CA Articleship is a pivotal phase in the journey of a Chartered Accountant (CA) student, lasting three years under the supervision of a practicing Chartered Accountant. Two of these years are obligatory under a practicing CA, while in the final year, students can choose between continuing with a practicing CA or opting for Industrial Training under a CA in employment.
Eligibility for CA Articleship begins after passing either the first group of the CA Intermediate or the second group of the CA IPCC. The application process opens after the release of CA Intermediate results.
This training period offers students a deep understanding of the profession, exposure to real-world challenges faced by Chartered Accountants, and practical applications of accounting principles and regulations. It also provides diverse exposure to industries, clients, and sectors, contributing to a comprehensive preparation for future roles as qualified CAs.
What is CA Articleship?
CA Articleship stands as a crucial phase within the Chartered Accountancy course, constituting the third stage for students who have successfully cleared one or both groups of the CA Intermediate exam. This phase entails hands-on training under the supervision of a practicing Chartered Accountant (CA), offering a practical glimpse into the realm of accountancy.
Throughout the CA Articleship period, students actively participate in various tasks encompassing auditing, taxation, ROC compliances, tax return filings, and the preparation of financial statements. The duration of this training spans three years, and its successful completion is mandatory for students aiming to qualify for the CA Final examination.
CA Articleship Importance
CA articleship plays a pivotal role in shaping the professional journey of a Chartered Accountant, offering several key benefits:
- Work Experience: Candidates gain three years of practical work experience during articleship, contributing significantly to their professional development as future CAs.
- Time Management: The demanding nature of work in CA articleship firms necessitates effective time management. This experience helps candidates refine their time management skills and adeptly handle multiple tasks.
- Professional Skill Development: The three-year training period serves as an opportunity for individuals to enhance various professional skills, including multitasking, team management, risk management, and client communication.
- Real Client Exposure: CA aspirants get the chance to work with real clients during the articleship period, acquiring practical knowledge in handling client engagements, addressing their needs, and providing professional services. This exposure contributes significantly to their understanding of real-world scenarios in the field of accountancy.
CA Articleship Registration
To register for CA articleship with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) after meeting eligibility criteria, follow this step-by-step guide:
Download Forms 102 and 103:
- Visit the official ICAI website and download Forms 102 (Deed of Articles) and 103 (Statement of Particulars).
- A fee of INR 50 is applicable for downloading these forms, whether obtained from the regional office or online.
Complete Form 102 (Deed of Articles):
- Fill out Form 102, the Deed of Articles, ensuring accuracy in the provided information.
- Execute the deed on a Special Adhesive Stamp with the required amount.
- Have the form signed by both the Article and the Principal.
- Submit Form 102 to the Principal.
Complete Form 103 (Statement of Particulars):
- Fill out Form 103, the Statement of Particulars, including all required details.
- Sign the form and submit it to the ICAI for articleship registration.
- Along with the form, submit essential documents and pay the registration fee through a demand draft.
- Required documents include:
- IPCC or Intermediate Marksheet showing passing marks.
- Attested copy of the 12th-grade mark sheet.
- ITT and Orientation Program certificates.
By following these steps and ensuring all necessary documents are provided, you can successfully register for CA articleship with ICAI.
Procedure to Fill Registration Form 102: Deed of Articles
When completing the registration form for the Deed of Articles, adhere to the following steps:
Duration:
- The Deed of Articles must be executed for a period of three years. Any deed with a duration of less than three years will not be accepted.
Stamp Paper:
- Implement the Deed on a “Non-Judicial Stamp Paper” or a “Special Adhesive Stamp” of the required value, affixing it to the document.
Signatures:
- Both the Article Assistant and the Principal should duly sign the Deed. Ensure that the Deed is executed in a printed form in duplicate.
Retention:
- The Principal should retain the original copy of the Deed, while the Article Assistant should keep the duplicate copy as proof.
Submission:
- Note that the Deed of Articles does not need to be submitted to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) for the purpose of registering articleship.
By following these steps meticulously, you can ensure that the Deed of Articles is properly executed and meets the necessary requirements for registering CA articleship.
