Assuming you are either a student or a professional in the field of Chartered Accountancy (CA) in India, then the name Big 4 must have reverberated in your studies numerous times. It is an excellent opportunity for aspiring CAs, as having a job in one of these Big 4 CA firms in India provides them with unmatched access to complex financial issues, exposure to working with Fortune 500 corporations, and a network of professionals worldwide that offers opportunities across the continents.
If you have just passed your CA Intermediate or are about to take up your Final exams, it is essential to have a clue of what these firms have to offer and how to frame yourself into the success bracket. This is a detailed guide to all you need to know about the Big 4 CA firms in India in terms of their background and services offered, as well as the salary offered and the growth prospects available in their careers. We shall enter the world of finance and excellence, and ambition and opportunity.
Overview of the Big 4 CA firms and their role in India
The four largest Indian CA firms, Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG, have been known as the Big 4 CA firms and have built up the pillars of the Indian professional service platform. These companies are member firms of their respective global networks, which provide audit, tax, advisory, and consulting services to thousands of clients in different sectors. These Big 4 CA firms in India were established in the late 1970s to 1990s, and since then, they have expanded manifold, with tens of thousands of professionals working in the major cities.
They act as reliable advisors to both startups and multinational businesses when they face complicated financial environments, need to remain regulatory, and implement strategic development. Their influence is not limited to the private enterprise – they closely collaborate with the government agencies and the state structures to influence the fiscal policies and the economic structures, which leave an impact on millions of people.
Explore our list of top D2C Brands in India.
Why Big 4 firms are the top career choice for CA students & professionals
- International Brand Recognition: Immediate credibility in names that are admired internationally in all spheres and nations.
- Thorough Training: Developed programs converting the theoretical to the practical skills in audit and tax and financial modelling and advisory.
- Wide Client Base: Serve clients in every kind of business, from startups to pharmaceutical giants, and a range of experience like no other.
- Quick Career Advancement: Steep learning curve means 5 years of experience in other organizations can be accumulated in 2-3 years.
- International Mobility: There are global transfer schemes to the offices in Dubai, Singapore, London, New York among other major cities around the globe.
List of Big 4 CA Firms in India
1. Deloitte India
Year of entry in India: 1976
HQ: London, United Kingdom (Global); Mumbai, India (Operations)
Industries served: Manufacturing, financial services, technology, healthcare, consumer business
Ratings: 4.2/5
Deloitte India in the form of Deloitte Haskins and Sells and other related firms came to India in 1976 and since then has grown and become the biggest professional services provider in India. Deloitte has offices in many metropolitan cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, and Kolkata, and it employs more than 15,000 people who are able to provide innovative solutions to complex business problems. The company is known to be progressive in its manner of doing business, merging latest technology with the traditional financial services to offer complete business solutions.
Key service areas:
- Audit & Assurance Services
- Tax & Regulatory Advisory
- Risk Advisory & Management
- Financial Advisory & Consulting
Average Salary: ₹12.7 L/yr – ₹14.1 L/yr
2. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) India
Year of entry in India: 1880
HQ: London, United Kingdom (Global); Gurugram, India (National HQ)
Industries served: Banking, technology, retail, public sector, energy
Ratings: 4.1/5
PricewaterhouseCoopers India has the longest history of Big 4 CA companies in India, with Price Waterhouse opening a shop in Kolkata in 1880. After the union of Price Waterhouse and Coopers and Lybrand in 1998, PwC was born as an indistinguishable force. Nowadays, PwC India has more than eight large offices in the country, and there are thousands of professionals. The company is especially regarded as having a strong tax advisory practice, and has contributed largely to the growth of Indian companies in the global market as well as assisting multinational companies to form their presence in India.
Key service areas:
- Assurance & Audit
- Tax & Legal Services
- Consulting & Business Advisory
- ESG & Sustainability Services
Average Salary: ₹13.1 L/yr – ₹14.6 L/yr
3. Ernst & Young (EY) India
Year of entry in India: 1914
HQ: London, United Kingdom (Global); Gurugram, India (National HQ)
Industries served: Financial services, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, telecom
Ratings: 4.0/5
Ernst & Young became one of the oldest international professional services firms in the country, where it started its Indian venture in Kolkata in 1914. EY India has been a trendsetter in the traditional accounting services, especially in the technology and fintech segments. Having presence in key cities of India, EY has earned a reputation of excellence in terms of transaction advisory services and has been instrumental in some of the most important mergers, acquisitions, and IPOs in India. The company has made innovation and client services a part of its value system and, as a result, is now considered the choice of recruitment among potential CA professionals who want vibrant career opportunities.
