The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has announced a major change in the CA Final examination schedule. From May 2026 onwards, the CA Final exams will be conducted twice a year instead of three times. This decision has been taken after considering feedback from stakeholders and aims to streamline the examination process.
ICAI CA Final Exam Frequency Revised from 2026
ICAI has officially confirmed that the CA Final examination will now be held in two sessions every year. The exams will take place in:
- May session
- November session
Earlier, the CA Final exams were conducted three times a year in January, May, and September. The revised structure will be implemented starting from the May 2026 examination cycle.
CA Final May 2026 Exam Dates for Group I and II
The institute has also released the detailed exam schedule for the upcoming May session. Candidates should carefully note the dates for both groups.
- Group I Exam Dates: 2 May 2026, 4 May 2026, 6 May 2026
- Group II Exam Dates: 8 May 2026, 10 May 2026, 12 May 2026
The exams will be conducted as per the official timetable released by ICAI.
About CA Final Examination
CA Final is the final level of the Chartered Accountancy course conducted by ICAI. It is a crucial stage for candidates aspiring to become qualified Chartered Accountants. The exam assesses advanced knowledge in subjects related to accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management.
Impact of Revised CA Final Exam Schedule
The reduction in exam frequency is expected to bring more structure and consistency to the examination cycle. It may also help candidates plan their preparation more effectively. With only two attempts available each year, candidates are likely to focus more on thorough preparation before appearing for the exam.
What Candidates Should Know?
Candidates preparing for CA Final exams should stay updated with official notifications and plan their study schedule according to the revised pattern.
- Follow the updated exam calendar
- Prepare according to the May and November sessions
- Keep track of ICAI announcements for further updates
ICAI is expected to release additional guidelines and notifications regarding the revised exam structure in the coming months.