The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has officially announced the schedule for the CA January 2026 examinations, covering Foundation, Intermediate, and Final courses. For lakhs of CA aspirants across India and abroad, this announcement is a crucial milestone as it sets the tone for the upcoming attempt.
Whether you’re a first-time candidate appearing for the CA Foundation or a final-stage aspirant preparing for the CA Final, knowing the exam dates, form submission deadlines, and application process is extremely important. Many students face unnecessary stress due to last-minute rush or lack of clarity. To help you avoid this, we’ve compiled all the key details of ICAI CA January 2026 exams in one place.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- ICAI CA January 2026 Exam Schedule (Foundation, Intermediate & Final)
- Exam form dates and deadlines (with & without late fees)
- Fee structure for each level
- Step-by-step guide to filling the exam form
- Exam day rules and important instructions
- Preparation tips to maximize your chances of success
- FAQs to clear common student doubts
Let’s dive in.
Why ICAI January 2026 Exam is Important for Students
ICAI exams are conducted twice a year:
- May/June attempt
- November/January attempt
For many students, the January 2026 exam will be the turning point because:
- It offers another opportunity for students who couldn’t clear their previous attempt in June 2025.
- Fresh Foundation students will get their first exposure to the exam.
- Intermediate and Final students can better align their articleship period with their exam attempt.
- Overseas students also get synchronized exam windows, making ICAI’s process globally uniform.
Thus, the January 2026 exam cycle is not just another exam – it’s a well-planned opportunity to pace your CA journey.
ICAI CA January 2026 Exam Dates – Complete Schedule
ICAI has officially announced the timetable for all three levels – Foundation, Intermediate, and Final. Here’s the detailed breakdown:
CA Foundation Exam January 2026
- Paper 1: Principles & Practice of Accounting – 2nd January 2026
- Paper 2: Business Laws & Business Correspondence – 4th January 2026
- Paper 3: Business Mathematics, Logical Reasoning & Statistics – 6th January 2026
- Paper 4: Business Economics & Business and Commercial Knowledge – 8th January 2026
CA Intermediate Exam January 2026
Group I
- Paper 1: Accounting – 3rd January 2026
- Paper 2: Corporate & Other Laws – 5th January 2026
- Paper 3: Cost & Management Accounting – 7th January 2026
Group II
- Paper 4: Advanced Accounting – 9th January 2026
- Paper 5: Auditing & Assurance – 11th January 2026
- Paper 6: Financial Management & Economics for Finance – 13th January 2026
CA Final Exam January 2026
Group I
- Paper 1: Financial Reporting – 3rd January 2026
- Paper 2: Strategic Financial Management – 5th January 2026
- Paper 3: Advanced Auditing & Professional Ethics – 7th January 2026
Group II
- Paper 4: Corporate & Economic Laws – 9th January 2026
- Paper 5: Strategic Cost Management & Performance Evaluation – 11th January 2026
- Paper 6: Elective Paper (Risk Management, International Taxation, etc.) – 13th January 2026
Note: Exams will be held in afternoon sessions (2 PM to 5 PM) except for a few papers like CA Foundation (2 PM to 5 PM) and longer papers (2 PM to 6 PM).
ICAI CA Exam Form January 2026 – Dates & Deadlines
ICAI has also announced the dates for exam form submission. Missing these deadlines can cost you one full attempt, so mark them carefully.
- Start Date for Exam Form Filling: 10th September 2025
- Last Date to Submit Without Late Fee: 30th September 2025
- Last Date to Submit With Late Fee: 7th October 2025
Forms will be available on the ICAI Exam Portal: eservices.icai.org
ICAI CA Exam Fees – January 2026
ICAI has kept the fee structure consistent. Below is the detailed breakdown:
CA Foundation
- India: ₹1,500
- Overseas: US$325
CA Intermediate
- Single Group: ₹1,500 (India) | US$325 (Overseas)
- Both Groups: ₹2,700 (India) | US$500 (Overseas)
CA Final
- Single Group: ₹1,800 (India) | US$325 (Overseas)
- Both Groups: ₹3,300 (India) | US$550 (Overseas)
Late Fee: ₹600 (India) | US$10 (Overseas)
Step-by-Step Guide to Fill ICAI CA Exam Form
Many students, especially first-timers, get confused while filling out the form. Here’s a simplified guide:
- Visit Official Portal: Go to eservices.icai.org.
- Login: Use your ICAI student registration number and password.
- Select Exam: Choose Foundation, Intermediate, or Final as per eligibility.
- Fill Details: Carefully enter personal, educational, and exam center details.
- Upload Documents: Ensure your latest passport-size photo and scanned signature are uploaded.
- Pay Fees: Complete payment online through debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI.
- Download & Print: Save a PDF of the filled form for future reference.
Important Instructions for Students
- Carry admit card and a valid photo ID proof to the exam center.
- Reach the exam hall at least 30–45 minutes early.
- No electronic devices (mobiles, smartwatches, calculators beyond 12-digit scientific type) are allowed.
- Double-check your exam center location a day before.
- For overseas students, ICAI will provide special exam centers (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kathmandu, etc.).
Preparation Strategy for ICAI CA January 2026 Exam
ICAI exams are known for their depth and require consistent preparation. Here’s how you can structure your study plan:
1. Understand the Syllabus & Weightage
Focus more on high-weightage topics. For example, in CA Final, Financial Reporting and Audit carry more scoring potential.
2. Use ICAI Material First
Never ignore ICAI’s official Study Material, Practice Manuals, Mock Tests, and RTPs. A majority of exam questions are directly based on these.
3. Revision Plan
- 1st Revision: Complete by October 2025
- 2nd Revision: November–December 2025
- 3rd Quick Revision: Last 15 days before exam
4. Mock Test Practice
Write at least 3 full mock tests per subject before the exam to improve time management.
5. Balance Between Theory & Practical Papers
- For theory papers (Law, Audit, Economics), focus on concept clarity + presentation.
- For practical papers (Accounts, FM, Costing), solve maximum problems.
Expert Tips to Succeed
- Time Management: Stick to a timetable and avoid social distractions.
- Presentation Skills: Write in a structured manner with headings, points, and working notes.
- Self-Assessment: After each mock test, analyze mistakes and improve.
- Stay Healthy: Sleep at least 6–7 hours daily; exam prep requires a fresh mind.
FAQs on ICAI CA Exam January 2026
Q1. When will ICAI release admit cards for January 2026 exams?
Around 15 days before the exam, likely in the third week of December 2025.
Q2. Can I change my exam center after submitting the form?
Yes, ICAI allows a correction window. You can change exam city, medium of exam, or group selection during that period.
Q3. What is the passing criteria for CA exams?
Minimum 40% in each paper and 50% aggregate in each group.
Q4. Are calculators allowed in CA exams?
Only non-scientific calculators up to 12 digits are allowed. Scientific or programmable calculators are strictly prohibited.
Q5. Can I appear in both groups in one attempt?
Yes, but it requires strong preparation. If you’re confident, both groups give you rank eligibility and exemption benefits.
Key Takeaways
- Foundation Exams: 2nd – 8th January 2026
- Intermediate & Final Exams: 3rd – 13th January 2026
- Exam Form Filling: 10th September – 30th September 2025 (without late fee)
- Last Date with Late Fee: 7th October 2025
- Admit Cards: December 2025 (expected)
The ICAI CA January 2026 attempt is a golden chance for aspirants to prove their preparation. With the dates already announced, it’s time to finalize your study plan, mock tests, and revision strategy.