If you’re a newly-qualified chartered accountant or about to finish up your articleship, consider this
your go-to roadmap for navigating the world of CA campus placement. The term “CA campus placement” might
conjure images of college-type drives, but in reality, for the Institute
of Chartered Accountants of
India (ICAI) context, it’s a high-quality, high-stakes recruitment platform connecting fresh CAs
with
top companies. Understanding how the process works, what companies look for, how to prepare and present
yourself - these are the keys that will make the difference between just showing up and getting a great
offer.
Whether you aim to join a Big 4 consulting firm, a large banking/finance outfit, or a corporate FP&A
team, this guide walks you step-by-step through everything you need to know about the ICAI CA campus
placements, what packages you can expect, which companies take part, how to prepare for the rounds, and
how to make your post-placement job-search smoother too.
Why CA Campus Placement Matters?
The “on-campus placement” scenario for newly qualified CAs is a bit different from standard
engineering/management college campus drives, but no less important. When you participate in CA campus
placement, you’re getting exposure to large-scale hiring events where dozens or hundreds of companies
come under one roof (or virtual drive) to recruit fresh CAs.
Key stats:
- The latest drive by ICAI saw the highest domestic package for fresh CAs hit ₹26.70 lakhs per annum
(LPA).
- Participation has grown: over 240 companies took part in the 60th drive.
- This means you’re not just competing with your local batch, you’re in a national (and sometimes
international) pool of fresh CAs.
The bottom line: If you approach the CA campus placement process strategically, you can land
offers significantly better than what a typical articleship or back-office job might offer straight out
of qualifying.
How to Prepare for CA Campus Placement? - Step-by-Step
To prepare for the CA campus placement, keep a sharp one-page resume, revise core subjects, and prepare
clear answers about your articleship work. Practice a couple of mock interviews, research the firms
coming to campus, and show up with formal attire, calm confidence, and crisp communication.
Step 1: Understand Your Eligibility & Process
Before you get too far into prep, make sure you’re eligible for the CA campus placement
session you intend to attend. For example, for the 61st drive of ICAI, the eligible candidates are
newly qualified CAs who have passed their CA Final and completed or will complete their articleship
by the specified date.
Also, understand what “on campus placement” means in the ICAI context: live interviews, multiple
rounds, companies from audit, consulting, banking, corporate finance, manufacturing, etc.
Step 2: Research Companies & Roles
To crack the CA campus placement, you must know which companies are hiring fresh CAs and
what roles they’re hiring for.
Some insights:
- The participating companies list for drives (like 60th/61st) includes firms from
audit/consulting (Big 4 and others), banking/finance firms, manufacturing/FMCG companies, etc.
- The sectors covered include banking, IT/Software, manufacturing, FMCG, insurance, etc. Career
Counselling Committee
- Highest salary offers clearly show that companies are willing to pay very well for fresh CAs
when the right skills are there.
By knowing which companies and roles are common, you can tailor your preparation (technical +
behavioural) accordingly, and demonstrate that you understand what the role entails rather than just
generic CA skills.
Step 3: Build Your Profile & Resume
When you participate in a CA campus placement drive, your profile (resume)
is your first
chance to stand out. Focus on presenting not just that you are a CA, but what you can do.
What your resume should highlight:
- Your CA Final qualification + articleship
experience (mention clients, sectors, types of work:
audit, tax, MIS, finance)
- Specific technical skills: e.g., Excel
modelling, SAP use, analytics, internal audit frameworks,
accounting standards
- Any extra certifications/training/workshops you’ve done
- Soft skills and initiatives (for campus placement companies, value communication, adaptability,
business sense)
Treat your resume as your “hook” for the CA campus placement companies looking for fresh
CAs who can hit the ground running.
Also Read This: CA
Fresher Resume Format 2025: Objective, Example & Writing Tips
Step 4: Register & Apply for the Drive
For the ICAI CA campus placement drive, you’ll need to:
- Register within the timeline announced (online)
- Upload your profile/resume, fill in your details accurately (articleship completion, date of CA
Final, areas of interest)
- Choose your preferred interview centres (often there are big centres and smaller centres)
- Ensure all documentation (membership number, CA Final pass-certificate, articleship completion)
is ready - any discrepancy can rule you out.
Also Read this: ICAI
Campus Placements - Complete Preparation Guide
Step 5: Prepare for the Interview Rounds
The interview process in a CA campus placement will typically include: screening/written
test, technical interview, HR/behavioural interview, and sometimes group discussion or business
case.
Your preparation checklist:
- Brush up on core CA topics: accounting standards, tax laws, audit risk, finance concepts -
expect questions like “how would you assess internal controls?”, “walk me through a variance
analysis”, “what’s the impact of GST changes?”
- Be ready to talk about your articleship: what did you do, what value did you add, what tools did
you use, and what business insights you gained.
- Stay industry-aware: read annual reports of large companies, stay updated on business news
(because many companies will want to see you think like a business partner, not just a
number-crusher).
- Practice communication and scenario questions: for example, “You notice discrepancies in a
client’s books, how do you approach it?” “We’re upgrading to SAP S/4HANA - what challenges would
the finance team face?”
- Mock interviews and peer practice
help - have someone ask you tough questions, and you respond
concisely.
