Last updated on December 8th, 2025 at 12:44 pm
Opting to pursue the Chartered Accountancy (CA) qualification is often regarded as a crucial choice. With challenging exams, training, and competition, numerous students ask: “Is pursuing CA worthwhile?” In this article, we unravel the existing misconceptions associated with CA, allowing you to know its genuine value, opportunities, and career paths. Whether you are about to complete high school or are already in college, grasping the reality behind these myths assists you in making a confident, well-informed decision regarding your future in accounting, audit, taxation, and corporate finance.
Why not? Afterall, l 94% of the aspiring candidates are martyred every year.
Nevertheless, we shall explore some myths and see the hard realities in this post, and hopefully bring you to peace!
Key Takeaways
1: The accounting profession has grown by 9% between 2021 and 2022
2:CA difficulty is comparable to other premium degrees like IIM or CFA
3: MBA Is a management qualfication,CA is an accounting qualfication( both poles apart)
4: CA entry level salaries average art 8 LPA
5: Many alternatives and employable skills should be pursued alongside CA
Is doing CA worth it
List of Myths
The CA profession is dying- Myth Number 1
This is the most funny question or rather a thought, which has made its way into the student community. I am not sure, whether this question was a bad dream of a CA inter-student awaiting result, who suddenly thought ” Who cares if I pass, if the profession itself dies?”
Why This Myth exists:
Many believe that conventional accounting positions will vanish due to AI-driven accounting tools, automated bookkeeping, and digital finance platforms. Social media hype amplifies this by comparing Chartered Accountants (CAs) to faster global certification programs.
However, the reality is quite the opposite.
Reality: The Demand for CAs Is Increasing, Not Decreasing
The need for CAs in India remains robust due to intricate taxation, GST, audits, forensic accounting, and adherence to regulations. While AI can handle repetitive tasks, it does not replace judgment-based positions such as auditing, valuation, advisory, or risk management. CAs continue to hold prominent roles in finance, including CFO, Financial Controller, Statutory Auditor, and Compliance Head.
With the rapid growth of India’s corporate and startup landscape, the demand for qualified CAs is on the rise, not in decline.
What Has Evolved?
The conventional “ledger-centric” CA role has evolved into:
- Strategic financial consultant
- Expert in compliance and governance
- Specialist in risk and auditing
- Leader in corporate finance
- Professional in forensic and fraud investigation
EY,PWC,Deloitte,KPMG added more than 400 partners during covid pandemic, making the total partners to 2100. The average salary of of these directors were atleast ₹1 Crore.
Economic Times
The big 4 saw the maximum number of promotions happening during pandemic. The big 4 together generate ₹16k crore in revenues.
Looking at the Deloitte revenue for FY 20 & FY 21, the payment has actually grown by 9%
According to the bureau of labor statistics(BLS), the accounting profession would grow by 11%. This is higher than the national average of 7%
CA is very, very difficult- Myth Number 2
What’s worth which is easy? and nothing precious is cheap!
Reasons Behind This Myth
The pass rates for the CA exam are lower, and social media does exaggerate these figures, leading to the thinking that the course is extremely challenging.Students needing several attempts to pass makes belief that passing CA requires exceptional intelligence.
Truth: CA Is Challenging, But Possible With the Right Approach
CA demands regular study habits rather than extraordinary intellect. It is a professional examination designed to develop specialists in fields like taxation, auditing, law, and accounting, which require accuracy. Every year, countless average students succeed in passing CA through dedicated preparation, not through superior intelligence. While the curriculum is extensive, the underlying concepts are logical and interrelated.
What actually helps in passing CA?
- A well-organized study schedule
- Understanding of concepts
- Frequent revision (3–4 cycles)
- Practice writing and taking mock exams
- Maintaining consistency over 6–9 months for each attempt
Getting into IIM- success rate 2% ,Becoming CFA , charterholder- 6%,Becoming a CA – 6%,Becoming a Para SF- 1%,Becoming a navy seals – 1%
Difficulty is relative, not absolute and never interpret the difficulty based on these numbers but the interest.
If you are not passionate about accounting and finance, then its very very difficult. However if you like numbers, you like logic then CA is very easy.
Most of the candidates applying for CA, are clueless why they exist there! Hence its imperative, that pass rate are going to be low.
I’ll leave you with a question. Would you consider doing a qualification or degree, which has a pass rate of 100%?
