CA Final November 2026: Exam Analysis Shows More MCQs and Calculation-Heavy Papers

The CA Final November 2026 examination witnessed changes in the question pattern and subject-wise marks distribution across several papers. An analysis by CA education platform GradeHunt found that five subjects had more MCQs for the same 30 marks, while Direct Tax included a higher share of calculation-based questions than in the May 2026 attempt.

The examination concluded on November 13 with the Integrated Business Solutions (IBS) paper. The analysis compared all six November 2026 papers with their May 2026 counterparts. These findings are based on student-shared question papers and are not an official assessment released by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).

CA Final November 2026 Paper Analysis Highlights

The most noticeable change was in the objective section of five papers. Financial Reporting, Advanced Financial Management, Audit, Direct Tax and Indirect Tax each featured 23 MCQs carrying 30 marks. The following table summarises the major findings from the November 2026 paper analysis.

CA Final November 2026 MCQ Pattern Compared With May Attempt

The five papers in Financial Reporting, AFM, Audit, Direct Tax and Indirect Tax followed a different MCQ distribution in November 2026. Each paper included 23 MCQs for 30 marks, comprising 16 one-mark questions and seven two-mark questions. In the May 2026 attempt, the same 30 marks were distributed across 15 two-mark MCQs.

This meant candidates had to attempt more questions for the same marks. CA Mamta Arora of GradeHunt noted that students may need to manage the MCQ section with a separate time limit because of the increased number of questions.

Direct Tax Paper Had Higher Calculation-Based Weightage

The November 2026 CA Final Direct Tax paper recorded a substantial share of calculation-based questions. According to the analysis, 72 out of 118 printed marks involved calculations, accounting for around 61% of the total printed marks.

This was higher than the 52.5% calculation-based share reported for the May 2026 paper. The November attempt also marked the last CA Final Direct Tax examination based on the Income-tax Act, 1961. From the May 2027 examination onwards, Paper 4 will be based on the Income-tax Act, 2025, as per ICAI's applicable study material.

CA Final November 2026 Exam Analysis FAQs