The ICAI CA Exam May 2026 is just around the corner, and with the new scheme now fully in effect, it’s crucial for candidates to stay updated with the latest changes in the schedule, eligibility criteria, and registration fees. If you’re preparing for the Foundation, Intermediate, or Final exams, this detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including the updated exam dates, Self-Paced Online Modules (SPOM), the articleship duration, and much more.
This blog is your one-stop resource for all things related to the ICAI CA May 2026 exam, with updated and accurate information.
Key Takeaways:
- Updated exam schedule for May 2026
- Self-Paced Online Modules (SPOM) requirement and deadlines
- Articleship duration changes
- Updated registration fees and eligibility criteria
- Exam pattern changes, including MCQs
ICAI CA Exam May 2026: Updated Schedule
The ICAI CA May 2026 Exam schedule has been officially announced. Here’s the latest breakdown of exam dates for Foundation, Intermediate, and Final levels.
CA Final May 2026 Exam Schedule:
- Group 1: May 2, 4, 6, 2026
- Group 2: May 8, 10, 12, 2026 (Note: Paper 6 is now 4 hours long)
CA Intermediate May 2026 Exam Schedule:
- Group 1: May 3, 5, 7, 2026
- Group 2: May 9, 11, 13, 2026
CA Foundation May 2026 Exam Schedule:
- May 14, 16, 18, 2026
Timing for all papers: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM IST (Indian Standard Time)
ICAI CA May 2026: The New Scheme Essentials
The ICAI New Scheme of Education and Training, effective from May 2024, has significantly impacted the way the exams are structured and the requirements for students. Here are the key updates that every CA aspirant must be aware of:
Self-Paced Online Modules (SPOM):
- As per the New Scheme, students are now required to complete the Self-Paced Online Modules (SPOM) before they are eligible to sit for the May 2026 exams.
- SPOM Sets A & B (and sometimes C & D) must be completed on the ICAI LMS portal.
- Deadline: The deadline for completing SPOM is typically April 10, 2026.
Articleship Duration:
- Under the New Scheme, the articleship period has been reduced from 3 years to 2 years.
MCQ Weightage:
- Starting from May 2026, the exams at the Intermediate and Final levels will have a 30% MCQ component for all papers. This is a new addition to the exam pattern, and candidates should prepare accordingly.
- No negative marking will be applied to the MCQs.
ICAI CA May 2026: Updated Fee Structure
The ICAI CA exam fees have been updated for May 2026. Below is the latest breakdown of the registration fees and exam fees for Indian students.
CA Foundation May 2026 Fees:
- Registration Fees: 9,800
- Exam Form Fees: 1,500
- Total Fees: 11,300 (approx.)
CA Intermediate May 2026 Fees:
- For Both Groups: 20,700
- Exam Form Fees: 2,700
- Total Fees: 20,700 (both groups)
CA Final May 2026 Fees:
- For Both Groups: 25,300
- Exam Form Fees: 3,300
- Total Fees: 25,300 (both groups)
ICAI CA May 2026: Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the ICAI CA May 2026 exam vary depending on the level (Foundation, Intermediate, and Final). Here are the key points for each level:
Eligibility for CA Foundation May 2026:
- Minimum Qualification: Candidates must have completed their 10+2 from a recognized board.
- Registration Deadline: Candidates must have registered by January 1, 2026, to be eligible for the May 2026 attempt.
Eligibility for CA Intermediate May 2026:
- After Foundation Route: Candidates who have passed the CA Foundation exam are eligible.
- Direct Entry Route: Graduates with a 60% aggregate in commerce or 55% in any other discipline can directly register for CA Intermediate. They must complete the practical training (articleship) and study for 8 months before the exam.
- Registration Deadline: Candidates must have registered 9 months prior to the exam.
Eligibility for CA Final May 2026:
- After Intermediate Route: Candidates who have passed the CA Intermediate exam and completed 2 years of articleship are eligible.
- Direct Entry Route: Graduates who have completed the CA Intermediate exam via the Direct Entry route and finished 6 months of practical training are eligible to appear for the CA Final exam.
- Registration Deadline: Candidates must have registered at least 2.5 years before the exam.
ICAI CA May 2026: Key Updates on Exam Pattern
The exam pattern for Intermediate and Final exams has undergone significant changes under the New Scheme of Education and Training:
- MCQ Component: All papers at the Intermediate and Final levels will now contain a 30% MCQ component.
- No Negative Marking: There will be no negative marking for incorrect answers in the MCQ section.
- Duration of Paper 6: Paper 6 for CA Final is now a 4-hour exam instead of the previous 3-hour format.
Comparison Table: ICAI CA Exam Old Scheme vs New Scheme
Here’s a comparison table highlighting the changes between the old and new schemes for articleship, papers, and MCQ weightage:
| Feature | Old Scheme (Pre-2024) | New Scheme (May 2026) |
| Articleship | 3 Years | 2 Years |
| Papers (Inter) | 8 Papers | 6 Papers |
| Papers (Final) | 8 Papers | 6 Papers + SPOM |
| MCQ Weightage | Selective | 30% for ALL papers |
| Stipend | 1x | 2x |
Timeline of Mandatory Compliance for ICAI CA May 2026 Aspirants
It’s important to keep track of key deadlines for registration and compliance in order to stay on top of your CA exam preparations. Here’s a timeline of mandatory compliance leading up to the May 2026 exam.
| Task | Deadline |
| Register for SPOM (Sets A & B) | April 10, 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 May 2026 brings with it new requirements and changes that every aspirant must be aware of. From the Self-Paced Online Modules (SPOM) to the reduced articleship duration and the updated MCQ weightage, these changes are designed to make the CA exam process more streamlined and efficient.
As you prepare for the ICAI CA May 2026 exams, make sure to stay on top of the updated exam schedule, eligibility criteria, and registration fees. Register early, complete your SPOM modules, and stay consistent with your studies to maximize your chances of success.
Good luck with your preparation!
FAQs
The ICAI CA May 2026 exam will take place from May 2 to May 18, 2026, with different dates for Foundation, Intermediate, and Final exams. The exams will be held in two sessions each day.
Candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria for each level. For Foundation, candidates must have completed 10+2. For Intermediate and Final, candidates must have passed the respective previous exams or meet the direct entry requirements.
Registration fees for the ICAI CA exams vary by level. Foundation fees are ₹11,300, Intermediate fees are ₹20,700 (both groups), and Final fees are ₹25,300 (both groups). Late fees may apply for late registration.
Visit the official ICAI website, fill out the exam application form, upload required documents, pay the fees, and download the acknowledgment receipt.
