To become a CA, first finish your 12th, preferably in the commerce stream, though any stream is allowed.

After 12th, you can join the CA Foundation Course. This is the first exam you need to pass.

Once you pass the Foundation exam, you can register for the CA Intermediate Course. It has two parts (called groups), and you can choose to give them together or one at a time.

Before starting your internship, you need to complete a short training called ICITSS, which covers IT and soft skills.

Then, you begin a 3-year internship with a practicing CA. This is called articleship and gives you real work experience.

During the internship, you can register for the CA Final Exam, which is the last step.

Before giving the Final Exam, you also need to complete another short training called Advanced ICITSS.

After passing the CA Final exam, you officially become a Chartered Accountant.

The whole process usually takes around 5 years after 12th if you clear all exams on the first try.