CA-CPT and CA-Foundation: Understanding the Difference

CA-CPT (Common Proficiency Test) and CA-Foundation are both entry-level examinations conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) for aspiring chartered accountants. However, there are some significant differences between the two. Let's explore them in detail:

1. Purpose and Eligibility:
- CA-CPT: It is the first level of examination for students who wish to pursue the Chartered Accountancy course. It is open to candidates who have completed their 10th standard or equivalent.
- CA-Foundation: It is the revised version of CA-CPT introduced by ICAI in 2017. It is open to candidates who have completed their 12th standard or equivalent.

2. Syllabus:
- CA-CPT: The syllabus for CA-CPT consists of four subjects: Fundamentals of Accounting, Mercantile Law, General Economics, and Quantitative Aptitude.
- CA-Foundation: The syllabus for CA-Foundation includes four papers: Principles and Practice of Accounting, Business Laws and Business Correspondence and Reporting, Business Mathematics and Logical Reasoning, and Business Economics and Business and Commercial Knowledge.

3. Examination Pattern:
- CA-CPT: The examination consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with negative marking. It is conducted offline (pen and paper mode).
- CA-Foundation: The examination also consists of MCQs with negative marking. However, it is conducted in an online mode (Computer-Based Test).

4. Passing Criteria:
- CA-CPT: To pass CA-CPT, a candidate must obtain a minimum of 30% marks in each subject and an aggregate of 50% in all subjects.
- CA-Foundation: To pass CA-Foundation, a candidate must obtain a minimum of 40% marks in each subject and an aggregate of 50% in all subjects.

5. Recognition:
- CA-CPT: CA-CPT is recognized as the entry-level examination for Chartered Accountancy by ICAI.
- CA-Foundation: CA-Foundation has replaced CA-CPT and is now the recognized entry-level examination for Chartered Accountancy.

Conclusion:
In summary, CA-CPT and CA-Foundation are both entry-level examinations for Chartered Accountancy, but they differ in terms of eligibility, syllabus, examination pattern, passing criteria, and recognition. It is important for aspiring chartered accountants to understand these differences in order to make informed decisions about their career path.

Students who registered before june 2017 will be writing a exam called cpt which consists of four subjects 200 marks its objective and peoples who registered after june 2017 will be writing a exam called ca foundation course which consists of 6 subjects 400marks and its both subjective and objective