From Nandini to Tara Chand, Inspiring CA Journeys That Prove Age Is Just a Number
"CA is too hard."
"You need to be a topper to qualify."
"You won't have a life other than study."
Does that sound familiar? That's what most people say when you talk about becoming a Chartered Accountant. The reality is, you do not need to be a math wizard or mathematician to do CA. You simply need to be motivated, get the right advice, and have faith in yourself.
Becoming a Chartered Accountant may seem like an impossible task at present. You may be a 12th-grade student, confused about which action to take next or a graduate unsure of the next step, but the path to CA is nonetheless possible and worthwhile.
The CA journey is not limited to a few "lucky" individuals. It can be undertaken by anyone who is willing to dedicate their time, remain patient and believe in the journey ahead. You may fail. You may want to quit. But for those that are consistent in their effort and guided correctly, CA may end up being one of the best decisions you have ever made. And don’t just take our word for it. Let's look at some examples - evidence that shows age, background or previous grades no longer define your future.
Still not convinced? Keep reading - we have stories and perspectives that will help you make a decision.
Real Stories, Real Inspiration
If you ever needed proof that the CA journey can happen, regardless of age or background — look at Nandini Agarwal and Tara Chand.
Nandini did not have elite coaches when she was growing up or ready access to the advantages of growing up in a metro city. What she did have was pure courage, clarity, and the desire to succeed. At the age of 19, and having passed both CA Intermediate and CA Final on her first attempts, Nandini became the youngest CA in India. While most of them are trying to figure out life, she did something which thousands of people dream of.
And then we have Tara Chand, who showed us that dreams don't retire. After his 60s, way past the point when most people stop learning, he passed the CA exams at the age of 71 — a feat or an accomplishment that even students much younger than him are hesitant to do.
Sometimes, someone's story says more than a motivational quote: it's never too late to start.
These aren't just stories. They're evidence shows that age, timing, and background don't matter when it comes to success; mindset does.
So, the question is no longer "Can I do CA?" — it's "Why not me?"
What Exactly Is CA and Why Is It So Talked About?
CA full form which stands for Chartered Accountant, is not simply a degree but a distinguished professional qualification that provides an entry point to many career options within finance, business or even law. Quite literally, a Chartered Accountant is like a doctor for a business's financial well-being. The CA will ensure that the company is in legal compliance, manage the company's money in the best possible way and make necessary business decisions; ultimately driving the success and growth of the business.
So, what does a CA do and what does this involve? They do a lot of important things, including:
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Accounting - Ensuring the accurate recording of a company's finances
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Taxation - Ensuring businesses and individuals comply with paying their taxes
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Auditing - Checking if companies comply with legal and financial requirements
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Financial Planning - Helping businesses manage profits, needs for investment and risks
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Corporate Law & Governance - Getting companies to consider whether their corporate behaviour is ethical and lawful.
The CA profession works with leading corporates, government departments, start-ups, NGOs — it's common for a CA to even start their own practice! This is why it is such a popular profession! Being a CA isn't just numbers, it's having a trusted adviser role, and advising on decisions.
For example, the CA profession in India is regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). ICAI's professional exams are tough and it's also globally recognised for its standards.
How to become a Chartered Accountant after 12th commerce (Or Even After Graduation)
Here’s a simple breakdown of how you can become a CA after 12th:
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Step 1: CA Foundation Course
The very first step in your CA journey is to register for the CA Foundation course after completing 12th grade (preferably in commerce). The CA foundation is an entry-level test and will check your basics like Accounting, Law, Economics and Math.
CA foundation registration 2025 is already live and CA exam dates 2025 will be released soon by ICAI – make sure you register in time!
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Step 2: CA Intermediate
If you have cleared the CA Foundation course successfully, you'll move to the CA intermediate level. This is the stage where the learning becomes application based. You'll continue your path down accounting, company law, taxation, auditing and so on.
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Step 3: Articleship (Practical Training)
Once you have cleared either one or both groups of the CA Intermediate, you'll need to do a 3 year mandatory articleship - and this is real-world training under a practicing CA, client obligations/models for you to understand.
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Step 4: CA Final
After completing your articleship and clearing both groups of Intermediate, you are now able to appear for the CA Final - this is the last step of your journey.
Can I Do CA Along with Other Degrees Like BCom, BSc, BBA, or BA?
Definitely! There are tons of students who complete BCom with CA, and it is actually sensible since BCom is really compatible with the CA subjects.
If you are looking for the best B Com with CA colleges in Bangalore, there are some really top B Com with CA colleges in Bangalore, like Christ University, Jain University, and Mount Carmel College, which are well-known B.Com colleges for CA preparation with integrated coaching.
You can also do CA along with other degrees such as
The only drawback is that it will require more self-study because not all college subjects are going to be wholly covered on the CA syllabus; however, with proper time management and effective mentorship, you can totally do it.
Why You Should Consider Doing CA
If you are looking for reasons to state why CA can be your choice, here are a couple of key factors:
- Career Opportunities: Chartered Accountants are always in scope - in India and worldwide.
- Job Security: You can work for MNCs, have own firm or consultant.
- Salary: Even freshers are getting good packages, especially if they complete their CA exams in first attempt.
- Status: CAs are considered one of the most trusted professionals in business
- Flexibility: You can be an employee of a business, be self-employed (have your own business), or you can work as a freelancer on various financial projects.
To Conclude - It is Your Journey, Make the Most of It
Becoming a CA is not necessarily easy but it is not impossible.It does not matter if you're still in school or pursuing BCom, BSC, BBA or BA, it is possible to be a CA. You do not have to be smart. You do not have to find a coaching centre in a big city. You just need to have vision, have hard work, and willingness to get started.
So to all of the students out there who are second guessing you can do it - YOU CAN DO IT! Let Nandini's youthful enthusiasm and let Tara Chand's it is never too late to inspire you.
And remember, it is not about being the best, but about getting better every day. CA is not for everybody, but it may be for you.
FAQs
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What does CA full form?
Answer - Chartered Accountant
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Can I do CA with BBM or BSc?
Answer - Yes! CA is preferred with a Bcom Degree but you can do CA with any Degree.
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What is the eligibility of CA Foundation?
Answer - You should have passed class 12 in any recognized board.
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What are the CA exam dates 2025?
Answer - ICAI will announce the official CA exam dates 2025 for Foundation, Intermediate and Final.
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Best B Com with CA colleges in Bangalore?
Answer - Christ University, Jain University, Mount Carmel College and others.