CA Exam Dates 2026 Complete Guide
- 17 hours ago
- 3 min read
Everything you need to know about ICAI's January & May 2026 exam schedules — Foundation, Intermediate, and Final levels covered in one place.
The CA exams in India are conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) — one of the most prestigious professional accounting bodies in the world. For 2026, ICAI has scheduled two primary exam windows: January 2026 and May 2026, covering all three levels — Foundation, Intermediate, and Final. CA Exam Dates 2026
CA January 2026 Exam Dates- CA Exam Dates 2026
The January 2026 session is the year's first major attempt. It's especially valuable for students who have completed board exams or December semester courses and want an early head-start in their CA journey.
Exam Schedule by Level
CA Foundation
All Papers
Jan 18, 20, 22 & 24, 2026
CA Intermediate
Group I
Jan 6, 8 & 10, 2026
CA Intermediate
Group II
Jan 12, 15 & 17, 2026
CA Final
Group I
Jan 5, 7 & 9, 2026
CA Final
Group II
Jan 11, 13 & 16, 2026
Registration Window (January 2026)
Portal opens: November 3, 2025 via ICAI SSP
Without late fee: November 16, 2025
With ₹600 late fee: November 19, 2025
Correction window (exam city / medium): a few days after the deadline
🎯 iProledge Tip
ICAI avoids scheduling exams on January 14, 2026 in respect of Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Magha Bihu — reducing absenteeism and respecting India's diverse cultural calendar. Plan your revision blocks keeping this gap in mind.
CA May 2026 Exam Dates
The May 2026 session is the most popular attempt of the year. It gives students who appeared in January a chance to review their performance, improve weaker areas, and attempt again. It also aligns better with university academic calendars.
CA Foundation
All Papers
May 14, 16, 18 & 20, 2026
CA Intermediate
Group I
May 3, 5 & 7, 2026
CA Intermediate
Group II
May 9, 11 & 13, 2026
CA Final
Group I
May 2, 4 & 6, 2026
CA Final
Group II
May 8, 10 & 12, 2026
Registration Window (May 2026)
Application opens: March 3, 2026
Without late fee: March 16, 2026
With late fee: March 19, 2026
Admit cards released: April 2026 (approx.)
Exam Timings & Structure
All CA exams are conducted in the afternoon session to ensure uniformity across India. Knowing the timing helps students calibrate their daily routine, especially during intense revision months.
Standard Start Time
Most papers begin at 2:00 PM and conclude by 5:00 PM across all levels and centers.
Extended Papers
Certain CA Final papers (e.g., Paper 6 with case-based or integrated questions) may run until 6:00 PM.
Uniform Timing Nationwide
ICAI schedules exams simultaneously across all exam centres with standardised timing — ensuring fairness for every aspirant.
Results & Follow-Up
ICAI typically declares results within 4–6 weeks after the last exam date. For the May attempt, results generally arrive in late June to early July — a critical window that determines eligibility for subsequent levels or articleship registration validity. Students should monitor the ICAI SSP portal closely.
Why These Dates Matter for Your CA Journey- CA Exam Dates 2026
Understanding the CA exam calendar isn't just about marking dates — it's the foundation of strategic preparation.
Study Cycles
Exam dates help students divide the syllabus into quarters, schedule revision blocks, and time mock tests for peak performance.
Articleship Balance
Articleship workloads increase toward financial year-ends. Planning around exam dates ensures study time doesn't get squeezed out.
Retake Strategy
A missed attempt isn't the end. May gives a quick second chance after January. Back-to-back attempts strengthen performance metrics over time.
Festival Planning
ICAI deliberately avoids major festival dates, especially in January, to minimise student stress and logistical challenges across regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I appear for both January and May attempts?
Yes — as long as you are eligible and have submitted the respective applications on time, you can appear in both attempts within the same year.
Is the ICAI exam timing the same across all cities?
Yes. ICAI conducts exams simultaneously across all registered centres with standardised timing to ensure fairness and uniformity for every candidate in India.
What happens if an exam date falls on a public holiday?
ICAI generally confirms that exam dates will not be changed even if a public holiday is subsequently declared by the Central or State Government. Students should plan accordingly and track official announcements on the ICAI portal.
How early should I start preparing for CA exams?
Most successful aspirants begin serious preparation 6–9 months before their intended attempt, covering syllabus, mock tests, revision, and previous years' papers. A consistent study rhythm ensures better retention and exam confidence.
When are admit cards released for the May session?
Admit cards for the May 2026 exams are typically released in April, giving students enough time to finalise travel plans and other exam logistics well before the first paper date.
Comments