CA

The ICAI CA Direct Entry Scheme offers a streamlined pathway for aspiring Chartered Accountants to enter the profession without appearing for the CA Foundation examination. Launched on August 1, 2012, this route provides direct access to the CA Intermediate level, bypassing the foundational stage. This blog offers a detailed guide for students seeking to enroll through the CA Direct Entry Scheme 2025, highlighting eligibility criteria, registration procedures, and practical training requirements.

The CA Direct Entry Scheme 2025 is tailored for graduates, postgraduates, and intermediate-level students from ICMAI or ICSI. This route facilitates direct admission to the CA Intermediate course, eliminating the need for the CA Foundation exam. Eligible commerce graduates with at least 55% marks and non-commerce graduates with 60% marks can leverage this opportunity for a faster progression in the CA journey.

This scheme aims to attract academically strong candidates to the profession, ensuring they can embark on a structured pathway to becoming Chartered Accountants.

To qualify for the CA Direct Entry Scheme 2025, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• For Commerce Graduates/Postgraduates: A minimum score of 55% is mandatory.
• For Non-Commerce Graduates/Postgraduates: A minimum score of 60% is required.
• For Intermediate-Level Students of ICSI/ICMAI: Successful completion of intermediate examinations makes candidates eligible.

These criteria ensure clarity for applicants seeking to pursue the CA Direct Entry Route.

Final-year graduates can benefit from provisional registration under the CA Direct Entry Scheme 2025. Key details include:

• Provisional Registration: Final-year students can register for the CA Intermediate course and begin articleship training provisionally.
• Documentation Requirement: Proof of graduation with specified grades must be submitted within six months of completing the final-year exams.
• ICITSS Completion: Students can complete the ICITSS (Orientation and Information Technology course) during provisional registration.

Failure to Submit Proof: Non-submission of required documents within the stipulated time may lead to cancellation of registration.

Here, In this CA Direct Entry New Scheme guide, we break down the key steps for Graduates and post-graduates who are venturing into the CA Direct Entry Route:

CA Direct Entry Scheme Graduates & Post-Graduates Eligibility Criteria:

• Commerce stream graduates and post-graduates are eligible with a minimum of 55 percent marks.
• Other graduates can join with a minimum of 60 percent marks.

Preliminary Requirement Before Articleship: Complete the ICITSS program before starting the articleship.

Articleship Training: Enroll in a three-year apprenticeship program to gain practical experience.

CA Direct Entry Scheme 2025 becomes smoother when you grasp these key elements. Ensure eligibility, conquer the required course, and set the foundation for a successful three-year apprenticeship.

1. Register with ICAI for CA Intermediate: Begin your journey by registering for the CA Intermediate course.
2. Complete ICITSS Training: Successfully attend and complete the four-week ICITSS (Orientation and Information Technology) program.
3. Enroll in Articleship: Start a three-year articleship and ensure nine months are completed before appearing for the CA Intermediate exam.
4. Concurrent Study: Pursue your studies while undergoing articleship training.
5. Clear CA Intermediate Examination: Appear for and pass both groups of the CA Intermediate exam.
6. Register for CA Final: Enroll for the CA Final exam after completing the CA Intermediate level.
7. Undertake AICITSS Training: Complete the four-week Advanced ICITSS during the last two years of practical training.
8. Attempt the CA Final Exam: Take the CA Final exam during the last six months of your articleship.
9. Qualify for CA Final: Clear both groups of the CA Final examination.

Complete Articleship: Fulfill the articleship requirement and become a proud member of ICAI.

