Preparation for the CA exams requires realistic timelines and clear targets. With the January 2026 exams currently underway and the May cycle approaching, students need to stay updated on the schedule to avoid confusion. Awareness of the exact dates, especially with recent changes, supports better decision-making for your next steps. It helps students align their timeline with their preparation level rather than external pressure.
Here is a structured overview of the CA Exam Dates 2026 to support informed planning.
CA Exam Dates 2026 - Overview
The CA exams in 2026 are conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) for three levels: CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, and CA Final. The exams are generally conducted three times a year in January, May, and September. The September exam dates have not yet been announced.
Here’s what you should know in a quick overview:
- Levels Covered: CA Foundation exam 2026, CA Intermediate, and CA Final exams 2026.
- Exam Attempts: Three main exam windows are available – January 2026 (Ongoing), May 2026 (Upcoming), and September 2026.
- CA Inter Exam Dates: Group 1 and Group 2 papers are scheduled on different days, and staying updated on rescheduling (like the recent audit postponement) is crucial.
- Application & Form Submission: You must fill out the exam form before the ICAI deadlines. Missing it means paying late fees or losing your chance to appear.
- Eligibility: Only students who have cleared previous levels (or meet the criteria) can appear for Intermediate and Final exams.
- Preparation Tip: Understanding the exam cycle early allows you to divide topics, schedule revisions, and attempt mocks without last-minute stress.
Keep an eye on the admit card release, exam centres, and reporting times. While the dates mentioned here are based on official notifications, students should check the ICAI website for updates.
CA Foundation Exam Dates 2026
The CA Foundation exam 2026 consists of four papers. The January attempt is currently in progress, while the next full window is in May 2026.
January 2026 – CA Foundation Time Table
- Paper 1: 18 January 2026
- Paper 2: 20 January 2026
- Paper 3: 22 January 2026
- Paper 4: 24 January 2026
May 2026 – CA Foundation Time Table
- Paper 1: 14 May 2026
- Paper 2: 16 May 2026
- Paper 3: 18 May 2026
- Paper 4: 20 May 2026
If you are not appearing in the ongoing January exams, aiming for May 2026 gives you enough time to cover the syllabus thoroughly.
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Join NowCA Intermediate Exam Dates 2026
The CA Intermediate exam 2026 is divided into Group 1 and Group 2. A major update has occurred for the January cycle regarding the Audit paper.
January 2026 – CA Inter Group 1 & 2 Dates
- Group 1: 6, 8 & 10 January 2026
- Group 2: 12, 15 & 17 January 2026
Postponed Paper Update:
The CA Intermediate Group II Paper 5 (Auditing and Ethics), originally scheduled for 19 January 2026, was postponed due to unavoidable circumstances. ICAI has officially rescheduled the exam for 31 January 2026. Students should utilise this extra gap for revision.
May 2026 – CA Inter Time Table
- Group 1: 3, 5 & 7 May 2026
- Group 2: 9, 11 & 13 May 2026
CA Final Exam Dates 2026
At the CA Final level, students usually plan attempts around revision cycles. The schedule below outlines the ongoing January exams and the upcoming May dates.
January 2026 – CA Final Exam Dates
- Group 1: 5, 7 & 9 January 2026
- Group 2: 11, 13 & 16 January 2026
May 2026 – CA Final Exam Dates
- Group 1: 2, 4 & 6 May 2026
- Group 2: 8, 10 & 12 May 2026
ICAI CA Exam Form Dates 2026
Exam forms usually open 2 – 3 months before the exam.
- For May 2026: Keep an eye on ICAI announcements as the window will open soon.
- If you miss the regular deadline, late fees apply, adding unnecessary cost.
- Correction windows are very short, and even small mistakes can mean extra charges.
- Don’t wait until the last day to fill out the form. The ICAI portal is known to slow down or crash close to deadlines.
CA Exam Admit Card 2026
- Admit cards are usually released 14-20 days before the exam.
- Always download your admit card only from the official ICAI exam portal.
- No physical admit cards are sent by post.
- Check your details immediately to avoid stress on exam day.
CA Exam Results 2026 (Expected Dates)
Foundation / Inter / Final results are usually declared 6 – 8 weeks after exams.
- January attempt results: Expected by March 2026
- May attempt results: Expected by July-August 2026
These are expected timelines. ICAI does not guarantee fixed result dates.
Important Instructions from ICAI
ICAI exams follow very strict rules. These instructions are applied strictly on exam day.
- Reporting Time Matters: The exam hall closes at a fixed time. Even being a few minutes late can mean you won’t be allowed to enter.
- Admit Card Is Mandatory: Carry a printed admit card along with a valid photo ID for every paper. There are no exceptions.
- Electronic Devices Are Prohibited: Mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, memory-enabled calculators, and written material are strictly not allowed.
- Use Only Permitted Stationery: Answer books and rough sheets are provided. Bringing your own paper is not permitted.
- Follow Writing Time Rules: Writing before the official start signal can lead to your answer sheet being taken away.
Preparation Tips Based on CA Exam Dates 2026
Knowing the dates is useful only if you align your preparation strategy with them.
- Evaluate your timeline: Since the January cycle is already active, new aspirants should focus their planning on May.
- Plan backwards: For the May attempt, finish the syllabus early and reserve the last few weeks for revision.
- Use gaps smartly: For students with remaining papers (like the postponed Audit exam), use the gap for high-value revision.
- Match mocks to exam dates: Attempt mock tests according to the actual exam schedule to build confidence and familiarity. You can refer to structured revision plans and mock schedules provided by Xylem Commerce Pro for better alignment.
- Track ICAI deadlines: Complete exam forms for May early to avoid distractions during study time.
- Focus on revision: Multiple revisions of key topics matter more than last-minute coverage.
Conclusion
A calendar only works if you actually follow it. With the January exams ongoing and the Audit paper rescheduled to January 31, staying updated is key. For those targeting the next cycle, the goal is to work backwards from the May dates and set a clear revision schedule.
Complete exam formalities on time so you can focus on studying. If managing the syllabus within these timelines feels difficult, structured guidance and regular mock tests from Xylem Commerce Pro can help you stay organised. The dates are fixed, so your preparation needs to follow a clear plan.
FAQs
ICAI conducts CA exams in January, May, and September. The January 2026 cycle is currently ongoing, and the next attempt is in May 2026.
Registration and exam form updates are officially announced on the ICAI website and SSP portal. Students should monitor them regularly after the May exams.
The last date depends on the attempt. ICAI usually announces deadlines months in advance.
As of now, there haven’t been any announcements about major syllabus changes. It’s always good to stay updated through ICAI notifications.
Try to register for the CA Intermediate around 8 – 9 months before your exam to ensure eligibility and sufficient preparation time.