Chartered Accountancy (CA) is a prestigious professional qualification in the field of accounting and finance. Its demanding nature and rewarding opportunities in diverse sectors make CA one of the most sought-after career paths. Therefore, having a clear understanding of the course is essential for aspirants, especially regarding CA course fees, factors influencing CA course fees, and available financial assistance options.
CA Course Levels
The Chartered Accountancy course consists of three levels.
CA Foundation: This is the entry-level stage of the CA course where students gain a basic knowledge about accounting, economics, and business law.
CA intermediate: This more advanced level provides in-depth knowledge of core subjects like Corporate Law, Taxation, Cost Accounting, and Financial Management.
CA Final: This is the final and most challenging stage in the CA journey which focuses on advanced auditing, strategic financial management, and professional ethics.
Each of these levels has a specific expense based on different factors and aspirants should be mindful of it while planning their CA journey.
Factors influencing CA Course Fees
Registration Fees: Students need to pay a mandatory fee to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) to enrol in each level of the course. The amount for the registration is different for CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, and CA Final.
Examination Fees: Candidates are required to pay exam fees each time they register for the exam of each level. This fee is based on the number of groups a candidate appears for in a particular exam session. Additionally, a late fee is applicable for those who miss the form submission deadline.
Coaching Expenses: Most students opt for private coaching centres to prepare for CA exams. The fee structure of coaching varies based on the institute, faculty, and mode of learning.
Study materials and other resources: Though ICAI provides study materials, students often invest in extra resources like reference books, mock tests, and online subscriptions for improved exam preparation.
Mandatory Training Programs: Candidates also need to pay fees for ICAI’s Information Technology Training and Orientation programs, which develop technical and professional skills. They need to complete the Advanced Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (AICITSS) before appearing for the final examination.
Articleship-related expenses: Even though Articleship offers a stipend, candidates may still need to cover additional expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and daily costs if they relocate, in addition to the registration fee.
Detailed Breakdown of Expenses
Registration and examination fees for the CA course
Registration and examination fee for each level of CA course in India is given below.
CA Foundation:
Registration fee – ₹9,000
Examination fee – ₹1,500
CA Intermediate Course:
Registration fee – ₹18,000 for both groups and ₹13,000 for a single group
Examination fee- ₹1,500 for a single group and ₹2,700 for both groups.
CA Final:
Registration fee– ₹22,000
Examination fee – ₹1,800 for a single group and ₹3,300 for both groups.
The fees set by ICAI are subject to updates and can vary based on additional costs, such as late fees.
Mandatory Training Programmes
ICAI mandates several training programmes at different stages of the CA course and it adds to the overall CA course fees.
1. Information Technology Training (ITT)
It is an essential training session that aims to familiarize the students with the latest accounting and financial software and it costs 6,500 rupees.
2. Orientation Programme
This 15-day orientation programme aims to improve the soft skills, professional ethics, and communication abilities of CA aspirants. For this, students need to pay 7,000 rupees.
3. Advanced ITT (AICITSS)
This advanced version of ITT costs 7,500 rupees and is a mandatory requirement before appearing for the CA Final exam
4. Management & Communication Skills (MCS)
This training programme is designed to enhance the business skills of CA aspirants for real-world corporate challenges and costs ₹7,500.
Overall, a CA aspirant can expect to spend approximately 28,500 for the mandatory CA training programmes.
Study Materials and Other Resources
Though ICAI provides official study materials, many aspirants choose additional resources to strengthen their knowledge. They often invest in reference books and guides, E-learning platforms, online test series, and mock exams. Even though the cost associated with study materials can vary based on multiple factors including the subjects and study aids chosen, on average, this may cost from ₹5000 to ₹25000.
CA Coaching expenses
The majority of aspirants opt for coaching institutes to ease their CA journey with professional guidance and support. The cost of CA coaching can vary based on several factors including the reputation of the institute, mode of instruction, and course duration. Renowned coaching centres, offline classes, and long-term coaching programmes often charge higher fees.
However, CA coaching institutes usually charge between 2.5 lakh to 3.5 lahks for the complete Chartered Accountancy Course.
Factors Affecting CA Coaching Fees
1. Geographical location:
Chartered Accountancy coaching fees significantly depend on the place you choose to study as there is a difference in pricing structure based on economic conditions and demand. Coaching institutes in metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai have higher fee structures due to high demand, better infrastructure, and increased living costs. Meanwhile, CA coaching centres in smaller towns and cities have affordable coaching options with similar curriculum and quality.
