A Chartered Accountant is one of the most distinguished professions in India, and their expertise is in high demand across major sectors and industries.
According to The Hindu, as of 2025, India has only 4 lakh practicing CAs, despite the need for 10 lakhs. Knowing that India is expected to grow to a $30 trillion economy by 2047, the demand for Chartered Accountants will increase exponentially.
This demand-supply gap has led to an increase in the number of students pursuing Chartered Accountancy. Consequently, an intriguing question arises time and again: What is the salary of CA? The average salary of a CA in India ranges between INR 3 LPA and INR 16 LPA for freshers.
Nonetheless, various factors influence the CA salary in India. Let’s break down those factors, along with some tips to grow your salary in 2025.
What is the CA Starting Salary in India in 2025?
The CA salary in India in 2025 for a beginner lies between INR 3 LPA and INR 16 LPA. While you may hear some fresher earning a grand salary package of INR 20 LPA or higher, those are exceptions.
Factors Affecting CA Starting Salary in India
Let’s look at the factors that might affect your salary as you start your practice:
- Academic Caliber: If you are a first-attempt pass-out or a rank holder with your articleship from a reputed firm, you can expect a salary package of INR 9 LPA to INR 12 LPA, or even higher.
- Recruiting Firm: The Big 4 firm offers the highest salary to a fresher, with some offers exceeding the INR 8 LPA – INR 11 LPA bracket. Mid-tier firms usually offer competitive salary packages in the range between INR 6 LPA and INR 8 LPA.
- Location of Firm: Freshers can expect a higher salary package in major cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Chennai. A higher cost of living and higher demand for talent have an influence on the salary packages.
- Industry: Freshers who work in sectors like banking, finance, statutory audit, and consulting tend to receive a higher salary compared to those in other industries.
- Campus vs Off-Campus Placements: Candidates with a good profile can expect INR 10 to INR 12 LPA salary packages from the ICAI Campus Placements. However, with off-campus opportunities through direct applications or referrals, you can get a good salary package.
Does the salary figure of a CA excite you? Have a look at the commerce subjects that you should study in the 12th standard for a strong foundation.
What is the Average Salary of CA in India?
The average salary of a CA in India depends on various direct and indirect factors. Considerations such as job profiles, experience level, location, position, and the size of the firm they are working for affect the CA average salary in India.
ICAI, or the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, regulates the standards that the CAs must maintain as per their qualifications, thereby affecting their income indirectly.
Average Salary of CA in India: Based on Level of Experience
A CA’s salary in India depends on the level of experience that they have. A fresher CA monthly salary in India typically falls between INR 25,000 and INR 1.33 Lakhs. The salary of CA in India increases with the levels of experience they gain. Glance at the table below for the average salary of CA in India based on their experience.
| Experience in Years | Base Salary of CA in India | Average Base Salary of CA in India |
| Fresher | INR 3 LPA – INR 16 LPA | INR 8.5 LPA |
| 3 years | INR 3.2 LPA – INR 17 LPA | INR 8.5 LPA |
| 5 years | INR 4 LPA – INR 20 LPA | INR 9.5 LPA |
| 7 years | INR 4 LPA – INR 22 LPA | INR 10.4 LPA |
| 10 years | INR 5 LPA – INR 31 LPA | INR 14.2 LPA |
Note: The above salary figures have been taken from different sources & may vary depending on various factors.
Also Read: What is Professional Development? Relevant Courses, Goals and Plans
Average Salary of CA in India: Based on Job Profiles
A CA’s salary varies depending on their job profile. Factors such as a particular role, experience, skills, designation, and conditions determine the CA salary in India.
If you’re wondering about the average salary of CA in India based on the top accounting jobs and careers, check the table below.
| Job Profile | Annual Salary of CA in India | Average Base Salary of CA in India |
| Internal Auditor | INR 2 LPA – INR 14 LPA | INR 5.8 LPA |
| Statutory Auditor | INR 2 LPA- INR 14 LPA | INR 10 LPA |
| Tax Consultant | INR 1.8 LPA – INR 20 LPA | INR 7.7 LPA |
| Financial Analyst/Planner | INR 3 LPA – INR 16 LPA | INR 7.6 LPA |
| Forensic Auditor | INR 3 LPA – INR 11 LPA | INR 7.5 LPA |
| Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | INR 24 LPA – INR 1 Cr | INR 62.2 LPA |
| Financial Controller/ Manager | INR 8 LPA – INR 59 LPA | INR 26 LPA |
| Compliance & Risk Officer | INR 3 LPA – INR 29 LPA | INR 10 LPA |
Note: The above figures may vary depending upon a variety of factors.
Average Salary of CA in India: Based on the Location of Office
The CA salary in India also varies according to the office. Companies located in big cities such as Gurugram, Chennai, or Mumbai pay higher salaries compared to companies from tier-two or tier-three cities. Check the table below for a city-wise average salary of a CA in India.
| City | Annual Salary of CA in India | Average Base Salary of CA in India |
| Gurugram | INR 4 LPA – INR 26 LPA | INR 12 LPA |
| Chennai | INR 3.6 LPA – INR 21 LPA | INR 12.6 LPA |
| Bengaluru | INR 4.2 LPA – INR 34 LPA | INR 12 LPA |
| Delhi | INR 3.7 LPA – INE 16.8 LPA | INR 11 LPA |
| Mumbai | INR 3.6 LPA – INR 20 LPA | INR 11.5 LPA |
| Pune | INR 3.6 LPA – INR 18 LPA | INR 11.4 LPA |
| Kolkata | INR 3.5 LPA – INR 18 LPA | INR 11.5 LPA |
| Ahmedabad | INR 3 LPA – INR 15 LPA | INR 10.3 LPA |
| Jaipur | INR 3 LPA – INR 13 LPA | INR 9.5 LPA |
| Siliguri | INR 4 LPA – INR 9 LPA | INR 6 LPA |
Note: The above figures may vary depending upon a variety of factors such as experience, job profile, etc.
