The ICAI CA exams are critical milestones for aspiring Chartered Accountants, and in 2026, there are important updates and changes that all aspirants need to be aware of. Whether you are preparing for the Foundation, Intermediate, or Final exams, this complete guide provides you with the updated exam dates, fees, Self-Paced Online Modules (SPOM) deadlines, and step-by-step application process.
Let’s dive into the complete schedule for May 2026, September 2026, and November 2026, as well as the critical changes for Direct Entry students and the new examination structure.
March 24 Update: The Correction Window for May 2026 is currently open!
If you need to change your exam center or medium, please log in to the SSP portal immediately. Approval for photo and signature updates is currently taking 5–7 working days. Ensure your profile is updated as soon as possible.
Key Takeaways:
- ICAI CA Exam Dates for May, September, and November 2026
- Updated SPOM deadlines for May 2026 and November 2026
- Registration fees for Indian and international students
- Step-by-step application process via SSP portal
- Important update for Direct Entry students
ICAI CA Exam Dates 2026: May, September & November Sessions
The ICAI CA exams for Foundation and Intermediate are now held three times a year: January, May/June, and September, while Final exams remain twice a year (May and November). Here’s the complete exam schedule for 2026:
CA May 2026 Exam Dates:
- CA Foundation: May 14, 16, 18, 2026
- CA Intermediate:
- Group 1: May 3, 5, 7, 2026
- Group 2: May 9, 11, 13, 2026
- CA Final:
- Group 1: May 2, 4, 6, 2026
- Group 2: May 8, 10, 12, 2026
- Exam Timing: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM IST (Indian Standard Time)
CA September 2026 Exam Dates:
- CA Foundation: September 16, 18, 20, 22, 2026
- CA Intermediate:
- Group 1: September 5, 7, 9, 2026
- Group 2: September 12, 14, 16, 2026
CA November 2026 Exam Dates (Tentative):
- CA Final: Likely Nov 1, 3, 5 (Group 1) and Nov 7, 9, 11 (Group 2)
- CA Intermediate: Likely Nov 2, 4, 6 (Group 1) and Nov 8, 10, 12 (Group 2)
- Exam Timing: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM IST (Indian Standard Time)
ICAI CA Exam Fees 2026 for Indian and International Students
Here’s a breakdown of the ICAI CA exam fees for 2026, including both Indian and international students.
CA Foundation Fees (Indian Students):
| Fee Type | Amount (INR) |
| Registration Fee | 9,000 |
| Prospectus Fee | 200 |
| Journal Fee | 200 |
| Exam Form Fee | 1,500 |
| Total Fees | 11,300 |
CA Foundation Fees (International Students):
| Fee Type | Amount (USD) |
| Registration Fee | $300 |
| Exam Form Fee | $325 |
| Total Fees | $325 |
CA Intermediate Fees:
| Level | Indian Students (INR) | International Students (USD) |
| Both Groups | 20,700 | $500 |
| Exam Form Fee | 2,700 | $75 |
| Total Fees | 20,700 | $500 |
CA Final Fees:
| Level | Indian Students (INR) | International Students (USD) |
| Both Groups | 25,300 | $600 |
| Exam Form Fee | 3,300 | $100 |
| Total Fees | 25,300 | $600 |
Self-Paced Online Modules (SPOM) – Deadlines for May & November 2026
As part of the ICAI New Scheme, candidates must complete the Self-Paced Online Modules (SPOM) to be eligible for the exams.
- For May 2026 aspirants: Complete SPOM Sets A & B by April 10, 2026.
- For November 2026 aspirants: Complete SPOM Sets A & B by September 10, 2026 to avoid last-minute portal issues.
SPOM Sets include:
- Set A: Corporate and Economic Laws
- Set B: Strategic Cost & Performance Management
ICAI CA Exam 2026: Application Process via SSP Portal
The ICAI CA exams are applied for through the Self-Service Portal (SSP). Here’s the step-by-step application process for both the May and November 2026 exams:
Steps to Apply:
- Log in to the ICAI SSP Portal: Go to www.icai.org and log in with your credentials.
- Fill in Personal Details: Complete the application form by entering personal details like name, date of birth, and contact info.
- Upload Documents: Upload your photograph, signature, and any other required documents (e.g., eligibility proof).
- Select Exam Center: Choose your preferred exam center from available options.
- Pay Fees: Complete the payment using debit/credit cards or net banking.
- Submit the Form: After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation and acknowledgment receipt.
- Download Admit Card: The admit card will be available for download two weeks before the exam.
Important Tip: Ensure your profile photo and signature are updated on the SSP portal. This approval process takes 5–7 working days, so don’t delay!
Timeline of Mandatory Compliance for ICAI CA May & November 2026 Aspirants
Here’s a timeline of mandatory compliance for ICAI CA aspirants to ensure you stay on track for the May and November 2026 exams:
| Task | Deadline |
| Register for SPOM (Sets A & B) | April 10, 2026 (May 2026) |
| Complete SPOM for Nov 2026 | September 10, 2026 (Nov 2026) |
| Articleship Completion | Minimum 2 years (for Inter) |
| CA Foundation Registration | January 1, 2026 |
| CA Intermediate Registration | 9 months before the exam |
| CA Final Registration | 2.5 years before the exam |
Conclusion
The ICAI CA Exam Dates 2026 are fast approaching, and it’s essential for candidates to stay on top of the updated exam schedule, registration fees, SPOM deadlines, and the application process. With the flexibility of the three-exam-per-year cycle for Foundation and Intermediate exams, this is a great opportunity to pace your progress.
By staying ahead with your preparations and adhering to deadlines, you can confidently approach the ICAI CA exams and set yourself up for success.
Good luck with your preparation, and remember to check the official ICAI website for the latest updates!
FAQs
The ICAI CA exams for May 2026 will take place from May 2 to May 18, 2026. For the November 2026 session, tentative dates for Foundation, Intermediate, and Final exams will be announced closer to the time.
The SPOM Sets A & B for November 2026 aspirants must be completed by September 10, 2026, to ensure eligibility for the exam.
You can apply for the ICAI CA exams through the SSP portal on the ICAI website. Make sure to complete the application, upload necessary documents, pay the fees, and download your admit card.
For CA Foundation, the fees are ₹11,300, for CA Intermediate (both groups) ₹20,700, and for CA Final (both groups) ₹25,300 for Indian students. International students will have slightly higher fees in USD.
