For people looking at delving deeper into finance and accounting, pursuing CA after an MBA is very ambitious. The qualifications of Chartered Accountancy and MBA together form two of the strongest credentials worldwide, highly enriched in diversified skill areas as well as in knowledge. Those with these qualifications can easily climb the executive steps to pursue such positions in corporate finance, taxation, and strategic management. Therefore, can one do CA after an MBA? Indeed, the answer is yes, and this article goes into the process, benefits, and opportunities of taking this path.
CA After MBA
CA after MBA enhances your career stature since it integrates managerial acumen with advanced knowledge of accounting. There are enormous opportunities for corporate finance, auditing, or consultancy careers because of the duality of competence. A CA adds tremendous technical depth in financial management that is complemented by the strategic and leadership understanding offered by an MBA, and hence, becomes a highly coveted professional in this field.
How Many Years are Required for CA After MBA?
It completely depends on the efficiency with which you clear every level of the course. The total time needed to complete CA after MBA is 3.5-4 years in the case of a focused candidate with Articleship included.
- CA Intermediate: Both groups of CA Inter take around 8-12 months. Candidates can appear for exams after 8 months of registration.
- Articleship: This provides 3-year mandatory practical training after the clearance of at least one group of CA Intermediate, after which actual practical experience would be provided.
- CA Final: Candidates can attempt CA Final in the last 6 months of the Articleship. Typically, one may clear the CA Final after an Articleship in 6 to 12 months.
CA After MBA Eligibility Criteria
To pursue a CA after MBA, a candidate needs to fulfill the eligibility criteria set by ICAI for the direct entry scheme.
- Academic Qualification: The minimum percentage aggregate required is 55% to enter the courses directly, as long as post-graduates of MBA, while the minimum aggregate percentage of 60% applies to others.
- CA Foundation Exemption: MBA post-graduates are eligible for direct admission to the CA Intermediate course, thereby not appearing for the CA Foundation examination.
- Practical Training: Before applying for an articleship, a four-week integrated training on information technology and soft skills must be completed.
Why Pursue CA After MBA?
The combination of technical and strategic financial skills that a CA after MBA offers is highly sought after in the business sector.
- More career opportunities: CA will provide you with deep technical knowledge in the fields of accounting, taxation, and auditing in addition to managerial skills acquired during the MBA program. Double qualifications make you eligible for executive-level jobs such as CFO, financial controller, and head of corporate strategy.
- Competitive Advantage: It is a competitive edge for any person with good strategic business insights from MBA and technical proficiency from CA.
- Global Recognition: CA is a globally recognized qualification, and that’s why you can work internationally with your MBA credentials.
- Broader Skill Set: MBA emphasizes leadership and strategy, while CA focuses on technical skills, such as taxation, auditing, and compliance. Together, they complete the professional profile.
What are the Similarities Between CA and MBA?
Although CA and MBA are different qualifications, there is some overlap in areas, especially for finance or accounting specialists.
- Financial Management: The two courses emphasize the comprehension and management of financial resources.
- Analytical Skills: Such problem-solving and critical thinking skills should better be in the hands of those earning their CA after finishing their MBA.
- Career Prospects in Finance: The two degrees lead to high-paid careers in corporate finance, investment banking, and consultancy.
Differences Between CA and MBA
Two of the most in-demand degrees in business and finance are the MBA and the CA. While a CA emphasizes technical competence in accounting, taxation, and auditing, an MBA focuses on administrative and leadership skills. Compare the key differences below.
| Particulars | MBA | CA |
| Full form | Master of Business Administration | Chartered Accountancy |
| Duration | 2 years | Minimum 4.5 years |
| Eligibility | Graduation with a minimum of 50% marks. | A minimum score of 55% is required for graduates or postgraduates in commerce, whereas other graduates or postgraduates require a minimum score of 60% to apply for CA. |
| Admission Process | Entrance-Based | Entrance-Based |
| Average Fees | Rs 80K to 1.5L per semester | INR 50K to 1.3L per annum |
Benefits of Pursuing CA After MBA
Adding CA to your MBA qualification provides a competitive edge and unlocks higher earning potential.
- Better Compensation Packages: Candidates with CA and MBA qualifications get the senior-level designations that also carry the best compensation package. Average salary: ₹18–30 LPA for a dually qualified professional.
- Leadership Roles: Specialized knowledge is required as a person can get to the positions of leadership or CFO, Finance Director, and CEO due to the amalgamation of managerial knowledge with technical know-how.
- Specialized Knowledge: CA provides deeper knowledge of taxation, accounting, and auditing supplemented with a strategic focus through an MBA.
- More Career Options: A more important benefit of double qualification is opening up wider career opportunities in fields such as investment banking, corporate finance, and risk management.
CA After MBA FAQs
1. Can I do CA after MBA?
Yes, you can do CA after MBA. Those who have done an MBA, especially finance, are eligible for the direct entry route to CA.
2. How long will it take to complete CA after MBA?
Generally, it will take 3.5 to 4 years to complete CA after MBA with the mandatory 3-year Articleship.
3. What are the benefits of doing CA after MBA?
Combining CA and MBA enhances one’s career prospects, higher salary packages, and preparation for leadership positions in finance and management.
4. How many percentage marks eligibility for CA after MBA?
MBA graduates in finance or commerce can enroll in CA Intermediate directly. Non-commerce graduates require a minimum of 60% aggregate marks.
5. Which is better, MBA after CA or CA after MBA?
Both have their advantages. MBA after CA has leadership and managerial skills. Whereas CA after MBA provides technical expertise in finance and accounting.
