CA Articleship: Here's everything you should know about it
Chartered Accountancy (CA) is one of the most popular courses in India with several candidates applying for it every year. It is a three-level program by ICAI comprising Foundation, Intermediate, and Final courses. Besides clearing these stages, a candidate also has to appear for a CA Articleship, which consists of a three-year practical training. Wondering what it is? Well, we have got it covered.
What exactly is CA Articleship?
Articleship is a mandatory part of the CA program, and it provides a better overall learning experience. The duration of articleship/practical training is three years. It is mandatory for candidates to serve the first two years under a practicing CA. For the third year, candidates can either choose to continue under a practicing CA or opt for industrial training under a CA in employment.
Eligibility for commencing articleship
The Foundation/CPT route entrants are eligible for the articleship after passing either or both the Intermediate/IPCC groups and completing the four-week Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (ICITSS)/Information Technology Training (ITT) and Orientation Course (OC). However, the Direct Route entrants can commence the articleship/practical training immediately after registering for the Intermediate/IPCC Course and completing the four-week ICITSS/ITT and OC.
Procedure to register for CA Articleship
For the articleship, eligible candidates should find CA firms with vacancies for article trainees and then inform the ICAI about their articleship within 30 days of the commencement of the training. They must submit the Articleship Registration form with relevant documents. Candidates are required to fill and submit the prescribed Form 102 and Form 103 to the ICAI and pay the articleship registration fees.
Importance of articleship in CA course
In addition to the vast curriculum of the CA program, articleship helps candidates develop the required skills for applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations. Articleship helps mold CA students into true professionals by providing them with the necessary experience to handle clients in the real world and helping them develop a professional attitude, decision-making skills, and better communication skills.
Articleship mandatory to appear for CA Final
Eligible candidates can appear for the CA Final level examination only after completing the articleship. One can also join additional professional courses and qualifications for better career opportunities or take up relevant jobs along with preparing for their CA Final exams.
