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CA vs MBA: Know the differences- Looking at the present competitiveness, the importance of having a professional degree cannot be denied. On one hand, we have professional courses like Chartered Accountancy (CA), CS, and on the other side, we have a postgraduate degree like Master of Business Administration (MBA) through CAT 2024, which has its own benefit label. Usually, students are searching for CA vs MBA, which is better, Check out this article to know all the details pertaining to CA vs MBA, such as CA vs MBA salary, CA vs MBA from IIM, MBA vs CA: which is tough etc.
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There is a vast career scope for an MBA in several areas of business, along with effective knowledge in management, analysis, and business strategy. On the other hand, chartered accounting deals with specialisation in all fields of business and finance. If a candidate has a specific interest in the finance domain, then choosing between CA and MBA finance can be a tough decision to make.
Careers360 brings you clear details on CA vs MBA, course structure, scope after CA and scope after MBA, career path, MBA vs CA salary in India in comparison between the two courses, and much more.
Check out below the differences between CA and MBA based on various factors.
Particulars | CA | MBA |
Investment | Economical. The overall money invested in a CA certification is less compared to an MBA degree. | It is highly expensive if you are planning to do it from Top B-Schools like IIMs, XLRI, etc. |
Pass % | Out of 100, only 3–5% of candidates are able to qualify and get certified as CA. | 90–95% of candidates who opt for an MBA course end up getting good jobs. |
Career options | A few options are available. For a qualified CA, ample options are not available. | Wider options are available. |
Exposure | 3 years internship | few months internship, ranging from 3 to 6 months |
Difficulty Level | Tough | Moderate to Difficult |
If one wants to pursue CA, then he/she has to think in advance. Whereas an MBA course can add additional value to existing professions. Nowadays, even executive MBA courses for working professionals are also available.
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Chartered Accountancy is an international and professionally recognized course. In India, the CA course is conducted by ICAI, i.e., the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. A person who qualifies for the Chartered Accountancy course is known as CA. To be recognized as CA, candidates need to appear for the CPT (Common Proficiency Test) after clearing 10+2.
If any candidate does not wish to give the CPT level, then he or she can register for IPCC on the condition that they have a graduation degree. Keeping in mind the track record of passing candidates in the CA course, it is always advisable for candidates to have at least a graduation degree.
The main objective of the CA Course - To provide exposure to the Financial and Accounting sector.
In the investigation of MBA vs CA, one of the quests is why MBA and not CA. A Master’s in Business Administration commonly called an MBA is a postgraduate degree that is widely recognized all over the world. Candidates with an MBA degree are open to vast opportunities. Bachelor’s degree from any background like Science/ Humanities/ Commerce etc. is acceptable to pursue an MBA course.
To take admission in MBA courses, many national, state, and university exams are conducted, like CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, BMAT, ATMA, MAH CET, and many more.
The main objective of the MBA Course - To provide exposure to different domains like Marketing, Human Resources, Finance, International Business etc.
Events | CA Course | MBA Course |
Duration of Exam | Four years (only if candidates clear in the first attempt) | Two-year degree programme |
Once you know what CA and MBA basically are! The next step in MBA vs CA is to know the CA and MBA eligibility criteria. CA and MBA both occupy popular positions under top professional courses. Below mentioned eligibility criteria can be checked by candidates if they are planning to either take up the CA profession or pursue an MBA course degree.
Eligibility | Chartered Accountant (CA) | Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) |
Bachelor’s Degree | Not Mandatory | Mandatory |
Exam conducting body | No Single Body (IIMs) | |
Levels/Semesters | Three Levels i.e. CPT, IPCC, CA-Final | Four Semesters |
Job Aspect | Chartered Accountant, Auditor, Finance Manager etc., | Manager, Team Leader, Human Resource Head, etc. |
Course | Particulars |
CA |
|
MBA |
|
A Chartered Accountancy (CA) is way tougher than an MBA course. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is not that tough as compared to a CA. While pursuing CA, students have to study subjects like financial accounting, business environment, auditing, reporting, general management, taxation, etc.
