Certification: | U.S. CPA via AICPA, globally recognized for audit, tax & reporting |
Eligibility: | 120–150 U.S. credit hours (Indian graduation + WES evaluation), ethics course, 1–2 years U.S. accounting experience for license |
Exam Structure: | 4 parts – AUD, BEC, FAR, REG; each 4 hours; pass mark 75; complete all within 18 months |
Estimated Cost: | ₹3–5 lakhs (includes training, exams, evaluation, study materials, licensing) |
Study Duration: | ~600–800 hours; typically completed in 1–2 years depending on pace |
Top Coaching Institutes: | Zell Education, Becker, EduPristine, Atlas CPA, Unacademy |
Career Opportunities: | Big 4 firms, corporate finance, advisory, fintech, teaching, independent practice |
Zell Advantage: | Live + recorded classes, doubt sessions, mentorship, placement support in Mumbai |
The definitive Mumbai-specific guide to CPA course fees in Mumbai, CPA classes in Mumbai, CPA coaching in Mumbai, and pursuing a US CPA in Mumbai with practical steps and insider tips.
What is the CPA Certification?
What is a CPA course? The CPA certification is a known U.S. professional credential in accounting that ensures these professionals are competent in financial reporting, taxation, audit, and business strategy. It’s internationally recognised and promotes employment flexibility.
- The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) issues the CPA certification, and it represents superior ethical and professional standards.
- One of the certification requirements is that prospective accountants should be able to pass the rigorous Uniform CPA Exam, complete mandated ethics/integrity courses, and have relevant professional experience.
- The CPA certification allows accountants in Mumbai to practice with international firms, to consult overseas clients, and even to teach future CPAs.
Why Pursue the CPA Course in Mumbai?
Mumbai offers best-of-breed CPA coaching in Mumbai, experienced instructors, global firm experience, and low-cost CPA course fees in Mumbai, all in a convenient learning environment.
-
- Global Exposure: The city is home to Big 4 and global CPA firms in Mumbai, offering a firsthand experience of international standards.
- Strong Learning Ecosystem: The CPA coaching classes in Mumbai have online and live classes, study material, and mocks according to the US exam pattern.
For anyone considering a career in accounting, becoming a CPA in Mumbai opens doors to numerous opportunities and professional growth.
- Competitive Fees: The CPA course fees in Mumbai is quite reasonable as compared to international courses and is a feasible opportunity for India-based scholars.
- Networking Opportunities: Local workshops and peer groups facilitate connections with alumni and professionals.
- Localised Support: The coaches in Mumbai stay current in U.S. GAAP/FASB, GASB, and IRS updates and help place them in context relevant to the exam.
Eligibility Criteria for US CPA
Mumbai candidates usually require an accredited bachelor’s degree (120–150 U.S. semester hours), accounting and business credits, ethics, and professional experience.
- Education Hours: A degree equating to 120–150 semester hours; several Indian universities’ credits require credential evaluation through WES and other such services.
- Subject Requirements: Includes 24 credit hours in accounting subjects (e.g., audit, taxation) and 24 hours in business-related subjects (e.g., finance, management), plus an ethics module.
- Age & Residency: 18 and over; does not need U.S. residency.
- Experience Requirement: Typically 1–2 years under the supervision of a licensed CPA, depending on the U.S. state of licensure.
- Ethics Exam: Some states mandate an ethics exam after passing the Uniform Exam.
CPA Exam Structure and Syllabus Overview
CPA Exam Sections
The test consists of four main parts, and each part validates different accounting skills.
- AUD (Auditing & Attestation): Includes audit procedures, internal controls, ethics, and evidence evaluation.
- BEC (Business Environment & Concepts): Tests business concepts like corporate governance, IT systems, and macroeconomics.
- FAR (Financial Accounting & Reporting): Focuses on GAAP financial reporting, consolidation, and government/nonprofit accounting.
- REG (Regulation): Assesses tax laws, ethics, professional responsibilities, and business law.
Exam Format and Scoring Pattern
The test sections last 4 hours and are made up of MCQs, Task-Based Simulations (TBS), and written communication (in BEC). You must score a minimum of 75 to pass.
- MCQs: Multiple-choice questions constituting around 50–60% of the marks
- TBS: Applications of knowledge in real-world situations.
- Written Response: Specific to the BEC section, written in a clear, professional tone.
- Scoring System: The test results are between 0 and 99; a passing score is 75+.
- Testing Window: Candidates have an 18-month rolling window to complete all sections.
- Retakes: There’s no limiting number of attempts per section; strategic retakes are common.
CPA Course Fees and Additional Expenses in Mumbai
CPA course fees in Mumbai are usually ₹1–2.5 lakh for coaching and additional charges for the US exam, evaluation, textbooks, and probable travel: amounting to ₹3–5 lakh approximately.
