CA Intermediate September 2026 Exam: Key Dates You Need to Know

For students preparing for the CA Intermediate September 2026 exam, staying organized and ahead of deadlines is essential. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has officially released the new 6-paper structure for the CA Intermediate exam, which will affect both the exam schedule and preparation approach. With the official schedule released on May 2–3, 2026, students need to stay on top of important timelines, new paper titles, and marking schemes to ensure they’re well-prepared.

In this blog, we’ll cover the official CA Intermediate September 2026 exam dates, key registration deadlines, paper details under the new scheme, and tips to prepare efficiently. Let’s break it all down and help you build your roadmap to success.

CA Intermediate September 2026 Exam Date Sheet

Under the new 6-paper scheme, the CA Intermediate exam will be conducted on the following dates. The exam paper titles have also been updated, and there are now 6 papers instead of 8.

Here’s the complete date sheet for the CA Intermediate September 2026 exam:

Key Notes:

• All papers (1–6) will be conducted from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
   
• Reading Time: All papers now have 15 minutes of reading time (from 1:45 PM to 2:00 PM), providing all candidates the same amount of time to review the questions.
   
• Negative Marking: There is no negative marking for the MCQ portion (30%) in any paper. This is a relief for students compared to the CA Foundation exam, where negative marking applies.

Important Timelines for CA Intermediate September 2026 Exam

Ensure that you don’t miss any deadlines with the following key dates for the September 2026 CA Intermediate exam:

1. Course Registration Deadline
   Deadline for Registration: May 1, 2026
   To be eligible for the September 2026 exam, you must have registered for the CA Intermediate course by May 1, 2026, to complete the mandatory 8-month study period.
    
2. Exam Application Form Submission
   Start Date for Application: July 6, 2026
   Last Date (Without Late Fee): July 19, 2026
   Last Date (With Late Fee): July 22, 2026
   Make sure to submit your exam application before July 19, 2026 to avoid any late fee. You can still apply with a late fee until July 22, 2026.
    
3. Correction Window for Exam Center or Medium
   Correction Window: July 23 – 25, 2026
   During this window, candidates can make changes to their exam center or exam medium (English/Hindi). Be sure to verify all details early.
    
4. Admit Card Release
   Admit Card Release Date: August 2026
   Your admit card will be available around August 2026. Check the ICAI portal for instructions on how to download your admit card.
    
5. Result Declaration
   Expected Result Date: Late October or November 2026
   Results for the September 2026 CA Intermediate exam will be announced in late October or early November 2026. Be sure to keep an eye on the ICAI website for official updates.

Key Changes in CA Intermediate Exam (2024–2026)

1. Reduction from 8 Papers to 6 Papers
   ICAI has now reduced the number of papers in the CA Intermediate exam from 8 to 6. This is part of the new syllabus under the 2024-2026 scheme. The papers have been restructured, and some subjects have merged.
    
   • Paper 5 is now Auditing and Ethics (previously just Auditing).
   • Paper 6 combines Financial Management (50 marks) and Strategic Management (50 marks) into a single paper.
      

2. Updated Marking Scheme (70:30 Split)
   Under the new scheme, all 6 papers now follow a 70:30 split:
    

   • 70 marks are for descriptive questions.
   • 30 marks are for case-study-based MCQs (objective).
      

   Note: There is no negative marking for the MCQ section in any of the papers, which is a significant change from the CA Foundation exam.
    

3. Reading Time for All Papers
   All papers (1–6) will receive 15 minutes of reading time (from 1:45 PM to 2:00 PM), making it easier for students to review the questions and prepare their answers without rushing.

Tips for Preparing for CA Intermediate September 2026 Exam

1. Create a Detailed Study Plan
   Allocate specific study time for each of the 6 papers. Focus more on Papers 4, 5, and 6, as they tend to be more practical and require case study-based preparation.
    
2. Refer to ICAI’s Official Study Material
   Use ICAI study material as your primary reference for studying each subject. It’s tailored to the syllabus and aligned with the exam pattern.
    
3. Solve Mock Tests and Past Papers
   Regularly solve mock tests and past year papers to familiarize yourself with the exam format and improve time management.
    
4. Focus on Conceptual Understanding
   Since the new syllabus has an emphasis on conceptual understanding, make sure you understand the core concepts and not just memorize answers.
    
5. Avoid Last-Minute Cramming
   Consistency is key to success. Start your preparation early and avoid cramming at the last minute.

Marking Scheme for CA Intermediate September 2026 Exam

Here’s a quick reference to the marking scheme for the September 2026 exam under the new system:
 

Common FAQs for CA Intermediate September 2026 Exam

When are the CA Intermediate September 2026 exam dates released?

The official exam dates for the CA Intermediate September 2026 exam were released by ICAI on May 3, 2026. The exam will be held from September 1 to September 12, 2026.

How do I register for the CA Intermediate exam?

To register for the CA Intermediate September 2026 exam, visit the ICAI portal, complete the registration form, and submit it by May 1, 2026.

What is the passing mark for the CA Intermediate exam?

You need 40% in each paper and an overall aggregate of 50% across all papers to pass the CA Intermediate exam.

Is there negative marking in the CA Intermediate exam?

No, there is no negative marking for the MCQ section in any paper. This is a significant change from earlier exams.

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 journey to becoming a Chartered Accountant is challenging, but with the right preparation and mindset, success is within reach. As you prepare for the CA Intermediate September 2026 exam, remember that consistency and smart planning are key. Use the official dates and timelines as your guide, create a study plan that works for you, and focus on mastering the concepts rather than just memorizing them. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help, practice with mock exams, and stay focused on your goal. The road to becoming a CA is a marathon, not a sprint take each step with confidence, and use every opportunity to learn and grow. Best of luck, and stay committed to your success!