1. Complete 10+2 (2 Years)

-Stream: Commerce (preferred)

• Subjects: Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, Mathematics.

• Why Important: A commerce background builds the necessary foundation in finance, accounting, and business, which are crucial for CPA studies.

• Skills Learned: Basic financial management, business principles, taxation concepts, and problem-solving.
  

2. Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree (3 Years)

• Degree Options:
  -B.Com (Bachelor of Commerce) in Accounting and Finance:Focus: Core accounting principles, financial reporting, corporate law, taxation, and auditing.
  
  -BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration):Focus: Business management, finance, economics, and accounting. Prepares you for CPA with strong financial and management fundamentals.
  

• Why Important: CPA certification bodies (like AICPA) require 120-150 credit hours to sit for the CPA exam, which a bachelor’s degree fulfills.

• Skills Learned: Financial reporting, business environment knowledge, auditing, taxation, and critical analytical skills.

• Top Colleges in India: 

-Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi
-Loyola College, Chennai
-Christ University, Bangalore

-Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics (NM College), Mumbai

-St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai

-K. J. Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce, Mumbai

-HR College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai

-Jai Hind College, Mumbai

-Mithibai College, Mumbai

• Top Colleges Abroad: 

-Harvard University, USA
-University of Melbourne, Australia
-London School of Economics, UK

3. Pursue CPA Course (18 Months - 2 Years)

• Eligibility: Most CPA exam bodies (like AICPA in the US) require a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field.

• Institutes: Becker, Wiley, Miles Education (India-based institutes specializing in CPA exam preparation).

• Exams: The CPA exam has four sections: 

-Auditing & Attestation (AUD)
-Financial Accounting & Reporting (FAR)
-Regulation (REG)
-Business Environment & Concepts (BEC)

• Why Important: Passing the CPA exam is the key to becoming a certified CPA. It validates your expertise in areas like auditing, taxation, and financial analysis.

• Skills Learned:

-Advanced Financial Accounting: Handling complex financial statements, and reporting standards like IFRS/GAAP.
-Auditing and Attestation: Knowledge of audit processes, internal controls, and compliance with global standards.
-Regulatory Compliance: Understanding laws governing taxation, corporate finance, and trade practices.
-Business Environment: Grasp of economic principles, strategic management, and business practices.