Torn between CA and CS? Let’s Break It Down For You

Choosing a career is challenging but choosing between two similar professions is harder. If you are from the commerce stream or would like to pursue the commerce stream, you must learn the difference between CA and CS.

What is the difference between CA and CS?

CA stands for Chartered Accountant and is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India or ICAI. Chartered accountancy involves the management of finances for institutions such as a business, an individual, or even the government. A Chartered Accountant is expected to manage financial accounts, auditing, and business strategy.

CS is short for Company Secretary and is governed by ICSI (Institute Of Company Secretaries OF India). If you are a company secretary, your primary task will be to handle the legal aspects of an individual or a business enterprise. you have to audit the company’s tax returns and make sure that the company aligns with the legal and statutory regulations

How can I become a CA?

The first step to being a CA is enrolling in the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. You should have pursued or should be pursuing a graduate course in either commerce or any other relevant field.

Then you have to qualify for the CA foundation test and CA intermediate level test. If you are from the commerce stream, you will be able to skip the 8-month foundation course

After this, you should get articleship training and gain three years of work experience under the supervision of a professional CA

The last step is to pass the CA final exams, (which is definitely not a piece of cake)

Am I eligible to be a CA?

The basic eligibility to be a CA is to pass your 12th grade with a minimum of 50% marks. However, you will have a better chance of qualifying CA if you are from commerce background. For other streams, it will be a bit harder

Is CA for me?

If you believe that you have

•       Good logical reasoning skills
•       Mathematical skills
•       Analytical Skills
•       Conceptual understanding

Then you are ready to pursue CA

Apart from these skills, you should be focused, disciplined, and willing to work hard if you want to crack the CA exams. (P.S they are really hard)

How Much Will I Earn?

The average salary for a fresher can be 6-7 lakhs per annum. Though it can vary depending on where you choose to work

Company Secretary as a Career 

Who is a CS?

CS is short for Company secretary. CS is accredited by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India. As a CS, you are required to be the legal face of the company, you will have to assist the directors, and also take care of all legal matters pertaining to the company

How can I become a CS?

First, you must enroll in the CS course at the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.

Then you have to clear the CSEET (CS Executive Entrance Test)

Apart from this, you can also enroll in the CS professional program for specialisation or enroll in CS executive program to obtain additional qualifications

Finally, you have to qualify all the tests to be a qualified CS

Is it for me?

The basic skills you must develop to be successful CS include:

•       Legal Knowledge
•       Attention to detail
•       Interpersonal skills
•       Financial analytical skills
•       Creativity

Am I Eligible?

The basic eligibility to pursue CS is to have qualified for the 12th grade

How much will I earn?

The average salary of a CS can range from 28k per month to 1 lakh per month. 

So, are these careers different?

When compared, CS is relatively easier to crack than CA. While CA deals with the accounting, taxation, and consultancy areas, CS deals with strategic planning, reporting and researching.

Here are the career paths to these careers:

A chartered accountant can work in these sectors

•       Business and industries
•       consultancy firms
•       Financial institutions
•       Chartered accountant firms

Chartered Accountants are highly valued and always in demand. Chartered accountants can also work independently and offer services to those who require the same. To know more about chartered accountants, click here

As a Company Secretary, you can work as

•       Legal Experts
•       Strategic Managers
•       Chief Advisers
•       Corporate Planners
•       Investor Capital
•       Market Relations

Need Help? Let’s Get In Touch!

Confused between CA and CS? Can’t decide which one to choose? Our experts at Mentoria can help you make the final choice

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