ICAI CA Direct Entry Scheme After Graduation 2026

Chartered Accountant (CA) is one of the most prestigious professional qualifications in India. While the majority of students pursue the CA qualification via the Foundation route, there are certain graduates as well as professionals who can avail another way to obtain their CA qualification called the CA Direct Entry Scheme. This allows eligible individuals to bypass the CA Foundation exam and enroll themselves for the CA Intermediate directly.

CA Direct Entry Scheme for 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Candidates having a commerce degree, post-graduates, and candidates who qualify in particular professional examinations can join the profession of chartered accountant via the CA Direct Entry Route. This guide talks about all that you need to know about the CA Direct Entry Scheme, right from its eligibility criteria, procedure, fees to training, among other important aspects.

ICAI CA Direct Entry Scheme – Eligibility

The following applicants are eligible to apply via the CA Direct Entry Scheme Route: 

1. The minimum grade for commerce graduates/postgraduates was 55%, whereas the minimum mark for other graduates/postgraduates was 60 %.

2. Candidates have passed the Institute of Companies Secretaries of India (ICSI) or the Indian Institute of Cost Accountants (ICAI) Intermediate level examinations.

Criteria For Provisional Registration for the Final Year Students

Final-year graduates can provisionally register for the Intermediate course and begin articleship training after providing sufficient documentation of passing the graduation test with the above-specified grades. They can start articleship training immediately after registering.

Within six months of appearing in the last year of graduation test and completing ICITSS, the proof must be presented (Orientation course and Information Technology).

It's been made clear that ICITSS can be taken and completed during provisional registration. As long as the student fails to provide proof within that time frame, their registration and any additional costs will be revoked with no refunds or credits provided for theoretical information received within their provisional registration period.

Students may learn more about becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) by clicking on the provided link.

Criteria for Intermediate Passed Students of ICSI/ICWA

Candidates who have cleared the Intermediate level of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India [ICSI] or the Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India [ICWA] can enroll directly for the Intermediate level of the CA Institute of India.

• There would be no differences in the registration process for such students compared to those taking the standard path.
• For the ICAI CA Intermediate Exams, students must complete an eight-month study period after registering.
• CA Intermediate must be taken and passed in either one or both categories.
• After clearing either one or both groups of the CA Intermediate exam, students can enroll in the three-year articleship training scheme.
• Take the CA Final exam after qualifying in both CA Intermediate groups.
• Four weeks of AICITS training must be completed, while the last two years of practical training are being completed, but before the Final Examination may be taken.
• During the last six months of their articleship training, they can sit for the CA Final Examination.
• Complete Articleship Training.
• Achieve qualification in both CA Finals groups.
• Become a member of ICAI [The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India]

Graduates and post-graduates should follow the following procedure

• The CA Direct Entry Scheme Route is open to commerce stream graduates and post-graduates who have obtained a minimum of 55 percent marks or other graduates who have received a minimum of 60 percent.
• The CA Direct Entry Route is open to commerce stream graduates and post-graduates who have obtained a minimum of 55 percent marks or other graduates who have received a minimum of 60 percent.
• Before starting Practical Training[articleship], you must successfully finish the ICITSS (Orientation Program and Information Technology) course.
• Prepare yourself by signing up for a three-year apprenticeship program.

To qualify for the Intermediate CA Examination, you must pass a nine-month practical training program.

• Pass the Intermediate course with excellence in both groups.
• After qualifying in both Intermediate Groups, register for the CA Final.
• Complete ICITSS [Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills] for four weeks during the final two years of practical training before participating in the Final Examination.
• Complete your practical training with flying colors.
• Both teams in the CA Final must be qualified.
• Join as a Member of ICAI.

CA Intermediate Direct Entry Scheme Route Students Registration Fee

To register for the CA Course, candidates must register for both Intermediate Groups if they choose the CA Direct Entry Scheme Route. Take a look at the table below —

Students who choose the CA Direct Entry Route must pay an additional Rs 200/- (about $20) on top of that.

Fees for CA Direct Entry Practical Training

To be eligible to appear for the CA finals, candidates must first enroll for practical training. The ICITSS is four weeks long, while the articleship is three years long.

Students interested in learning more about the CA Intermediate Fee structure can visit the provided website for further information.

Fees for a Final-Level Student

Below are the fees for both groups to register for the CA Direct Entry Exam. For both groups,  the registration fee is Rs 22000.

Time Duration for the CA Direct Entry Program For Graduates

• Direct entry scheme candidates have almost a year to prepare for the exam after registering.
• In February or September, students who have registered for the CA direct entry scheme must prepare for an eight-month study period.      
• Before the exams, candidates must complete the four-week ICITSS program and the nine-month articleship training.
• The first and both groups' tests must be taken after an 8-month study period for candidates who register after graduation.
• For a month, they will need to go through the ICITSS instruction.
• Students can then move on to practical training after clearing both groups.

Students interested in learning how long it takes to obtain a CA can do so by viewing the CA Course Duration in its entirety.

Conclusion

According to the information provided above, ICAI has adopted a direct entry route for applicants who choose to pursue a CA degree as of 1st August 2012 and has laid out a comprehensive process for all students in this category to become Chartered Accountants.

CAtestseries.org wishes you luck with your journey!

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I able to take CA after graduation?

Yes, commerce graduates securing a minimum 55% marks and non-commerce graduates with a minimum 60% marks are eligible to appear directly in the CA Intermediate course under the ICAI Direct Entry Scheme.

Is the CA Foundation necessary for graduates?

No. The eligible graduates and postgraduates can avoid giving the CA Foundation exam and take admission in CA Intermediate directly.

What are the eligibility criteria for the CA Direct Entry Scheme?

Those who qualify in the following categories will be eligible:

Commerce graduates/postgraduates with a minimum 55% marks.

Non-commerce graduates/postgraduates with a minimum 60% marks.

CS Intermediate qualification holders.

CMA Intermediate qualification holders.

Are last year's students eligible for CA direct entry?

Yes, the last year graduating students can register directly on a provisional basis under the CA Direct Entry Scheme.

What is the Registration Fee for the CA Direct Entry Scheme?

The CA Intermediate registration fee via the Direct Entry route costs around ₹18,000 (excluding training/examination fees).

Is articleship compulsory in the Direct Entry scheme?

Yes. The articleship program is a mandatory part of CA education and must be undertaken in accordance with the guidelines issued by ICAI.

What is the time frame to become a CA via the Direct Entry Scheme?

The time taken to become a CA from the Direct Entry Scheme varies between 4 and 5 years (depending upon the individual's performance).

Can CS/CMA students apply directly for the CA Intermediate level?

Yes. A candidate who has cleared the intermediate level examination of ICSI/ICMAI is eligible for direct entry into the CA Intermediate level examination.

Which is better: CA Direct Entry or Foundation course?

Syllabus and examinations are equally difficult in both cases. However, the Direct Entry Scheme is advantageous in terms of time saving.

Can one become a CA without having a Commerce degree?

Yes. A candidate not belonging to a commerce background can opt for CA via the Direct Entry Scheme if he/she holds a minimum of 60% aggregate marks in graduation/post-graduation.