The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has formalized the CA Exam Date Sheet for January 2026 for Foundation, Intermediate, and Final levels. It is the onset of the period for testing the knowledge levels of thousands of aspiring Chartered Accountants embarking on their journey to enter the CA profession. Below is the complete exam date sheet, the time of the exams, tips to help you prepare, a brief note on the best CA Foundation and CA Intermediate books available in India, to help you assist in planning.
CA January 2026 Exam Schedule
ICAI holds CA exams two times each year — in May/June and in November/January. The official timetable for the January 2026 session is as follows:
|
Level |
Group / Papers |
Exam Dates (January 2026) |
|
CA Final |
Group I & II |
5th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 13th, and 16th January 2026 |
|
CA Intermediate |
Group I & II |
6th, 8th, 10th, 12th, 15th, and 17th January2026 |
|
CA Foundation |
Paper 1 to 4 |
18th, 20th, 22nd, and 24th January 2026 |
One day of gap is provided for students to revise and prepare for the next subject in each paper. There is no exam on January 14, 2026, for national holidays and festivals.
CA Foundation Exam Dates – January 2026
The CA Foundation exams will take place from 18th January to 24th January 2026, with one paper every alternate day.
CA Intermediate Exam Dates – January 2026
The CA Intermediate exams will be held from 6th January to 17th January 2026, also divided into two groups of three papers each.
|
Paper No. |
Subject |
Date |
|
Paper 1 |
Accounting |
6th January 2026 |
|
Paper 2 |
Corporate and Other Laws |
8th January 2026 |
|
Paper 3 |
Cost and Management Accounting |
10th January 2026 |
|
Paper 4 |
Taxation |
12th January 2026 |
|
Paper 5 |
Auditing and Ethics |
15th January 2026 |
|
Paper 6 |
Financial Management and Strategic Management |
17th January 2026 |
CA Final Exam Dates – January 2026
The CA Final exams will be conducted from 5th January to 16th January 2026. The exams are divided into two groups, with three papers in each group.
|
Paper No. |
Subject |
Date |
|
Paper 1 |
Financial Reporting |
5th January 2026 |
|
Paper 2 |
Advanced Financial Management |
7th January 2026 |
|
Paper 3 |
Advanced Auditing, Assurance and Professional Ethics |
9th January 2026 |
|
Paper 4 |
Direct Tax Laws and International Taxation |
11th January 2026 |
|
Paper 5 |
Indirect Tax Laws |
13th January 2026 |
|
Paper 6 |
Integrated Business Solutions (Multidisciplinary Case Study) |
16th January 2026 |
CA Foundation:
● Paper 1 & 2 → 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (3 hours)
● Paper 3 & 4 → 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (2 hours)
CA Intermediate:
● All papers from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (3 hours each)
CA Final:
● Papers 1 to 5 → 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
● Paper 6 (Elective) → 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
It is recommended that students arrive at the exam center at least one hour prior to the scheduled time. Generally speaking, students are not allowed to enter after the exam has commenced.
Important Exam Instructions
1. form will be available for submission in November 2025.
2. Students will need to download their ICAI Admit Card at least 10 days before the first exam.
3. The ICAI CA Foundation study material is the only source of material accompanying the latest syllabus.
4. Bring a valid photo ID, hall ticket, and your stationery with you to the exam hall.
5. Observe ICAI exam-day regulations and rules, particularly with respect to no electronic devices or smart devices.
Study Strategy After Date Sheet Announced
After the date sheet has surfaced, it is all a time management game. Below is a brief strategy:
1. Develop a 90-day strategy - dividing the time spent based on each subject in relation to difficulty level.
2. It is advised to revise the syllabus a minimum of two times prior to examinations.
3. Ensure the mock Exams and RTP & MTP simulations simulate the exam rather than practicing in a regular classroom setting.
4. Create summary notes and formulas from the syllabus for last-minute revision of syllabus and/or as a practice for the exam.
5. Practice understanding at all times rather than memorizing.
6. Lastly, sleep and general well-being before exams does go a long way.
Expert Tips for your Exam Success
· Start Early: Begin as early as you can, and do not rush.
· Know the Syllabus: Read the notification explicitly published by the ICAI to ensure no topic is left unaccounted.
· Revision Smartly: Use short notes and mind maps to revise on a daily basis.
· Solve Past Papers: This will help you learn the typical format of the exam questions, and identify exam possibilities related to certain questions and issues.
· Always be Aware: Make working on the ICAI's website a hobby, check their notifications and calendar to see if anything has changed about your examination expectations.
Conclusion
The CA Exam Schedule for January 2026 provides all students a straightforward structure for organizing their studies. Regardless of your level of study, whether it’s the Foundation, Intermediate, or Final Level, central to your success will be a consistent effort, good time management, and the appropriate study materials. If you use the ICAI CA Foundation study materials, consider incorporating the best CA Foundation study books available in India, and utilize appropriate CA Intermediate books for your future studies.
The key is to start early, remain consistent, and make January 2026 your best year for taking the exams and passing them
