CPT stands for the Common Proficiency Test. This entry-level exam, conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), is essential for admission into the Chartered Accountancy course. Also referred to as CA-CPT, passing this exam is mandatory to become a member of the ICAI.
Frequency- half-yearly
Mode- Pen and Paper
Exam Pattern
The Common Proficiency Test (CPT) is available both online and in paper-pencil mode. The paper-pencil mode test lasts for 4 hours, divided into two 2-hour sessions with a break in between. The test consists of objective-type questions, and there is a penalty for incorrect answers.
Exam Pattern
Mode of the Exam: It is a pen-and-paper-based test.
Duration: The exam lasts for 3 hours for Papers 1 & 2 and 2 hours for Papers 3 & 4.
Language: Candidates can choose to answer in either English or Hindi.
Total Marks: The exam carries a total of 400 marks.
Marking Scheme: Papers 1 and 2 have no negative marking for incorrect answers. However, Papers 3 and 4 deduct 1/3 marks for wrong answers.
Type of Questions:
Medium of Exam: English or Hindi (Note: Section B of Paper 2, Business Correspondence and Reporting, is conducted only in English).
Mode of Exam: Offline
Eligibility Criteria
The Common Proficiency Test (CPT) is an essential examination for students aiming for a career in chartered accountancy. The eligibility criteria for CPT are clearly defined to ensure a fair and standardized registration process.
Class 10 Examination
Students who have passed the Class 10 examination conducted by a recognized examining body in India, or an equivalent as recognized by the Central Government, are eligible to register for the Common Proficiency Test.
Senior Secondary Examination (10+2)
Registered students must have appeared in the Senior Secondary Examination (10+2) conducted by a legally constituted examining body in India, or an equivalent examination recognized by the Central Government.
Registration Timing
To be eligible for the CPT examination in June or December, students must register 60 days before the first day of the respective month (i.e., on or before April 1st for the June exam and October 1st for the December exam).
International Qualifications
The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) recognizes five passes at GCE ‘O’ level/GCSE/IGCSE in A/B/C Grades and two passes at GCE ‘Advanced’ level as equivalent to the 10+2 stage qualification in India.
Higher Education/Diploma Holders
Students who have completed two years of higher education, including a diploma course after passing the 10th class, conducted by Central or State Governments, are eligible for CPT upon admission to the first year of a graduation course.
Recognition by AIU
The 10+2 examination from any other recognized Board/University, not mentioned above but acknowledged by the AIU as equivalent to the Senior Secondary (10+2) Examination as recognized by the Central Government, also qualifies students for CPT.
Best Books and Youtube Channels for CA CPT preparation
