If you’re a CA student wondering how to get articleship in Big 4 CA firms, you’re not alone. Every
ambitious CA aspirant dreams of adding Deloitte, PwC, EY, or KPMG to their resume - and for good reason.
A Big 4 articleship not only boosts your career prospects but also shapes your professional personality
like nothing else.
Let’s break down everything you need to know - from eligibility and application strategy to stipend,
interview tips, and even backup plans.
What Are the Big 4 Firms?
The Big 4 companies for CA articleship - Deloitte, PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers),EY (Ernst & Young), and
KPMG - are the global leaders in audit, taxation, advisory, and consulting. These firms handle marquee
clients, multinational audits, and complex financial structures that most CAs only dream of seeing.
Joining them during your CA articleship in Big 4 means working in a high-performance environment where
you’ll learn international standards, advanced tools, and corporate discipline early in your career.
Why Choose Big 4 for Articleship?
Before we jump into how to get CA articleship in Big 4, it’s worth understanding why it matters so much:
Unmatched Exposure
You’ll handle listed clients, large corporates, and cross-border transactions.
Skill Development
From Ind-AS to GST to audit analytics - the learning never stops.
Brand Value
The name “Big 4” on your CV opens doors across industries.
Global Opportunities
Many Big 4s offer foreign secondments or inter-office transfers.
In short, doing your articleship in a Big 4 isn’t just about prestige, it’s about acceleration. The work
environment pushes you to think critically, manage deadlines under pressure, and communicate with
professionals at every level. You don’t just learn accounting or audit, you learn professionalism,
leadership, and client handling. These three years can shape your entire career trajectory, setting you
far ahead of peers in both technical expertise and corporate confidence.
Also read this: Big 4 Articleship: What They Don’t Tell You, But You Need to Know
Eligibility Criteria for Big 4 Articleship
Getting articleship in Big 4 companies is highly competitive, so here’s what typically works in your
favor:
Good Academic Record
Strong marks in CA Intermediate (especially in first attempt).
Communication Skills
English proficiency and professional demeanor are must-haves.
Networking Edge
Having mentors, seniors, or LinkedIn connections within the firm helps.
Discipline & Presentation
A neat resume and confident body language matter more than you think.
Ultimately, getting into a Big 4 for articleship isn’t just about grades, it’s about showing you’re cut
out for their culture. These firms look for candidates who can think on their feet, learn fast, and
represent the brand well in front of clients. Even if you’re not a topper, proving you’re reliable,
adaptable, and genuinely interested in the work can make all the difference. The selection process
rewards preparation and presence, not luck.
Step-by-Step Process: How to Apply for Articleship in Big 4
This is where most students get stuck - so here’s a practical breakdown of how to apply for articleship
in Big 4 firms:
1. Referrals Work Wonders
The most reliable route is through referrals. Reach out to your seniors, LinkedIn contacts, or
relatives already working in a Big 4.
Ask them to refer your resume internally — this drastically increases your chances of getting
shortlisted.
2. LinkedIn & Official Career Portals
Most Big 4 companies for CA articleship regularly post openings on LinkedIn and their official
career websites, so it’s crucial to stay alert and proactive.
Keep your LinkedIn profile polished and up to date with your academic details, skills, and a
professional photo — recruiters do notice that.
Apply as soon as opportunities are posted, because Big 4 firms usually start shortlisting
candidates soon after CA Intermediate results,
and early applications have a much higher chance of being noticed.
3. ICAI Articleship Placement
ICAI also facilitates placements for Big 4 articleship positions
in major cities. Keep checking
announcements from regional councils.
4. Follow Up Professionally
After applying, send a short follow-up email after 5–7 days. It signals seriousness without
being pushy.
Resume & Interview Tips for Selection
You may only get one shot - so make it count.
Resume
Keep your resume
to one page, highlighting CA Intermediate scores, achievements, and
tech skills (Excel, Tally, audit tools).
Cover Email
Keep it concise, polite, and customized to the firm.
Interview Prep
Expect questions on accounting standards, audit procedures, GST, and practical
scenarios.
Attitude Matters
Be confident but humble — Big 4 recruiters value learnability over arrogance.
Big 4 Articleship Salary in India
Let’s be honest - CA
articleship salary in Big 4 isn’t sky-high, but it’s fair for the learning offered.
Here’s an approximate range (as of 2025):
| Firm |
1st Year |
2nd Year |
| Deloitte |
₹12,000–₹15,000 |
₹18,000–₹22,000 |
| EY |
₹10,000–₹14,000 |
₹16,000–₹20,000 |
| PwC |
₹11,000–₹15,000 |
₹17,000–₹21,000 |
| KPMG |
₹12,000–₹16,000 |
₹18,000–₹23,000 |
These vary by city - metros like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru usually pay slightly higher.
Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them
A Big 4 articleship can be tough - long hours, tight deadlines, and high expectations are real. But so is
the growth.
- Tip 1: Learn to manage stress early; prioritize health and time.
- Tip 2: Seek feedback and mentorship.
- Tip 3: Don’t compare your journey - Big 4s teach resilience, not shortcuts.
1. Time Pressure
Expect late nights during audit seasons. Plan your day smartly, use to-do lists and
block time for focused work.
2. Work-Life Balance
It’s easy to burn out. Set boundaries, take short breaks, and don’t skip meals or sleep
for deadlines.
3. Steep Learning Curve
You’ll be thrown into complex tasks early on. Ask questions, take notes, and keep
learning from seniors.
4. Performance Anxiety
Everyone’s trying to prove themselves. Focus on progress, not perfection, consistency
matters more.
5. Feedback & Mentorship
Don’t wait for formal reviews. Seek regular feedback and find a mentor who can guide you
through tough phases.
Also read this: All
you need to know about CA Articleship
Alternatives if You Don’t Get into Big 4
- Mid-Tier Firms: Some mid-sized firms offer similar exposure in specific domains
(taxation,
auditing,
etc.).
- Industry Training: Certain corporates hire CA articles for internal finance teams.
- Lateral Entry: Many candidates later switch to Big 4 articleship after gaining 6–12
months of experience elsewhere.
In short, not getting into a Big 4 initially isn’t the end of the road, it’s just a detour. Mid-tier
firms and industry roles can still give you hands-on experience, solid client exposure, and technical
depth. Many successful CAs started outside the Big 4 and later transitioned in or built strong corporate
careers. What matters most is how you learn, grow, and position yourself during those three crucial
years.
FAQs on CA Articleship in Big 4
1. How to get articleship in Big 4 CA firms?
Start early, build connections, and apply through referrals and official portals. A
strong resume and clear communication skills make a big difference.
2. Is it hard to get a CA articleship in Big 4?
Yes - competition is fierce. But with good marks and networking, it’s absolutely
achievable.
3. What is the stipend in Big 4 firms?
CA articleship salary in Big 4 typically ranges between ₹12,000 and ₹30,000 depending on
your year and location.
4. How to apply for articleship in Big 4 after CA Intermediate?
Apply within a month of results, get your resume referred, and monitor LinkedIn openings
daily.
Final Thoughts
Getting a Big 4 articleship isn’t about luck - it’s about strategy, persistence, and the right timing. If
you’re serious about learning the ropes of the corporate world, how to get articleship in Big 4 CA firms
is a journey worth pursuing. Build your skills, network smartly, and remember - every rejection is just
redirection toward your eventual success.
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