The ICAI Direct Entry Scheme for Graduates has opened up new opportunities for aspiring Chartered Accountants (CAs) by allowing them not to appear for the CPT (Common Proficiency Test) exams.
Under this scheme, students who have completed their graduation with specified percentage marks can directly appear for the Intermediate Level (IPCC) exams.
In this article, we will explore the key features of the Direct Entry Scheme and provide important information related to direct entry students pursuing CA Articleship.
The Direct Entry Scheme offers a great opportunity for graduates to become CA without appearing in the CA foundation. The eligibility criteria for the direct Entry Scheme are as follows:
Eligibility Criteria 2025
The eligibility criteria for individuals aspiring to pursue Chartered Accountancy (CA) through the Direct Entry Scheme are outlined as follows:
Educational Qualifications:
- Commerce Graduates/Postgraduates: A minimum grade of 55% is required in the field of commerce for both graduates and postgraduates.
- Graduates/Postgraduates in Other Fields: Individuals with a background outside of commerce must have attained a minimum of 60% in their graduation or postgraduate studies.
Professional Certification:
As an alternative to percentage-based eligibility, applicants can also qualify through professional certifications:
- Individuals who have successfully passed the Intermediate level exams conducted by the Indian Institute of Cost Accountants (IIC) or the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) are eligible to apply through the Direct Entry Scheme.
Provisional Registration for Final Year Students
For prospective candidates eyeing the CA Direct Entry Scheme 2025 during their final year of graduation, here are key insights:
1. Provisional Registration and Commencement of Articleship Training:
Final-year graduates have the opportunity to provisionally register for the Intermediate course, initiating their articleship training concurrently. Essential to this provisional registration is the documentation validating the successful completion of the graduation test with specified grades.
2. Initiating Articleship Training:
Upon provisional registration, graduates gain the immediate privilege to commence their articleship training.
3. Timeline for Proof Submission:
Within six months of both completing the final-year graduation test and finishing ICITSS (Orientation course and Information Technology), it is imperative to submit the requisite proof.
4. ICITSS Completion During Provisional Registration:
An encouraging aspect is that graduates can undertake and complete ICITSS during the provisional registration period.
5. Consequences of Failure to Provide Proof:
Failure to submit proof within the designated six-month window may lead to the revocation of registration. No reimbursements or credits will be extended for theoretical knowledge acquired during the provisional registration phase.
Registration Fees
When choosing the CA Direct Entry Scheme Route, candidates must complete registration for both Intermediate Groups. Explore the comprehensive details of the Registration Fees presented in the table below:
| CA Direct Entry Scheme 2025: Registration Fees | |
| Registration Options / Various Charges | Both Groups (INR) |
| Registration Fee | 15,000 |
| Student Activities Fee | 2,000 |
| Registration fee as an articled assistant | 1,000 |
| Total Fees | 18,000 |
For CA Finals eligibility, candidates must first engage in practical training. The four-week ICITSS focuses on information technology and soft skills, while the three-year Articleship provides hands-on experience. This dual structure ensures a thorough and balanced training approach for prospective Chartered Accountants.
| Practical Training Fees | ||
| Particulars | Intermediate level | Finals |
| Integrated course information technology | Rs 6500 | Rs 7000 |
| Soft skills | Rs 7000 | Rs 7500 |
| Articleship for 3 years | Rs 2000 | - |
Certainly! Here's the information presented in a table format for Final Level Students:
| Final-Level Student Fees | |
| Exam Groups | Registration Fee |
| Both Groups | Rs 22,000 |
Conclusion
The CA Direct Entry Scheme 2025 offers an excellent opportunity for graduates to pursue Chartered Accountancy without the need to appear for the CPT exams. With a focus on practical training through ICITSS and articleship, candidates are well-equipped for success in the CA profession. Be sure to meet all the eligibility criteria and complete your ICITSS before starting your articleship. Best of luck with your CA journey in 2025!
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FAQs
The CA Direct Entry Scheme 2025 allows graduates to enter the Chartered Accountancy profession without having to appear for the CPT (Common Proficiency Test) exams.
Graduates meeting specific percentage criteria (55% for commerce graduates and 60% for others) can directly register for the Intermediate level (IPCC) exams.
The scheme is designed to fast-track graduates into CA training, beginning with articleship and ICITSS (Information Technology and Soft Skills) training. This initiative gives graduates a streamlined pathway to become CAs by bypassing the foundation-level exams.
The eligibility criteria for the CA Direct Entry Scheme 2025 include:
- Commerce Graduates/Postgraduates: A minimum of 55% marks required.
- Graduates/Postgraduates in Other Fields: A minimum of 60% marks in graduation or postgraduation.
Additionally, candidates with professional certifications from institutions like the Institute of Cost Accountants (IIC) or the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) are also eligible for the scheme. Graduates can also provisionally register during their final year and start their articleship.
Yes, final-year students can provisionally register for the CA Direct Entry Scheme 2025 during their last year of graduation. Upon provisional registration, students can begin their articleship training immediately.
However, they need to submit the necessary proof of graduation and complete ICITSS (Orientation and Information Technology course) within six months of finalizing their graduation. Failing to submit this proof on time can result in the revocation of registration. This allows final-year graduates to start practical training while completing their academic requirements.
The registration fee for the CA Direct Entry Scheme 2025 is as follows:
- For Both Groups of Intermediate: INR 15,000
- Student Activities Fee: INR 2,000
- Articled Assistant Registration Fee: INR 1,000
- Total Fees: INR 18,000 for both Intermediate Groups.
In addition to these, ICITSS training fees and Articleship fees also apply, depending on the level. The fees for Intermediate courses include ICITSS (Rs 6,500) and Soft Skills (Rs 7,000), along with additional practical training costs.
Under the CA Direct Entry Scheme 2025, the practical training fees are:
- ICITSS (Information Technology Course): INR 6,500 for Intermediate level and INR 7,000 for Final level.
- Soft Skills: INR 7,000 for Intermediate and INR 7,500 for Final level.
- Articleship: INR 2,000 for Intermediate level. There are no fees for the Final level articleship.
These fees cover the information technology and soft skills courses, ensuring well-rounded practical and professional training before taking the final exams. These courses are essential for candidates pursuing the Chartered Accountancy profession.
