Becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) in Nepal
1. Governing Body
✔ Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal (ICAN)
✔ Established under Chartered Accountants Act, 1997
2. Qualification Pathway
| Stage | Duration | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| CAP-I | 6 months | 10+2 completion |
| CAP-II | 1 year | CAP-I passed |
| CAP-III | 3 years | CAP-II + articleship |
3. Articleship Requirements
- 3 years practical training
- Must register with ICAN-approved firm
- Minimum stipend: NPR 5,000/month
ICAN Examination Structure
Exam Levels & Pass Rates
| Level | Subjects | Pass Rate (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| CAP-I | 6 papers | 38% |
| CAP-II | 7 papers | 29% |
| CAP-III | 8 papers | 22% |
Key Subjects
✔ Financial Reporting
✔ Advanced Auditing
✔ Corporate Laws
✔ Taxation
✔ Management Accounting
Career Opportunities for CAs
Employment Sectors
| Sector | Starting Salary (NPR) | Growth Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Audit Firms | 40,000-60,000 | Partner track |
| Banks/NBFIs | 70,000-100,000 | CFO positions |
| Corporate Sector | 60,000-90,000 | Finance Director |
| Government | 50,000-80,000 | Auditor General |
| Entrepreneurship | Varies | Practice ownership |
Top CA Firms in Nepal
Big Four Affiliates
- PwC Nepal (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
- KPMG Nepal
- EY Nepal (Ernst & Young)
- Deloitte Nepal
Leading Local Firms
✔ BDO JBR & Associates
✔ Gupta & Associates
✔ Aryal & Company
CA Services & Fee Structure
Common Services Offered
| Service | Average Fee (NPR) |
|---|---|
| Statutory Audit | 15,000-100,000 |
| Tax Filing | 5,000-50,000 |
| Company Registration | 10,000-25,000 |
| Financial Consulting | Hourly (1,500-5,000) |
ICAN Membership Benefits
Professional Advantages
✔ Right to sign audit reports
✔ Exclusive government tenders
✔ International recognition (IFAC member)
✔ Continuing education programs
Recent Developments (2024 Updates)
✔ New syllabus focusing on digital accounting
✔ Mandatory CPD hours increased to 40/year
✔ Ethics exam introduced for new members
✔ Mutual recognition with Indian ICAI
FAQs About Chartered Accountancy
1. What’s the total cost to become CA?
→ NPR 150,000-300,000 (including training)
2. Can foreign students enroll?
→ Yes, but need student visa for articleship
3. How tough are the exams?
→ Considered Nepal’s most challenging professional exams
4. What if I fail CAP-III final?
→ 4 attempts allowed within 5 years
5. Are there age limits?
→ No, but most complete by age 25-28
Pro Tips for Aspiring CAs
✔ Start articleship early (during CAP-II)
✔ Focus on practical knowledge beyond books
✔ Build Excel/modeling skills
✔ Network at ICAN events
Need Guidance? Contact:
- ICAN Office: ☎ 01-4262070
- CA Student Helpline: 1660-01-55555
💡 Shape Nepal’s financial future with a CA qualification! 📊
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