Key service areas:
- Assurance & Audit Services
- Tax Advisory & Compliance
- Transaction Advisory Services
- Consulting & Strategy
Average Salary: ₹13.6 Lakhs – ₹15 Lakhs
4. KPMG India
Year of entry in India: 1993
HQ: Amstelveen, Netherlands (Global); Mumbai, India (National HQ)
Industries served: Financial services, infrastructure, consumer markets, technology
Ratings: 4.1/5
KPMG India is a firm creating a strong competitive presence in the country, although it is the youngest of the Big 4 CA firms in India, having formed a strong presence in a short time since its inception in September 1993. Established in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Noida, Pune, Vadodara, and Vijayawada, KPMG has more than 2700 domestic clients. The company identifies itself with the industry-oriented strategy, technology-supported delivery, and service model based on performance. Risk management and tax advisory services offered by KPMG are also quite popular among the Indian market.
Key service areas:
- Audit & Assurance
- Tax & Regulatory Services
- Deal Advisory Services
- Risk Consulting & Management
Average Salary: ₹10.9 L/yr – ₹12.4 L/yr
Salary of a CA in Big 4 Firms in India
Here is the Salary Insights of CA in India’s big firms:
| Big 4 Firm | Annual Salary Range (₹ Lakhs) | Experience Range (Years) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ernst & Young (EY) | ₹12.1 L – ₹25 L | 1 – 10 yrs | Higher top range among Big 4 CA roles; top performers can earn over ₹30 L + per year. |
| Deloitte | ₹12.5 L – ₹22 L | 1 – 10 yrs | Slightly higher minimum than PwC and competitive mid/upper range. |
| PwC | ₹10.9 L – ₹18 L | 1 – 6 yrs (fresher – junior) | Lower range compared to EY and Deloitte but still solid for early career. |
| KPMG (estimated) | ~₹10.7 L – ₹20 L est. | ~1 – 10 yrs | AmbitionBox data for KPMG salaries is similar in range to peers (reported by related salary comparisons). |
Why Choose Big 4 CA Firms?
- Compensation industry- Leading: Competitive initial salaries with the opportunity to rise to 2-3 times or even higher in 3-5 years, depending on performance.
- Formed Career Advice: Well-defined career ladder between Associate and Partner with specific expectations and deadlines.
- World-Class Training: Ongoing training in the form of certification, workshops, international courses, and proprietary knowledge systems.
- Professional Network: develop priceless connections with thousands of professionals, resulting in entrepreneurial or leadership opportunities.
- Resume Enhancement: Big Four experience enhances marketability in any industry positions, private practice, or other companies to a significant degree.
- Global Best practice: Global standards and practices that guarantee international, portable competence.
How We Determine the Top 10 CA Firms
- Diversity in client portfolio: The company has the capability to cater to both start-up and Fortune 500 companies operating in diverse industries.
- Professional Development: Quality of training, mentorship programs, and continuing education programs.
- Work Culture: Work-life balance, employee satisfaction, diversity policies, and general work environment.
- Industry Recognition: Professional bodies, publications, and client testimonials.
- Growth Opportunities: Expansion of the firm, new services, adoption of technology, and employee upward movement.
- Compensation & Benefits: Competitive payment, performance awards, health cove,r and retirement schemes.
Top 10 CA Firms in India (Popular 2026 Rankings)
1. Grant Thornton India
HQ: London, United Kingdom (Global); Multiple offices in India
Team Size: 3,000+ professionals
Ratings: 4.3/5
Grant Thornton International is among the most successful organizations of independent audit, tax, and advisory firms in the world with operations across more than 125 countries. Grant Thornton is well integrated in India and has offices in the major cities. Another strength that the firm has is the emphasis on the mid-market with personalized attention and tailored solutions, which the big 4 CA firms in India may fail to offer always. The robustness of Grant Thornton is a combination of the world and local market understanding that makes it a better option among CAs who would like to have experience of interacting with different clients and yet the pressure is not as high as the Big 4 firms.
Services:
- Audit & Assurance
- Tax Advisory Services
- Business Advisory & Consulting
- Transaction Advisory
Stipend Offered to Interns: ₹3,000-₹4,000 per month during articleship
2. BDO India
HQ: Brussels, Belgium (Global); Multiple offices in India
Team Size: 1,500+ professionals
Ratings: 4.2/5
BDO (Binder Dijker Otte) is the fifth-largest professional services firm in the world having been founded in 1963. BDO India has established itself in India and has a presence in 164 countries with more than 111,300 professionals worldwide since it was founded in 1988. The company has its offices in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi-NCR, Goa, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune. It is known that BDO India boasts of Big 4 brand recognition with a friendlier working environment. The overall service offerings of the firm include both its traditional accounting service and its emerging services such as sustainability services and IT consulting.
