Is it Better to Do CA During or After Your Degree?

Deciding whether to pursue a Chartered Accountancy (CA) degree during or after your bachelors' degree can be a complex decision. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, but one thing is clear: doing CA alongside your degree is often more beneficial than doing it after. This article explores the merits of both approaches.

Benefits of Doing CA During Your Degree

Doing CA while you are still pursuing your degree can save you a significant amount of time and reduce the overall cost of your education. Here are some specific benefits:

Syllabus Overlap: A large portion of the CA syllabus aligns with the curriculum of a business or commerce degree. This overlap means that you can easily manage your CA studies alongside your degree, potentially saving you around 3 years of post-degree education. You can leverage this overlap to focus on the distinct CA topics, thereby reducing your study burden. Greater Immediate Knowledge: If your degree leans towards commerce, many CA topics will be covered in your regular courses. This knowledge can be a huge asset in your CA studies, making them more manageable and providing a better foundation. Earlier Earnings Potential: By integrating CA into your university studies, you can start earning earlier. Internship opportunities in the field of accounting and finance are plentiful, and you can seize these opportunities as a student, gaining valuable experience and financial freedom.

Alternatives to CA During Degree

For some specialties like BBA (BA in Business Administration) or other non-commerce degrees, it might be more practical to do CA after your degree. Here are some considerations:

Ccoes: For degrees like Bco (Bachelor of Commerce), it is quite feasible to study CA alongside. A significant portion of the CA syllabus overlaps with the Bco curriculum, making the transition smoother. You can directly enroll in the Intermediate Professional Course (IPPC) without having to take the Certificate in Professional Practice (CPT).

Other Degrees: If your degree does not have much overlap with the CA syllabus, doing CA after your degree might be more effective. You'll have a clearer idea of the CA topics and can adjust your study schedule accordingly. Starting after graduation also means you'll be a bit older and might bring more maturity and motivation to your studies.

Indifference and Practicality

Ultimately, your decision should not be significantly influenced by whether you do CA before or after your degree. The important factors are the topics that align with your degree and how long you are willing to wait to become a CA.

Both options are valid, and one is not necessarily better than the other. What matters most is the content you will be studying and how it complements your degree. Whether you start before or after your degree, the end result will be the same: a strong foundation in accounting principles and practices, alongside the degree of your choice from a reputable institution like ICAI.

Conclusion

Choosing to do CA during or after your degree is a personal decision that depends on your specific circumstances. However, if your degree is in a field that overlaps significantly with the CA syllabus, there is a compelling argument for doing CA alongside your degree. This approach not only saves time and resources but also provides a practical and immediate benefit in terms of earning potential.

Consider your personal schedule, the alignment of your degree with the CA curriculum, and your long-term career goals to make the best decision for you.