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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 2025, 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 in India, such as CA vs MBA salary, CA vs MBA career opportunities, 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 |
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MBA |
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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.
Take a look at the career opportunities after doing a CA or MBA from below.
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.
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Okay, so you're a bit confused about what to put in those CAT, FMS, DSE, and IIFT forms regarding your 12th scores. Since you did CBSE, they usually only consider your final 12th standard marks.
Even though you did great in 11th, scoring 495 out of 500, for these entrance exam forms, they're specifically asking about your 12th board exam marks .You mentioned you got 400 out of 500 in 12th, which comes out to 80%.
Therefore, when filling out the forms for CAT, FMS, DSE, and IIFT, you should enter 80% as your 12th percentage. The aggregate of 11th and 12th isn't typically what they're looking for in these sections. They want to know how you performed in your final board exams. So, stick with the 80% from your 12th results. Good luck with your applications!
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Determination of the best time to start the journey of CAT examination is based on individual factors like your current skill level, knowledge ,potential, learning pace and availability. To give yourself the best chance of success on the CAT exam , which usually takes place in November, it's advisable to begin studying between January and March of that same year. This 8 to 12-month preparation window is widely recommended by experts. But if you're managing your college along with the CAT preparations make sure you start from 2nd year onwards. It will hep you manage stress and you'll have ample amount of time to get along with the syllabus , pattern and various practice and mocks .
You'll be able to build a strong foundation in each sections and be able to know your strengths and weaknesses in different topics. The CAT syllabus is extensive, and early preparation allows for thorough coverage. Assess your learning speed and adjust your preparation timeline accordingly.
Essentially, while the ideal start time is subjective, beginning your CAT preparation well in advance is generally considered the most effective strategy for achieving optimal results.
The CUSAT CAT previous year question papers are available on the Careers360 website. You can find question papers from 2012 to 2023, which can be downloaded in PDF format HERE
Additionally, the official website of Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) also provides previous year question papers. To access them, you can follow these steps:
- Visit the CUSAT official website - admissions.cusat.ac.in.
- Click on the resources tab from the homepage.
- Select the previous year's question papers from the drop-down menu.
- Select the Common Admission Test (CAT) question papers link.
- Now click on the B.Tech course.
By practicing with these previous year question papers, you can get familiar with the exam pattern, identify important topics, and improve your time management skills.
Hey Shathvika, that's a great question! So, you're wondering about MBA entrance exams besides the CAT , right? Absolutely, there are quite a few others you can consider in India. Here's a rundown: Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) : XLRI Jamshedpur runs this one, and over 150 B-schools across India accept it. You'll usually find it in January. What's cool about the XAT is that it often includes sections on Decision Making and sometimes even an Essay Writing part. Management Aptitude Test (MAT) : This is conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA). A lot of schools – over 600 in India – take MAT scores. The best part? You can take it four times a year: February, May, September, and December. Plus, you can choose between Paper-Based (PBT), Computer-Based (CBT), and even Internet-Based (IBT) options. Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) : If you're eyeing a Symbiosis institute for your MBA, this is the one. Symbiosis International (Deemed University) conducts it, and it's usually in December. SNAP's also known for having a somewhat unique way of scoring. Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) : The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the CMAT. AICTE-approved institutions all over India will accept it. This one's also typically held in January. It checks you on things like quantitative skills, logical thinking, how well you understand language, and your general knowledge. NMAT by GMAC : The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) is behind this exam. NMIMS and quite a few other management schools accept it. What’s interesting is that you have a 75-day window, usually from October to December, to take it. And, you can even retake it up to three times if you want to improve your score! Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) Exam : NTA also conducts this one. If you are keen on IIFT Delhi and Kolkata, this is your ticket. Expect to take it in December. This exam puts a little more weight on questions about international business and trade. MICA Admission Test (MICAT) : MICA Ahmedabad uses this for its PGDM-C program. They hold it twice a year, generally in December and January. MICAT looks at how creative you are, how well you write, and your general abilities. Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) : GMAC runs the GMAT as well. Many B-schools in India, and even more worldwide, accept GMAT scores. You can take it pretty much any time of the year. People often go for the GMAT if they're thinking about executive MBA programs or schools with a focus on international business. Lovely Professional University National Entrance and Scholarship Test (LPUNEST) : LPU conducts it for admissions into its undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It's held multiple times throughout the year. It also works as a scholarship test, so doing well can get you some financial aid. So, there you have it! Each of these exams has its own quirks when it comes to structure, who can take it, and the scores you need. It’s worth digging into each one a bit to see which one fits best with what you've studied and where you want to take your career. Good luck!
