The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) conducts the Chartered Accountancy (CA) examinations biannually, serving as a rigorous benchmark for aspiring accountants and auditors in India’s financial ecosystem. These exams, comprising Foundation, Intermediate, and Final levels, are pivotal for over 300,000 candidates annually, enabling them to qualify for professional practice under the Companies Act and other regulations. The January 2026 session, announced on September 24, 2025, underscores ICAI’s commitment to timely scheduling amid festive considerations, ensuring aspirants can plan effectively.
The CA January 2026 exam schedule includes Foundation exams on January 18, 20, 22, and 24; Intermediate Group 1 on January 6, 8, and 10, Group 2 on January 12, 15, and 17; and Final Group 1 on January 5, 7, and 9, Group 2 on January 11, 13, and 16. Applications open November 3, 2025, closing November 16 without late fee and November 19 with Rs 600 fee, with corrections from November 20-22. Exams are from 2 PM to 5 PM (or 4/6 PM for some papers), with no session on January 14 due to holidays.
| Details | Information |
| Exam Session | CA January 2026 (Foundation, Intermediate, Final) |
| Conducting Body | Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) |
| Application Start Date | November 3, 2025 |
| Last Date (Without Late Fee) | November 16, 2025 |
| Last Date (With Late Fee Rs 600/US $10) | November 19, 2025 |
| Correction Window | November 20 to 22, 2025 |
| Foundation Dates | January 18, 20, 22, 24, 2026 (2 PM–5 PM Papers 1&2; 2 PM–4 PM Papers 3&4) |
| Intermediate Dates | Group 1: January 6, 8, 10; Group 2: January 12, 15, 17 (all 2 PM–5 PM) |
| Final Dates | Group 1: January 5, 7, 9; Group 2: January 11, 13, 16 (2 PM–5 PM Papers 1-5; 2 PM–6 PM Paper 6) |
| Fees (Indian Centres) | – Foundation: Rs 1,500 – Intermediate: Rs 1,500 (Single Group), Rs 2,700 (Both) – Final: Rs 1,800 (Single Group), Rs 3,300 (Both) |
| Eligibility | – Foundation: Passed Class 12 or CA Foundation – Intermediate: Passed Foundation or Graduation (55%) – Final: Passed Intermediate |
| Important Notes | – No exam on January 14 due to Makar Sankranti, Magha Bihu, Pongal – Overseas fees higher; check icai.org for full schedule – Admit cards post-application verification |
| WhatsApp Official Channel | Join WhatsApp Channel |
| Telegram Official Channel | Join Telegram Channel |
CA January 2026 Exam Schedule Breakdown
The ICAI CA January 2026 exam schedule, released on September 24, 2025, details theory exams for Foundation, Intermediate, and Final levels, avoiding January 14 due to regional festivals like Makar Sankranti. Foundation exams are on January 18, 20, 22, and 24, with Papers 1 and 2 (3 hours) from 2 PM to 5 PM and Papers 3 and 4 (2 hours) from 2 PM to 4 PM. Intermediate Group 1 follows on January 6, 8, and 10, and Group 2 on January 12, 15, and 17, all 3-hour sessions from 2 PM to 5 PM. Final Group 1 is January 5, 7, and 9, and Group 2 January 11, 13, and 16, with Papers 1-5 (3 hours) from 2 PM to 5 PM and Paper 6 (4 hours) from 2 PM to 6 PM. A Delhi Foundation candidate can schedule study around these dates.
Application Process and Exam Logistics
To apply for the CA January 2026 exams, visit icai.org/esb, starting November 3, 2025, and follow these steps:
- Select the level (Foundation, Intermediate, Final) and group.
- Register with personal details, upload photo/signature, and pay fees online (Rs 1,500–3,300 for Indian centers).
- Choose exam center (available from November 20-22 for corrections).
- Receive admit card post-verification, downloadable from icai.org.
Exams are offline, requiring bare acts and stationery at centers. A Mumbai Intermediate student must verify center choices to avoid travel issues.
Preparation and Upcoming Milestones
The schedule allows ample prep time, with results expected in February 2026, followed by May 2026 exams. Focus on syllabus updates and mock tests. A 2025 passer from Chennai used the gap for self-study. Unique insight: Holiday avoidance enhances focus. Check icai.org for syllabus and results.
The ICAI CA January 2026 exam schedule, from January 5-24, provides clear dates for Foundation, Intermediate, and Final levels. Apply from November 3, 2025, at icai.org, and stay updated via the official website for admit cards and results.
