The CA Foundation is the first step you must pass to become a CA, as set by ICAI rules. The CA Foundation course teaches the basics of accounting, business laws, math, and economics.
The 2026 ICAI new scheme continues to focus on practical skills and reasoning, with the same 4 papers but with Business Correspondence & Reporting and Business & Commercial Knowledge removed from the syllabus. The main aim is to help students prepare for the real accounting field challenges.
Key Changes in CA Foundation Syllabus 2026
- Subjects reduction
The total number of subjects has been reduced from 6 subjects earlier to 4 under the new scheme. - Chapters removed
Business Correspondence & Reporting is no longer included in Paper 2 (Business Laws). The Business & Commercial Knowledge (BCK) component that was previously part of Paper 4 (Business Economics) has also been removed from the Foundation level. - New four papers for 2026 are:
- Principles and Practice of Accounting
Accounting fundamentals and preparation of financial statements. - Business Laws
Focuses only on business law topics (without correspondence/reporting). - Quantitative Aptitude
Combines Business Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, and Statistics. - Business Economics
Covers core economics topics (without commercial GK).
- Principles and Practice of Accounting
- Syllabus Optimizing
Certain topics that were part of Business Mathematics and Logical Reasoning have been deleted from the Quantitative Aptitude paper under the 2026 scheme, including:- Matrices
- Time Series
- Syllogism
These removals are intended to streamline the syllabus and focus more on practical quantitative/stats topics.
- Exam Frequency
The CA Foundation exams will be held three times a year, January, May/June, and September giving students more flexibility and opportunities to attempt. - Negative Marking in MCQs
Under the new scheme, MCQ papers (Paper 3 & Paper 4) have negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
CA Foundation Syllabus 2026
The CA Foundation course has 4 papers of 100 marks each (total 400 marks). Papers 1 and 2 are descriptive, where Papers 3 and 4 are objective (MCQs) with negative marking.
These aim to build a solid accounting, business, and analytical skills base.
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Enroll NowCA Foundation Exam Structure 2025
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
|
Convener |
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
|
|
Recognition |
All India |
|
Frequency |
Thrice a year
|
|
Medium |
English/Hindi |
|
Mode of Registration |
Online |
|
Mode of Exam |
Offline (pen & paper) |
|
Duration |
|
|
Number of Papers |
4 |
|
Subjective Papers |
Papers 1 & 2
|
|
Objective Papers |
Papers 3 & 4 |
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Eligibility |
|
|
Exemptions |
Graduates, postgraduates, or those qualified in an equivalent exam
|
|
Difficulty Level |
Moderate |
|
Official Website |
CA Foundation Exam Pattern 2025
| Sl. No. | Paper Name | Type of Question | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Principles and Practice of Accounting |
Descriptive |
100 |
|
2 |
Business Laws |
Descriptive |
100 |
|
3 |
Business Mathematics, Logical Reasoning & Statistics (Quantitative Aptitude)
|
Objective (MCQs)
|
100 |
|
4 |
Business Economics |
Objective (MCQs)
|
100 |
CA Foundation Detailed Paper-wise Syllabus Breakdown
Module 1
1. Theoretical Framework
- Meaning & Scope of Accounting
- Accounting Concepts, Principles & Conventions
- Capital & Revenue Expenditure & Receipts
- Contingent Assets & Liabilities
- Accounting Policies
- Accounting as a Measurement Discipline (Valuation principles & estimates)
- Accounting Standards (Concepts & objectives)
2. Accounting Process
- Journal Entries
- Ledgers
- Trial Balance
- Subsidiary Books
- Cash Books
- Rectification of Errors
3. Bank Reconciliation Statement
4. Inventories
5. Depreciation & Amortisation
6. Bills of Exchange & Promissory Notes
7. Preparation of Final Accounts of Sole Properties
- Manufacturing & Non-manufacturing entities
8. Financial Statements of Not-for-Profit Organisations
9. Accounts from Incomplete Records
10. Partnership and LLP Accounts
- Introduction to Partnership Accounts
- Goodwill Treatment
- Admission of a Partner
- Retirement of a Partner
- Death of a Partner
- Dissolution of Partnership & LLPs
11. Company Accounts
- Issue, Forfeiture & Re-Issue of Shares
- Issue of Debentures
- Bonus & Right Issues
- Redemption of Preference Shares & Debentures
1. Indian Regulatory Framework
- Major Regulatory Bodies (MCA, SEBI, RBI, IBBI, Ministry of Law & Justice etc.)
2. The Indian Contract Act, 1872
- Nature & Essentials of Contract
- Consideration
- Performance of Contract
- Breach & Remedies
- Contingent & Quasi-Contracts
- Contract of Indemnity & Guarantee
- Contract of Bailment & Pledge
- Contract of Agency
3. The Sale of Goods Act, 1930
- Contract of Sale
- Conditions & Warranties
- Transfer of Ownership & Delivery of Goods
- Rights of Unpaid Seller
4. The Indian Partnership Act, 1932
- Nature of Partnership
- Rights & Duties of Partners
- Reconstitution & Dissolution
- Registration Criteria
5. The Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008
- Nature & Characteristics of LLP
- Incorporation & Differences with Partnership
6. The Companies Act, 2013
- Incorporation of Company
- Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Doctrine of Indoor Management
- Other basics of company law relevant at the Foundation level
Part A – Business Mathematics
- Ratio & Proportion, Indices & Logarithms
- Equations
- Linear equations (up to three variables)
- Quadratic/Cubic equations (single variable)
- Linear Inequalities
- Mathematics of Finance
- Time value of money, interest calculations etc.
