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'What is the difference between CA and CS?'

Last updated on: February 26, 2013 10:11 IST

While the options are aplenty for those pursuing science and arts, commerce pursuants have equally potential career options to choose from.

In an online chat with readers, Dr Jinesh Shah, CA, FCA, Phd, Mphil, Mcom, BCom and Jeetendra Nair, CEO and MD of Edulight Learning Services addressed queries on how to pursue a career in CA, CS and ICWA among others.

For those who missed the live chat, here's the unedited transcript:


Edulight Learning says, Good Afternoon Everyone

sandeep asked, Hello Sir My name is Sandeep I appeared CPt for twice but didnt sucess please give me tips to cleare and how the markes i can required for each subject my tough sub is quantitative please help me to clear my tybcom marks are 49%

Edulight Learning answers, at 2013-02-22 14:52:03
hello sandeep, you will have to take extra practice in Maths. For that you can solve past papers and may be take an online test series pack.
manoj asked, Does a career as a CS offer better career opportunities or that as a CA? How do you compare these two careers?

Edulight Learning answers,
Hello Manoj, CA & CS offer equal career oppurtunities.
KP asked, Hi Sir, I am working and i want to pursue my CA. I had completed my BCom and have been working for 10 yrs now. Kindly advise the formaility

Edulight Learning answers,
KP you can still pursue CA. You will have to register for IPCC with ICAI, Cuffe Parade office. the dd amt is 12,000
manoj asked, thanks for explaining that CA and CS are two different career profiles. What sort of skills are required -- and how can I help decide which is a better option to pursue?

Edulight Learning answers,
if you are inclined more towards legal as well as compliance you can choose CS and if your major inclination is towards finance & acounting you can choose CA
KP asked, Sir, Can i continue my job and still do my CA or do i have to discontinue job to do my articleship

Edulight Learning answers,
KP you can continue working till you clear ipcc and then may be after leaving your current job you can work as a trainee in a company..
shweta asked, i am in the 11th standard and i want to pursue CA please guide?

Edulight Learning answers,
Congrats for an early start. This is the perfect time to start. CA-CPt which is the foundation course. You have to register by giving a dd of Rs 6,100 to icai. if you need more info, pls mail us on info@edulight.co.in
bnbnb asked, how can i bcome a CA?

Edulight Learning answers,
Step 1: Clear HSC along with CPT STep 2: Enroll for IPCC Step 3: Join Internship after clearing group 1 Step 4: enroll for final CA after 3 yrs of internsip. for more detailed info, visit www.edulight.co.in
Pandit asked, How to balance working hours and CA studies?

Edulight Learning answers,
More than 80% of CA's work and learn at the same time. so its not a very difficult task. ideally self motivation and discipline would get you there. Also you can look at weekend classes as a better option
Rahul asked, Of the two - ICWA and CS, which would you prefer as a better option

Edulight Learning answers,
i would prefer CS because the demand supply gap is wider
Pandit asked, I have done my articleship.I am working and appearing for IPCC in May 2013.How to balance work and studies?

Edulight Learning answers,
you have to take out time for ipcc as well. give more priority to studies during the last 2 months.
Sridhar asked, Hello, I am a BTech and working for a software firm for the past 6 years. Can I still pursue CA. What would be the better option - continuing in IT field or pursue CA ?

Edulight Learning answers,
Your foundation is very strong in IT so despite CA being a highly rewarding career i would advise you to build on current skill sets and make a career in IT
sandeep asked, sir mu bcom grade is 49% in march 2002 can i appreared directly to inter Ca

Edulight Learning answers,
i am afraid No, You will have to clear CPT because you Graduation percentage is below 50%
ajk asked, What is avg salary of a CA after 10 years experience?

Edulight Learning answers,
General trend, people who have 10 years of experience are at the senior level position or they set up their own CA firm. Avg Remuneration would be around 30 -50 lacs p.a.
sandeep asked, sir is there any coaching classes for quantitative and please tell me eaht is cpt paper pattern of markes means each subject how much marks should required and june 2013 syllabous is new or old

Edulight Learning answers,
Sandeep you can join Edulight Learning Services pvt ltd for CA & CS courses or any institute of your choice. the exam paper pattern is 200 marks and the passing score is 100.
Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

'How can one pursue CA alongside BCom?'

Last updated on: February 26, 2013 10:11 IST

rkseth asked,
How do you rate B com vs CA?

Edulight Learning answers,
CA is above Bcom and hence not comparable. CA is an unique and highend professional course and cannot be compared to any graduation degree
sandeep asked, means i want to know from 4 subject means how much markes required from each subject for passing

Edulight Learning answers,
Sandeep the CPT paper patter in available on the website of ICAI
KP asked, Sir i am the breadwinner and i am working in a company as account manager. so is there anyway i can continue CA without leaving job?

