What is Chartered Accountancy (CA)?
Chartered Accountancy is a highly prestigious professional qualification in finance and accounting. In Pakistan, the CA qualification is governed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP). A CA is a professional who is an expert in auditing, taxation, financial management, and business advisory, holding a license to perform statutory audits. The qualification is known for its rigorous training and comprehensive syllabus, preparing individuals for top leadership roles in the corporate world.
Eligibility (2025)
The eligibility criteria to enroll in the ICAP CA program are based on two main routes:
- For Intermediate/A-Level Students:
- You must have passed your HSSC/A-Level or an equivalent qualification with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks.
- Students with marks between 50% and 60% are required to pass a Qualifying Assessment Test (QAT) before starting the program.
- For Graduates:
- You must have a bachelor’s degree (14 years of education) from a university recognized by a competent authority in Pakistan, with a minimum of 45% aggregate marks.
- Graduates with a 16-year degree from a specified degree-awarding institute (SDAI) or a highly-ranked international university with at least 60% marks can apply for the Direct Trainee Scheme, which offers exemptions from certain papers.
Course Fees (2025)
The total cost of the CA qualification in Pakistan is not a single, fixed fee. It is a combination of fees paid to ICAP and the tuition fees paid to private institutions. The total cost varies widely depending on the institution, but a general breakdown is as follows:
- ICAP Fees: These include a one-time registration fee, annual subscription fees, and exam fees for each paper. For example, the registration fee is approximately PKR 10,000, and the exam fee per paper is about PKR 6,000 to PKR 13,050, depending on the level.
- Tuition Fees: These are paid to coaching academies like Alhamd Academy, PAC, or SKANS. The total tuition fee for the entire course can range from PKR 300,000 to over PKR 500,000, depending on the package and the number of papers you take. Some institutes also offer a discounted package for the full course.
Syllabus (2025)
The CA qualification under the ICAP Education Scheme 2025 is structured into four levels:
- Pre-Requisite Competencies (PRC): This is the entry-level stage with three computer-based papers focusing on foundational knowledge.
- Certificate in Accounting and Finance (CAF): This level consists of eight papers covering core accounting and finance concepts, including Financial Accounting, Taxation, and Audit.
- Certified Finance and Accounting Professional (CFAP): This advanced level has six papers that cover more specialized and technical areas like Advanced Corporate Laws, Advanced Accounting, and Tax Planning.
- Multi-Subject Assessment (MSA): This final stage has two papers designed to assess professional competence in financial reporting, assurance, and management.
In addition to exams, the program includes mandatory Hands-On Courses (HoCs) on topics like MS Office and Data Management, as well as a compulsory 3.5-year training period with an approved firm to gain practical experience.
Career Scope (2025)
A qualified CA has a vast and rewarding career scope both in Pakistan and internationally. The qualification is highly valued for its rigorous training, making CAs versatile professionals.
- Job Roles: CAs can work as Auditors, Tax Consultants, Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), Finance Managers, Financial Controllers, and Forensic Accountants.
- Industries: They are in high demand across a wide range of industries, including audit firms (e.g., Big 4), banking and financial services, multinational corporations, the public sector, and manufacturing.
- Salary (Pakistan): The starting salary for a newly qualified CA in Pakistan is highly competitive, often exceeding PKR 250,000 per month in leading organizations. Experienced CAs in senior roles can earn significantly more.
- Global Mobility: The ICAP qualification is internationally recognized, with mutual recognition agreements with global bodies. This allows Pakistani CAs to work abroad in countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the UK, and Canada, where they can command much higher salaries.
