The Chartered Accountancy (CA) exam in India is a prestigious qualification that opens doors to a successful career in finance and accounting. With the new changes in the CA education and training scheme effective from May 2024, important updates have been made to the exam structure, registration fees, exam dates, and more. If you're preparing for the CA exams in 2026, understanding the registration process, exam dates, and fee breakdown is crucial for proper planning.
In this blog, we’ll cover the key dates, updated fees, the registration process, and how to download the admit card for the CA exams in 2026.
CA Exam 2026 Key Dates
The official schedule for the May 2026 exams is already released. Here's a look at the actual exam dates for the Foundation, Intermediate, and Final levels:
Exam Schedule for CA Foundation, Intermediate, and Final May 2026
| Level | Exam Dates (May 2026) | Registration Cut-off (for Sept 2026) |
| Foundation | May 14, 16, 18, 20 | May 1, 2026 |
| Intermediate | May 3, 5, 7 (Group I), May 9, 11, 13 (Group II) | May 1, 2026 |
| Final | May 2, 4, 6 (Group I), May 8, 10, 12 (Group II) | May 1, 2026 |
CA Exam 2026 Registration Process
To register for the CA exams 2026, students must follow a simple process on the ICAI portal. Below is the updated step-by-step guide on how to register:
Steps to Register for CA Exam 2026
- Create an Account on ICAI's Portal
Go to the official ICAI website and create an account with your personal and educational details.
- Fill in the Application Form
Log in to your account and select the correct exam level (Foundation, Intermediate, or Final) and exam session (May, September, or January). Fill in all the necessary information.
- Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of required documents like your photograph, signature, and Class 12 mark sheet (for Foundation students). Intermediate and Final level students will need additional documents like attested copies of their qualification certificates.
- Payment of Fees
Payment can be made online via credit/debit card, net banking, or demand draft. Ensure that the payment is completed before the registration deadline.
- Submit the Application Form
After completing the application form and payment, submit the form. A confirmation email will be sent with the registration details.
CA Exam 2026 Fees Breakdown
Understanding the difference between course registration fees and exam fees is essential, as students often get confused between these two. Here’s an updated breakdown of the total fees that students need to pay for each level.
CA Foundation Fees Breakdown
| Category | Fee (INR) |
| Course Registration | 9,000 |
| Exam Fee | 1,500 |
| Prospectus/Journal | 800 |
| Total Fee | 11,300 |
CA Intermediate Fees Breakdown
| Category | Fee (INR) |
| Single Group | 13,000 |
| Exam Fee (Single) | 1,500 |
| Both Groups | 18,000 |
| Exam Fee (Both) | 2,700 |
| Total Fee (Single) | 14,500 |
| Total Fee (Both) | 20,700 |
CA Final Fees Breakdown
| Category | Fee (INR) |
| Registration Fee | 22,000 |
| Exam Fee (Single) | 3,300 |
| Both Groups | 25,300 |
Payment Instructions
- Exam Fee: Paid online after completing the registration form on the ICAI website.
- Late Fee: If you miss the registration deadline, a late fee of 600 will be applied.
- Fee Structure Changes: Ensure that you check the ICAI website for any fee updates before applying.
CA Exam 2026 Admit Card Download
The admit card is an essential document for gaining entry to the exam hall. For the May 2026 exams, the admit card will be available soon. Here’s how you can download it:
Steps to Download CA Admit Card
- Login to ICAI Portal
Visit the ICAI website and log in using your registration details.
- Access the Admit Card Section
Once logged in, go to the “Examinations” tab and find the link to download your admit card.
- Download and Print
After clicking on the admit card link, download the admit card, verify the details, and print a hard copy. Make sure to carry the admit card to the exam center.
Important Details on the Admit Card
Your admit card will include:
- Your name and roll number
- Exam center and dates
- Exam timing
- Important instructions for the exam day
Key Guidelines for CA Exam 2026
To ensure you’re fully prepared for the CA exam, here are some important guidelines to follow:
- Time Management: Plan your studies to cover all sections, including MCQs, descriptive answers, and case studies.
- Admit Card: Always carry a valid admit card to the exam center. Without it, you won’t be allowed to appear for the exam.
- Preparation:
- Practice the new MCQ format and focus on solving case-scenario questions.
- Dedicate extra time to concept-heavy subjects like Taxation and Financial Reporting.
- No Negative Marking for MCQs: The introduction of 30% MCQs in both Intermediate and Final exams means more chances to score. Practice multiple-choice questions as these don’t carry negative marking.
Summary Table for CA Exam 2026
| Level | Exam Dates (May 2026) | Total Fee (Reg + Exam) | Registration Cut-off (for Sept 2026) |
| Foundation | May 14, 16, 18, 20 | 11,300 | May 1, 2026 |
| Intermediate | May 3, 5, 7 (Group I), May 9, 11, 13 (Group II) | 20,700 (Both Groups) | May 1, 2026 |
| Final | May 2, 4, 6 (Group I), May 8, 10, 12 (Group II) | 25,300 (Both Groups) | May 1, 2026 |
Conclusion
The CA exam 2026 comes with significant changes, including the reduced articleship duration, increased exam frequency, and the introduction of case-scenario-based MCQs. Knowing the updated exam dates, registration process, and fees breakdown will help you stay organized and focused as you prepare for your exams.
Stay disciplined in your preparation, utilize the self-paced modules to improve your practical knowledge, and make the most of the no negative marking in the MCQs to boost your scores. With the right strategy, you’re all set to succeed in your CA journey.
FAQs
The CA exams will be held thrice a year for Foundation, Intermediate, and Final levels. The Foundation exam will be held on May 14, 16, 18, 20. The Intermediate exam will be held from May 3-13 and the Final exam from May 2-12. Check the ICAI website for exact details and updates.
To register for the CA exam, students need to create an account on the ICAI portal, fill in the application form, upload required documents, and pay the registration and exam fees. After registration, a confirmation email will be sent with the registration details.
Admit cards can be downloaded from the ICAI portal by logging in with your registration details. Ensure you download and print the admit card before the exam. It contains essential details like exam center, dates, and instructions.
The fee for the CA Foundation exam is ₹11,300, the Intermediate exam for both groups is ₹20,700, and the Final exam for both groups is ₹25,300. Late fees apply if the registration is done after the deadline.
In the new scheme, 30% of the papers at Intermediate and Final levels will consist of case-scenario-based MCQs, and there will be no negative marking for these questions. This provides a great opportunity to score better with smart preparation.
The results for CA exams are typically announced 8-10 weeks after the exam date. Keep checking the ICAI official website for specific result announcement dates.
