Salary for cs vs ca

This query is : Resolved

Querist : Anonymous

Querist : Anonymous (Querist)

05 November 2013 hi everyone!
when I look for the average salary for a fresh CS, I often end up with 3-4lakhs p.a.

then, why does a fresh CA gets more than a CS?

BOTH THE COURSES ARE EQUAL IN THEIR DIFFICULTY LEVELS, MARKS CRITERIA, ETC.

even a fresh CS ranker is not crossing 5 lacs pa..why is this happening?

I am pursuing CS-Exe and this salary criteria is seriously dis-heartening me!

CA Vijeta Verma

CA Vijeta Verma (Expert)
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05 November 2013 To a large extent salary depends upon your skills & knowledge.Even more on how your professional market value is more than others.There are fresh CAs who are working at a scale of 20000pm while there is a case where a fresh CA is offered a salary of 26lakhs p.a.
Being a fresher at this time learning & maximum exposure should be your concern & not the salary

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CA. BIJENDER KR. BANSAL

CA. BIJENDER KR. BANSAL (Expert)
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05 November 2013 Agreed with expert's view. First get experience then learn then salary automatically will be high as per your ability and experience.

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Querist : Anonymous

Querist : Anonymous (Querist)

06 November 2013 thanks for replying.
I agree with you that knowledge and experience plays a big role..
but..
see here, the opening salary is around 4 lacs for a fresh CS and for a CA..it is greater than that.
I am talking about a ranker in CS vs a ranker in CA only.
here both the persons havenot gained any sort of experience as both are freshers.
then, why is the market for CS not opening in a wider aspect.

CA. BIJENDER KR. BANSAL

CA. BIJENDER KR. BANSAL (Expert)
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06 November 2013 We can't compare both course with each other.
If there is any vacancy in my group companies, I always prefer CA due to multiple working of accounts/cost/taxation .
There is thought in industry that CS work scope is only secretarial work and ROC Work . Hence they prefer CA with high salary because CA Can do this secretarial work.

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Querist : Anonymous

Querist : Anonymous (Querist)

08 November 2013 thanks sir.
I wish, industry starts looking CS and CA equally.

sir, is there any chance to cross 7-8 lacs fresher's salary if one is a rank holder in CS (both exec & prof)?

Asha Kanta Sharma

Asha Kanta Sharma (Expert)
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22 July 2025 That’s a really thoughtful question and a common concern among CS students!

Here’s a breakdown of why fresh CAs often get higher starting salaries compared to fresh CSs, even for rank holders, despite both being tough qualifications:

1. Market Demand & Perception
CA (Chartered Accountant) is traditionally seen as a finance and accounting powerhouse.

Most companies have a strong demand for CA skills — audit, taxation, financial reporting, management accounting — which are core to business operations.

CS (Company Secretary) is often pigeonholed as dealing mainly with legal compliance, secretarial duties, and ROC filings.

Many employers perceive CA skills as more versatile, which leads to higher demand and better pay.

2. Scope of Work
CA can handle a wide range of roles: audit, taxation, financial planning, risk management, CFO roles.

CS roles tend to be restricted to corporate governance, secretarial compliance, legal advisory.

Some companies prefer to hire CAs even for secretarial roles because CAs are trained on accounting and tax too.

3. Industry Preferences
In many industries, the role of a CA is critical for statutory audits and tax planning.

CS roles are crucial but often fewer in number; also, many companies do not hire fresh CS directly at high pay but expect them to gain experience first.

4. Experience & Exposure
Both fresh CS and CA rankers have zero experience, but CAs tend to have internships and training in audit firms which add value.

CS training might be more specialized, limiting initial job roles.

5. Changing Trends
With stricter corporate governance and compliance norms, CS demand is growing.

Specialized CS professionals (especially rank holders) can command better packages in large corporations and legal firms.

Cross-skilling (CS + law, CS + finance) can boost salary prospects.

Can a fresh CS cross 7-8 lacs p.a?
It’s rare but possible in MNCs or large corporations, especially for rank holders with excellent communication skills and internships.

Usually, fresh CS salaries start moderate, but grow quickly with experience.

Bottom line:
Salary reflects market demand and job scope.

Both qualifications are valuable; focus on building skills, gaining relevant experience, and networking.

If salary is the priority, consider roles where CS knowledge is combined with legal or financial expertise.

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