The CA Intermediate is the second level of the Chartered Accountancy course. It serves as the bridge between the foundational knowledge you gained in the CA Foundation and the advanced expertise required for the CA Final .

The Intermediate level is significantly more comprehensive and in-depth. While the Foundation tests your aptitude and basics, the Intermediate level provides you with working knowledge of core accounting, finance, and legal subjects. The syllabus is much larger and requires a more strategic approach to study .

The ICAI's New Scheme, effective from July 2023, has streamlined the course. The number of papers has been reduced from eight to six, the syllabus has been updated to be more practical, and the articleship rules have been revised .

There are two groups with three papers in each group, making it a total of six papers.

• Group I: Advanced Accounting, Corporate and Other Laws, Taxation.
• Group II: Cost and Management Accounting, Auditing and Ethics, Financial Management & Strategic Management .

This is a personal strategic decision.

• Both Groups: Offers the benefit of "set-off" (excess marks in one group can compensate for a deficit in the other) and can fast-track your journey. It requires immense dedication.
• Single Group: Allows you to focus deeply on three subjects at a time, which might be more manageable for some students. 
  

The primary objective is to equip you with the technical expertise and problem-solving skills needed to function effectively in the accounting and finance industry, preparing you for your practical training (articleship).

There are two routes to enter the CA Intermediate level:

• The Foundation Route: For students who have passed the CA Foundation Examination.
• The Direct Entry Route: For graduates, post-graduates, and students who have cleared the Intermediate level of other professional bodies .

• Commerce Graduates/Post-Graduates: Must have a minimum of 55% marks.
• Non-Commerce Graduates/Post-Graduates: Must have a minimum of 60% marks.
• Students who have passed the Intermediate level of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) or the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) are also eligible .

The entire process is online via the ICAI's Self-Service Portal (SSP). You need to fill out the application form, upload the necessary documents, and pay the registration fee  .

You will need an attested copy of your CA Foundation pass mark sheet (for the Foundation route) or your graduate/post-graduate mark sheets (for the Direct Entry route).

You must complete an eight-month study period after registering for the course before you are eligible to appear for your first attempt. 

• To appear for the May exam, you must register on or before September 1 of the previous year.
• To appear for the November exam, you must register on or before March 1 of the same year .

Under the New Scheme, the registration is valid for five years .

• Paper 1: Advanced Accounting
• Paper 2: Corporate and Other Laws
• Paper 3: Taxation (Section A: Direct Tax, Section B: Indirect Tax)​
  

• Paper 4: Cost and Management Accounting
• Paper 5: Auditing and Ethics
• Paper 6: Financial Management & Strategic Management (Section A: FM, Section B: SM).

• Practical-Oriented: Advanced Accounting, Cost and Management Accounting, Financial Management.
• Theory-Oriented: Corporate and Other Laws, Auditing and Ethics, Strategic Management.
• Hybrid (Practical & Theory): Taxation .

It is critically important, especially for papers like Taxation and Law. The ICAI tests students on the latest amendments, and failing to stay updated can result in losing significant marks .

After successful registration, the ICAI will dispatch the official study materials to your registered address. They are also available in digital format on the ICAI's Board of Studies (BoS) portal . 

ICITSS stands for Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills. It consists of two parts: IT Training and Orientation Course. Yes, completing ICITSS is mandatory before you can commence your articleship .

All six papers follow a 30:70 pattern:

• 30% of the paper consists of Objective type questions (MCQs).
• 70% of the paper consists of Descriptive type questions.

Great news! There is NO negative marking for incorrect MCQ answers in the CA Intermediate exams. This is a huge scoring opportunity .

To pass a single group, you must secure:

• A minimum of 40% marks in each paper of that group, AND
• A minimum of 50% marks in the aggregate of all papers of that group .

The same rule applies: 40% in each paper and 50% in the aggregate for each group. However, you also get the benefit of set-off  .

If you appear for both groups simultaneously and clear one group but fail the other, the excess marks you scored in the cleared group can be used to cover the shortfall of marks in the failed group to help you pass . 

If you fail a group but score 60% or more marks in any paper, you are granted an exemption in that paper for the next three attempts. You don't have to appear for that paper again during those attempts .

Each paper is 3 hours long .

Articleship is a mandatory two-year practical training program where you work under a practicing Chartered Accountant. It is the cornerstone of the CA course, providing you with invaluable hands-on experience.

You can start your articleship only after you have passed both groups of the CA Intermediate examination and completed the mandatory ICITSS training.

You will get exposure to various domains like Auditing & Assurance, Direct and Indirect Taxation, Accounting, Corporate Law, and Financial Management.

Yes, you are paid a minimum monthly amount called a stipend, which is prescribed by the ICAI. The actual amount can vary depending on the firm and the city.

You can look for vacancies on the ICAI's articleship portal, through professional networking sites like LinkedIn, or by directly applying to CA firms in your city . 

While the mandatory study period is eight months, a dedicated preparation of 9-10 months is ideal to cover the vast syllabus, revise multiple times, and solve mock test papers .

This depends on your learning style. However, given the complexity and vastness of the syllabus, joining a reputed institute like Mercury Edutech Academy provides structured guidance, expert mentorship, and a disciplined study environment that greatly enhances your chances of success .

Focus on conceptual clarity. Make your own notes, use keywords and charts, and practice writing answers. Regular revision is the key to retaining information in theory subjects .

Start by understanding the concepts and then solve as many problems as you can. Begin with the ICAI study material and then move on to Revision Test Papers (RTPs), Mock Test Papers (MTPs), and past exam papers.

They are extremely important. They give you an idea of the expected exam pattern, the type of questions asked, and help you assess your preparation level just before the exams . 

Ideally, you should aim for at least three complete revisions to be confident and well-prepared for the exams . 

Results are typically announced by the ICAI approximately two months after the exams conclude  .

You can start preparing for the second group for the next attempt. Your passed group is valid, and you don't need to appear for it again  .

Don't be discouraged! The CA course is a test of perseverance. Analyze your mistakes, re-strategize your study plan, and prepare for the next attempt with renewed focus. Your registration is valid for 5 years, giving you ample opportunities  .

Congratulations! After passing both groups, you need to:

1. Complete your ICITSS training.
2. Register for and commence your two-year practical training (Articleship).
3. Register for the CA Final course .

Yes, absolutely. Many students pursue their B.Com degree alongside their CA preparations, as the syllabus has a significant overlap, making it manageable  . 

After clearing Intermediate, you must start your articleship. The CA Final exam can only be attempted after completing your practical training and an additional six-month study period . 

Under the New Scheme, after passing the Intermediate exams and before appearing for the Final exam, you must clear four Self-Paced Online Modules in subjects like Economics Law and Strategic Cost Management  . 

Your registration is valid for five years, within which you can make up to 10 attempts without re-registering . 

Yes, the ICAI releases an All India Merit List for the top 50 rank holders in the CA Intermediate exams . 

Yes, the ICAI provides a process for students registered under the old syllabus to convert to the New Scheme of Education and Training  . 

Yes, during the last part of your articleship, you may opt for industrial training in a company from the financial or commercial sector for a specified period  . 

This is an advanced version of the ICITSS, which you need to complete after your articleship and before appearing for the CA Final exam . 

At Mercury Edutech Academy, we provide expert faculty, a comprehensive and exam-oriented study plan, regular mock tests, personalized doubt-solving sessions, and a motivating environment to guide you at every step of your CA Intermediate journey, ensuring you are not just prepared, but exam-ready .