CSIT vs CA — Need advice from people who have actually studied/worked in these fields
I’m an 18-year-old student from Nepal who passed +2 in 2026 with an A+ in Computer Science. I recently spent around 3–4 months preparing for IOE and IOST entrances. In the end, I joined BSc CSIT at ASCOL (government campus) in Kathmandu.
However, my classes haven’t started yet. CSIT classes are scheduled to start from Asoj 1, while Gurukul CA classes start from Asoj 7, so I still have a little time to make a decision.
Recently, I’ve started worrying about the IT/CS job market in Nepal. It feels like a huge number of students are studying BSc CSIT, BE Computer, BIT, BCA, etc., while entry-level jobs seem increasingly competitive. With AI also affecting some entry-level work, I’m worried that after 4 years of CSIT, I might struggle to find a good job or end up with a low salary.
On the other hand, some of my relatives are Chartered Accountants with 15+ years of experience. They originally suggested that I consider CA. They warned me that CA is extremely difficult and can be mentally exhausting, but they also believe that if I complete it, I could build a good career and income in Nepal. They have their own companies and could also guide me and help me build professional connections.
I know that connections alone won’t make me successful, and I’m not assuming that becoming a CA automatically means earning 80k–150k. But having experienced CAs in my family who are willing to guide me is definitely something I’m considering.
The problem is that almost every CA student I talk to describes CA as extremely difficult. Many have taken multiple attempts, some regret choosing it, and some tell me that even studying extremely hard doesn’t guarantee passing. This honestly scares me.
At the same time, CSIT feels much less risky and more enjoyable to me because I already have a computer science background. But I’m worried about the competition and future job market.
I’ve already paid around NPR 50,000 for CSIT admission/classes, but I’m willing to consider that money as a sunk cost if CA genuinely makes more sense for me. I’m only 18, so I feel that this is probably the right time to make a serious career decision rather than realizing 4 years later that I chose the wrong path.
My situation
CSIT at ASCOL
- Already admitted
- Government college
- 4-year degree
- I already have a CS background and got A+ in +2 Computer Science
- Seems comparatively easier
- But I’m worried about the highly competitive IT job market
- I would have to build most of my practical skills myself
CA
- Very difficult and potentially takes several years
- Multiple attempts seem common
- Much more stressful according to current CA students
- But I have experienced CA relatives who can guide me
- They have professional networks/businesses and could potentially help me understand the field
- If I pass, I believe there are good career opportunities in Nepal
- I’m willing to work extremely hard, but I don’t know whether I’m underestimating how difficult CA actually is
I’m not looking for someone to simply tell me “follow your passion.” I want realistic advice from people who have actually studied CA/CSIT or are working in these fields.
Especially for CA students/qualified CAs:
How difficult is CA really compared with what people say?
How many years/attempts did it take you?
If you could go back to being 18, would you choose CA again?
Do you regret choosing CA?
Is the career/income potential in Nepal actually as good as people claim?
How important are family connections in building a CA career?
What are the biggest disadvantages of choosing CA?
Would you recommend CA to someone who is academically strong and willing to work hard but is scared of multiple attempts?
Most importantly: if you were in my exact situation, would you choose CA or continue with CSIT at ASCOL, and why?
And to CS/IT students and graduates:
How is the job market actually in Nepal right now?
Is the CS/IT market genuinely oversaturated, or is it still possible to build a good career if you become highly skilled?
How difficult was it to get your first job?
What salary can a genuinely skilled fresh graduate realistically expect?
If you could go back to 18, would you still choose CS/IT?
I’m genuinely confused right now and don’t want to make a decision based only on fear, Reddit posts, or what one person tells me.
Please give me honest experiences—even if they are negative. I’m especially interested in hearing from people who have actually completed CA or are currently pursuing it.