MBA is better than CA- Myth Number 3
I have seen a lot of people blatantly claiming that, they sucked at CA & then they gave CAT earning a big fat package. Look at these Quora discussions:
This course not worth of hardship involved like you have to attend morning evening classes of 3.5 -3.5 hours each plus have to go to office for 8–10 hours. You have to give up all your social life & your physical & mental health also degrade that’s why many CA students get bald during course
Quora
Why This Misconception Exists
Numerous students observe MBA graduates swiftly ascending into managerial positions, while CA students dedicate years to passing their exams. Business schools also promote MBAs as pathways to leadership, contributing to the perception that they are superior. Comparisons made on social media further simplify the discussion.
Truth: CA and MBA Target Distinct Career Paths
CA is a technical and specialized credential centered on accounting, auditing, taxation, finance, and compliance.
MBA is managerial qualification that encompasses strategy, marketing, human resources, operations, and finance.
CA typically drives the way for roles such as Auditor, Tax Consultant, Financial Controller, and ultimately CFO (with sufficient experience).
MBA generally leads to positions like Manager, Consultant, Product Head, Business Strategist, and eventually CXO roles.
Where CA works
In-depth technical finance knowledge
Expertise in audit, taxation, law, and corporate compliance
Career pathways through Big 4 firms and CFO-track roles
High credibility in finance-oriented organizations
Where MBA works
- Opportunities for leadership roles
- Focus on strategy, consulting, and corporate management
- Exposure across different functions
- Robust career prospects driven by campus placements
Many such discussions are privy to the internet, most of them written without any industry reference. MBA is management qualification, designed with a very different function in mind.
Check the placement report of IIM B – IIM Placements 2021. Did you notice the kind of roles they get into? These roles include Product management, Consulting, E-commerce, not specialist roles like accounting. When i say specialists, doesn’t mean better or special in the emotional sense but the function itself.
So the answer is neither is better than either, both are separate qualifications for their respective need of the industry.
CA Salaries are low- Myth Number 4
The average salary of fresher chartered accountant in India, is 8.35 Lacs P.A.
These are believable numbers and I have seen this even with our placement record at mentor me careers. For a fresher a salary of 6 LPA, is by no means low!
Moreover the salary growth needs to be factored in too, meaning the salaries can easily double with around 3 years experience. under your belt.
A good benchmark is to multiply your years of experience x 2 Lac to get your average salary targets.
For eg. a person with around 6 years of experience should be in the range of 12-15 LPA
Reason Behind myth
The stipends for articleship (training phase) are lower because they are considered professional apprenticeships rather than full-time employment.
Some entry-level CAs accept reduced salaries due to local market conditions or employment with smaller firms.
There are frequent comparisons made between top-tier MBA job placements, which only highlight elite institutions and do not represent the whole market.
Online discussions tend to imply specific cases.
Truth: CA Salaries Rank Among the Most Competitive in Finance
A newly qualified CA typically earns between ₹7–15 LPA on average.
The Big 4 firms provide salaries ranging from ₹10–20 LPA for fresh CAs.
Top performers and highly skilled individuals may start their careers with salaries of ₹20–30+ LPA.
With 5–10 years of experience, CAs usually earn between ₹20–40 LPA in mid-level management positions.
In senior positions such as CFO, Finance Head, Controller, or Audit Partner, salaries frequently surpass ₹50 LPA to over ₹1 crore annually.
Where CAs Obtain the Highest Salaries
- Big 4 Firms (Deloitte, EY, PwC, KPMG)
- Leading Multinational Corporations (MNCs)
- Global Capability Centres (GCCs)
- Investment Banking & Consulting Sectors
- Large corporations in manufacturing and technology
- Roles in forensic audit, transfer pricing, and valuation
Life Ends if you fail CA- Myth Number 5
Another myth or delusion is that CA is risky because if you don’t clear at the advanced stages then you are stuck. I would disagree again!
Whether someone is stuck or thriving depends on his strategy. Ask your self this,” Are you stuck because you lost the interest?” or are you stuck because you lack something?
Reason This Myth exists
- There are several attempts in CA, and many students take longer to succeed.
- Peer pressure from family, friends, and coaching institutions fosters unrealistic expectations.
- The culture of comparing ourselves online leads students to feel “behind” if they don’t pass quickly.
