If you're aspiring to become a Chartered Accountant, the CA Foundation exam is the first step on your journey. This exam, conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), is a crucial milestone for anyone seeking to enter the world of professional accounting. But with so much to plan and prepare for, one of the first things you need to know is when the exam is scheduled.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the CA Foundation exam dates for 2025 and 2026, including important deadlines, tips for registration, and how to make the most of your preparation time. Whether you’re planning for 2025 or 2026, this guide will help you stay on top of the key dates and make your CA Foundation journey smoother.
CA Foundation Exam Dates for 2025
The CA Foundation exam is held three times a year: in May, September, and January. Let’s take a closer look at the upcoming dates for 2025.
1. May 2025 Session
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Exam Dates: May 15, 17, 19, and 21, 2025
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Registration Period: March 1–15, 2025
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Application Deadline (Without Late Fee): March 15, 2025
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Application Deadline (With Late Fee): March 18, 2025
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Admit Card Release: Approximately two weeks before the exam
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Result Announcement: Expected in July 2025
The May session is ideal for students who want to kick off their CA journey early in the year. Be sure to register early to avoid the late fee!
2. September 2025 Session
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Exam Dates: September 16, 18, 20, and 22, 2025
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Registration Period: May 1–31, 2025
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Application Deadline (Without Late Fee): May 31, 2025
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Application Deadline (With Late Fee): June 3, 2025
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Admit Card Release: Approximately two weeks before the exam
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Result Announcement: Expected in November 2025
The September session gives you a chance to prepare after the summer months, making it a popular option for many candidates.
3. January 2026 Session
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Exam Dates: January 18, 20, 22, and 24, 2026
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Registration Period: November 3–16, 2025
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Application Deadline (Without Late Fee): November 16, 2025
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Application Deadline (With Late Fee): November 19, 2025
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Admit Card Release: Approximately two weeks before the exam
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Result Announcement: Expected in March 2026
If you’re looking to kick off the year with an exam, the January session of 2026 could be a perfect fit.
CA Foundation Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam structure is essential to your preparation. The CA Foundation exam consists of four papers, each with a unique focus and format. Here’s a breakdown:
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Paper 1: Accounting (Subjective)
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Paper 2: Business Laws, Business Correspondence and Reporting (Subjective)
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Paper 3: Business Mathematics and Logical Reasoning (Objective)
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Paper 4: Business Economics and Business and Commercial Knowledge (Objective)
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Duration:
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Paper 1 and Paper 2: 3 hours each
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Paper 3 and Paper 4: 2 hours each
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Total Marks: 400 marks (100 marks per paper)
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Mode: Offline (pen and paper-based)
This combination of subjective and objective papers is designed to test both your theoretical knowledge and practical application in the field of accounting.
Registration and Important Deadlines
For every exam session, it’s crucial to keep track of the registration and application deadlines. Here are some key deadlines for the upcoming exams:
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Application Deadline (Without Late Fee): This is the regular application window. Be sure to complete your registration during this time to avoid any additional fees.
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Application Deadline (With Late Fee): If you miss the regular deadline, you can still apply during the late fee window. However, it’s always best to submit your application on time.
The ICAI typically opens registration for the CA Foundation exam around 3-4 months before the exam date. Keep an eye on the official ICAI website for updates and notifications.
Preparation Tips for CA Foundation Exam
Now that you know the dates and registration details, let's talk about how to prepare for the exam.
1. Plan Your Study Schedule
The CA Foundation syllabus is vast, so it's important to break your study sessions into manageable chunks. Start studying at least 4-6 months before the exam. Create a study plan that allocates enough time to each subject while leaving room for revision.
2. Focus on Conceptual Clarity
Rather than memorizing facts, focus on understanding the core concepts in each subject. For example, accounting principles, business laws, and mathematical formulas should be well understood, as these form the foundation for more advanced topics.
3. Solve Previous Years' Papers
Practice is key to doing well in any exam. Make sure to solve previous years' question papers and take mock tests. This will help you get a feel for the exam format and improve your time management skills.
4. Stay Updated
ICAI often releases updates regarding exam schedules, admit card releases, and other important details. Regularly visit the official ICAI website and keep an eye on your registered email for notifications.
Conclusion
The CA Foundation exam is a crucial step towards a successful career in chartered accountancy. Knowing the exam dates, understanding the exam pattern, and being mindful of the registration deadlines will help you stay ahead of the game. By following a disciplined study schedule, practicing regularly, and staying updated with ICAI announcements, you’ll be well on your way to acing the exam.
FAQs
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) typically announces the precise exam dates several months in advance. Keep an eye on their official website for updates.
The CA Foundation exam is usually conducted twice a year, once around May/June and again around November/December.
Eligibility requirements vary; check the ICAI's official website for the most up-to-date and detailed information on eligibility, including educational qualifications and age limits.
The CA Foundation syllabus is available on the official ICAI website. It's crucial to review the syllabus early to plan your studies effectively.
Numerous resources exist, including study materials from ICAI, online courses, coaching centers, and practice tests. A structured study plan is key to success.
