ICAI announces CA final exams to be held thrice a year, equalizing attempts across all levels

In a significant development for aspiring Chartered Accountants in India, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has announced that the CA Final examinations will now be conducted three times a year. This decision marks a major change in the institute's examination system and aims to provide students with increased opportunities to clear the crucial final level of the CA program.

The ICAI's latest decision ensures that all three levels of the Chartered Accountancy examinations – CA Final, CA Intermediate, and CA Foundation – will now have an equal number of attempts available to students each year. This move follows the ICAI's announcement last year that the CA Intermediate and Foundation examinations would also be held thrice annually.

According to the ICAI, the CA Final examinations will be conducted in the months of January, May, and September. This revised schedule will offer students more flexibility in planning their studies and attempting the exams at their convenience throughout the year.

Furthermore, the ICAI has also announced a transformation in the Post Qualification Course (PQC) in Information Systems Audit. Previously, the Assessment Test for this course was held twice a year, in June and December. Now, aligning with the increased frequency of the main examinations, the PQC Assessment Test will also be conducted three times a year, specifically in February, June, and October.

Commenting on this landmark decision, ICAI President CA Charanjot Singh Nanda emphasized the significant benefits for both students and members. He stated that these changes would offer enhanced opportunities for success and signify a "new era" in the support and guidance provided to future Chartered Accountants. He further affirmed ICAI's commitment to the growth of its members and students, highlighting that this historic decision will ensure abundant opportunities for career excellence.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is a statutory body established in 1949 under an Act of Parliament. It operates under the administrative supervision of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and is responsible for the regulation and development of the Chartered Accountancy profession in India. The ICAI boasts a vast network with over 10 lakh students and 4 lakh members, supported by 5 Regional Councils and 177 Branches across India, along with a global presence encompassing 52 overseas Chapters and 33 Representative Offices in 85 cities across 47 countries.