Can a CA Student Start Articleship After Clearing Only Group 1?

Many CA students are asking if they can start their articleship after passing only one group of the CA Intermediate exam. The answer, with new regulations and practical experience, is a clear No. It's highly recommended not to take this path, even if some firms might seem accommodating.

Why Starting Articleship is Challenging with Only a Group 1 Clearing

For a CA student, it is generally unadvisable to start articleship after clearing only Group 1. Most reputable CA firms are cautious about hiring candidates who need frequent leaves to clear the remaining groups or the final exams. This is because the firm might face a productive gap during the candidate's time off, leading to potential disruptions in the training process.

Firms generally prefer candidates who have cleared both groups of the CA Intermediate exam and are well-prepared for final year studies. These candidates are more stable and can fully dedicate themselves to both their studies and articleship training, ensuring a smoother learning experience and better performance.

New Regulations and Requirements for Articleship

As of May 24, 2024, the CA final exam and articleship process have been modified. One must now clear both groups of the CA Intermediate exam before starting articleship. This new regulation is designed to ensure that candidates have a stronger academic foundation and can manage their studies better in the long term.

To join the articleship under the new scheme, the following conditions must be met:

Cleared either of the groups of CA Intermediate examination as a CA Foundation route student or passed B Com or M Com with an average of 55 or more. Completed 4 weeks of ICITSS course by June 30, 2023. Passed B Com or M Com with an average of 60 or more and joined the CA Intermediate course as a Direct Entry Student.

According to ICAI rules, the last date to join articleship under the old scheme after Group 1 clearance was June 30, 2023. However, candidates who passed Group 2 first and then Group 1 can start articleship after clearing Group 1 under the new scheme.

Given these new rules and the requirements for ICITSS completion, it's essential for candidates to plan their studies accordingly and clear all groups before applying for articleship. This preparation ensures a smoother transition into articleship and reduces the risk of disruptions in their professional development.

Best Practices for CA Students

For those who want to start articleship, the best approach is to take a few extra months to focus on clearing both groups of the CA Intermediate exam. This extra preparation will not only secure your articleship placement but also provide a strong academic foundation for your future CA career.

Here’s a summary of best practices:

Focus on clearing all groups of the CA Intermediate exam before starting articleship. Take advantage of any available training programs like ICITSS to prepare thoroughly. Join a reputable CA firm that values stability and strong academic performance.

By following these guidelines, CA students can ensure a smoother and more successful transition into their professional journey.

Best of luck on your CA journey.