Chartered Accountant (CA) Salary in India 2026
Complete salary guide with in-hand calculations, career growth, and negotiation tips
Last Updated: January 2026 | FY 2025-26
Salary Overview
Entry Level
₹8 LPA
0-1 years
Mid Level
₹18 LPA
3-5 years
Senior Level
₹120 LPA
12+ years
Overview
Chartered Accountants are the backbone of financial management in India. CAs handle audit, taxation, financial planning, and regulatory compliance for businesses of all sizes.
In 2026, CAs with expertise in international taxation, forensic accounting, and financial advisory command premium salaries. The Big 4 and MNCs continue to offer the highest packages for qualified CAs.
Chartered Accountant Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Salary Range | Average CTC | Monthly In-Hand* | Typical Roles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fresher CA 0-1 years | ₹6 LPA - ₹12 LPA | ₹8 LPA | ₹55,313 | Audit Associate, Tax Associate |
Junior 1-3 years | ₹8 LPA - ₹18 LPA | ₹12 LPA | ₹80,748 | Senior Associate, Assistant Manager |
Mid-Level 3-5 years | ₹12 LPA - ₹25 LPA | ₹18 LPA | ₹1,15,443 | Manager, Senior Tax Consultant |
Senior 5-8 years | ₹20 LPA - ₹40 LPA | ₹30 LPA | ₹1,72,460 | Senior Manager, Finance Manager |
Director 8-12 years | ₹35 LPA - ₹70 LPA | ₹50 LPA | ₹2,67,489 | Director, Associate Director |
Partner/CFO 12+ years | ₹60 LPA - ₹300 LPA | ₹120 LPA | ₹6,00,090 | Partner, CFO |
*Monthly in-hand calculated using New Tax Regime (FY 2025-26) with standard assumptions.Use our calculator for personalized calculations.
Quick In-Hand Salary Reference
See exact take-home salary for common Chartered Accountant CTC packages:
Top Companies Hiring Chartered Accountants
Key Skills Required
- ✓Financial Reporting
- ✓Taxation (Direct & Indirect)
- ✓Audit
- ✓GST
- ✓Transfer Pricing
- ✓IFRS/Ind AS
- ✓Financial Modeling
- ✓SAP/ERP
Valuable Certifications
- 📜CA (ICAI)
- 📜CPA (US)
- 📜ACCA
- 📜CFA
- 📜CISA
- 📜CIA
Career Progression
📈 Industry Trends 2025
International taxation and transfer pricing expertise commands highest premium. Tech-savvy CAs with ERP and automation skills are valuable. ESG reporting is emerging area. CFO roles in startups offer equity upside.
Factors Affecting Chartered Accountant Salary
💡 Salary Negotiation Tips
- •AIR rank is significant leverage for freshers
- •Specialization expertise strengthens position
- •Consider Big 4 partner track vs CFO track trade-off
- •Industry switch after Big 4 often comes with 40-50% hike
- •CFO roles in startups include significant equity
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for a CA in India?
Fresher CAs earn ₹6-12 LPA. Big 4 offers ₹8-10 LPA. Top rankers can get ₹15-20 LPA offers from MNCs.
Which CA specialization pays the most?
International taxation, transfer pricing, and forensic accounting are highest paying specializations. CFO roles in large companies pay ₹1-3 Cr+.
Big 4 vs Industry - which pays more?
Big 4 starts higher (₹8-10 LPA) but industry catches up. At senior levels, CFO roles in industry pay more. Partner track at Big 4 is also lucrative.
How much do CA Partners earn?
Partners at Big 4 earn ₹50 LPA - ₹3 Cr+ depending on seniority. Equity partners in successful firms earn significantly more.
Is CA better than MBA for salary?
CAs have guaranteed employability and good starting salaries. MBA from top IIMs can offer higher starting. Long-term earnings depend on career choices.
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