by Swati, on 15 May, 2019 6:00:00 PM
It’s time for self-evaluation.
Know all about the CA Articleship Assessment Test.
INTRODUCTION
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India has introduced Articleship Assessment Tests that students are eligible for once they’ve completed their 1st and 2nd year of practical training. The idea behind these tests is to ensure that students understand the importance of articleship and practical training. The tests are compulsory and take place in the month of September for those undergoing training between April and June. The dates of the exam can be extended to December as well, but no further. The duration for 1st level and 2nd level exams is 2 hours each.
Today, we’ll be discussing everything you need to know in order to understand these Articleship Assessment Tests.
All about the Articleship Assessment Tests
Syllabus
There is no set syllabus as such. The main objective of these tests is self-assessment; to see how much knowledge and experience students have gained during their practical training especially in their specific fields of study. But broadly speaking, the following are the subjects that the test questions will be based around –
For the first year:
Two modules will be compulsory:
- Accounting and Auditing (Including Corporate Law) worth 50 marks
- Optional Module worth 25 marks where you choose a topic from among the following:
- Direct Tax
- Indirect Tax
- Internal Audit
The total weightage of this test is 75 marks. The format is MCQ based with no negative marking. Each MCQ is worth one mark for a total of 75 questions.
For the second year:
In the 2nd level exams too, Accounting and Auditing (including Corporate Law) is a compulsory module of 50 marks and contains 50 questions i.e. 50 marks - 30 questions will carry 1 mark each and 10 questions for 2 marks each.
Additionally, students must opt for any 2 modules of 25 marks each (15 questions carrying 1 mark each, and 5 questions carrying 2 marks each) from among the following choices:
- Direct Tax including International Taxation
- Indirect Tax
- Internal Audit
Again the format is MCQ-based with no negative marking. The weightage of this test is 100 marks in all.
Format
The Articleship Assessment Tests will be in Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) format and will be conducted online in different centres. There is no negative marking.
Fees
If a student is appearing for the exam for the first time, then he/she has does not have to pay any additional fee. However, in case of a failed attempt or in the case of improving one’s test score, students must pay a nominal fee.
Exceptions
Both levels of the test are mandatory for CA students doing articleship except in the following cases:
- If you have completed your first year of practical training before April 1, 2018, you are not required to appear for first level test. However, you will be required to appear for second level test after completion of second year of practical training
- If you have completed your 2nd year of training before 1st April, 2018, you don't need to appear for any level of the test
- If you have already completed all your practical training, you don't need to appear for any level of the test
If for any reason, you are not able to appear for the exam, you call the Institute to check if they are willing to make an exception.
Registration
In order to register for Articleship Assessment Tests, you can visit the ICAI website or the ICAI Cloud Campus.
Centres
This test is conducted in over 150 cities all across India. While registering, be sure to select the Centre closest and most convenient for you. You will receive an Admit Card with your name, details and the Centre allocated to you. You will have to take the test from your assigned Centres only. There is no option of home/office tests.
Results
The results are declared within a week after taking the test. Students can see their result by logging into the ICAI website.
Grading System
Students appearing for Practical Training Assessemnt test during Articleship will be assigned grades by the ICAI, based on their performance/ marks as below:
1. Grade A: 80% and above
2. Grade B: 60% and above but below 80%
3. Grade C: 40% and above but below 60%
4. Grade D: Below 40%
These grades will appear in the CA Final Marksheet.
FAQs
Is there negative marking?
No, there is no negative marking in this test.
If I’m not satisfied with my score, can I reappear for the test?
Yes, you can reappear for the test. However, there will be a gap. You will be allowed to take the test in the next quarter only. You will be given two more chances to reappear for the test for which you will be charged a nominal fee. The best grade out of all the tests will be considered for the mark-sheet.
What If I haven’t cleared my Intermediate Level examination? Will it affect my test?
No, the test is solely based on the experience and knowledge gained during your practical training.
I took a one month break during my practical training. What will my training completion date be?
Suppose your training completion date was initially March 15th, 2019. Your training completion date will then be one month later i.e. April 14th, 2019.
How can I prepare for the Articleship Assessment Tests?
There are a number of ways in which you can look at the preparation aspect for these tests. Keep in mind that these tests are to be taken very seriously and they will help you in the long run. To help prepare and get a good score, you can check the sample questions uploaded on ICAI website. You can use the knowledge you have already gained through all the coursework you’ve done over the years.
Is it mandatory to take these tests? How important are the results?
Yes, it is mandatory to take and obtain at least minimum passing marks. Regarding the importance, it is quite important to reinforce what you have learned during your articleship. Also, because this is a new innovation, at the moment the industry and community at large are evaluating how important these tests are for your career. Because the marks will be displayed in the marksheet, the future significance of these tests will be important.
Conclusion
If you want to improve your chances of getting a good score, you can sign up with LearnCab and gain access to hours of HD quality video lectures by qualified CA professionals who have vast knowledge of the subject. You can also quiz yourself on relevant topics that might help you in the MCQs.
Stay up-to-date with everything you need to know about the Articleship Assessment Tests. Stay tuned to our blog for notifications regarding test dates, results and other such information.
For any other help or information regarding our services, or any questions about the test, you can get in touch with us and we’ll help you in the best way we can.
All the best!
