What is Articleship in CA ?

Articleship is a mandatory practical training for students pursuing the Chartered Accountancy (CA) program. During this period, CA students work under the guidance of a practicing Chartered Accountant for a minimum of three years, and gain hands-on experience in various areas of accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management.

The articleship program is an essential part of the CA curriculum, as it helps students to apply the theoretical knowledge they have gained in the classroom to real-life scenarios. It also provides an opportunity for students to develop important skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management and stories for life time.

Who is Eligible for CA Articleship?

Eligibility for articleship depends upon the route through which a student is doing CA. Foundation Route Students become eligible after passing either or both groups of CA Inter and completing ITICSS traning whileas direct entry route students become eligible for articleship after completing ITICSS traning

• Foundation Route Students - After passing either of the group of CA Intermediate exam and undergoing four weeks Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft skills; or
• Direct Entry Students - After undergoing four weeks Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft skills

CA Articleship Registration Process

To commence articleship ca students have to purchase Form 102 and 103 from the ICAI with the payment of Rs 50/- from ICAI and fill all the requisite details asked in the form.

Although, Form 102 and 103 can also be downloaded from the ICAI website (free of cost) for registration of articleship in such a scenario one has to pay Rs 50/- extra while submitting the form to the regional office. You can download Form 102 and 103 from the given link - https://www.icai.org/post.html?post_id=718

Procedure to Fill Registration Form 102:-

Registration for Deed of Articles

1. The deed of articles ought to be implemented for a period of 3 years, deed lesser than 3 years will not be accepted in any case.
2. It should be executed on a “Non-Judicial Stamp Paper” or “Special Adhesive Stamp” of the prerequisite value which must be affixed on that.
3. It should be duly signed by the article assistant and the principle which should be executed in a printed form in duplicate.
4. The original copy should be retained by the principal and the duplicate copy should be retained by the article assistant for proof.
5. And the deed of the article is also not required to be submitted to ICAI for registration of articleship.

Procedure to Fill Registration Form 103:-

Statement of Particulars to be submitted for Registration as an Articled Assistant

Form 103 – Statement of Particulars are required to be submitted in three copies from which one copy has to be submitted to the ICAI, one copy should be retained by the principal and the last copy should be retained by the article assistant.

A candidate has to submit the copy of Form 103 to the ICAI along with prescribed documents which are mentioned below –

1. Attested copy of IPCC mark sheet or CA Intermediate declaring the student pass in IPCC either both or first group or any group of CA Intermediate.
2. Attested copy of the 12th marksheet as proof of Date of Birth.
3. Attested Copy of completion certificate of ITT and Orientation Program.
4. The above documents should be submitted along with requisite fees through the Demand Draft.

All the above documents should be attested by the practising Chartered Accountant under whom the articleship training will begin by the student i.e. the Principal.

Registration Form 103 must reach the ICAI within 30 days of the commencement of articleship.

Articleship Registration Fees

The candidate can commence his practical training by submitting Form 103 along with a Demand Draft with the requisite fees.

Demand Draft must be in the name of “Secretary, The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India” and shall be payable at Mumbai/ Kolkata/ Chennai/ Kanpur/ New Delhi depending on the region.

Late Submission of Articleship Registration Fees

Unfortunately, CA students who did not submit Form 103 within 30 days then the Form should be accompanied by a handwritten application in which candidates have to state the reason for the untimely submission of the form. The application should be duly signed by the article assistant and the principal referred to as a Condonation of Delay.

Besides the application, one has to submit the late submission fee which is as follows –

Once candidate submit the application for “Condonation of Delay”, ICAI will accept the form without any inquiry but in some doubtful cases, it may ask for the following documents –

1. Articles attendance sheet.
2. Original Deed of Article i.e. Form 102 which is executed on a Non- Judicial Stamp Paper.
3. ICAI may also ask for a certified copy of the work diary of the articled assistant.
4. Stipend details with some proof such as Bank Pass Book or Bank Statement.

CA Students Identity Card

You will find an identity card in Form 103 which should be duly filled with the requisite details and the latest passport size photograph should be affixed on such. The identity card should be duly signed by the candidate and principal at the appropriate places.

The card should be submitted to ICAI along with Form 103 which then will be returned by ICAI with the registration letter.

This card is mandatory to be submitted and will be valid for a period of three years starting from the date of registration.

How should I choose Articleship?

Choosing the right articleship is an important decision for CA students as it can have a significant impact on their career prospects. Here are some factors to consider when choosing an articleship firm:

• Reputation of the firm:Look for firms with a good reputation in the industry, as this can enhance your own professional reputation and provide better career opportunities in the future.
• Size of the firm: Consider the size of the firm as it can impact the type and complexity of work you will be exposed to. Larger firms may have a broader range of clients and more complex assignments, while smaller firms may offer more hands-on experience.
• Specialization of the firm: Look for firms that specialize in the areas that interest you. For example, if you want to specialize in taxation, choose a firm with a strong tax practice
• Location of the firm: Consider the location of the firm, as it can impact your daily commute and work-life balance.
• Culture of the firm: Look for firms with a supportive and collaborative work culture, as this can impact your learning experience and overall job satisfaction.
• Mentorship and Training: Check if the firm has a structured mentorship program and provides regular training opportunities to help you develop your skills and knowledge.
• Stipend and other benefits: Consider the stipend and other benefits offered by the firm, as this can impact your financial stability during the articleship period.

Ultimately, the decision on choosing the right articleship should be based on your career goals, personal preferences, and the opportunities that the firm can provide to enhance your learning experience and career prospects. Also talking to seniors on this topic becomes very valuable.

CA Articleship is for how many years? and Timing?

The articleship period lasts for three years. The working hours being 11 A.M to 6 P.M.

However the exact timings of the work can vary depending on the requirements of the employer and the client. In some cases, students may have to work for longer hours during the peak season, such as during the tax filing season or the audit season.