Can You Take CPT After 12th?
The Chartered Accountancy (CA) exam pathway has undergone significant reforms, with the Comprehensive Professional Training (CPT) stage being replaced by the CA Foundation course. Many students are inquiring about the feasibility of taking CPT after completing their 12th standard or their intermediate exams.
Overview of CPT and Its Changes
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has revised the CPT syllabus at all three stages, deprecating the CPT exam. Candidates now need to start their journey with the CA Foundation course, which is a descriptive examination conducted for 400 marks. The curriculum comprises subjective questions in accounts and law, and objective questions with negative marking in mathematics and economics.
Registration and Exam Scheduling
Those interested can register for the CA Foundation exam until June 30, 2019. The exam is scheduled for November 2019. Note that the CPT exam has been replaced with the CA Foundation course for candidates registering on or after July 1, 2017. If you plan to appear for the exam after completing your 12th standard, the best times to take the exam are June or December.
Preparation Tips for CPT After 12th
Preparing for the CPT exam after your 12th standard is entirely feasible. If you have a strong foundation in mathematics, which is a major component of the CPT syllabus, you may have some advantage. However, it is crucial to approach the other subjects, including law, accounts, and economics, with the same dedication.
If you are self-confident about your abilities in these subjects, particularly in areas like law and accounts, you may face fewer difficulties in the future. However, it's essential to approach the exam with the right mindset and preparation. Mathematics, in particular, is a critical subject and can be challenging, even for those who have studied it in 11th and 12th standard.
Expert Advice from a Former Student
Given my background in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry (MPC), I took 6 months of long-term coaching for CPT, which led me to attempt the exam in November/December. After the exam, I started preparing for both groups of my IPCC (Indian Public Sector of Chartered Accountants) from the very beginning.
Many of my peers wrote the CPT without proper preparation and qualified the exam, but they are still studying for IPCC. Based on this experience, my sincere advice is to focus on the December/November exam and not retry the June/May one. Adequate preparation can significantly impact your success in the IPCC.
Conclusion
Whether you are a math student looking for an advantage or someone who is self-assured in your abilities across all subjects, the CPT exam after 12th is a viable option. Just ensure that you are well-prepared and maintain a confident approach to your studies.
Good luck on your journey to becoming a Chartered Accountant!