Foundation Courses for CA Aspirants in Nepal (Before CAP-I)
The Chartered Accountancy course is one of the sought out courses in the field of finance, accounting, and business management, preparing students to become qualified CAs who play a key role in auditing, taxation, financial analysis, and business advisory services.
The CA course in Nepal is looked after by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal (ICAN).
Gaining a CA qualification will open doors to a world of diverse career opportunities, from working in audit firms and corporate companies to starting your very own financial practice.
As much as of prestigious a qualification as CA is, it is also one of the most challenging courses.
It is crucial to build a solid foundation before you even start the course to ensure you can adjust to the demanding nature of the course as soon as possible to minimize the chances of failing.
Learn more about How to Prepare for Chartered Accountancy (CA) After +2 and the Cost of Study
An Overview of the Course
First and foremost, you should know what the course structure looks like and the subjects included in the syllabus.
The course is divided into three levels:
- CAP-I (Foundation Level)
Students who have completed 10+2 or equivalent are eligible to directly register for CAP-I.
This is the foundation level that builds a strong base in accounting, economics, and business laws.
Exams are paper-based, objective, and descriptive, and each exam is three hours.
You will have to obtain a minimum of 50% in each subject, and the exams are generally conducted twice a year (in June and December).
The subjects included in the CAP-I are:
- Fundamentals of Accounting
- Mercentile Laws and Fundamentals of Economics
- Fundamentals of Management and Communication
- Quantitative Techniques
- CAP-II Level
To be eligible for the CAP-II level, you must have cleared the CAP-I level.
The main focus of this level is that students develop analytical and application-based understanding in the subjects of accounting, business laws, auditing, and taxation.
The subjects are divided into two groups:
Group 1 | Group 2 |
Advanced Accounting | Financial Management |
Audit and Assurance | Cost and Management Accounting |
Corporate and Other Laws | Business Communication and Information Technology |
Each subject is worth 100 marks with a 3-hour duration, and the exams are conducted in June and December of each year.
To pass, you must score at least 40% in each subject and 50% overall aggregate in each group.
You are allowed to appear in one or both groups at a time.
- CAP-III Level
To be eligible for the CAP-III level, you must clear the CAP-II level and also finish the required period of Articleship under a practicing CA.
Since this is the final level in the CA qualification, it is also the most advanced level, and is focused on professional expertise, strategic management, and leadership skills required to practice as a CA.
The subjects in the CAP-III level are also divided into two groups:
Group 1 | Group 2 |
Advanced Financial Reporting | Corporate and Strategic Management |
Advanced Financial Management | Advanced Taxation |
Advanced Auditing | Advanced Information Technology and Data Analytics |
The exams are generally based on case studies, problem-solving, and analysis, and each paper is 3 hours long.
Students can choose to appear for one group or both groups at a time.
You need a minimum of 40% per subject and 50% overall per group to pass.
Read more on How to Crack CAP-I in the First Attempt: Tips and Study Plan
Why Foundation Courses Matter
Young CA aspirants, who are fresh graduates out of high school, face a huge gap between school-level education and professional accounting studies.
The CA syllabus is technical, analytical, and requires a deep understanding of the financial system.
Students need to take a foundation course before CAP-I to:
- Strengthen basics in accounting, economics, and business mathematics,
- Develop analytical and logical reasoning skills.
- Build confidence to handle the pressure of CA studies.
- Get a clear understanding of what the CA course demands in terms of discipline and commitment.
Foundation courses make the transition from high school to a professional course much smoother and make the CAP-I level much more approachable while decreasing the chances of failure.
Foundation Courses for CA Aspirants in Nepal
The foundation courses for CA in Nepal are:
Course | Focus | Learning Areas | Importance of the course |
Basic Accounting and Bookkeeping | Understanding of financial records and transactions | Journal entries, ledgers, trial balance, and financial statements | Builds the core accounting base needed for CAP-I and higher levels |
Business Mathematics and Statistics | Mathematical and analytical problem-solving | Ratio, percentage, interest, probability, and data interpretation | Strengthens numerical and analytical skills for quantitative subjects |
Economics for Finance | Basics of economic principles and markets | Microeconomics, macroeconomics, demand & supply, and market structure | Helps understand the business environment and financial systems |
English and Communication Skills | Effective business communication | Grammar, report writing, presentation, and correspondence | Enhances communication and professional writing |
Introduction to Business and Management | Overview of business operations and management concepts | Organizational structure, leadership, marketing, and HR basics | Develops business awareness and managerial thinking |
Computer and Accounting Software | Practical use of digital tools in accounting | MS Excel, Tally, QuickBooks, and Data handling | Prepares students for modern digital accounting practices |
Business Law Basics | Understanding legal aspects of business operations | Contract Law, company law, and commercial law | Builds early understanding of the legal framework relevant to CAP-I |
Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning | Analytical and logical skill development | Logical Reasoning, puzzles, and numerical aptitude | Improves problem-solving approach and exam readiness |
Many reputed educational institutions and CA colleges in Nepal offer foundation courses for aspiring CAs. Some of them are:
- Academy of Commerce
- NCA College of Management
- Caspian Valley College
- British College of Accountancy
- And other ICAN-accredited training centers
Know more about the Scope of CA in Nepal and Abroad after Qualification
Tips for Students Before Starting CAP-I
Here are a few tips to help you before starting CAP-I:
- Time management is one of the most important skills you must learn and use each minute of your day wisely.
- Focus on understanding the concepts rather than just memorization.
- Consistency is key, so be consistent with your lessons.
- Remember to revise previously studied lessons and practice problem sets, old questions, and mock exams.
- A routine and target hours of study for each week will keep you accountable.
- Know that only you are responsible for your success and your failure. Self-discipline is important.
- Stay updated with ICAN notes and guidelines regarding registration and syllabus updates.
Conclusion
Foundation courses are the head start to help you win the race.
They are an important phase of preparation for students aspiring to become CAs in Nepal.
If you master the fundamentals before you enter the CAP-I level, you will have a clear sense of purpose, the confidence needed to move forward easily, and the discipline needed to ace it.
One of the smartest decisions you can take as an aspiring CA is to join a foundation course, regardless of the stream you belonged to in +2.
This is the first step you can take towards being in charge of your own future and building a successful career in one of the most respectable professions out there.
