To become a Chartered Accountant (CA), one generally follows a structured path involving education, exams, and practical training:

1. Complete higher secondary education (12th grade), preferably with commerce subjects.
2. Join and pass the CA Foundation course, which covers basics like accounting, business laws, economics, and mathematics.
3. Register for and pass the CA Intermediate course, which includes advanced topics such as taxation, auditing, and financial management.
4. Complete a mandatory three-year articleship (practical training) under a practicing CA.
5. Register for and pass the CA Final exams, focusing on advanced financial reporting, corporate laws, ethics, and risk management.
6. After passing the final exams and articleship, apply for membership in the professional CA institute (e.g., ICAI in India) to officially become a CA.

The entire process typically takes about 4 to 7 years, depending on the individual's pace in clearing exams and completing training. This route offers strong career opportunities in finance, auditing, taxation, and consultancy fields.