Can I Pursue an Articleship While Being a Regular Student?

Many students who are currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce () degree face the dilemma of whether it is possible to also engage in articleship, which is a full-time professional training program. The conventional view suggests that this is not feasible, but in some cases, it can be achieved with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your educational institution.

Regulations for Full-Time Articleship

As a final year student, you should be aware that the process of enrollment in articleship requires giving up your regular college commitments due to its full-time nature. You will need to register for articleship with a CA firm of your choice and make arrangements with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) to pursue your college education on a distance mode. This allows you to continue your academic pursuits while fulfilling the demands of articleship training.

Benefits and Challenges of Pursuing Articleship Simultaneously

If you have already cleared the Intermediate level of your program, pursuing articleship while continuing college studies can be significantly easier. This approach not only provides you with valuable practical experience but also expands your network. Typically, college classes are held in the morning, whereas articleship training begins post-10 AM or 11 AM, allowing for a smoother integration of both commitments.

While you balance both college and articleship, it is essential to maintain a disciplined schedule and allocate at least 15 hours each week towards CA studies in the first year of your final exams. This will ensure that you are adequately prepared for exams while also meeting the requirements of your articleship program. Over time, you can gradually increase the number of hours dedicated to CA studies.

Formalities and Requirements

Challenges do exist, but you can navigate them if you follow the appropriate procedures. To fill out Form 112 for articleship, you will need an offer letter or confirmation from a CA firm that you are training with. Additionally, your form 112 must include the details required by the CA firm, as outlined in Form 103.

For certain regions, such as Delhi, regulations may vary, and a clear understanding of local requirements is crucial. In Delhi, it is generally not possible to pursue articleship and college graduation simultaneously. However, there are examples of students from other regions, such as Mumbai, who have successfully balanced both. They needed to sign an undertaking related to attendance percentage, and these details must be provided in both Form 112 and Form 103.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the conventional route suggests that articleship is not possible with regular college, it is indeed achievable with a NOC from your educational institution. Balancing both requirements is challenging but feasible with careful planning and a focus on both academic and professional responsibilities. Success in both areas can provide you with a well-rounded skill set and a competitive edge in the professional world.