Chartered Accountancy (CA) is a prestigious professional qualification in accountancy. CA is administered by ICAP (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan), the statutory body regulating the profession. The head office of ICAP is in Karachi, with regional offices across major cities including Lahore, Multan, Islamabad, Quetta, and Hyderabad.

CA offers excellent career prospects in auditing firms, accounts departments, banks, taxation and finance roles, commercial organisations, and both local and international companies. The importance of CA continues to grow due to increasing entrepreneurial demand and evolving global business standards.

This article is for new students seeking admission to the CA program. It will guide you about courses, admission procedures, eligibility criteria, fees, exemptions, practical training, and institutions of CA.

   Eligibility Criteria

There are two routes into the CA Qualification under ICAP’s Education Scheme 2025.

Full‑Time Scheme: Under this route, students typically start at the Pre‑Requisite Competencies (PRC) level. Eligible candidates include:

• Students with 60% or more in Intermediate (HSSC) OR A‑Levels (equivalent) can directly enter the PRC without test.
• Students with 50% to less than 60% in Intermediate or A‑Levels are required to pass the Qualifying Assessment Test (QAT) before registering for PRC.
• Those with an Associate Degree (14 years of education) with 45% or higher can enter PRC directly or via QAT depending on marks.

Trainee Scheme: This route is for candidates who are already offered a training contract by an ICAP‑approved training organisation and have a qualifying academic background. Eligible candidates include:

• Graduates with 16 years of education (Bachelor’s or higher).
• Graduates with 14 years of education and minimum 45% marks who have passed PRC or equivalent.

   QUALITY ASSESSMENT TEST (QAT)

Students will appear in the Qualifying Assessment Test (QAT) as an entry test to the CA program. The QAT is a computer-based test that assesses English language, mathematics, and analytical reasoning.

• Candidates with Intermediate/A-Level scores between 50–60% must pass the QAT for entry.
• A candidate may attempt the QAT up to three times.
• The QAT is conducted by third-party authorized centers.

   CA Program structure

Under the ICAP Education Scheme 2025, the CA qualification includes the following stages:

Level	Subjects
Pre-Requisite Competencies (PRC)	Functional English Business Writing and Comprehension Skills Quantitative Methods Principles of Economics Introduction to Accounting Introduction to Business
Certificate in Accounting and Finance (CAF)	Group A: Financial Accounting and Reporting 1 Tax Practices Cost and Management Accounting Business Law Group B: Financial Accounting and Reporting 2 Managerial and Financial Analysis Company Law Audit and Assurance
Certified Finance and Accounting Professional (CFAP)	Advanced Accounting and Financial Reporting Advanced Corporate Laws and Practices Strategy and Performance Measurement Business Finance Decisions Tax Planning and Practices Audit, Assurance, and Related Services
Multi Subject Assessment (MSA)	Financial Reporting & Assurance – Professional Competence Management – Professional Competence

 

Additional Components:

ICAP has also introduced Hands‑On Courses (HOC) in areas such as Presentation and Personal Effectiveness, MS Office/IT skills, Data Management & Analytics, FinTech, and online Professional Values & Ethics modules as part of the overall scheme.

   PRACTICAL TRAINING AS A PART OF CA PROGRAM

Practical training (articleship) is an essential part of the CA program. Students must complete training with an ICAP‑approved organisation to develop practical competence. The duration and timing of training depend on the entry route:

• Full‑Time scheme entrants complete PRC and then CAF before starting training; they then complete CFAP and MSA alongside training.
• Trainee scheme entrants begin training first and complete PRC, CAF, CFAP, and MSA during their training contract.

   Fee structure of CA (2025-26)

ICAP Fees (payable to ICAP)

Fee Type	Amount (Rs.)
QAT Fee	5,800
Annual Subscription Fee	5,350
Registration Fee (Full Time)	20,000
Registration Fee (Trainee)	24,300
PRC Per Paper	5,550
CAF Per Paper	6,750
CFAP Per Paper	10,250
MSA (two papers)	26,300
Strategic Case Study	29,000

Exemption fees for students with other professional qualifications (e.g., ACCA, CIMA) vary depending on the number of papers exempted.

Note: Tuition fees for coaching and study centres vary by institution and are not included above.

   Colleges for CA Program – Admission Procedure

• CA program is administered and examined by ICAP Pakistan.
• ICAP exams are conducted according to scheduled sessions throughout the year.
• Tuition is offered by various ICAP‑registered colleges and academies in major cities.
• Students should visit a local college offering CA courses, fill in the registration form for the college, and simultaneously register with ICAP Pakistan.

   Paper Exemption

Exemptions from certain papers may be granted based on prior qualifications such as ACCA or other recognised credentials, subject to ICAP’s exemption rules and payment of exemption fees.