Coaching Fees in Mumbai
-
- Classroom/live: ₹1.5–2.5 lakh
- Online/digital: ₹1–2 lakh
US CPA Exam Fees
-
- NASBA application: ₹15k–20k
- Exam section fees: (₹18–20k each) ×4 → ₹70–80k
- Total exam outlay: ~₹1 lakh
Credential Evaluation: WES evaluation: $160–200 (~₹13–16k)
State Licensure: Application and ethics exam fees: $50–200 (~₹4–16k)
Miscellaneous Costs:
-
- Textbooks & subscriptions: ₹15–20k
- Travel expenses (Prometric centers): extra if distant
- Cost of living if traveling for window-specific settings
Top CPA Coaching Institutes in Mumbai
Top CPA coaching in Mumbai firms are Zell Education, Atlas CPA (formerly Kaplan India), EduPristine, Unacademy, and Becker Professional Education.
- Zell Education: Offers budget-friendly CPA coaching classes in Mumbai with recorded sessions, doubt-clearing workshops, and mentorship.
- Atlas CPA: Provides live & online courses with U.S.-accredited faculty; is known for offering superior review packages and simulation exercises.
- Unacademy CPA Program: Comprises Indian teachers, peer learning groups, and guided assessments.
- Becker: The standard U.S.-based preparation source with excellent pass rates and full digital course materials; best for serious test takers.
Job Opportunities for CPAs in Mumbai
After CPA certification, professionals in Mumbai can consider working with CPA firms in Mumbai, corporate finance, advisory, academics, or setting up a practice of their own.
- CPA Firms in Mumbai: Big 4 (PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG), mid-tier CPA firms in Mumbai, and specialist consultancies hire in audit, tax, compliance, advisory, and transfer pricing roles.
- Corporate & BFSI: Firms are looking for CPAs as financial controllers, reporting managers, internal auditors, and risk analysts.
- Consulting & Advisory: Strong demand in M&A, forensic accounting, valuation, and corporate restructuring advisory services.
- Teaching & Coaching: Certified CPAs are capable of educating CPA course students and coaching in Mumbai.
- Fintech & Startups: Financial operations, compliance, and strategy functions in new tech firms.
- Entrepreneurship: Consulting/corporate advisory services or independent practices are possible career options.
Tips to Prepare for the CPA Exam Effectively
Craft a structured study plan, leverage quality materials, practice consistently, stay updated with GAAP/regulatory changes, and maintain discipline.
- Create a Study Timeline: Structure 150–200 study hours per part with attainable milestones.
- Make Use of Credible Study Notes: Becker, Becker Kaplan, Roger CPA Review, Wiley, and Surgent are internationally known.
- Active Learning: Summaries, flashcards, and concept mapping enhance retention.
- Practice Drills: Regular MCQs, weekly TBS, and bi-monthly mock papers to accustom yourself to stress during exams.
- Participate in study groups: Local study groups in Mumbai ensure peer support and encouragement.
- Professional Mentorship: Guidance by practicing accountants or coaching faculty offers more clarity.
- Keep Current: Keep up with GASB, FASB, and IRS updates and professional characteristic modules in BEC.
- Prioritise Well-being: balanced diet, exercise, meditation, and occasional breaks to avoid burnout.
- Review and Reflect: Review performance on mocks and tailor revision strategies.
Curious About CPA in Mumbai?
Conclusion: Your Roadmap to CPA Success in Mumbai
Pursuing a US CPA from Mumbai is a smart, strategic career move. You get:
- Global Recognition: Passport to employment anywhere around the globe with a top-tier credential.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Lower course and training costs with superior learning.
- Flexible Learning: From traditional classroom learning to online independent study
- Career Advancement: Diverse CPA jobs in Mumbai include opportunities in audit, tax, finance, consulting, academia, or entrepreneurship.
If you are willing to spend ₹3–5 lakh, 600–800 study hours, and avail yourself of the best CPA coaching classes in Mumbai, then a US CPA can change your career course. The market demand is always there, a constant reason to consider embarking upon this adventure, so all you have to do is create a good study plan, get good coaching, and concentrate, and you are there!
FAQs on CPA in Mumbai
What is the total cost of pursuing CPA in Mumbai?
Expect total costs of ₹3–5 lakh, including coaching fees, test costs, credential screening, books, and licensing.
Which are the best CPA coaching institutes in Mumbai?
Some of the known options are Zell Education, Atlas CPA (Kaplan India), Unacademy CPA Program, and Becker Professional Education.
What is the duration and format of the CPA exam?
The exam contains four 4-hour sections: AUD, BEC, FAR, and REG; each divided into MCQs, task-based simulations, and written responses. Candidates are given 18 months to finish all 4 of them.
What career options are available after completing CPA in Mumbai?
Graduates may be employed in CPA firms in Mumbai, corporate finance departments, consulting/advisory functions, instructing future candidates, being a part of fintech/startups, or starting independent practices.
Why Zell?
- • Largest Provider for Global F&A Courses
- • 4.6 Google Review Rating
- • 1000+ Global Placement Partners
- • Placement Opportunities at the Big 4
- • 100+ Global & Indian Rank Holders
- • 100+ Faculty Network
- • 10,000+ Students Placed
Speak to A Career Counselor
Speak To A Course Expert To Know More