If you’re about to begin your articleship or planning to switch firms soon, one question probably lingers
in your mind: how much stipend should I expect?
You’ve cleared your CA Intermediate exams, you’re ready to step into the professional world, and now
you’re excited to learn, but also a little nervous about whether your hard work will be fairly valued.
Let’s face it, most CA students work 8–10 hours a day during articleship. You learn real accounting,
audits, taxation, GST, client management, and financial analysis. You deal with pressure, deadlines, and
clients who treat you like a full-time employee. Yet, the CA articleship stipend doesn’t
always reflect
that effort.
So in this blog, we’ll break down what’s fair in 2025, how much firms are paying across India, and how
to negotiate your stipend smartly with your HR or principal without sounding entitled or desperate.
What Is a CA Articleship Stipend?
Your CA articleship stipend is the monthly allowance you receive during the two years of mandatory
practical training under a Chartered Accountant.
ICAI prescribes a minimum stipend amount that every CA firm must pay. However, that number hasn’t kept
pace with inflation, rent, or even your travel expenses. Thankfully, many firms now pay significantly
above ICAI’s benchmark, especially in metros and mid-tier firms.
The key is: know the market rate, and know how to ask for what you deserve.
Minimum Stipend for CA Articleship (ICAI Guidelines 2025)
Let’s start with the official part of what ICAI prescribes as the minimum stipend for CA articleship in
India.
| City Category |
Minimum Stipend (Per Month) |
| Category I – Metro Cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune)
|
₹2,500 – ₹3,000 |
| Category II – Cities with population above 10 lakhs |
₹2,000 – ₹2,500 |
| Category III – Other towns / rural areas |
₹1,500 – ₹2,000 |
That’s the bare minimum.
Now let’s talk reality because most firms, especially in metros, pay far more.
Average Stipend for CA Articleship in 2025
The average stipend for CA articleship in 2025 varies widely based on the firm’s size and city. Let’s
look at the averages across different categories of firms:
| Firm Type |
Average Stipend (₹/month) |
| Big 4 Firms (Deloitte, EY, PwC, KPMG) |
₹10,000 – ₹15,000 (1st year)
₹15,000 – ₹25,000 (2nd year) |
| Top Mid-Tier Firms (Grant Thornton, BDO, Walker Chandiok, Mazars, etc.) |
₹7,000 – ₹12,000 |
| Local Reputed Firms |
₹4,000 – ₹8,000 |
| Small Firms / Proprietorships |
₹2,000 – ₹5,000 |
The range looks wide because exposure differs drastically. While a Big 4 trainee might be auditing listed
companies, someone in a small firm may handle basic TDS returns or GST filings. Both matter, but in
different ways.
The takeaway? Don’t judge only by stipend, but don’t settle blindly either.
Highest Stipend in CA Articleship (Updated 2025 Data)
Let’s talk about the highest
stipend in CA articleship because yes, it exists, and it’s
way beyond what
most students think.
| Firm / Setup |
Approx. Stipend (₹/month) |
| Deloitte (Audit,
Risk Advisory, Tax)
|
₹15,000 – ₹25,000 |
| EY / PwC |
₹14,000 – ₹22,000 |
| KPMG |
₹12,000 – ₹20,000 |
| Grant Thornton / BDO |
₹10,000 – ₹18,000 |
| FMCG / Industrial Training Companies (HUL, ITC, Nestlé, Marico, Asian Paints) |
₹25,000 – ₹35,000 |
The highest stipend in CA articleship this year goes to industrial trainees in finance roles, sometimes
touching ₹35,000/month.
But here’s the catch: these are limited seats and competitive interviews. To get there, you need solid
communication, Excel skills, and strong fundamentals.
Deloitte CA Articleship Stipend: Detailed Breakdown
Among all the firms, the Deloitte CA articleship stipend is one of the most searched. Why? Deloitte is
known for structured training, diverse departments, and strong brand value. Here is a list of the
Deloitte
stipend.
| Year of Articleship |
Deloitte Stipend (Approx. ₹/month) |
| First Year |
₹10,000 – ₹13,000 |
| Second Year |
₹14,000 – ₹18,000 |
Additional perks may include:
- Meal coupons
- Transport allowance
- Yearly bonus for top performers
- Access to Deloitte University Learning modules
Note: Deloitte, EY, PwC, and KPMG usually have non-negotiable stipend policies. Your only leverage
is in
smaller or mid-tier firms.
What is a “Fair” Articleship Stipend in 2025?
So, what’s fair, not minimum, not highest, just reasonable?
