Difference Between CA PCC, IPCC and CA Intermediate
Navigate the path to becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) with clarity. Learn about CA PCC, IPCC and CA Intermediate exams, eligibility, subjects, and exam process simplified for aspiring accountants.
Mridula Sharma23 Apr, 2024
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CA PCC, IPCC and CA Intermediate: Becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) involves passing three levels of exams. The CA Intermediate course is the second step in this journey. If you start after high school, you need to complete the CA Foundation course first. However, Commerce graduates can skip Foundation and go straight to Intermediate. Otherwise, you can take Intermediate after passing the Foundation exam.
Some people get mixed up between CA Inter and the old CA PCC or IPCC. The IPCC exam became the CA Intermediate exam in July 2017, and it's undergone some changes since then. This article will clarify the distinctions between CA PCC, IPCC, and CA Intermediate.What Is CA Intermediate Course?
The ICAI CA Intermediate course is the second stage of the Chartered Accountancy journey administered by ICAI. It equips candidates with essential knowledge in various subjects related to CA, offering nine months of preparation time before the exam. The exam syllabus underwent significant changes when it replaced the IPC examination in 2017. The subjects now covered in the CA Inter course include Accounting, Business Laws, Ethics and Communication, Cost Accounting, Taxation, Advanced Accounting, Auditing and Assurance, Information Technology, Strategic Management, Financial Management, and Economics for Finance. Each Intermediate exam paper now consists of two parts: Part-I with objective questions (30 marks) and Part-II with descriptive questions (70 marks). Students should allocate at least eight months for studying after registering for the exam. Exams are held twice a year in May and November. Practical training in Information Technology and an Orientation Programme are mandatory after registering for the CA Inter exam. This applies particularly to undergraduate and postgraduate students entering the Chartered Accountancy course directly. Nine months of practical training are also required before appearing for the exam.What Is CA PCC?
CA PCC stands for Professional Competence Course. Its main goal was to provide Chartered Accountants with a solid theoretical base for creating financial statements and to introduce them to computerized accounting basics. The course covered:- Advanced Accounting (100 Marks)
- Auditing and Assurance (100 Marks)
- Law, Ethics, and Communication (100 Marks)
- Cost Accounting and Financial Management (100 Marks)
- Taxation (100 Marks)
- Information Technology and Strategic Management (100 Marks)
What Is CA IPCC?
The IPCC stands for Integrated Professional Competence Course. It's essentially a revamped version of the CA PCC exam. Think of it as an upgraded test for aspiring Chartered Accountants. Once you've cleared the CA Foundation, you can jump into the IPCC without having to commit to article registration. Now, let's break down the subjects covered in the CA IPCC course:Group 1:
- Accounting
- Corporate Laws
- Cost and Management Accounting
- Taxation
Group 2:
- Advanced Accounting
- Auditing and Assurance
- Enterprise Information System and Strategic Management
- Financial Management and Economics for Finance
CA PCC or IPCC Exams Eligibility
Becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) involves several steps:- Pass the CA Foundation exam .
- Enroll and register for the CA IPCC course.
- Complete nine months of study.
- Finish 100 hours of IT training.
- Complete the orientation course and pass Group-I or both groups of the competence exam.
- Register and work as an articled assistant for three years.
- If necessary, clear Group-II of the IPCC.
- Take the CA Final exam within the last six months of training.
- Clear both groups of the CA Final exam.
- Receive CA certification.
- Register with the ICAI as a Chartered Accountant.
Difference Between CA PCC, IPCC and CA Intermediate FAQs
What's the difference between CA PCC, IPCC, and CA Intermediate?
CA PCC and IPCC were predecessors to CA Intermediate, with similar content but different names. CA Intermediate replaced IPCC in 2017, offering updated syllabi and exam structures.
How long does it take to become a Chartered Accountant?
The journey typically involves passing three levels of exams: CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, and CA Final. Additionally, practical training and registration processes may extend the duration.
Can Commerce graduates skip the CA Foundation exam?
Yes, Commerce graduates can skip the CA Foundation exam and directly enroll in the CA Intermediate course, provided they meet certain criteria.
What subjects are covered in the CA Intermediate course?
CA Intermediate covers subjects such as Accounting, Business Laws, Cost Accounting, Taxation, Auditing, Information Technology, and more.
What are the eligibility requirements for CA PCC or IPCC exams?
Eligibility includes passing the CA Foundation exam, enrolling in the CA IPCC course, completing study and IT training requirements, and passing relevant exam groups.
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