Services:
- Audit & Assurance
- Tax & Advisory
- Business Recovery & Restructuring
- Corporate Finance
Stipend Offered to Interns: ₹3,500-₹5,000 per month during articleship
3. RSM India
HQ: London, United Kingdom (Global); Multiple offices in India
Team Size: 1,400+ professionals
Ratings: 4.1/5
RSM Global is the sixth largest network of audit, tax, and consulting firms in the world, with locations in 120 countries. RSM India is one of the six best accounting and consulting groups in the country, with its headquarters located in 11 cities, such as Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Gandhidham, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi-NCR, Pune, and Surat. RSM India is a company with more than 1,400 employees, and it has gained its reputation on the basis of providing practical solutions to businesses and effective, long-lasting relationships with clients. The company excels explicitly in providing services to mid-sized businesses and family-owned enterprises, where a CA gets the exposure of working in various business functions.
Services:
- Audit & Accounting Services
- Tax Consulting
- Transaction Services
- Business Consulting
Stipend Offered to Interns: ₹3,000-₹4,500 per month during articleship
4. S.S. Kothari Mehta & Company
HQ: New Delhi, India
Team Size: 800+ professionals
Ratings: 4.0/5
S.S. Kothari Mehta and Company (SSKM) is a domestic CA firm founded in 1953 and is thought to be among the leading domestic companies in India. Having its offices in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chandigarh, and Mumbai, a network of influential associates throughout the country, SSKM has remained one of the best providers of professional services in the country for over 70 years. The company is reputed to have a solid ethical base, customer-centric customer service as well as profound knowledge of Indian tax and regulatory issues. SSKM provides superb training and exposure to CAs who wish to make a career based on Indian markets with prospects of owning their own practice in the long run.
Services:
- Audit & Assurance
- Tax Consulting Services
- Accounting Services
- IT Risk Advisory
Stipend Offered to Interns: ₹2,500-₹3,500 per month during articleship
5. Lodha & Co.
HQ: Mumbai, India
Team Size: 600+ professionals
Ratings: 4.1/5
Lodha and Co. is one of the oldest and reputed firms of chartered accountants in India having been established in 1941. The firm, with 6 offices in New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Jaipur, maintains an impressive client base of central banks, corporate giants, banking institutions, insurers and public sector institutions both in India and abroad. Lodha Co. has also established its reputation through providing quality professional services and developing talent into the company through extensive training schemes. The company is a good choice because of its long life and stability, which attracts the CAs with traditional values and the knowledge of the modern world.
Services:
- Statutory Audit Services
- Tax Advisory
- Financial Consulting
- Risk Management Services
Stipend Offered to Interns: ₹3,000-₹4,000 per month during articleship
6. T.R. Chadha & Co.
HQ: New Delhi, India
Team Size: 500+ professionals
Ratings: 4.2/5
T.R. Chadha & Co. is one of the leading chartered accountancy firms in India that has an illustrious history of 75 years and was founded by Mr. T.R. Chadha in May 1946. The company offers the financial and advisory services to various multinational corporations and well-known Indian corporations on a comprehensive basis. As a firm with high focus on client satisfaction and excellence in areas of accounting, auditing, taxation, assurance and business advisory services, T.R. Chadha and Co. has an infrastructure and professional environment similar to that of the Big 4 CA firms in India. The company is specifically characterized by the flexibility of timing and conducive working atmosphere and strict professional discipline.
Services:
- Accounting & Auditing
- Taxation Services
- Assurance Services
- Business Advisory
Stipend Offered to Interns: ₹3,000-₹4,000 per month plus conveyance allowance
7. PKF Sridhar & Santhanam LLP
HQ: Chennai, India
Team Size: 700+ professionals
Ratings: 4.0/5
PKF Sridhar and Santhanam LLP was started in 1978 and since then it has grown into a reputed professional services company with a long legacy of more than 40 years. Since the beginning in Chennai, the firm has transcended both functional and geographical borders by having branch offices around the nation as well as a global network in the PKF International. The company boasts of introducing new ideas and new applications to the accounting field and it is able to compete effectively in the current highly competitive world. Their good performance in the past and present state-of-the-art tools and expertise will culminate in value-added services that actually increase the businesses of clients and the CA professionals with meaningful career experiences.
Services:
- Audit & Assurance
- Tax & Regulatory
- Management Consulting
- Transaction Advisory
Stipend Offered to Interns: ₹2,500-₹3,500 per month during articleship
8. KNAV India
HQ: Mumbai, India
Team Size: 400+ professionals
Ratings: 3.9/5
KNAV India is a part of Allinial Global, an organization of US 4.11 billion accountants that are based in the US, thus making the firm have a large pool of resources and support on a global basis. KNAV operates out of a Mumbai delivery office and has a varied clientele in the region as well as abroad with experience and knowledge being passed on by skilled teams. The company has differentiated itself with solutions unique to the industry and the focus of embracing emerging technologies in service delivery. KNAV is a good choice to work with a mid-sized firm providing a global exposure due to international network and keeping the nimbleness and personalized approach of a domestic one.