Here’s a fair range depending on city category:
| City Tier |
Fair Stipend (₹/Month) |
| Tier 1 (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad) |
₹8,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Tier 2 (Jaipur, Lucknow, Indore, Chandigarh) |
₹6,000 – ₹10,000 |
| Tier 3 (Smaller towns) |
₹4,000 – ₹7,000 |
If your stipend falls below ₹4,000 while handling full-time client work, you’re underpaid. If it’s above
₹12,000 and you’re getting real learning exposure, that’s a sweet spot.
How to Negotiate Stipend with HR or Principal (Step-by-Step)?
Let’s be clear: negotiating your CA articleship stipend isn’t rude, it's professional.
You’re not demanding money; you’re aligning value with effort.
Here’s how to do it the right way.
1. Do Your Research
Before you even mention money, know the market rate. Ask seniors, check LinkedIn, or
talk to peers at similar firms. Then approach the HR or principal with a polite, factual tone:
“Sir/Ma’am, I’ve seen that similar mid-tier firms in Delhi are paying around ₹8,000–₹10,000. I’d like
to understand if our firm follows a similar structure.”
You’re opening a discussion, not making demands.
2. Justify with Skills, Not Emotion
Don’t say “Others get more”. Say, “Here’s what I bring.”
Mention:
- Your CA Inter marks or rank
- Your practical exposure (e.g., statutory audit, GST filing, MIS reporting)
- Tools you know (Excel,
SAP, Power
BI, Tally)
Example:
“I’ve handled Excel-based reporting and client coordination before. I believe these
skills can help me take responsibility faster. Could we consider a slightly higher stipend?”
3. Pick the Right Timing
Never negotiate on day one. Earn credibility first.
After 2–3 months, if you’ve proven reliable and delivered well, you can say:
“Sir, since I’ve been managing audit tasks and client communication independently, could
we review my stipend for the next quarter?”
Principals appreciate initiative when backed by performance.
4. Stay Polite and Professional
Even if they say no, respond with gratitude:
“Understood, Sir. I appreciate the opportunity and will continue giving my best.”
It leaves a positive impression and often leads to an unprompted raise later.
5. Use a salary Range, instead of a Fixed Number
Instead of saying “I want ₹10,000,” say “Firms in this category pay between ₹8,000 and
₹10,000; could we align somewhere in that range?”
A range gives flexibility and makes your ask sound reasonable.
How to Negotiate a Raise During Articleship?
If you’re already in a firm and feel your stipend no longer reflects your effort, here’s how to approach
it:
Step 1: Build Your Case
Collect tangible examples of your work:
- Clients you handled
- Projects or audits you managed
- Additional responsibilities you took on
Step 2: Approach Privately
Request a 5–10 minute discussion. Don’t raise it casually or in front of others.
Step 3: Ask Professionally
“Sir/Ma’am, I’ve really enjoyed learning here. Over the past few months, my workload and
client exposure have increased significantly. If possible, could we review my stipend for the
upcoming quarter?”
That’s respectful and mature. Even if they can’t increase it immediately, you’ll be
remembered for how you handled it.
When Not to Negotiate?
Some situations are not right for negotiation. Don’t bring it up if:
- You’ve just joined and haven’t proven yourself yet.
- The firm clearly has a fixed stipend policy (e.g., Big 4).
- The firm offers niche learning (like valuations or M&A) that compensates with exposure.
In those cases, focus on learning; it’ll pay off later.
The Psychology of Negotiation
A lot of students hesitate because they think asking for more money is rude. It’s not.
In the real world, negotiation is a skill you'll use repeatedly as a CA, whether it’s for salary,
clients, or career opportunities.
You’re not begging; you’re communicating value.
The key is tone. Be polite, data-driven, and confident.
Never emotional. Never entitled.
That’s what separates professionals from students.
Is a Higher Stipend Always Better?
Not necessarily. Some firms offer ₹10,000 but only make you do basic vouching. Others offer ₹5,000 but
let you handle audits end-to-end, deal with CFOs, and learn Ind AS application firsthand.
If your firm gives you:
- Real client exposure
- Training in audit, GST,
or tax
- Independence and skill-building opportunities
Then even ₹6,000 can be worth it.
But if you’re doing clerical work all day and earning ₹2,000, you’re wasting time. Switch.
A good CA articleship stipend compensates fairly and aligns with your learning goals.
What Principals Actually Think About Negotiation?
Most CAs respect students who approach negotiation professionally.
They don’t like arrogance, but they admire maturity.
From a principal’s viewpoint:
- They know the stipend is small.
