After passing 12th from Commerce stream, one of the most crucial decisions that most students make is the selection of the appropriate professional course. The most frequently asked question is CA or CMA which is better. Chartered Accountancy as well as Cost and Management Accountancy are both prestigious programs that provide a gateway to satisfying careers in finance, taxation and business.
In this blog of Jahangir Tutorials, we will be identifying the major differences, eligibility, career path, and career growth to help you determine between CA and CMA which is best to take as a student of Commerce after 12th.
Let’s Identify CA or CMA Which is Better ?
After passing 12th class from commerce stream, many students have the question in mind what to choose between CA or CMA? Here you will get the complete guide for CA or CMA which is better ?
For understanding CA or CMA Which is Better, let’s learn What is CA First?
The Chartered Accountancy or CA is among the most esteemed and demanding courses for commerce students in India. CA is conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and deals with accounting, auditing, taxation and corporate laws.
Key Highlights:
Duration: 4.5 to 5 years
Phases: Preliminary stage – middle stage – Final.
Career Roles: Auditor, Tax Consultant, Financial Analyst, CFO.
Mean Wage: 6-12 lpa (has an increase potential with experience)
Concerning the question of Chartered Accountancy or Cost Management Accountancy, CA can be deemed the best choice for students who focus on auditing, taxation, and finance.
What is CMA?
The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) conducts Cost & Management Accountancy (CMA). It focuses on performance management, financial strategy, cost control and decision-making.
Key Highlights:
Duration: 3–4 years
Phases: Preliminary stage – middle stage – Final.
Career Roles: Cost Accountant, Business Consultant, Financial Controller, CFO.
Average Salary: ₹5–10 LPA
Considering which is Better after 12th, CMA is a wonderful choice for students who are interested in cost management, budgeting, and internal business strategies.
CA and CMA Qualifications.
Both courses could be taken upon completion of 12th (Commerce stream is preferable).
CA Foundation Eligibility: 12th pass with a minimum of 50 percent.
Eligibility of CMA Foundation: 12th pass in any stream (Commerce is preferable)
CA or CMA – it depends on whether you are interested in auditing and taxation (Chartered Accountancy) or cost and management (Cost Management Accountancy).
Difficulty and Passing rates of courses.
The level of course difficulty is one of the biggest determinants of which course is superior in choosing between Both.
Chartered Accountant: One of the most demanding professional courses with low pass rates (5 to 10 percent in Final exams).
Cost Management Accountant: Relatively not as difficult as CA and with more pass rates (10-15% in Final exams).
CA may be the right choice opting for a tough academic challenge. CMA is a more effective option in case you desire a faster career entry.
Career Opportunities:
Career scope is massive when comparing CA or CMA which is better.
CA Career Opportunities :
- Auditing Firms
- Corporate Finance Departments.
- Taxation Firms
- Investment Banking
- Self-practice (CA Firm)
CMA Career Opportunities:
- Cost Accounting Departments.
- Manufacturing and Production companies.
- Budget & Planning Roles
- Business Strategy & Consulting.
- Internal Auditing
The two occupations may result in top management positions such as CFOs. It is a matter of preference as to whether you wish to major in taxation/auditing (CA) or in cost/management (CMA).
CA or CMA Which is Better? Salary Comparison.
Another important factor that should be considered when selecting which is better after 12th is salary potential.
- CA Freshers: ₹6–8 LPA
- Experienced CAs: ₹15–30 LPA+
- CMA Freshers: ₹5–7 LPA
- Experienced CMAs: ₹12–20 LPA+
Both programs result in well-paying employment, although Chartered Accountants tend to receive slightly higher pay, particularly in auditing and taxation firms.
Global Recognition
The other factor that should be considered when deciding between both of them, which is better, is the global recognition.
CA India: In India, the Middle East, and Canada (with bridging exams), but not very much compared to the US CPA.
CMA India is more recognized in manufacturing and cost functions, particularly in the Gulf countries.
In case you want to go international, then you can seek international qualifications such as CPA (in the case of CA students) or CMA USA (in the case of CMA students).
CA or CMA which is best for post-12th commerce students, then?
Select CA when you are keen on taxation, auditing and financial management.
Select CMA when you are more concerned with cost control, strategy and management accounting.
Both are really good choices as a career, and the choice depends on your career objectives and capabilities.
Final Thoughts
Jahangir Tutorials is of the view that Chartered Accountant and Cost Management Accountant are good career options. Still unsure, which is superior, examine your area of interest, that is, are you interested in taxation and law (Chartered) or cost and management (CMA)?
We also mentor students under CMA Inter Law Classes and the Best CA Inter Law Online Classes so that they receive the best basis to succeed in whatever direction they pursue.
FAQs
Q1: CA or CMA Which is Better in India ?
Both have good career prospects. CA is higher in taxation and auditing, whereas CMA excels in cost and management.
Q2: Is CA tougher than CMA?
Yes, CA is usually seen to be harder, and the pass rate is lower than CMA.
Q3: Is it possible to do CA and CMA concurrently?
Yes, some students do both, but it means that time management and dedication are high.
Q4: Which course has better salary potential, CA or CMA?
On average, CAs attract a little better pay than CMAs, although they both provide well-paying opportunities.
Q5: What is better after 12th Commerce to get rapid career development?
CMA is also generally less time-consuming (3-4 years) than CA (4.5-5 years), which means that it is a faster career option at the beginning.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to stay updated.