Hello Ayush,
K.R. Mangalam University utilizes a blend of MCQs, descriptive formats, and practical assessments to evaluate student performance. The continuous evaluation system ensures that students are assessed regularly throughout the semester, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of their academic progress.
A career as Marketing Director is also known as a marketing expert who is responsible for the overall marketing aspect of the company. He or she oversees plans and develops the company's budget. The marketing Director collaborates with the business team to plan and develop the marketing and branding strategies for the company's products or services.
A Business Development Executive (BDE) is a professional responsible for identifying growth opportunities and fostering strategic partnerships to enhance a company's market position. Typically, a BDE conducts market research, analyses industry trends, and identifies potential clients or business prospects. He or she plays a crucial role in developing and implementing sales strategies to achieve revenue targets.
A BDE often collaborates with cross-functional teams, including marketing and product development, to align business objectives. Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills are essential for success in this role. BDE strives to expand the company's customer base, drive sales, and contribute to overall organisational growth in a dynamic and competitive business environment.
Content Marketing Specialists are also known as Content Specialists. They are responsible for crafting content, editing and developing it to meet the requirements of digital marketing campaigns. To ensure that the material created is consistent with the overall aims of a digital marketing campaign, content marketing specialists work closely with SEO and digital marketing professionals.
A sales manager is a revenue-generating source for a company. Any organisation or company which sells a commodity or service requires sales to generate revenue. A Sales manager is a professional responsible for supervising the sales team. An Individual as a sales manager works closely with salespeople, assigns sales territories, sets quotas, mentors the members of the sales, assigns sales training, and builds a sales plan.
The Sales Manager work also includes hiring and laying off sales personnel after evaluating his or her work performance. In bigger entities, sales quotas and plans are usually set at the executive level. He or she is responsible for overseeing the set target or quotas met by salespeople or upholding any policy. He or she guides his or her fellow salespeople and allows them to sell.
Individuals who opt for a career as a business analyst look at how a company operates. He or she conducts research and analyses data to improve his or her knowledge about the company. This is required so that an individual can suggest the company strategies for improving their operations and processes.
In a business analyst job role a lot of analysis is done, things are learned from past mistakes and the successful strategies are enhanced further. A business analyst goes through real-world data in order to provide the most feasible solutions to an organisation. Students can pursue Business Analytics to become Business Analysts.
A marketing manager is a person who oversees a company or product marketing. He or she can be in charge of multiple programmes or goods or can be in charge of one product. He or she is enthusiastic, organised, and very diligent in meeting financial constraints. He or she works with other team members to produce advertising campaigns and decides if a new product or service is marketable.
A Marketing manager plans and executes marketing initiatives to create demand for goods and services and increase consumer awareness of them. A marketing manager prevents unauthorised statements and informs the public that the business is doing everything to investigate and fix the line of products. Students can pursue an MBA in Marketing Management courses to become marketing managers.
An SEO Analyst is a web professional who is proficient in the implementation of SEO strategies to target more keywords to improve the reach of the content on search engines. He or she provides support to acquire the goals and success of the client’s campaigns.
Digital marketing is growing, diverse, and is covering a wide variety of career paths. Each job function aids in the development of effective digital marketing strategies and techniques. The aims and objectives of the individuals who opt for a career as a digital marketing executive are similar to those of a marketing professional: to build brand awareness, promote company services or products, and increase conversions. Individuals who opt for a career as Digital Marketing Executives, unlike traditional marketing companies, communicate effectively through suitable technology platforms.
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