Beyond CA: Indian students flock to US certifications for global careers
For years, the Chartered Accountancy (CA) qualification has stood as the gold standard for accounting and finance professionals in India. But that dominance is now being quietly challenged. An increasing number of Indian students and early-career professionals are gravitating towards international certifications like the US CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and US CMA (Certified Management Accountant), drawn by quicker timelines and global career prospects.
According to Sripal Jain, a CA, US CPA, and co-founder of Simandhar Education, this growing preference stems from the long, uncertain journey involved in becoming a CA. “The CA course can take six to seven years for many students and with low pass rates at each level, it often becomes a prolonged and unpredictable path,” he explains. “Today’s students are looking for qualifications that are faster, more flexible and globally relevant.”
Jain highlights that the US CPA and CMA offer structured and time-efficient alternatives. While the CPA can be completed in 12 to 18 months, the CMA — requiring just two exams — can be cleared even faster. “These programmes align with global accounting standards and are recognised by multinational companies and Big Four firms worldwide,” he adds.
The trend is also being fuelled by India’s booming Global Capability Centres (GCCs), which are actively seeking finance professionals trained in international standards like US GAAP, IFRS and global tax frameworks. “Companies now want professionals who can operate across different regulatory systems with ease,” Jain notes.
A recent policy shift has further sweetened the deal. Accounting has now been categorised under the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields in the United States. “This gives international students the benefit of a three-year Optional Practical Training (OPT) period in the US,” says Jain. When paired with experience from India’s GCCs, it creates a direct pipeline to long-term US roles via OPT and the H-1B visa route.
Jain also points to the evolving nature of finance roles as a driver of change. “Traditional bookkeeping is being automated. What companies need today are finance professionals who can strategize, analyse performance and support data-driven decision-making.” He says the CMA is particularly suited for roles like FP&A analysts, controllers or even CFOs.
While these international certifications do involve higher upfront costs, Jain insists they are a wise investment. “Their shorter timelines, global acceptance and excellent placement prospects make them highly appealing — even to CA dropouts and working professionals looking for practical alternatives.”
He clarifies that the rise of US CPA and CMA doesn’t devalue the CA qualification but reflects a broader mindset shift. “Students are more globally aware and career-driven. They’re thinking beyond domestic titles and choosing options that make them future-ready,” he says.
This trend is not confined to metros alone. Jalandhar-based career counsellor Harpreet Kaur has seen a growing number of inquiries for CPA and CMA courses across Punjab. “We’re seeing strong interest from cities like Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar,” she says. “Families are realising that these global credentials open doors not just in India, but worldwide.”
In 2023 alone, more than 8,000 Indian candidates sat for the US CPA exam — a 40 per cent increase over the previous year. With over 300,000 accountants set to retire in the US by 2028, Jain believes Indian professionals with global credentials are well poised to fill the gap.
“The world is hiring — and Indian students are ready to meet that demand with the right international qualifications,” Jain concludes.
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Jalandhar