2. Mode of coaching:
CA Coaching fees vary based on your choice of coaching format such as traditional classroom coaching, online live sessions, recorded lectures, and self-paced modules. Face-to-face classes are generally more expensive due to the faculty salaries, infrastructure maintenance, and study materials provided. Online live sessions offer flexibility and affordability while offering interactive learning.
Recorded lectures are another budget-friendly option for CA students, allowing them to learn at their own pace and conveniently revisit the lessons multiple times. While choosing self-paced modular options, students can pay for specific courses they need. This study approach helps reduce the overall expenses of CA coaching while offering personalised learning.
3. Institutional reputation
Reputed coaching centres with experienced faculty, success rates, and additional resources often charge higher fees. However, it is the student’s responsibility to evaluate whether the fees align with the quality of education and their requirements.
4. Duration of the course
The duration of the CA course also affects the overall expense of the coaching. Even though the course usually takes 4 to 5 years, some students make extra attempts to pass the CA exams. Retaking exams demands extended coaching support and impacts on the overall expenses.
CA Course fees in Kerala
While registration and examination fees remain the same across India, CA coaching fees in Kerala are lesser and more affordable compared to metro cities like Mumbai or Delhi. Although major cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, and Kozhikode may have higher fees than smaller towns, Kerala offers cost-effective CA coaching options without compromising quality. However, on average CA coaching fees in Kerala for each level range from ₹25,000 to ₹1,20,000 based on the institute, faculty, and course format. Overall, the total expense of the CA course including the registration and examination fees, mandatory training programs, study materials, and coaching, ranges approximately between ₹2 lakh and ₹3 lakh.
Rank Centre for CA: An affordable CA coaching institute in Kerala
Rank Centre for CA (RCCA) is committed to providing the best CA coaching in Kerala at affordable prices with expert faculty, a structured curriculum, and flexible learning options. Situated in Trivandrum city, RCCA has the highest pass percentage in Kerala and consistently delivers remarkable results. With a student-centric approach, a proven success record, and an affordable coaching fee structure, Rank Centre for CA offers a cost-effective solution for CA aspirants
Financial Planning and Assistance
Budgeting for the CA Journey
To manage CA course fees effectively, aspirants should make a financial plan that covers all associated expenses exploring cost-effective coaching and study material options. By having a wise budget plan and choosing affordable resources, aspiring CAs can avoid financial stress and achieve their goals.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for CA students
Recognizing the financial challenges associated with the CA journey, various organizations including ICAI offer several merit and financial background-based scholarships for meritorious and economically weaker students. To get these scholarships, students must meet specific eligibility criteria. The Chartered Accountants Students Benevolent Fund (CASBF) also provides financial assistance to those who are undergoing articled or industrial training and have a parental income below a particular threshold. Additionally, some coaching institutes also provide scholarships along with offering fee discounts and instalment payment options.
Part-Time Work and Articleship Stipends
During CA Articleship, the students get a stipend per month, ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹25,000 based on the firm size and reputation, location of the firm, year of Articleship, and negotiation and performance. In addition to this, some CA students prefer part-time jobs or freelancing opportunities to manage expenses. However, they should prioritize their studies and training and must ensure that the additional work does not hinder their academic performance.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Return on Investment (ROI)
Becoming a Chartered Accountant involves a significant financial and time investment, but the long-term financial benefits outweigh the initial costs. A fresh CA graduate can earn an average starting salary of ₹8-12 lakh per annum, based on the industry, skills, and employer. As they gain experience in their respective fields, their earnings and demands also increase. Therefore, Chartered Accountancy is a financially rewarding investment that pays off significantly in the long run.
CA vs. Alternative Career Pathways
Chartered Accountancy stands out as one of the most cost-effective and rewarding career options in the field of finance and accounting. Compared to alternatives like MBA, CFA, and ACCA, which have higher course fee structures and overall expenses, CA offers substantial career opportunities at a lower cost.
Conclusion
Understanding CA course fees is crucial for CA aspirants to plan their education expenses strategically. Whether analysing CA course fees in Kerala or other regions in India, the total cost differs based on several factors. With proper financial planning along with choosing affordable institutes for CA preparation, aspirants can become Chartered Accountants without much financial strain. CA coaching centres in Kerala, like Rank Centre for CA, offer budget-friendly coaching making quality CA education accessible to all.
Begin your CA preparation with RCCA and reach your CA goal affordably with expert guidance!