Although many professional and diploma courses have emerged in recent times, the importance of CA courses cannot be overlooked. A well-qualified CA is in demand in all industries. As a CA, an individual can work with the government, public undertakings, or private sector companies as well. If one does not wish to work under someone, then CA has the option to practice individually.
The choice is yours—whether you are comfortable working in a small or midsize private practice, auditing and consulting firms, banking, or the corporate sector. You may get a chance to work with the Big 4 or join any multinational organisation (MNC). Almost every huge organisation has an accounting or finance department, and it’s up to you to decide where to apply.
Related Article- How to become a CA in India
Apart from the lucrative MBA salary in India package, a person having an MBA degree will have uplifted career opportunities. The importance of having an MBA degree can not be neglected. MBA can be pursued as a part-time MBA, full-time, or as a distance MBA. Candidates having MBA degrees have a demand in every industry. If you wish to know more about what an MBA is all about.
The international exchange programs give you networking opportunities and a chance to spend time at an international campus, get insights into another culture and their business scenario. The electives are the various specializations offered by the school. Some of the schools offer a wide range of electives that you can choose from as per your interests. The internships give you an opportunity to try your hand at some new area you wish to familiarize yourself with. It would be a good idea to check the placement statistics including the recruiting companies of the various schools while you apply.
Read More- All about the MBA
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The skills required to become a chartered accountant are:
An MBA graduate is expected to possess the following skillset:
The breakup for CA fees and the total amount is as follows:
CA Fee Breakup | Amount in Rupees (Rs)* |
CPC Registration fee | 6,000 |
Intermediate course registration fee (both groups) | 15,000 |
Articled training registration fee | 1,000 |
Final course registration fee | 22,000 |
ITT training | 6,500 |
Orientation | 7,000 |
GMCS-I | 5,500 |
GMCS-II | 5,500 |
Total | 68,500 |
*- These are the approximate figures, the actual fee may vary.
Also Check: IIM Fees for MBA
Before taking any decision to pursue CA or MBA check out the CA vs MBA salary one can after the completion of the course.
Some of the good companies offer an attractive starting salary for the right candidate. The average starting salary may range between Rs 6,00,000 to 7,00,000. Though bigger companies may pay a much higher compensation package, smaller firms would not be able to match this range.
Job Profile/Role | Minimum Salary Per Annum | Average Salary Per Annum | Maximum Salary Per Annum |
Rs. 3,89,000 | Rs. 7,97,786 | Rs. 10,60,000 | |
Rs. 4,76,000 | Rs. 9,44,493 | Rs. 11,70,000 | |
Human Resource Generalist | Rs. 1,59,000 | Rs. 2,94,138 | Rs. 6,78,000 |
Rs. 2,98,000 | Rs. 7,56,522 | Rs. 11,90,000 | |
Rs. 2,59,000 | Rs. 6,01,423 | Rs. 11,40,000 | |
Rs. 3,19,000 | Rs. 7,38,960 | Rs. 11,70,000 | |
Business Development Executive | Rs. 181,000 | Rs. 3,18,081 | Rs. 5,93,000 |
Rs. 5,01,000 | Rs. 12,38,000 | Rs. 20,00,000 | |
Assistant Human Resources Manager | Rs. 2,92,000 | Rs. 5,31,567 | Rs. 9,42,000 |
Rs. 2,03,000 | Rs. 4,24,954 | Rs. 9,59,000 | |
Rs. 1,67,000 | Rs. 3,05,043 | Rs. 5,54,000 | |
Business Analyst (IT) | Rs. 3,02,000 | Rs. 5,96,465 | Rs. 11,00,000 |
Rs. 4,07,000 | Rs. 7,81,611 | Rs. 11,40,000 | |
Senior Sales Executive | Rs. 2,20,000 | Rs. 3,99,836 | Rs. 7,22,000 |
Executive Assistant | Rs. 1,48,000 | Rs. 3,24,264 | Rs. 8,09,000 |
Rs. 2,23,000 | Rs. 4,38,313 | Rs. 8,47,000 | |
Regional Sales Manager | Rs. 5,57,000 | Rs. 11,83,000 | Rs. 20,00,000 |
Finance Manager | Rs. 5,22,000 | Rs. 11,42,000 | Rs. 23,00,000 |
Rs. 3,39,000 | Rs. 7,00,000 | Rs. 15,00,000 | |
Rs. 5,62,000 | Rs. 13,50,000 | Rs. 20,00,000 |
Note- It must be noted that the above-mentioned table only shows the approximate values. The salary may vary.
