What degree is equal to CA?

Asked by: Mr. Micah Armstrong  |  Last update: September 21, 2026
Score: 5/5 (13 votes)

The Chartered Accountancy (CA) qualification is recognized as equivalent to a postgraduate degree (specifically a Master’s degree) by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in India, and it is considered equivalent to a Master of Commerce (M.Com) in some regions. It allows holders to pursue further studies, such as a Ph.D..

Which degree is CA equivalent to?

CA Qualification is Now Equivalent To PG Degree: UGC.

Which degree is similar to CA?

CPA – Certified Public Accountant

US CPA is an alternative option to CA that enables careers in both the US and India. The Certified Public Accountants course is designed for those who want to work in the accounting field and may opt for the CPA course.

Which degree is equivalent to CA in the US?

Also known as CA, chartered accountants refer to a designation granted internationally to individuals, in countries outside America. The designation is similar to a CPA designation in the US.

What is the equivalent of CA?

The CA designation is granted to accounting professionals internationally, in countries outside of the United States. In the U.S., a certified public accountant (CPA) is the designation equivalent to a chartered accountant (CA).

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15 related questions found

Is CA equal to master?

Yes, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) recognizes Chartered Accountancy as equivalent to a Master of Commerce (M. Com) degree involving 16 years of schooling in Pakistan. Note: ICAP does not offer or arrange any Bachelor's Degree recognized by HEC to its qualified members.

Is CA higher or CFA?

Conclusion. Both CA and CFA are esteemed qualifications with distinct focuses and benefits. While CA is a perfect fit for those interested in accounting and auditing in India, CFA is meant for finance enthusiasts with a global perspective.

Is a CA equal to an MBA?

Firstly an MBA is a Master's Degree in Business Administration while the CA is a specialist certification. Secondly, MBA students study business management while Chartered Accountants tend to research accounting and finance. Thirdly, the scope of an MBA is more comprehensive than that of a CA.

Can a Chartered Accountant do a PhD?

One hundred and Five Indian Universities, Seven Indian Institutes of Management, IIT Madras and IIT Bombay recognise Chartered Accountancy Qualification as equivalent to Post Graduation for admitting CA students to the Doctoral Programme.

Is a CA degree worth it?

However, the CA designation opens doors to high-paying roles in auditing, taxation, and financial advisory, making the challenge worthwhile. With accounting jobs projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033—faster than the average for all occupations—qualified professionals are in high demand.

Is a Chartered Accountant the same as a Masters?

Our graduate trainees work towards Chartered Accountant status with The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) via the ACA accounting qualification. ACA is short for Associate Chartered Accountant. It's a prestigious and in-demand level 7 qualification, equivalent to a Masters' degree.

Is CA worth it in 2025?

So, is CA still worth it in 2025? Absolutely. The world of finance is evolving, and CAs are evolving with it. If you're passionate about finance, willing to embrace change, and ready to put in the hard work, then the CA designation can be your passport to a successful and fulfilling career.

Which is harder, PhD or CA?

Both PhD and CA are tough, but in different ways. One needs to understand that a PhD is a research degree requiring deep expertise in the subject, patience, writing skills and originality. CA is a competitive exam with low pass rates. PhD is tough as it is intellectually and emotionally taxing.

What is the highest degree in accounting?

PhD and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in accounting are both doctoral degrees in accounting and simultaneously the highest degrees in accounting.

Is CA going to be replaced by AI?

Will AI Replace Accountants in the Future? Yes, AI is the future, but it will not replace Accountants, CAs, or Management Accountants. It cannot replace human expertise, especially when it comes to intuition, creativity and strategic planning.

Is CA equal to master's degree?

The qualification of a Chartered Accountant is considered equivalent to a postgraduate degree in India.

Whose salary is highest, CA or CFA?

Who gets more salary, CA vs CFA? Salaries for both CAs and CFAs can vary based on experience, industry, and location. On average, a CA in India earns between INR 6 to 10 LPA, whereas a CFA can earn anywhere between INR 5 to 20 LPA depending on the company and the role.

How long does it take to get a CA designation?

You'll need to complete the required education, gain relevant work experience, and pass all necessary exams. The entire process can take anywhere from 5 to 7 years, depending on how quickly you fulfill the experience and education requirements.

Is CFA extremely difficult?

The CFA exam is one of the most challenging exams in the world. However, the key to clearing this particular exam is a lot of practice and conceptual clarity. You may have heard some rumours regarding the Chartered Financial Analyst course being a comparatively easier course because the level 1 exams are easier.