- The length of articleship and the exam schedules can make the process feel lengthy and emotionally taxing.
Truth: CA Exams Are Challenging but Experiencing Failure Is Common
Numerous students pass CA after multiple tries, and many successful CAs today faced setbacks during their journey. Failing in CA indicates that you may need additional time, clarity, planning, or strategy, rather than a lack of capability.
Some of the most successful and highest-paid CAs did not pass on their initial attempt.
Your Career Is Not Over If You Don’t Complete CA
If someone chooses to withdraw from CA, there are still many lucrative options available, such as:
- ACCA, CMA, CPA
- MBA (in Finance, Marketing, Analytics)
- CFA, FRM
- Careers in finance, auditing, taxation, banking, or consulting
- Starting a business or joining a family enterprise
Your abilities, experiences, and mindset are significantly more important than a single examination.
If you lost your interest or so to say the love for the field then its time to find what you love. At the same time if you are stuck due to some subject that you don’t like, then its time you raised your spirits and deal with it.
Life can end only when you want it to end, not because of CA. CA qualification doesn’t have the time or intention to target you personally, its you who is the maker of your destiny.
There are many IIM Graduates, who don’t get hired likewise there are many chartered accountants who are unemployed.
So the exams outcome is a reflection of your preparation, passion and hard-work nothing less nothing more.
At the same time the world doesn’t stop you from building your skills and pursuing additional qualifications and certifications.
You can pursue CFA, ACCA, CPA, IFRS and many such skills which can give you a fighting chance in survival.
You can read more about the best certifications for CA students in this post: 10 Best Certification Courses & Qualifications for CA Students
Is doing CA worth it? (Conclusion)
Finally the golden question is here! Is it worth it? A 200% Yes in my opinion, no questions asked. Moreover, -CA ‘s are a premium bunch of people in India and across the world. Leaving aside their technical competencies, a CA is symbol of perfection, hard-work & perseverance. After cutting through the clutter, misconceptions, and noise, one fact stands out. Chartered Accountancy is absolutely worth it for students who want a stable, respected, and high-growth career in finance, audit, taxation, compliance, and corporate strategy. The CA profession is thriving, salaries are competitive, and facing challenges along the way doesn’t mean your career is over. Like any prestigious professional qualification, CA requires commitment, discipline, and focus, not flawless performance or brilliance.
For those dedicated to establishing a long-term career in finance, CA provides unparalleled credibility, strong earning potential, and a wide array of opportunities within Big 4 firms, multinational corporations, startups, and government agencies. Even if your journey takes a bit longer or you opt for a different qualification later on, the skills and insights acquired during CA preparation will continue to serve you well throughout your career.
Ultimately, the important question isn’t “Is CA worth it?” Is CA the right fit for your strengths, interests, and goals? With the right approach and mindset, choosing CA can be one of the most fulfilling decisions you’ll ever make.
Hence if you are in a dilemma about this question then first ask yourself whether you are passionate about this field and work. If the answer is yes, then the value is there. Else its time for search to continue.
FAQ
Yes. CA remains one of the most respected and rewarding finance qualifications in India. With strong demand in audit, taxation, compliance, consulting, and corporate finance, CA continues to offer excellent long-term career growth.
No. AI is automating repetitive tasks, not judgment-based roles like auditing, taxation strategy, valuation, or corporate governance. CA work is evolving, not disappearing. Skilled CAs are now more valuable than ever.
CA is challenging but not impossible. Success depends on strategy, consistency, revision, and conceptual clarity, not exceptional intelligence. Thousands of students clear CA every year with proper planning.
No. Articleship stipends may be low, but CA salaries after qualification are strong. Freshers earn ₹7–15 LPA on average, Big 4 roles offer ₹10–20 LPA, and senior CAs regularly cross ₹40 LPA to ₹1 crore+ annually.
Neither is universally better. CA suits technical finance roles (audit, taxation, law, accounting), while MBA suits managerial, strategic, and leadership roles. The right choice depends on your strengths and goals.
Yes. With GST, increased compliance, forensic audits, fintech growth, and global reporting standards, the need for CAs in India is rising, not shrinking. CA remains a future-proof profession.
Yes. While CA (India) is nationally focused, many CAs work abroad in roles like audit, taxation, consulting, and corporate finance, especially in the Middle East, UK, Canada, Singapore, and Australia. Converting the qualification may be required in some regions.
