The Common Proficiency Test (CPT) is the entry-level exam for becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) in India, governed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). Students can register after 10th grade and take it after 12th grade to kickstart their accounting career.

Exam Structure The CPT is an offline, pen-and-paper, objective-type test.

It consists of 200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) divided into two sessions of two hours each, with a break in the middle.

The exam is divided into four main subjects: 

Time Duration: 4 hours total

Session 1 (2 Hours) Fundamentals of Accounting (60 Marks): Tests basic accounting principles and standards.Mercantile Laws (40 Marks): Tests basic business and contract laws.

Session 2 (2 Hours) General Economics (50 Marks): Covers micro and macroeconomics concepts.Quantitative Aptitude (50 Marks): Covers basic mathematics and statistics.

Scoring & Passing Criteria Total Marks: 200 marks.Negative Marking: Incorrect answers will lose 0.25 marks.Passing Requirement: You need at least 30% marks in each individual subject and 50% overall marks across all four subjects to pass.