Services:
- Audit Services
- Tax Consulting
- Advisory Services
- Assurance Services
Stipend Offered to Interns: ₹3,000-₹4,000 per month during articleship
9. R.G. Luthra & Associates
HQ: New Delhi, India
Team Size: 350+ professionals
Ratings: 4.0/5
R.G. Luthra & Associates is a registered Indian chartered accountancy firm with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and head office based at Nirman Vihar, Delhi. The company is offering full-scale CA services including accounting, auditing, income tax, financial services, company law, foreign collaborations, import-export consultancy, GST registration and returns, STPI, transfer pricing, and other issues. R.G. Luthra and Associates offers article assistants a conducive working environment through financial packages that include good internal relations, competitive remunerations and examination leaves which help them to develop professionally whilst they are meeting their academic schedules.
Services:
- Accounting & Auditing
- Income Tax Services
- Company Law Matters
- GST Consulting
Stipend Offered to Interns: ICAI prescribed stipend plus telephone allowance and conveyance.
10. S.C. Vasudeva & Co.
HQ: New Delhi, India
Team Size: 300+ professionals
Ratings: 3.9/5
S.C. Vasudeva & Co. is one of the best CA firms in Delhi which has major customers such as Apollo Pharmacy and Hindustan Times. Being a multidisciplinary company of Chartered Accountants marketed by well-qualified and skilled professionals, SCV provides full-fledged services related to management consulting, corporate finance, audit and assurance, taxation, and legal advisory services. The multidisciplinary nature of the firm will help the article assistants and the employees to have exposure to various service lines, which will result in the development of diverse skills that will be beneficial in the long-term career opportunities. Although S.C. Vasudeva and Co. is not as big as Big 4 CA in the Indian market, it provides similar learning opportunities, with a more personalized mentorship.
Services:
- Management Consulting
- Corporate Finance
- Audit & Assurance
- Taxation & Legal Advisory
Stipend Offered to Interns: ICAI prescribed stipend with additional allowances
How to Choose the Right CA Firm in India: Based on Your Needs
- Specify Career Objectives: Big 4 to work in an international company and MNCs; mid-sized companies to have hands-on experiences and get acquainted with clients better.
- Test Work-Life Balance: Big 4 is hard working (particularly in audit season); policies regarding employee well-being of research firms whether personal time is important.
- Consider Learning Priorities: Select companies that focus on your area of interest- tax expertise, transaction advisory or other technical skills.
- Assess Location: This is where you should make sure that your desired firm has good presence in the office in your preferred city with growth potential.
- Research Firm Culture: Get in touch with existing/ previous employees over LinkedIn to get an idea of workplace culture and management style beyond the recruitment documents.
- Plan Long-Term Path: Choices that are congruent with future objectives: remain practicing, join industry, company of your own, overseas opportunities.
Conclusion
The climb up the career ladder to Big 4 CA companies in India or other professional service institutions at the top of the world does not come easy; it needs hard work, planning, and never-ending improvement of skills. These companies are not only employers, but also microcosms that determine the profession, produce future leaders, and provide a noticeable input to the national economy of India. It is important to remember that in these companies, success is not only determined by technical capabilities, but soft skills such as communicative skills, teamwork, flexibility, and leadership are also appreciated.
The Big 4 CA firms of India and other leading firms are in search of talented and motivated personalities who can help in their further growth, as well as their personal career growth. Through proper preparation, perseverance, and enthusiasm towards the job, you will be well-placed to join the ranks of the financial elite in India and have a rewarding career where you will constantly learn new things, have high financial compensation, and have chances to make significant contributions to business and the overall economy.
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FAQs
What is the lowest CA fresher salaries at Big 4?
Depending upon the department (Audit/Tax/Advisory), location, and performance during the interview, 8-12 lakh per annum. Outstanding candidates that have ranks or certifications can receive higher.
Are attempts on exams relevant to the Big 4 applications?
Big 4 like 1-2 attempts but not disqualified. Compensation can be done by strong articleship experience, communication skills, and certifications (CFA/CPA). Campus placement is in the first attempt.
Is it possible to change articleship between Big 4 firms?
Yes, with ICAI approval. Must be approved by both companies as well as be well documented and sent to ICAI within stipulated time.
What is the culture in big 4 firms?
Works long hours in high season (audit/tax filing) but provides great learning, formal advancement and an all inclusive package. Culture differs depending on firm- research specific approaches.
Large 4 vs. smaller companies- which is superior to grow?
Big 4: International experience, formal education, brand awareness, global experiences. Smaller companies: Practical knowledge, less distance between the firm and the client, enhanced work-life balance.