Procedure to Fill Registration Form 103: Statement of Particulars
When submitting Form 103, the Statement of Particulars, ensure the following procedures:
Number of Copies:
- Complete three copies of Form 103. Submit one copy to the ICAI, retain one copy for the Principal, and keep the remaining copy for the Article Assistant.
Required Documents:
- Along with Form 103, include the following documents:
- Attested copy of the IPCC or CA Intermediate mark sheet, indicating pass in both groups, the first group, or any group of CA Intermediate.
- Attested copy of the 12th-grade mark sheet as proof of the date of birth.
- Attested copy of the completion certificate of ITT and Orientation Program.
Attestation:
- The practicing Chartered Accountant supervising the articleship (the Principal) must attest all submitted documents.
Submission Method:
- Submit the documents along with the required fees through a Demand Draft.
Submission Deadline:
- Ensure that Registration Form 103 reaches the ICAI within 30 days before the commencement of the articleship.
Note:
- The Principal should attest the documents.
- Form 103 needs to be submitted to the ICAI within 30 days before the articleship’s commencement.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can successfully submit Form 103 and the required documents for CA articleship registration.
CA Articleship Registration Fees 2023
To initiate practical training, candidates must submit Form 103 along with a Demand Draft for the applicable fees. If the fees were already paid during articleship registration, there is no need for an additional payment.
The Articleship Registration fee is INR 2000/-. The Demand Draft should be made in favor of “Secretary, The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.” The payment should be payable at Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kanpur, or New Delhi, depending on the candidate’s region.
Candidates should ensure that the Demand Draft is correctly filled out and submitted along with Form 103 to facilitate the smooth commencement of their practical training.
CA Articleship Late Submission Fees
In the event that a student is unable to submit Form 103 within the stipulated 30-day period, a handwritten application explaining the reason for the delay, signed by both the Article Assistant and the Principal, is required. This application is referred to as a “Condonation of Delay.”
A late submission fee must be paid along with the application as follows:
- Beyond 30 days: INR 100/-
- Between 31-180 days: INR 300/-
- Beyond 181 days: INR 1000/-
Upon submission of the “Condonation of Delay” application and the associated fee, the ICAI will accept the form without any inquiry. However, in certain uncertain cases, the ICAI may request the following documents:
- Articles attendance sheet.
- Original Deed of Articles (Form 102) executed on a Non-Judicial Stamp Paper.
- Certified copy of the articled assistant’s work diary.
- Stipend details with proof, such as a Bank Pass Book or Bank Statement.
Students should be aware that if they intend to pursue another course alongside articleship, such as B.Com or CS, they must seek permission from the ICAI within one month by applying for Form 112.
CA Articleship Student Identity Card
To obtain your student identity card, follow these steps:
Complete Form 103 for Student Identity Card:
- Fill in all the required details in Form 103 for the Student Identity Card.
Attach Passport-sized Photograph:
- Affix your most recent passport-sized photograph to the designated space on the form.
Signatures:
- Both the candidate and the principal must sign the identity card at the designated places.
Submission:
- Submit the completed identity card, along with Form 103, to the ICAI.
Return and Registration Letter:
- The ICAI will return the identity card to you along with the registration letter.
Mandatory and Validity:
- The student identity card is mandatory and remains valid for a period of three years from the date of registration.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you obtain and possess the necessary student identity card for the duration of your articleship.
CA Articleship Eligibility Criteria
For eligibility to undertake CA Articleship, candidates must meet specific criteria based on the CA Foundation Route or the Direct Entry Route:
CA Foundation Route:
- Clear one or both groups of CA Intermediate.
- Complete 4 weeks of Information Technology Training (ITT) and Orientation Training (OT).
Direct Entry Route:
- Commerce stream students must secure a minimum of 55% marks in graduation, while students from the science stream or other streams need to secure more than 60% marks.
- Completion of ITT and OT training is mandatory.
Meeting these criteria is essential for candidates wishing to embark on the CA Articleship, with the specific requirements varying based on the chosen entry route.
What Happens During the CA Articleship Training?
As students progress through their CA articleship, their roles and assignments undergo a dynamic evolution influenced by factors like their performance, the organizational context, and their training year. This progressive learning approach aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of the practical facets of the accounting profession.
