designations:

Designation	Average Salary Based on Designation (LPA)
Assistant Accountant	₹6 LPA – ₹7 LPA
Finance Manager	₹10 LPA – ₹14 LPA
Senior Accountant	₹8 LPA – ₹12 LPA
Financial Controller	₹15 LPA – ₹20 LPA
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)	₹25 LPA and above

3. CA Salary in India Based on Skills

In addition to experience and designation, the skill set can significantly influence the CA salary package in India. Developing specialized skills can lead to higher-paying opportunities, making continuous learning important for career growth. Skills such as financial analysis, auditing, and tax planning are in high demand. 

Here is a table showing how certain skills can help you land some of the highest-paying CA jobs in India:

Skills	Average Salary Based on Skills (LPA)
Auditing	₹8 LPA – ₹10 LPA
Tax Planning	₹7 LPA – ₹11 LPA
Financial Analysis	₹9 LPA – ₹13 LPA
Risk Management	₹10 LPA – ₹15 LPA
Corporate Finance	₹12 LPA – ₹18 LPA

Pro Tip: The top finance companies in India value these skill sets when hiring a CA. Consider acquiring these skills and improve your chances of landing a high-paying CA job.

4. CA Salary in India Based on Qualifications

Additional qualifications and certifications can also improve the average chartered accountant’s salary in India. Combining your CA degree with additional certifications like a financial modeling course can make you more competitive in the job market and help secure higher salaries. For example, a CA with certifications like a CFA or an MBA in Finance often earns more than a CA with only the basic CA qualification. 

The table below highlights the salary range for CAs based on additional qualifications:

Qualifications	Average Salary Based on Qualifications (LPA)
CA (Basic)	₹6 LPA – ₹10 LPA
CA + CFA Program(Chartered Financial Analyst)	₹12 LPA – ₹18 LPA
CA + MBA	₹14 LPA – ₹20 LPA
CA + IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) Certification	₹10 LPA – ₹15 LPA

Pro Tip: Excel is a widely used tool for accounting and taxation purposes by a CA across various industries. Enroll in an advanced Excel course to boost your profile for CA jobs.

5. CA Salary in India Based on Company

The company to which you apply for a job also determines your salary as a CA in India. Large multinational companies (MNCs) and top financial firms generally offer higher pay packages than smaller firms. 

Here is a table showcasing the average CA salary in India offered by different types of companies:

Company	Average Salary Based on Company (LPA)
Deloitte	₹12 LPA – ₹18 LPA
KPMG	₹10 LPA – ₹16 LPA
EY	₹9 LPA – ₹14 LPA
PwC	₹8 LPA – ₹15 LPA
Tata Consultancy Services	₹7 LPA – ₹12 LPA
Reliance Industries	₹10 LPA – ₹15 LPA

Pro Tip: To land a job at one of these prestigious companies, you can go through some common chartered accountant interview questions. This will help you prepare for your interview and land a job as a CA at one of these companies.

6. CA Salary in India Based on Location

Location is another factor that can impact a CA’s salary in India.  Metro cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi usually offer higher salaries due to the cost of living and concentration of large corporations. Choosing to work in cities with a high demand for financial professionals can lead to better compensation and more career opportunities.

Here’s a look at how the average CA salary in India varies by location:

Location	Average Salary Based on Location (LPA)
Mumbai	₹10 LPA – ₹18 LPA
Bengaluru	₹9 LPA – ₹16 LPA
Delhi	₹8 LPA – ₹14 LPA
Hyderabad	₹7 LPA – ₹12 LPA
Chennai	₹7 LPA – ₹11 LPA

Top Recruiters of Chartered Accountants in India

Many companies actively recruit chartered accountants to enhance the expertise of their financial teams. These organizations are known for offering competitive chartered accountant salaries in India and valuable career growth opportunities. Some of these top companies include:

• Deloitte
• Ernst & Young (EY)
• KPMG
• PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
• TCS
• Infosys
• Wipro
• Reliance Industries
• RSM International
• Grant Thornton
• HDFC Bank
• ICICI Bank
• State Bank of India

Tips to Get Higher Salaries as a CA in India

Achieving a higher CA salary in India requires strategic planning and continuous self-improvement. Here are some tips to help you improve your earning potential as a CA in India:

1. Specialize in High-Demand Skills: Focus on acquiring expertise in areas like taxation, auditing, or financial analysis. Consider additional training in trending fields such as forensic accounting, international taxation, or financial technology (FinTech). Specializing in these areas can make you stand out to employers.
2. Complete Certifications: Obtaining additional certifications, such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or Certification in Financial Management (CFM), can significantly enhance your chances of getting hired. These certifications boost your knowledge and also validate your skills to potential employers.
3. Build a Strong Network: Attend industry events, conferences, and networking sessions to connect with professionals. Join professional organizations such as the ICAI or local CA chapters to access exclusive job opportunities and mentorship programs. 
4. Gain Practical Experience: Internships or part-time roles during your studies can provide hands-on experience and help you understand the practical aspects of the industry. Practical experience is often valued by employers and can lead to job offers upon graduation.
5. Stay Updated with Industry Trends: Regularly read industry publications, blogs, and journals to stay informed about the latest developments in accounting and finance. Understanding trends such as regulatory changes, and emerging technologies can position you as a knowledgeable candidate.

Conclusion

Many job options are available with a high CA salary in India. Understanding the various factors that influence the CA’s salary can help you make an informed decision that will impact your career as a CA. Moreover, continuous professional development is important in the current financial markets. By investing in additional certifications and expanding your network, you can access new opportunities as a CA. If you wish to discover more job opportunities in the finance field, you can check out our blog on the highest-paying finance jobs.

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