The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) plays a key role in shaping the future of budding Chartered Accountants in India. The November 2026 session for CA Final exams is approaching, but there are important changes to note regarding the Foundation and Intermediate exams. Based on recent updates, the exam schedules and application processes have shifted. This blog will provide you with accurate information on the exam dates, application process, fees, and timings for the November 2026 session.
Updated Exam Frequency
In 2026, ICAI has moved to a thrice-a-year schedule for the Foundation and Intermediate exams:
- Foundation & Intermediate Levels: These exams will be held three times a year – January, May, and September.
- CA Final Level: This level continues to have two attempts per year: May and November.
Correction for September 2026:
It’s essential to clarify that September 2026 will be the official session for Foundation and Intermediate exams. There will be no November 2026 session for these levels. The November session is now exclusively for the CA Final exam.
For students aiming for a late 2026 attempt: Foundation and Intermediate students should focus on the September 2026 session since November is reserved only for CA Final candidates.
Verified Exam Timings
Timings for the exams have minor distinctions between Objective-type and Descriptive-type papers:
- Foundation Papers 3 & 4 (Objective-type): These papers last 2 hours, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. These papers do not have the 15-minute reading time and are OMR-based.
- Other papers (Foundation P1 & P2, Intermediate, Final): For descriptive papers, a 15-minute reading time is given before the exam starts at 2:00 PM (reading time begins at 1:45 PM).
For the Final Paper 6 (multidisciplinary case study), as mentioned earlier, the exam runs from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Tentative Dates for November 2026 Exams
The November 2026 exams will follow the pattern below, keeping in mind the updated schedule for Foundation and Intermediate exams in September 2026:
| Event | Foundation & Intermediate (Sept Session) | CA Final (Nov Session) |
| Exam Form Window | Early July 2026 | Early August 2026 |
| Correction Window | Late July 2026 | Early September 2026 |
| Exam Dates | Mid-September 2026 | 1st Week of November 2026 |
Key Summary Table:
| Level | Exam Months in 2026 | Duration (Most Papers) |
| CA Foundation | Jan, May, Sept | 3 Hours (P1, P2) / 2 Hours (P3, P4) |
| CA Intermediate | Jan, May, Sept | 3 Hours |
| CA Final | May, Nov | 3 Hours (P1-P5) / 4 Hours (P6) |
Application Fees and Fee Structure
For the November 2026 exams, the fee structure for Foundation, Intermediate, and Final levels is consistent with earlier trends:
| Level | Exam Fee (Single Group) | Exam Fee (Both Groups) | Late Fee |
| Foundation | 1,500 | N/A | 600 |
| Intermediate | 1,500 | 2,700 | 600 |
| Final | 1,800 | 3,300 | 600 |
This fee structure is applicable for both Indian and overseas candidates, though additional charges may apply for international centers.
Important Reminders and SPOM Compliance
For CA Final candidates appearing in November 2026, SPOM (Self-Paced Online Modules) is a mandatory requirement. These modules cover subjects like law, ethics, and communication, and must be completed before sitting for the exam.
Pro-Tip:
Ensure you finish the Self-Paced Online Modules well before applying for the November 2026 exams, as you won’t be allowed to appear without completing them.
Conclusion
The November 2026 ICAI CA exams are critical for many aspiring Chartered Accountants. The changes to the exam cycle, with Foundation and Intermediate now being held in September, will be pivotal for students planning their attempts.
Be sure to register on time, stay aware of the correction windows, and adhere to the exam timings to avoid any last-minute stress. Stay updated with ICAI notifications on the official website for the latest updates as the exam form window opens in early August 2026 for CA Final candidates.
Good luck with your preparations, and remember, thorough planning and early application will always set you up for success in the ICAI CA exams.
FAQs
The best way to prepare for ICAI CA exams is to start early, use the official ICAI study materials, and practice regularly using mock exams. Focus on mastering core concepts, and ensure that you complete your Self-Paced Online Modules (SPOM) for CA Final. Consistency and a good study routine are key to clearing the exams.
The Foundation and Intermediate exams are held three times a year: January, May, and September. The CA Final exams are held twice a year: May and November.
For the Foundation exams, Papers 3 and 4 (objective-type) are held from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. For Intermediate and CA Final, the exams typically run from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Final Paper 6 (case study) lasts from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. For descriptive papers, there is a 15-minute reading time before the exam begins at 2:00 PM.
The exam form window for the November 2026 session for CA Final opens early August 2026, while Foundation and Intermediate exams for the September 2026 session open early July 2026.
The exam fee for Foundation is ₹1,500 (single group), Intermediate ₹1,500 (single group) or ₹2,700 (both groups), and CA Final ₹1,800 (single group) or ₹3,300 (both groups). A late fee of ₹600 applies if you miss the application deadline.
No, candidates appearing for CA Final in November 2026 must have completed the Self-Paced Online Modules (SPOM) before applying. This is a mandatory requirement for the final exams under the New Scheme.