The CA articleship period serves as a crucial bridge between theoretical knowledge acquired through academic studies and the practical application of accounting principles and standards in real-world scenarios. This phase is instrumental in equipping CA aspirants with essential skills, hands-on experience, and exposure, enabling them to emerge as proficient professionals in the field of accountancy.
Throughout the CA articleship training, students engage in various professional tasks and responsibilities, including:
Auditing:
- Participating in audit engagements.
- Conducting audit procedures and examinations of financial statements.
- Ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards.
Taxation:
- Assisting in tax compliance activities.
- Preparing tax returns and participating in tax assessments.
- Staying updated with evolving tax laws and regulations.
ROC Compliances:
- Learning and managing compliances related to the Registrar of Companies (ROC).
- Filing annual returns, maintaining statutory records, and adhering to company law provisions.
Financial Statements:
- Gaining practical experience in preparing financial statements.
- Analyzing financial data and ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.
This multifaceted exposure during the CA articleship period contributes significantly to the professional development of candidates, shaping them into adept and knowledgeable accountants.
CA Articleship Best Courses to Pursue
While pursuing CA articleship, students often aspire to undertake additional courses such as B.Com, CS, and more to enhance their knowledge and skills. To engage in such pursuits, obtaining permission from the ICAI is imperative, and students must submit Form 112 within one month of commencing practical training.
Though managing time between college and office can be challenging, effective scheduling can make it feasible. For those looking to expand their skills, the following list of top courses can be considered to complement CA articleship:
CMA (Certified Management Accountant):
- Enhances expertise in management accounting and financial management.
CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst):
- Focuses on investment management and financial analysis.
LLB (Bachelor of Laws):
- Provides legal knowledge and can be advantageous for a career in taxation or corporate law.
FRM (Financial Risk Manager):
- Specializes in managing financial risks within organizations.
ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants):
- Offers a global perspective on accounting and finance.
Diploma in Information System Audit (DISA):
- Focuses on information system auditing, aligning with the growing importance of technology in accounting.
Certified Information System Auditor (CISA):
- Specializes in information system auditing, security, and control.
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA):
- Emphasizes internal auditing practices and principles.
Investment Banking:
- Various courses are available for those interested in the field of investment banking.
Engaging in these courses can broaden the skill set of CA aspirants, making them well-rounded professionals in the ever-evolving field of accountancy.
CA Articleship Top 10 Firms
CA firms provide valuable opportunities for articles to work under the supervision of practicing CAs or principals, gaining practical insights into the daily activities and responsibilities of a Chartered Accountant. To find a CA articleship vacancy in such firms, consider exploring their official websites, LinkedIn pages, and other relevant sources. Here are some of the top CA firms in India known for offering articleship opportunities:
- Deloitte
- PwC (Price Waterhouse Coopers)
- Ernst & Young
- KPMG
- BDO International
- Grant Thornton International
- SS Kothari Mehta and Co.
- Sahni Natrajan and Bahl
- Lodha & Co.
- RSM International
These firms are recognized for their prominence in the field of accountancy and offer valuable learning experiences for aspiring Chartered Accountants during their articleship. Aspiring candidates are encouraged to explore opportunities with these firms and check for any available vacancies on their official platforms.
CA Articleship Expected Salary/Stipend
The CA Articleship stipend is generally modest, and the ICAI defines a minimum stipend amount that CA firms are required to pay to their articles. The stipend benchmarks vary for each of the three years and are influenced by the population of the city or town where the CA firm is located. Here is a breakdown of the minimum stipend amounts based on the year and the population category:
CA Articleship Stipend/Salary:
- 1st Year:
- Cities/Towns with Population ≥ 20 Lakhs: INR 2,000
- Cities/Towns with Population between 4 and 20 Lakhs: INR 1,500
- Cities/Towns with Population < 4 Lakhs: INR 1,000
- 2nd Year:
- Cities/Towns with Population ≥ 20 Lakhs: INR 2,500
- Cities/Towns with Population between 4 and 20 Lakhs: INR 2,000
- Cities/Towns with Population < 4 Lakhs: INR 1,500
- 3rd Year:
- Cities/Towns with Population ≥ 20 Lakhs: INR 3,000
- Cities/Towns with Population between 4 and 20 Lakhs: INR 2,500
- Cities/Towns with Population < 4 Lakhs: INR 2,000
These stipend amounts provide a basic framework, and individual CA firms may offer stipends that exceed these minimums based on their policies and considerations. Aspiring articles can refer to the ICAI guidelines and discuss stipend details with potential employers during the articleship selection process.