Edulight Learning answers,
you can check whether your company work experience would be useful as internship experience by visiting ICAI office
ajk asked, Not even program manager with 15-18 years experience in IT industry earns 30-50 LPA. Does it make sense to switch the career?

Edulight Learning answers,
i would still say it makes no sense because the basic design of both careers are different. The best programmers may not be the best CA's and vice versa. Idea is to excel in the field of our knowledge
rkseth asked, How one can pursue CA along with B Com?

Edulight Learning answers,
You have to register for CPT after HSC and then clear cpt and register for ipcc
tytyyt asked, tht is an estimated average salary, i guess.....i have many CA friends who are getting 10-12 lakhs after 10 yrs of work ex as a CA

Edulight Learning answers,
They need to choose tier 1 companies and also metro cities which offer these kind of salaried. Besides they also should have good communication and leadership skills because in 10yrs he would have a management role and not a pure accounting role
mlooo asked, why CWA's who are working in finance and accounts are not considered at PAR with CA....Partiality???

Edulight Learning answers,
This is because they dont get sufficient work oppurtunities in the area of their domain specialisation.
arun asked, how do find ICMA opportunities in future with recent changes in Cost Compliances

Edulight Learning answers,
Good Question. Now in the future i also expect a high demand for CMA's keeping in view the global trends likewise CIMA would also be an added advantage. Moreoever their is a tie-up between CMA & CIMA institutes
DinuPillai asked, Total Duration limit for CA program ?

Edulight Learning answers,
4 years including internship
DinuPillai asked, After completing CA , Should i go for individual practice or join any company?

Edulight Learning answers,
After completion of CA you can choose btwn either joining the industry or practicing on ur own. If you can get desired no. of Clients you can start your own practice or may be wait till you gain experience in an industry
KUNJAN SINGH asked, Sir, I am Mba(finance) graduate with BCA, now I want to pursue ICWA / CFA, is it right option for me or any other courses is available for me in finance sector?

Edulight Learning answers,
you can pursue CIMA or CFA. Both are wonderful courses suiting your background
Dinesh asked, presently i am giving my 11th exam, when i can give CA exam?

Edulight Learning answers,
after completing your HSC boards. so your attempt will be june 2014. Get trained rightaway
mlooo asked, CWA's also study same subject such as accounting, FM, Tax, Corporate law etc. at expert level, so i do not agree with your comment on domain specialization, my earlier question was that once a CWA entres in accounting and finance function he has ot what a CA has but CA do not consider them at PAR.....this is pure partiality right??????

Edulight Learning answers,
it's an individual perception.
DinuPillai asked, How many attempts should be there for CA Final Exam?

Edulight Learning answers,
there is no such rule for restriction on no. of attempts
Dinesh asked, can i give CPT exam after 12th?

Edulight Learning answers,
Yes Dinesh you can
KUNJAN SINGH asked, which CFA will be be better, INDIAN CFA or US CFA?

Edulight Learning answers,
Kunjan Opt for US CFA

'Is CPT compulsory for graduates?'

Last updated on: February 26, 2013 10:11 IST

ccc asked,
i am working as Software engineer it it .Could you please tell me CFA would be better to make career in Finance.?

Edulight Learning answers,
basically we do not advise a successful field professional like IT to move and change to accounting as a career
MANIANS asked, what is the minmum and maximum period for completing CA. i am now 40. whether i can join CA. i am an average student . whether i will be able to complete CA in 4 or 5 years ?

Edulight Learning answers,
Minimum is 4 years and Max there is no duration. You can start at any point of your career
rkseth asked, Is there is some concessation if you do B com from IGNOU along with CA

EDULIGHT LEARNING SERVICES answers,
No such concession
NIRMAL asked, My wife wants' to join CA (Not till register for CPT). She is also holding license of LIC insurance Agent. Can she allow by institute to continue her LIC license with CA's Study.

EDULIGHT LEARNING SERVICES answers,
NO She will have to surrender lic LICENSE and then enroll for CA
PrashantAmte asked, What kind of job difference between CA and CS ?

EDULIGHT LEARNING SERVICES answers,
Compliance V/s Accounting
Narsing asked, Sir, After completing 12th exams, B.Com is compulsory for doing CA.

EDULIGHT LEARNING SERVICES answers,
No it's not compulsory
Narsing asked, Sir, After completing 12th exams, B.Com is compulsory for doing CA.

EDULIGHT LEARNING SERVICES answers,
Even completing graduation is not an requirement for doing CA
moses asked, I have pursued an Arts degree in Social Sciences for my bachelors. Can I follow a program to become a Company Secretary? Or do I require accounting/finance background?

EDULIGHT LEARNING SERVICES answers,
you can pursue MA (Social Sciences) rather than getting into finance
MANIANS asked, whether CPT is compulsory for graduates also? without the cpt foundation whether there is any direct entry for inter ?

