CA Not Low-Paying: ICAI Rebuts Media Report, Highlights ₹12–13 LPA Average Salary
ICAI has refuted claims that Chartered Accountancy offers low returns, citing strong placement data and high starting salaries.
The Institute ofChartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has issued a strong rebuttal to recent media claims suggesting that Chartered Accountancy is a low‑paying profession with poor return on investment. In a letter dated April 27, 2026, addressed to the editor of Rajasthan Patrika, ICAI described the report as “incorrect and misleading,” urging responsible...
The Institute ofChartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has issued a strong rebuttal to recent media claims suggesting that Chartered Accountancy is a low‑paying profession with poor return on investment.
In a letter dated April 27, 2026, addressed to the editor of Rajasthan Patrika, ICAI described the report as “incorrect and misleading,” urging responsible fact‑checking before publication. According to ICAI, newly qualified Chartered Accountants earn average starting salaries of Rs. 12-13 lakh per annum, with top domestic packages exceeding Rs. 36 lakh and international offers crossing Rs. 50 lakh.
Placement statistics underline the profession’s strong demand: in 2025, more than 10,000 CAs were placed through campus drives, while the ongoing 2026 placement program has already seen job vacancies (8,911) outnumbering candidates (5,834). ICAI highlighted this imbalance as evidence of the profession’s robust market relevance.
ICAI also pointed out the affordability of the CA course. With total fees around Rs. 80,000, often offset by stipends during the two‑year articleship, the program remains one of the most cost‑effective professional qualifications. Scholarships and fee waivers further reduce costs, making the course accessible to a wide pool of aspirants.
Beyond traditional domains of audit, accounting, and taxation, ICAI pointed to expanding opportunities in forensic accounting, valuation, insolvency, ESG reporting, risk management, and technology‑driven roles. The institute stressed that Chartered Accountancy is globally recognized, future‑ready, and evolving with digital transformation needs.
In its communication, ICAI urged media organizations to verify facts with the institute before publishing, to avoid misrepresentation that could mislead students and stakeholders. “Education is an investment in knowledge and capability, and its true value cannot be assessed through ROI,” the letter stated.
ICAI reinforced its message that Chartered Accountancy remains a premium profession offering strong financial returns and global opportunities, contrary to claims of diminishing value.
Support our journalism by subscribing to Taxscan premium. Follow us on Telegram for quick updates
