For many aspiring Chartered Accountants, the CA Foundation exam is a major milestone and for those looking to attempt the exam in September 2026, there’s a great advantage. The September exam session is an excellent bridge for students who may have missed the May/June attempt or need additional time to prepare, offering a focused 3-month buffer. Staying ahead with key exam dates and registration deadlines is crucial to your preparation success.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has now officially released the September 2026 exam schedule. This blog will provide you with the complete CA Foundation September 2026 date sheet, important registration timelines, and crucial tips for preparation to ensure you’re fully equipped to ace the exam.
CA Foundation September 2026 Exam Date Sheet
The official date sheet for the CA Foundation September 2026 exam is as follows. Please note that the official paper titles have been updated, and the timings for Papers 3 and 4 (Objective papers) are now 2 hours instead of 3.
| Exam Paper | Date (2026) | Timing |
| Paper 1: Accounting | September 2, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (with 15 minutes reading time from 1:45 PM) |
| Paper 2: Business Laws | September 5, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (with 15 minutes reading time from 1:45 PM) |
| Paper 3: Quantitative Aptitude | September 7, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (No reading time) |
| Paper 4: Business Economics | September 9, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (No reading time) |
Key Notes:
- Reading Time: Available for Papers 1 and 2 (1:45 PM – 2:00 PM). No reading time for Papers 3 and 4.
- Negative Marking: Applied in Papers 3 and 4 (objective papers), where 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
- Exam Duration: Papers 1 and 2 (Accounting and Business Laws) are subjective and Papers 3 and 4 (Quantitative Aptitude and Business Economics) are objective and shorter (2 hours).
Important Timelines for CA Foundation September 2026 Exam
The timeline for registration, application, and other key deadlines is as follows:
1. Course Registration Deadline
- Deadline to Register: April 30, 2026
To be eligible for the September 2026 attempt, students must complete the CA Foundation course registration by April 30, 2026.
2. Application Form Submission
- Start Date for Application Form: July 6, 2026
- Last Date (Without Late Fee): July 19, 2026
- Last Date (With Late Fee): July 22, 2026
Be sure to submit your application before July 19, 2026 to avoid a late fee. Late submissions will be accepted until July 22, 2026, with an additional late fee.
3. Correction Window for Exam Center or Medium
- Correction Window: July 23 – 25, 2026
You’ll be able to make changes to your exam center or medium (English/Hindi) during this time. Review your details carefully before this window closes.
4. Admit Card Release
- Admit Card Release: August 2026
Your admit card will be available a few weeks before the exam, around August 2026. Keep checking the ICAI portal for updates on downloading your admit card.
5. Result Declaration
- Expected Result Date: Late October or November 2026
Results for the September 2026 exam are typically declared around October or November. The exact date will be confirmed post-exams.
Frequency of CA Foundation Exams
ICAI now conducts the CA Foundation exam three times a year as part of the 2024-2026 cycle. This provides students with more opportunities to sit for the exam without waiting an entire year. The three exam sessions are:
- January
- May/June
- September (this session provides a great option for those needing additional preparation time)
Tips for Preparing for CA Foundation September 2026 Exam
As the exam date approaches, here’s a structured approach to help you prepare efficiently:
1. Create a Structured Study Plan
- Allocate adequate time for each paper, keeping in mind that Papers 3 and 4 (Quantitative Aptitude and Business Economics) are objective.
- Set daily or weekly goals to track progress and ensure you cover all the topics.
2. Follow ICAI Study Material
- Stick to ICAI study material for all subjects. It’s comprehensive and aligned with the exam syllabus.
3. Practice Mock Tests and Past Year Papers
- Regularly practice with mock tests and previous year papers to get a feel for the exam format and time management.
4. Stay Updated on Exam Announcements
- Check the ICAI website regularly for official notifications or any changes in exam dates, forms, or procedures.
5. Focus on Time Management
- Time yourself while practicing answers to ensure you can complete each paper within the time frame.
- Be mindful of negative marking in Papers 3 and 4, as well as the shorter duration for these papers.
Marking Scheme for CA Foundation September 2026
Here’s a quick summary of the marking scheme for the September 2026 exam:
| Paper | Type | Marks | Negative Marking | Reading Time |
| Paper 1: Accounting | Subjective | 100 | No | 15 Minutes |
| Paper 2: Business Laws | Subjective | 100 | No | 15 Minutes |
| Paper 3: Quantitative Aptitude | Objective | 100 | Yes (0.25) | None |
| Paper 4: Business Economics | Objective | 100 | Yes (0.25) | None |
Common FAQs for CA Foundation September 2026 Exam
When are the CA Foundation September 2026 exam dates released?
The official exam dates for the CA Foundation September 2026 exam were released on May 3, 2026. The exam will be held from September 2 to September 9, 2026.
How do I register for the CA Foundation exam?
To register for the CA Foundation September 2026 exam, visit the ICAI portal, complete the registration form, and submit it before April 30, 2026. After registration, you can apply for the exam from July 6, 2026.
What is the passing mark for the CA Foundation exam?
You must secure 40% in each paper and an overall aggregate of 50% across all papers to pass the CA Foundation exam.
Is there negative marking in the CA Foundation exam?
Yes, there is negative marking for Papers 3 and 4 (objective papers). A 0.25 mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
How can I change my exam center or medium?
You can make changes to your exam center or medium (English/Hindi) during the correction window, which will be open from July 23 to July 25, 2026.
Conclusion
The road to becoming a Chartered Accountant is undoubtedly challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. By staying organized, adhering to the official dates, and making the most of your preparation time, you can set yourself up for success in the CA Foundation September 2026 exam. Remember, the key to success lies in consistency, focus, and the confidence to tackle each subject with determination. Use these important timelines as your roadmap and take the first step with confidence. Good luck on your journey to becoming a CA the effort you put in today will pay off tomorrow.
FAQs
The official exam dates for the CA Foundation September 2026 exam were released by ICAI on May 3, 2026. The exam will be held from September 2 to September 9, 2026.
You can register for the CA Foundation exam through the ICAI portal. The registration window opens until April 30, 2026, for the September session. After registering, you can submit your application form starting from July 6, 2026.
You must secure 40% in each individual paper and an overall aggregate of 50% across all papers to pass the CA Foundation exam.
Yes, negative marking applies in Papers 3 and 4 (objective papers). For every wrong answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted.
You can make changes to your exam center or medium (English/Hindi) during the correction window, which will be open from July 23 to July 25, 2026.
