Choosing between CA and CS is tough for Indian students. Both careers are top choices after commerce. But when it comes to pay, many students ask, “Which earns more – CA or CS?” This question is common for those planning their future. Yes, CA earns more than CS in most cases. Chartered Accountants (CAs) earn a higher salary due to their complex training and demand across fields. Company Secretaries (CSs) earn well too, especially in corporate governance. But when you compare CA vs CS Salary, CAs win most times.
CA vs CS Salary in India
Both CA and CS are respected careers. But when it comes to income, there is a difference. Let’s look at the CA vs CS salary in India from entry level to experience level.
CA vs CS Salary Difference: At Entry Level
Most Indian students want to know who earns more after clearing the course. Chartered accountants earn more at every stage. This is due to their wide job roles and complex skills. Even CA firms and startups prefer CAs due to their tax and audit knowledge. On the other hand, CSs have fewer roles. Most CS professionals get placed in legal departments or in compliance roles. This limits salary growth at times. So, let’s see:
| Level | CA Salary (Per Year) | CS Salary (Per Year) |
| Fresher | ₹6-8 Lakhs | ₹3-5 Lakhs |
| 2-3 Years Experience | ₹10-15 Lakhs | ₹5-8 Lakhs |
| 5+ Years Experience | ₹20+ Lakhs | ₹10-15 Lakhs |
So, in the ca salary vs cs salary battle, CAs clearly win on pay.
What is CA (Chartered Accountant)?
A Chartered Accountant handles finance, accounting, audits, tax, and financial reporting. CAs work in almost every industry—banks, corporations, audit firms, startups, and even government bodies. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) gives this qualification.
CAs need to clear 3 levels—CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, and CA Final. They also complete articleship (3 years of work training). This makes them industry-ready and in high demand.
What is CS (Company Secretary)?
A company secretary takes care of a company’s legal and compliance side. CS professionals ensure that a company follows all laws, manages board meetings, prepares minutes, and handles corporate governance. The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) gives this certification.
To become a CS, students clear CSEET (Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test), CS Executive, and CS Professional. They also do practical training. CSs mostly work in big companies, MNCs, and company law boards.
Why Does CA Earn More Than CS?
Many students wonder why there is a big ca vs cs salary difference. Here are the reasons:
Training and Syllabus
CA has a tougher syllabus. It includes accounting, audit, financial management, taxation, etc. It also needs a 3-year articleship, which gives strong work experience.
CS is more focused on company law and corporate governance. While CS training is important, it does not give the same exposure as CA.
Demand in Market
CAs are needed in every field. From big companies to startups, everyone needs a CA. They help with taxes, audits, finance, and more.
CS professionals are mainly needed in bigger companies. Their role is more niche. That’s why the demand for CAs is more than for CS.
Skills and Versatility
A CA can work as a CFO, Auditor, Tax Consultant, Financial Analyst, or Business Advisor. A CS mostly works in legal and compliance roles.This wide range makes CA more attractive and hence, better paid.So, the salary difference is due to demand, training, and job variety.
Career Scope and Growth for CA and CS
Salary is one factor. But long-term growth matters too. So let’s look at career scope and growth in both fields.
Growth Path for CA
- Start as an Auditor or Tax Assistant
- Move to Senior Manager roles
- Become CFO or start own CA firm
- Can also move to consulting or banking
CAs have many options. Their career grows faster if they perform well. In India, a CA can earn ₹1 crore+ in senior roles.
Growth Path for CS
- Start as Company Secretary in a company
- Move to Senior Legal Advisor
- Become Group CS in listed firms
- Work in SEBI, ROC, or legal consultancy
CS career growth is also good. But the growth is limited to legal and compliance areas. So, ca vs cs salary stays higher for CAs.
Job Roles and Industries That Hire CA and CS
Let’s look at the job roles and companies that hire CAs and CSs. This will show why the CA vs. CS salary in india is different.
Jobs for Chartered Accountants
- Tax Consultant
- Internal Auditor
- Financial Analyst
- Statutory Auditor
- CFO
- Risk Manager
Industries: Big 4 Firms (EY, Deloitte, KPMG, PwC), Banks, Startups, FMCG, Government
Jobs for Company Secretaries
- Legal Advisor
- Compliance Officer
- Company Law Expert
- Corporate Governance Officer
- Company Secretary
Industries: MNCs, Listed Companies, SEBI, ROC, Company Law BoardsCAs have more roles across industries. That is why in ca vs cs salary difference, CAs lead.
Challenges in CA and CS Careers
Every career has tough parts.Both CA (Chartered Accountancy) and CS (Company Secretary) are elite professional courses in India with high career potential. However, they are not easy paths to walk. Thousands of students enroll every year, but only a small percentage complete the journey due to various academic and personal hurdles. Let’s see what you must prepare for.
Challenges in CA
1. Low Pass Percentage
- ICAI exams are rigorous with pass percentages between 5%–15%.
- Even bright students may take multiple attempts to clear a level.
2. Huge Syllabus
- Subjects like Taxation, Law, and Financial Reporting have vast and detailed content.
- Staying updated with frequent changes in laws and standards is mandatory.
3. Articleship Pressure
- A 3-year compulsory internship is needed along with studies.
- Many students struggle to balance practical work and exam preparation.
4. Mental Stress and Peer Pressure
- High expectations from family and peers.
- Failures often lead to anxiety, lack of confidence, and burnout.
Challenges in CS
1. Law-Intensive Syllabus
- More than 60% of the CS course is based on Indian laws.
- Continuous amendments in Company Law, SEBI, FEMA, and Corporate Governance make it hard to stay updated.
2. Moderate Pass Rates, Yet Misleading
- While the pass rate (20%–30%) seems better than CA, the actual number of students who complete the full course is still low.
3. Limited Practical Exposure
- The 21-month training is often not as rigorous as CA articleship.
- Students may lack real-world corporate exposure by the time they complete the course.
4. Language & Presentation Skills
- A good CS must have excellent drafting and communication skills for compliance reporting and board meetings.
Which One Should You Choose—CA or CS?
After looking at ca vs cs salary, growth, roles, and demand – what’s the right choice for you?
Choose CA If:
- You love numbers, finance, and money topics
- You want to work in banks, audit firms, or open your own firm
- You want a high salary and flexible jobs
- You can handle a tough syllabus
Choose CS If:
- You like company laws and legal work
- You want to work with the board of directors
- You want a specialized role in company compliance
- You prefer law over numbers
Both fields are strong. But in terms of pay and demand, the CA vs CS salary difference favors CA.
CA vs CS Salary FAQs
1. What is the starting salary of a CA in India?
A CA earns ₹6-8 lakhs per year after becoming qualified. Top rankers and Big 4 placements may get more.
2. What is the starting salary of a CS in India?
A CS earns ₹3-5 lakhs per year. Salary depends on company size and job location.
3. Is CA tougher than CS?
Yes, CA is considered tougher. It has a broader syllabus and longer training. But both need hard work and focus.
4. Who earns more in India – CA or CS?
CAs earn more in India. In the ca salary vs cs salary debate, CA has the edge in salary, job roles, and scope.
5. What is the main ca vs cs salary difference?
CAs have higher salaries due to complex skills, market demand, and broad job roles. CS professionals earn well but mainly in legal and compliance jobs.
6. Can a student do both CA and CS?
Yes, many students do both. This gives them an edge in both finance and law.
7. Does CS have scope in government jobs?
Yes, CS professionals can work in SEBI, ROC, and other regulatory bodies.