- They appreciate students who value themselves but not overestimate.
- They prefer someone who says “I’d like to understand the policy” instead of “I deserve more.”
So yes, negotiation is allowed, just don’t overdo it.
How to Negotiate If You’re Joining a Mid-Tier Firm?
Mid-tier firms usually have flexibility compared to the Big 4s. Here’s
what you can do:
- Express enthusiasm for learning.
- Mention your skills (especially Excel, PowerPoint, and audit tools).
- Quote a reasonable range based on what you’ve researched.
- Ask open-ended questions:
“Could you please share how the stipend progresses annually here?”
That makes the conversation professional, not awkward.
When You Should Absolutely Push for a Higher Stipend?
You should ask firmly if:
- You’ve cleared both groups of CA Inter with good marks.
- You have relevant internship experience (finance, audit, data).
- The firm expects extended hours and travel.
- You’re joining your second/third firm after a transfer.
In these cases, you bring experience that adds immediate value, and that’s worth
negotiating.
How to Benchmark Stipend Trends in 2025?
To understand what’s fair, stay updated:
- Follow LinkedIn posts of CA trainees sharing stipend updates.
- Join Telegram or Discord groups for CA students.
- Talk to seniors in your city.
- Check firm reviews online (especially on Quora or Reddit).
Knowing what others earn helps you negotiate from a position of knowledge, not guesswork.
The Long-Term Impact of Negotiation
Negotiating your CA articleship stipend teaches you more than financial assertiveness. It builds
confidence,
communication skills, and professional judgment, all essential traits for a Chartered Accountant.
It’s not about ₹2,000 more. It’s about learning to articulate your value, assess fairness, and
communicate
respectfully things you’ll do your entire career.
Also read- CA
Articleship Vacancy in Big 4: How to Apply & Build Your Career?
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Negotiating
- Bringing emotion into it: Don’t say “I really need the money.” Say “I believe my
contribution adds value.”
- Comparing firms publicly: Never say, “My friend at XYZ firm gets more.”
- Negotiating too early: Always wait until after the offer or a few weeks of good
performance.
- Ignoring exposure: A high stipend with poor exposure limits your growth.
- Not doing research: Know your city’s average before quoting figures.
Industrial Training Stipend (How Much Can You Earn)
In the last 9–12 months of your articleship, you can shift into industrial
training. The
stipend jumps
drastically.
| Company Type |
Industrial Training Stipend (₹/month) |
| FMCG (ITC, HUL, Marico) |
25,000 – 35,000 |
| Banking & Finance (HDFC, ICICI, Axis) |
20,000 – 30,000 |
| Manufacturing / Energy (Reliance, JSW) |
18,000 – 25,000 |
Industrial training is where your early negotiation and networking skills will pay off because companies
often ask, “What are your expectations?”
FAQs on CA Articleship Stipend
1. How much stipend for CA articleship in 2025?
The average stipend for CA articleship is ₹8,000–₹12,000 in mid-tier firms,
₹15,000–₹25,000
in Big 4s, and ₹25,000–₹35,000 in industrial training setups.
2. What is the minimum stipend for a CA articleship?
As per ICAI, the minimum stipend for CA articleship ranges from ₹1,500 to ₹3,000
depending
on the city category, but most firms pay higher.
3. What is the highest stipend in CA articleship?
The highest stipend in CA articleship in 2025 goes up to ₹35,000 per month, offered in
industrial training roles at companies like ITC, HUL, and Reliance.
4. How to negotiate a stipend with HR or the principal?
Be polite, data-driven, and specific. Mention your skills, exposure, and performance,
then
ask if the stipend can align with market standards.
5. Is it okay to ask for a raise during articleship?
Yes, if you've been working for at least six months, handling significant client work,
or
taking on added responsibility, it’s completely fair to ask for a review.
6. Should I focus on the stipend or learning?
If you’re in a reputed firm offering real exposure, prioritise learning. But if you’re
doing
clerical tasks with low pay and no growth, move to a firm that values both.
Conclusion
Your CA articleship stipend doesn’t just pay your bills; it reflects how you value your own effort.
In 2025, the stipend landscape is evolving. Firms are more aware, competition is higher, and students
are
more confident. That means you don’t have to accept less than you deserve, but you also shouldn’t demand
blindly.
Approach every discussion with facts, self-awareness, and professionalism. Research the average stipend
for
CA articleship, benchmark it with your city, and prepare your pitch.
Because if you learn to negotiate your stipend today, you’ll negotiate your CFO package tomorrow.