Step 6: Navigate the Selection & Offer
Once you receive an offer in the CA campus placement drive:
- Carefully evaluate the role, job description, department, reporting manager, department
progression path - sometimes fresh CAs get placed in audit/assurance again, but within
corporates, which might not be your aim if you want FP&A/finance roles.
- Check the package, location, probation period, and bond clauses (if any) before final
acceptance.
- Some companies may ask for a formal acceptance or joining within a defined period - keep those
timelines clear.
Step 7: Post-Placement Job Application Strategy
Even after you crack the CA campus placement, you should plan for what's next: because
many fresh CAs might want to move roles after 1-2 years, or transition to different functions.
Prepare your next-step plan:
- Build and update your LinkedIn
profile, highlighting your new role from campus placement.
- Continue learning: pick up analytics, business finance, and data-driven decision-making skills.
- Network within the company to identify internal growth opportunities.
- Keep an eye on external roles (even off-campus), so you’re not stuck for long.
- Document your achievements during the first year so you have strong data when negotiating the
next role or salary bump.
CA Campus Placement – Salary & Companies Insights
CA Campus Placement usually offers starting salaries ranging from ₹8–15 lakh for most roles, with top
profiles going higher. Big 4s, top consulting firms, banks, and MNCs dominate the hiring. Your
articleship exposure and interview performance largely decide where you land.
CA Campus Placement: Highest Salary
According to recent data:
- The highest domestic package in the ICAI 60th campus placement was ₹26.70 LPA.
- Average salary in the same drive was about ₹12.49 LPA.
- These numbers show the potential - but remember that “highest” is for select profiles/companies.
Your personal offer depends on how well you prepare and present yourself.
CA Campus Placement Companies & List
The list of companies participating in ICAI’s campus placement drives is extensive and
keeps growing. For example:
- The 61st drive reports ~240 companies participating.
- The participating companies span Big 4 (audit/consulting), banks/financial institutions,
manufacturing & FMCG firms, software/IT firms, and large corporate finance wings.
- A PDF list for the 61st drive shows companies like Bajaj Finserv, Apport Software Solution,
Constellation Consulting, etc. CMIB
Placements
If you’re preparing for a CA campus placement, treat this as your “companies list” to research
and target - pick those aligned with your domain of interest (audit, tax, FP&A, risk, etc).
How to Stand Out in CA Campus Placement?
Stand out in the CA campus placement by keeping a sharp, achievement-focused resume and knowing your
articleship work inside out. Speak with clarity, show strong technical fundamentals, and tailor every
answer to the role. Confidence, professionalism, and crisp communication make the biggest difference.
1. Focus on Domain Fit
Don’t just highlight “CA articled clerkship”. Instead, tailor your profile to the domain
you wish to enter: e.g., financial
planning & analysis, internal audit, tax consulting, or business
finance. Companies often have role-specific filters even during campus drives.
2. Demonstrate Business Awareness
When you speak with recruiters, show that you understand the business behind numbers -
what drives profit, cost-control levers, risk factors, and industry trends. That mindset sets you
apart from a vanilla “I did audit” narrative.
3. Soft Skills & Communication
In a high-stakes CA campus placement environment, communication, clarity and confidence
matter. Be prepared to explain your articleship work in non-technical terms, handle situational
questions calmly, and ask intelligent questions of your own.
4. Prep for Written / Aptitude Tests
Some companies may include a written test (accounting/finance reasoning, logical
reasoning, data interpretation) before interviews. Practice mock tests and time yourself.
5. Use the ‘On-Campus Advantage.’
The term “on campus placement” implies you’re in a pool where companies come to you
rather than you chasing them. Make sure you register early, pick preferred centres, meet deadlines,
and show availability - many roles get filled early.
6. Follow-up and Attitude
After each interview, send a thank-you email. Stay responsive. If rejected, politely ask
for feedback (if possible). Learn from it and refine your next attempt.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
1. Waiting till the last minute
Many fresh CAs start preparing only after registration has started. It’s better to
begin months earlier by revising core technical areas and networking.
2. Generic resume
Submitting a generic “articleship” focused resume without tailoring for the campus
placement companies and roles will reduce your chances.
3. Ignoring domain focus
If you aim for FP&A/finance-planning roles but pitch yourself as audit-only,
recruiters will doubt your fit.
4. Poor interview preparation
Many fail because they can’t articulate what they did during articleship in business
terms or handle situational questions.
5. Ignoring off-campus backup
Even if you get an on-campus offer, plan for after-campus moves. Lack of planning
can trap you in roles you don’t want.
Conclusion
Cracking a CA campus placement isn’t luck – it’s smart preparation, domain clarity, polished
communication and strategic execution. The platform is there – the ICAI drive gives you access to dozens
or hundreds of companies, many high-paying roles, and a chance to start your career on a high note.
To recap your action plan:
- Verify your eligibility and register early.
- Research companies, pick your domain, and build a targeted profile.
- Create a resume that goes beyond “articleship” to “value-added finance professional”.
- Prepare thoroughly for technical + behavioural rounds.
- Use the on-campus opportunity, but keep your long-term job growth in mind.
- After placement, ensure your next move is also planned so you don’t stagnate.
When you approach your CA campus placement with this level of preparation and mindset, you’re not just
trying to get any job - you’re positioning yourself for a career launchpad.
Stay confident, stay updated, show business sense, and your turn to grab a strong offer will come. Good
luck!