- Basic Concepts of Permutations & Combinations
- Sequence & Series – Arithmetic & Geometric Progressions
- Sets, Relations & Functions; Basics of Limits & Continuity
- Basic Applications of Differential & Integral Calculus in Business & Economics
- Differential Calculus
- Integral Calculus
Part B – Logical Reasoning
- Number Series
- Coding & Decoding
- Odd Man Out
- Direction Sense Tests
- Seating Arrangements
- Blood Relations
Part C – Statistics
- Statistical Representation of Data
- Diagrammatic & Graphical Representation
- Frequency Distribution
- Measures of Central Tendency
- Measures of Dispersion
- Probability Concepts
- Sampling, Correlation & Regression, Index Numbers
1. Nature & Scope of Business Economics
- Introduction
- Basic problems of the economy
- Role of price mechanism
2. Theory of Demand & Supply
- Law of Demand & Elasticity
- Consumer Behaviour
- Theory of Supply
3. Theory of Production & Cost
- Production function
- Cost concepts
4. Price Determination in Different Markets
- Market types & price output determination
5. Business Cycles
- Concept & phases of business cycles
6. Determination of National Income
- National income accounting
- Keynesian theory etc.
7. Public Finance
- Fiscal functions & budget process
- Market failure & government intervention
- Fiscal policy
8. Money Market
- Concepts of money demand & supply
- Monetary policy
9. International Trade
- Theories of trade
- Trade policy instruments
- Exchange rates & capital movements
10. Indian Economy
- Overview of Indian economic environment (basic concepts)
CA Foundation Syllabus 2026 Preparation Tips
- Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern
- Go through the syllabus for each subject carefully.
- Understand the exam pattern, types of questions (subjective/objective), mark distribution, and time limits.
- Create a Study Plan
- Make a structured timetable for all subjects.
- Break the syllabus into smaller parts and set daily, weekly, and monthly goals.
- Focus on Conceptual Clarity
- Understand core concepts instead of just memorizing facts.
- Use examples, diagrams, and real-life applications for better understanding.
- Practice Regularly
- Solve practice papers, mock tests, and past year papers.
- Identify weak areas and work on improving them.
- Stay Updated
- Keep track of syllabus updates and announcements from ICAI.
- Check the official ICAI website regularly.
- Time Management
- Learn to manage time effectively while studying and during exams.
- Practice allocating time per question based on difficulty and marks.
- Revision
- Revise regularly to strengthen your memory.
- Use short notes, summaries, or flashcards for quick revision.
- Utilize Resources
- Study from ICAI materials, recommended textbooks, and online sources.
- Join coaching classes or online programs if needed.
- Maintain a Positive Mindset
- Stay confident, motivated, and focused.
- Believe in your preparation and stay positive.
- Take Care of Your Health
- Get enough sleep, eat healthy, and exercise.
- Keep both your body and mind in good shape.
To be eligible for the CA Foundation exam in 2026, students must have passed or be appearing for their Class 12 (or equivalent) exam from a recognized board. They also need to register with the ICAI’s Board of Studies on time and complete a four-month study period before the exam.
For the CA Foundation, candidates can attempt the exam up to six times within a three-year registration period. For the Intermediate (IPCC) and Final levels, there is no limit on the number of attempts.
While a CA can earn Rs 1 crore per month, it’s very rare and usually requires years of experience, strong expertise, and several contributing factors. Generally, a CA’s salary grows over time with experience, specialization, and the type of firm or practice they work in.
Yes, there have been changes to the CA Foundation syllabus for the May 2026 exam under the new scheme. While the main subjects are the same, the syllabus has been revised and updated.
Yes, it’s definitely possible to pass the CA Foundation exam with regular effort and a good study plan. With dedication and smart preparation, many students clear it through self-study or coaching. The key is to understand the topics well, practice often, and use trusted study materials.
Yes, it’s definitely possible to pass the CA Foundation exam with regular effort and a good study plan. With dedication and smart preparation, many students clear it through self-study or coaching. The key is to understand the topics well, practice often, and use trusted study materials.
Yes, you can join the CA course even if you haven’t studied mathematics. Math is not a compulsory subject for CA Foundation or later levels, but having basic math skills helps you do well in the course.
To prepare well for the CA Foundation 2026 exam, focus on understanding the syllabus and exam pattern, follow a clear study plan, use good study materials, and practice regularly with mock tests and past papers, along with regular revision for better retention of concepts.
If you’re still determined to become a chartered accountant, you can retake the exam. Review your past attempt, find where you struggled, and adjust your study plan. You may also consider joining coaching classes or getting a tutor for extra help. Take time to reflect on your goals and stay focused on improving.