In a major change to the Chartered Accountancy examination framework, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has announced that the CA Final examination will now be conducted twice a year instead of three times, beginning from May 2026.
The move comes after stakeholder feedback and is expected to provide students with more structured preparation time and a stable examination schedule.
As per the official notice, ICAI stated that the Chartered Accountants Final Examination will be conducted twice a year in the months of May and November with effect from May 2026 onwards.
The notice also mentioned that the CA Final exams are currently being conducted three times a year, in January, May and September. However, after reviewing feedback from stakeholders, the ICAI Council has decided to revise the frequency.
The institute further clarified that January 2026 will be the last examination under the existing system, and the January cycle will be discontinued thereafter.
REDUCTION FROM THREE ATTEMPTS TO TWO
Under the revised framework:
- CA Final will be conducted two times a year
- Exams will be held in May and November
- January attempt removed from 2026 onwards
- January 2026 will be the final January cycle
This marks a significant change for CA Final candidates who previously had three opportunities each year.
KEY CONCERN HIGHLIGHTED BY STAKEHOLDERS
ICAI stated that the decision has been taken after considering feedback from students, faculty members, and industry stakeholders. The primary concern raised was related to frequent exam cycles affecting preparation and planning.
Reducing the number of attempts is expected to:
- Improve preparation quality
- Allow better revision time
- Create a predictable exam calendar
- Reduce academic pressure
ICAI’s decision to conduct the CA Final examination twice a year from May 2026 marks a significant shift in the exam framework.
By discontinuing the January cycle, the institute aims to give students more preparation time and a predictable schedule. While the number of attempts has been reduced, the move is expected to enhance preparation quality and provide greater clarity for CA Final aspirants.