Students who have passed the intermediate level of ICSI or ICMAI can directly register for the CA Intermediate course. Here’s what they need to know:

• Enrollment for CA Intermediate: Candidates who have cleared the Intermediate level of ICSI or ICMAI can directly enroll in the CA Intermediate level.
• Uniform Registration Process: The registration process remains consistent with the standard CA Direct Entry Route.
• Eight-Month Study Period: Complete an eight-month study period post-registration before attempting the CA Intermediate Exams.
• CA Intermediate Exam: Students can opt to clear either one or both groups of the CA Intermediate exam.
• Articleship Training Enrollment: Upon clearing one or both groups of CA Intermediate, enroll in the three-year articleship training program.
• CA Final Exam Registration: After clearing CA Intermediate, proceed with CA Final registration.
• AICITSS Training Integration: Complete four weeks of AICITSS during the last two years of practical training before attempting the Final Examination.
• Strategic Final Exam Timing: Sit for the CA Final Exam during the last six months of articleship training.
• Completion of Articleship: Complete the three-year articleship program.
• Qualification in CA Finals: Achieve success in both groups of the CA Final Examination.

Membership with ICAI: Become a proud member of ICAI, marking the culmination of the CA Direct Entry journey.

Follow these easy steps for a smooth enrollment process with the CA Direct Entry Scheme:

Step 1: Visit www.icai.org and click on “Self-Service Portal.”

Step 2: If you’re a first-time user, click on “First-time User (New Student). Click here.”

Step 3: Complete your details in the online form, ensuring accuracy based on your 10th/12th certificate.

Note: Enter salutation, name, DOB, and gender as per your 10th/12th certificate. Also, no changes are allowed after form submission. And use your mobile number and email for communication and OTP purposes.

Step 4: Once your account is created, check your email for login details and password.

Step 5: Proceed to fill out the registration form online, starting with personal details.

Step 6: Provide information about your qualifications and upload the necessary documents.

Note: Ensure you upload self-attested scanned copies of your documents to avoid application rejection. Acceptable alternatives for the original mark sheet include an attested internet-downloaded statement of marks by the school principal or a practicing Chartered Accountant.

Step 7: For students in the final year of graduation, attach a proof (bonafide certificate) obtained from the University/College.

By following these steps, you’ll smoothly navigate the ICAI Direct Entry Scheme registration process, ensuring accuracy and compliance with document requirements.

When opting for the CA Direct Entry Scheme Route, candidates are required to register for both Intermediate Groups. Check out the complete details of the Registration Fees in the table below:

Note: Candidates registering through the CA Direct Entry Scheme must pay the standard registration fees along with an additional charge of Rs. 200 (~$20). Additionally, practical training fees for the ICITSS program and articleship training must be accounted for when planning finances.

The CA Direct Entry Scheme allows graduates ample preparation time, typically spanning a year, to complete the ICITSS, nine-month articleship, and required study periods before attempting exams. This structured timeline provides clarity and ensures efficient preparation for aspiring Chartered Accountants.

For both groups of the CA Direct Entry Examination, the registration fee is set at ₹22,000. Below is a detailed breakdown presented in tabular format:

This fee structure outlines the cost of registering in the CA Direct Entry Scheme for both groups of the exam.

Here are important points for a time frame for the CA Direct Entry Program (For Graduates):

Adequate Preparation Time: Candidates entering through the direct entry scheme benefit from nearly a year to prepare for their exams after registration.

Strategic Study Period: Students registering under the CA direct entry scheme in February or September are required to dedicate an eight-month study period for preparation.

Mandatory Program Completion: Before appearing for the exams, candidates must complete the four-week ICITSS program and a nine-month articleship training.

Exam Timeline for Graduates: Graduates who register under this scheme must attempt the first and both groups’ exams after the stipulated eight-month study period.

ICITSS Instruction Phase: After the study period, candidates are required to complete a month-long ICITSS training program.

Progression to Practical Training: Upon successfully clearing both groups of the CA Intermediate, students can transition into the practical training phase.

Overview of CA Course Duration: To gain an understanding of the time investment required to become a Chartered Accountant, candidates should refer to the complete CA course duration timeline.

The ICAI CA Direct Entry Scheme 2025 offers an efficient and well-structured route for graduates to begin on their Chartered Accountancy journey. With a focus on clarity and practicality, the scheme enables a seamless transition into the profession, bypassing the CA Foundation stage. Aspiring candidates can benefit from a carefully designed timeline that balances study, training, and examination phases.

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