CA Articleship Working Hours and Leaves
During the three-year CA articleship period, articles are permitted to take a maximum of 157 leaves. Exceeding this limit may lead to complications, potentially delaying the completion of the articleship period.
Therefore, it is crucial for articles to comply with the leave regulations established by the ICAI. The minimum working hours for articles are set at 35 hours per week. However, these hours may extend to 10 hours a day or 60 hours a week, depending on the workload. It’s important to note that working hours can vary among CA firms.
Maintaining awareness of the leave entitlement and adhering to working hour regulations helps articles manage their schedule effectively and ensures a smooth progression through the articleship period.
CA Articleship Termination/Completion
To fill out the termination form for articleship, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Click on the “Articles” menu button.
- Select the “Articleship” tab.
- Look for the icon representing articles’ termination forms.
- Click on the icon to access the termination form.
- Complete the form by following these details:
- Choose the termination reason from the dropdown menu.
- Verify all the provided details.
- Carefully select the termination date and specify the number of leaves. Note that submitted details cannot be changed once entered.
- Enter the stipend details and click on the “Next” button.
- If applicable, enter the details of the member in charge of training.
- Provide details of the work done only for the period served, leaving non-applicable fields as “0”.
- Enter details of three professional training programs attended during the current articleship.
- Add any general remarks if necessary.
- Upload the necessary termination documents.
- Click on the “Submit” button to complete the process.
Note: After generating the PDF of the termination form, it is recommended to download the document and obtain signatures from the relevant members. Subsequently, upload the scanned copy using the edit application feature to ensure the completion of the articleship termination process. This step is crucial for maintaining accurate and signed records in the documentation.
CA Articleship Completion due to Principal’s Death
To initiate the termination process on the death of the principal, follow these steps:
- Click on the designated icon to access the termination form.
- Choose “termination on the death of the principal” as the reason from the dropdown menu.
- Select the surviving partner from the available options.
For Articleship Completion, follow these steps:
- Click on the relevant icon to access the completion form.
- Fill out the form, ensuring that all necessary details are provided accurately.
- Include comprehensive information about your work experience during the articleship.
- Provide a summary of your articleship journey and any general remarks.
- Click on the “Submit” button to generate the PDF.
After generating the PDF, it is recommended to download and ensure it is appropriately signed. Subsequently, use the edit application feature to upload the scanned copy, finalizing the termination or completion process as needed. These steps contribute to maintaining accurate and signed records in the articleship documentation.
FAQS
What is CA Articleship?
CA Articleship constitutes a practical training phase in the Chartered Accountancy course, providing students with hands-on experience under the guidance of a practicing Chartered Accountant for a duration of three years.
How do I enroll for CA Articleship?
To register for CA Articleship, complete Form 102 (Deed of Articles) and Form 103 (Statement of Particulars). Submit these forms, along with the necessary documents and registration fee, to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).
Is it possible to pursue additional courses while undergoing CA Articleship?
Certainly, you can pursue other courses like B.Com, CS, etc., concurrently with CA Articleship. However, obtaining permission from the ICAI is essential, and this requires submitting Form 112 within one month of commencing practical training.
What are some recommended courses to complement CA Articleship?
Popular courses to pursue alongside CA Articleship include CMA, CFA, LLB, FRM, ACCA, Diploma in Information System Audit (DISA), Certified Information System Auditor (CISA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and Investment Banking.
Which are some renowned CA firms for articleship?
Top CA firms in India offering articleship opportunities include Deloitte, PwC, Ernst & Young, KPMG, BDO International, Grant Thornton International, SS Kothari Mehta and Co., Sahni Natrajan and Bahl, Lodha & Co., and RSM International.