EDULIGHT LEARNING SERVICES answers,
cpt is not compulsory for graduated. You can directly enroll for the 2nd level which is known as ipcc
Hrishita asked, i have completed my b.com in year 2010.i din opt for c.p.t can i opt for ipcc now as per new rules of c.a

EDULIGHT LEARNING SERVICES answers,
Yes you can
rkseth asked, I think they have MOU where the the credit requirement is significantly lower

EDULIGHT LEARNING SERVICES answers,
yes you are right
PrashantAmte asked, From which institute should i go and pursuing CA ? how many such institute will be present in india.

EDULIGHT LEARNING SERVICES answers,
you can do it only from ICAI
MANIANS asked, what is the total course fee for Ca ...and what all are the subjects which needs coaching. how much will be the coaching fee per course

EDULIGHT LEARNING SERVICES answers,
Total Course fees for CA CPT: 6100 IPCC: 12000 with articles Final: 10000 GMCS: 8500 ITT: 4500 Orientation: 3000
MANIANS asked, what is the total course fee for Ca ...and what all are the subjects which needs coaching. how much will be the coaching fee per course

EDULIGHT LEARNING SERVICES answers,
These are ICAI Standard fee. which is required to paid for every student
rkseth asked, What is IPCC Group I and Group 2 ?

EDULIGHT LEARNING SERVICES answers,
IPCC consists of two groups Group1 consists of 4 subjects Group2 consists of 3 subjects Clearing of Groupq1 will enable you to start your internship.
rkseth asked, Is doing a ca tough?

EDULIGHT LEARNING SERVICES answers,
It's a valuable course so ofcourse it's tough. Easy courses dont have this value
MANIANS asked, how much will be the coaching fee per course

EDULIGHT LEARNING SERVICES answers,
I cant comment. It varies according to institutes
sujay asked, Kindly let me know CA with MBA is better combination or CA with CS

EDULIGHT LEARNING SERVICES answers,
CA & MBA(Finance) will enable you to master Finance skills & Management skills. However CA & CS will enable to master finance and compliance skills. SO not comparable
rkseth asked, Can one complete IPCC all the groups in one go. What is suggested?

Edulight Learning answers,
Yes you can complete both groups at one go.
vilas asked, Foundation course after XII th com or internship after graduation. what is better.

Edulight Learning answers,
The earlier you start the course, the better
sujay asked, For doing CA, is graduation must?

Edulight Learning answers,
no sujay.. HSC would do
rkseth asked, What is the criteria for clearing CA CPT exam..

Edulight Learning answers,
Criteria is to score 100 out of 200 marks
Pursuer asked, @ Edulight learning. Just out of acedemic interest, is it theoretically possible that a person completes CA but is not a graduate ?

EDULIGHT LEARNING SERVICES answers,
Yes, it is possible!
gautam asked, Does clearing CA in one attempt gives some edge in securing job with good tier 1 companies

EDULIGHT LEARNING SERVICES answers,
Yes
rkseth asked, Is it necessary to score 40% in each paper and overall 100 out of 200 in CA CPT exam..

EDULIGHT LEARNING SERVICES answers,
no its not necessary.. only 100 on 200. negative 0.25
sujay asked, can CA's take IAS exams, or graduation also has to be done.

EDULIGHT LEARNING SERVICES answers,
graduation has to be done for IAS
sujay asked, can CA's take IAS exams, or graduation also has to be done.

EDULIGHT LEARNING SERVICES answers,
you can take upsc or mpsc exams and can choose IRS as ur option
vilas asked, sir, I am 45yrs old working as Finance controller for Hotel, knows through accounting incl. finalisation & even taxation. is it ideal i opt for CA

Edulight Learning Services answers,
Yes Vilas you can obviously opt for CA. It will enhance your knowledge
rc asked, What aptitude is necessary for a student to take up a career of Chartered Accountancy?

Edulight Learning Services answers,
Your relevant area of interest should be finance, accounting, Mathematics etc
sujay asked, What is the secret of clearing CA exams, I mean which subject to be given more importance, what percent importance to be given for accountancy, what %age economics.Kindly explain.

Edulight Learning Services answers,
Sujay all subjects have to be learnt thoroughly.There is no short cut as such. the Secret is hardwork and determination
vilas asked, May i know the procedure

Edulight Learning Services answers,
Yaa Vilas you can register for IPCC. TGhe regn fees is 12000.
AAN asked, Can a person do CA and BCOM together and how.What is the procedure

Edulight Learning Services answers,
yes you can do. register with ICAI an d also take admission in a college for graduation
AAN asked, Doing CA after plus 2 or bcom which is better

Edulight Learning Services answers,
after +2 is better
Pursuer asked, @ Edulight Learning, Roughly for how many papers do CWAs can secure exepmtion for a CA exam ? (if at all there is any exepmtion scheme)

Edulight Learning Services answers,
costing paper is exempted @ IPCC level