How Much Does a CA Earn in India?

Salaries depend on multiple factors such as experience, job profile, industry, academic performance, and whether the CA has cleared exams in the first attempt or with a rank.

CA Salary in India: An Overview

A fresher CA in India can earn anywhere between ₹6 lakh to ₹12 lakh per annum in a typical job. However, this is just an average — there are many who start below ₹6 lakh, and others who receive offers exceeding ₹25 lakh right out of the gate, especially those with an All India Rank (AIR).

Key Factors That Influence a CA’s Salary

1. Rank and Attempt in CA Final

• A first-attempt pass, especially with a rank, significantly improves salary offers.

• CA firms and companies see rankers as high-potential candidates and are willing to offer higher packages — often starting from ₹15–25 LPA for top rankers.

• On the other hand, candidates with multiple attempts may start at a more modest package of ₹5–7 LPA.

2. Type of Employer: Big 4s, Industry, or Practice

• Big 4 Firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG): Fresher salaries typically range between ₹8–12 LPA. Roles include audit, taxation, advisory, etc.

• Multinational Corporations (MNCs): Salary may go up to ₹14–18 LPA depending on profile.

• Indian Corporates and PSUs: Average fresher salary is ₹6–10 LPA.

• Startups and SMEs: CTC may start around ₹5–6 LPA.

• Practice (Self-employed): Initial earnings may be low (even ₹3–5 LPA), but potential is unlimited as the practice grows.

3. Industry and Location

• BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, Insurance): ₹8–15 LPA for mid-level roles.

• IT/ITES and Tech Startups: ₹7–13 LPA for finance controller, tax compliance, and internal audit.

• Manufacturing and FMCG: ₹6–10 LPA is standard, though strategic roles can pay more.

• Metro Cities vs Tier-II Cities: Salaries are higher in metros like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore due to cost of living and demand.

4. Specialized Skills and Additional Certifications

A CA with additional qualifications like CFA, CPA, MBA (Finance), or expertise in GST, international taxation, forensic audits, or financial modelling can command higher salaries.

5. Government Sector Opportunities

Though lower in starting salary compared to corporate, government jobs offer stability, pension benefits, and prestige. Examples include:

• PSUs: ₹7–12 LPA

• RBI/SEBI: ₹15–20 LPA (for Grade A/B officers)

• Civil Services (IRS, IAAS): Salaries as per 7th Pay Commission + perks

Salary Packages Offered via ICAI Campus Placements

ICAI organizes placement drives for freshly qualified CAs twice a year.

• Average CTC: ₹8.5 – ₹9 LPA

• Top Domestic Offer: ₹22–25 LPA

• International Offer (Middle East, Singapore, etc.): ₹25–35 LPA

In some cases, overseas placements fetch higher salaries due to tax advantages and currency value.

Real Stories: What Do CAs Actually Earn?

• A CA with an AIR under 10 shared that he got an offer of ₹25 LPA from a global consulting firm.

• Another CA who passed in 3rd attempt joined a mid-size firm with ₹6.5 LPA and grew to ₹18 LPA in five years through sheer performance.

• A CA working in practice (own firm) started with ₹4 LPA, but now handles clients worth crores and earns over ₹40 LPA within 10 years.

Perks Beyond Salary

Apart from fixed salary, many CAs enjoy:

• Performance Bonuses

• Relocation and Housing Allowance

• Stock Options (ESOPs)

• Foreign Travel and Onsite Opportunities

• Professional Growth via Conferences and Courses

Final Word: What Should You Expect?

If you’re a student or aspiring CA, don’t chase numbers blindly. Focus on learning, clarity of concepts, and real skills. Your starting salary may not define your worth, but your attitude and hunger to grow will decide your long-term earnings.

Whether you begin with ₹5 LPA or ₹25 LPA — the CA designation is just the start. What matters is how you use it.