Average Salary of CA in India: Highest-Paying CA Recruiters
Top MNCs offer lucrative packages and are some of the highest-paying employers in India. Working with these firms will provide you with greater exposure, excellent experience, and significant professional development.
If you are looking for international job prospects or leadership roles, working with these companies will definitely give a substantial boost to your career. The table below shows the average salary of a CA working in the top MNCs:
| Recruiter | Annual Salary Range of CA in India | Average Base Salary of CA in India |
| Deloitte | INR 10 LPA – INR 18 LPA | INR 13 LPA |
| PwC | INR 10 LPA – INR 18 LPA | INR 13 LPA |
| EY | INR 10 LPA – INR 20 LPA | INR 14 LPA |
| KPMG | INR 9 LPA – INR 16 LPA | INR 12 LPA |
| Reliance Industries | INR 8 LPA – INR 26 LPA | INR 11 LPA |
| ICICI Bank | INR 8 LPA – INR 20 LPA | INR 10.7 LPA |
| ITC Group | INR 13 LPA – INR 24 LPA | INR 18 LPA |
| ONGC | INR 13 LPA – INR 19 LPA | INR 14.5 LPA |
| Goldman Sachs | INR 11 LPA – INR 20 LPA | INR 14.5 LPA |
Note: The above figures may vary depending upon a variety of factors such as experience, job profile, etc.
Does the Number of Attempts Affect CA Salary in India?
Before losing your mind over whether multiple attempts affect the salary of CA in India, let us review the facts:
- Yes, a candidate who clears the exam with minimal attempts has an added edge in the interview and the package offers they receive.
- But the number of attempts does not dictate your income or career beyond the first year.
My cousin took 5 attempts to clear the exam, but now she earns nearly INR 20 LPA in one of the Big 4 firms! Initially, she had to work in a small firm with an average salary for a few years. But with some hustle and upskilling, she made her way to one of the highest CA-paying firms in India.
Therefore, forget what your relatives are saying and focus on working on your skills!
Also Read: How to Excel in College While Protecting Your Mental Health
How to Boost Your CA Starting Salary in India?
Thinking about how to increase your salary as a Chartered Accountant? Here are some tips and strategies that will help you earn more than your peers:
Add Certifications to Your Resume
Certifications and licences can boost your CA career and income. Some courses that will make you stand out include Financial Modelling, Certified Financial Planner, Business Analytics, Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), etc. A licence in IRDAI, SEBI, GST, etc., also helps.
Pursue Higher Education
After achieving your CA qualification, consider pursuing courses to improve your earning potential. Some of the courses that you enrol in include Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), US CMA, MBA, Company Secretary, etc. Always follow some proven strategies to do better in college whenever you pursue higher studies.
Network for Better Opportunities
It is important to develop networking strategies for excelling in your career. Networking with fellow CAs and industry experts during college, or through LinkedIn and other social media platforms, can open doors to a CA salary in India. Sometimes, a referral from a network can help you obtain better job offers than through applying on Naukri.
Gain Practical Experience
Gain experience while pursuing the CA program itself. Aim for internship opportunities in reputable companies for exposure and learning new skills. This will enhance your resume and make you stand out from your batchmates during placements.
Stay Updated on the Industry Trends
To have a competitive edge against your peers, always be on par with the latest industry trends and regulations. This will help you serve your clients better and gain a reputation in the industry circles. The role of continuous education in career advancement is indisputable.
Also Read: Externship vs. Internship: Key Differences and Benefits
Final Takeaway
Chartered Accountancy continues to be one of the most sought-after professions in India. A fresher CA typically earns between INR 3 LPA and INR 16 LPA. With the right skill, experience, and mindset, one can scale their salary well above INR 1 Crore annually by taking on leadership roles.
To boost your CA salary in India, you need to work on your skills, but considering some factors can also help. Such factors are location, industry, and job profile choices. In India, the opportunities are expansive, but you have to rapidly adapt to the changing industry trends and demands.
Whether you work in the Big 4 or build your own practice, being a CA is a financially rewarding and socially renowned profession. This is what makes all the challenges and difficulties worth grinding over!
FAQs
Ans: A fresher CA salary per month in India ranges between INR 25,000 and INR 1.33 Lakh. This is the average base pay, and factors such as location, specialization, experience, and size of the recruiting firm can greatly fluctuate these figures.
Ans: Yes, a CA can earn 20 Lakhs per year. However, achieving this income level requires years of practice, specialization in a high-paying CA skill, and promotion to a senior or leadership role.
Ans: Yes, a CA can earn INR 1 Crore per month. While starting salaries are low, significant experience and being in a leadership role or partnership are needed to earn such high amounts. Alternatively, you can establish a successful practice and earn 1 Crore per month through your expertise and client base.
Ans: A CA typically earns more in outside countries than in India for the same level of skill set and experience. In India, a fresher CA can expect to earn INR 3 LPA to INR 16 LPA. Whereas, in entry-level pay for a CA in the UK is £32,000 to £35,000 (INR 37 LPA – INR 41 LPA).
