Has the CA CPT exam been abolished?

Yes. Under ICAI's New Scheme of Education and Training effective 1 July 2023, the Common Proficiency Test (CPT) was replaced by the CA Foundation course, and the old IPCC stage was replaced by CA Intermediate.

How many papers are there in each CA level in 2026?

CA Foundation has 4 papers, CA Intermediate has 6 papers across two groups, and CA Final has 6 papers across two groups, along with four Self-Paced Online Modules that must be cleared before the Final.

How long is the CA articleship now?

The practical training (articleship) has been reduced from three years to two years under the New Scheme. Candidates begin after clearing CA Intermediate or one group and completing the ICITSS training.

How many times a year is the CA exam held?

From 2024, CA Foundation is held three times a year, in January, May or June, and September. CA Intermediate and CA Final are conducted twice a year, in May and November.

What are the passing marks for the ICAI CA exams?

Across all levels, candidates must score a minimum of 40% in each paper and 50% in aggregate for the group or level to pass the ICAI CA examination.

ICAI CA Exam 2026: Foundation, Intermediate and Final

📌

Verified 2026 Updates:

The CA course follows ICAI's New Scheme of Education and Training, effective 1 July 2023, which replaced the old CPT and IPCC stages
The three levels are now CA Foundation (4 papers), CA Intermediate (6 papers) and CA Final (6 papers)
Articleship has been cut to two years, and CA Foundation is held three times a year from 2024.

The ICAI exam, also called the CA examination, is conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the national professional accounting body established on 1 July 1949 under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949. Candidates must clear every level, along with practical training, to qualify as a Chartered Accountant in India.

⚡ Quick Answer

The ICAI examination, conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, is the qualifying test for the Chartered Accountancy profession. Under the New Scheme effective 1 July 2023, it has three levels: CA Foundation, CA Intermediate and CA Final. Candidates must clear all three, plus practical training, to become a Chartered Accountant.

📌

Verified 2026 Updates:

The CA course follows ICAI's New Scheme of Education and Training, effective 1 July 2023, which replaced the old CPT and IPCC stages
The three levels are now CA Foundation (4 papers), CA Intermediate (6 papers) and CA Final (6 papers)
Articleship has been cut to two years, and CA Foundation is held three times a year from 2024.

What Is the ICAI CA Examination?

CA Foundation course (4 papers) - the entry level after Class 12
CA Intermediate (6 papers across two groups)
CA Final (6 papers across two groups, plus four Self-Paced Online Modules)

Government Education Loan for Study AbroadRead →

What Is the CA Foundation Exam Pattern?

Paper 1: Accounting
Paper 2: Business Laws
Paper 3: Quantitative Aptitude (Business Mathematics, Logical Reasoning and Statistics)
Paper 4: Business Economics

How Is the CA Intermediate Exam Structured?

Group 1: Advanced Accounting; Corporate and Other Laws; Taxation
Group 2: Cost and Management Accounting; Auditing and Ethics; Financial Management and Strategic Management
Candidates may sit for a single group or both groups in one attempt

How to Get a Scholarship to Study AbroadRead →

What Does the CA Final Exam Involve?

Group 1: Financial Reporting; Advanced Financial Management; Advanced Auditing, Assurance and Professional Ethics
Group 2: Direct Tax Laws and International Taxation; Indirect Tax Laws; Integrated Business Solutions (open book)
Four Self-Paced Online Modules (Sets A, B, C and D) must be completed before appearing for CA Final

How Long Is the Articleship Under the New Scheme?

CA Level 2026	Papers	Passing Criteria
CA Foundation	4 papers (400 marks)	40% per paper, 50% aggregate
CA Intermediate	6 papers (600 marks), 2 groups	40% per paper, 50% per group
CA Final	6 papers (600 marks), 2 groups	40% per paper, 50% per group

Best Countries to Study Abroad for Indian StudentsRead →

How Do You Register and Apply for the ICAI Exam?

Register on the ICAI Self Service Portal and note your registration number
Open the exam application form on the official ICAI exam portal
Authenticate using your course, registration number and date of birth
Select your level, group and preferred exam centre
Upload the required documents and verify your email and mobile number
Pay the application fee online and download the filled form

What Are the ICAI Exam Fees in 2026?

ICAI Exam Fee 2026	Single Group	Both Groups
CA Foundation	Rs 1,500	Not applicable
CA Intermediate	Rs 1,500	Rs 2,700
CA Final	Rs 1,800	Rs 3,300

When and Where Are ICAI CA Exams Held?

How Do You Check Your ICAI CA Result?

Visit the official ICAI result website (icai.nic.in or caresults.icai.org)
Click the result link for your CA level
Enter your roll number and registration number or PIN
Submit to view and download your scorecard