It’s purely based on your interest and the area you wish to work in. The scope of work for a CA is mainly in the field of finance and accounting area whereas MBAs have more diversity to choose from. There are CAs as well as MBAs who have climbed up the ladder and reached higher positions, though we may say that in certain areas like investment banking, financial consulting, or mergers, and acquisitions, an MBA would be preferred over a CA.
On the other hand, there are instances of CAs who have picked new skills while on the job and handled greater responsibilities than someone who has an MBA degree. There are also CA professionals who apply to international MBA programs to have a shot at a global career. So, we can sum up that a lot depends on the nature of your job, the related responsibilities, and the learning involved.
A Chartered Accountant (CA) is a financial professional qualified to perform certain accounting procedures. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a graduate degree that provides theoretical and practical training in business or investment management.
In the field of business and finance, both MBA and CA are popular degrees and career options.
CA is considered to be tougher than MBA by most experts.
Both CA and MBA have the possibility of having a high amount of salary depending on the role and employer of candidates.
It’s purely based on your interest and the area you wish to work in. The scope of work for a CA is mainly in the field of finance and accounting area whereas MBAs have more diversity to choose from fields such as HR, finances and other.
The CA average starting salary in India is Rs 8.05 LPA, whereas the starting salary of someone with an MBA in Finance is Rs 7.64 LPA.
MBA degree brings significant value to Chartered Accountancy (CA). Pursuing an MBA degree helps CAs diversify their skill set by developing a holistic business perspective, offering international exposure, strategic decision-making, etc.
Hello aspirant,
The only on-screen calculator that CAT permits use is a simple one. It is not permitted for you to bring the actual calculator into the center. This approach is predicated on the idea that the CAT assesses an individual's aptitude for solving challenging mathematical puzzles and making fast mental computations.
Thank you
A CAT percentile of 90 or above can strengthen your application to MICA, it is not the only factor that determines admission.MICA considers scores of CAT and MICAT which are weighted 50–50 percent for the interview call.
Strong performance in the Pshycometric test and descriptive writing increase your chances to get into mica even if you score 80 percentile.the admission is based upon whole performance including every marks.
ALL the best!!!!
Hello,
Here you can get study material for CAT :
https://bschool.careers360.com/download/ebooks/cat-quantitative-aptitude-questions-answers-pdf
Hope it helps !
Hello aspirant,
A timetable is essential if you are preparing for the CAT in addition to your college coursework. It will give you an idea of how long it will take you to finish your syllabus and then set aside the appropriate amount of time for revision and mock exams. Without a set timetable, you risk taking your time and not completing your preparation as thoroughly as is necessary.
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Hope it helps you.
Hello Nikita,
To get into any of the top IIMs, such as IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Kozhikode, or Indore, a good percentile in CAT is required, although academics play a vital role too. Let's break it down below:
CAT Score: 98+ percentile is an excellent score and makes one competitive.
Academic Scores:
Your 10th score at 84% is quite good.
A 12th score of 65% is on the lower side, which might hamper your chances at some of the top IIMs since they give weightage to past academic performance.
IIM Selection Criteria:
Every IIM has its own weightage for the scores of academics, CAT percentile, work experience, if any, and diversity.
For example, IIM Ahmedabad requires consistent academic records, while IIM Bangalore puts the strongest focus on work experience and diversified profiles.
Graduation: You are currently pursuing graduation, and your performance during that will also be considered in the shortlisting process.
While your CAT score is going to be the major pointer, your academic record-doing in class 12-is going to affect your prospects a bit at IIMs that place significant emphasis on your past performance. Still, you will have a healthy shot, at least at institutes like Lucknow, Kozhikode, and Indore, where a good score in CAT may offset lower marks in academics.
If you have diverse profiled extracurricular activities, leadership roles etc, or work experience, then it can build up your application further.
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