19 Jun, 2026: Noor Singla Tops ICAI Exam; Marksheets Released The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has officially released the marksheets for its recent examination. Noor Singla has secured the top position in the ICAI Exam. Candidates can now access their individual scores.
21 May, 2026: CA Foundation 2026: May Result & Sep Exam Dates Out The CA Foundation 2026 May session result has been announced. The examination dates for the September session are also now available. Further details on the syllabus, exam pattern, mock tests, and question papers have been released.
17 May, 2026: ICAI to Update CA Curriculum with AI, Data Analytics The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) plans to incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics into its Chartered Accountancy (CA) curriculum. This update aims to equip future CAs with essential skills for the evolving professional landscape.
02 May, 2026: CA Final Exams Twice Yearly from May 2026: ICAI The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has announced a significant change for the CA Final examination. Starting from May 2026, the examination will now be conducted twice a year, offering more opportunities for aspirants.
17 Apr, 2026: ICAI CA May 2026 Admit Cards Released for Inter & Final Exams The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has released the admit cards for the CA May 2026 Inter and Final examinations. Candidates can now download their hall tickets directly from the official website, eservices.icai.org.
The ICAI CA Exams represent a prestigious yet demanding journey towards becoming a Chartered Accountant in India, requiring meticulous planning and preparation. For students aiming for the 2026 examinations, understanding the specific eligibility criteria, registration process, and fee structure is paramount. This guide meticulously details the exam structure, pass percentages, and career opportunities awaiting successful candidates.
Table of Contents
ICAI CA Exam Structure 2026: Levels, Fees & Course Cost
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India conducts the Chartered Accountancy (CA) examination at three progressive levels: Foundation, Intermediate, and Final. The CA course is known for its rigorous curriculum, structured progression, and professional recognition in finance, accounting, taxation, and auditing.
This guide explains the CA exam structure, level-wise fees, and overall course cost for 2026, helping students plan their CA journey effectively.
ICAI CA Exam Structure 2026 (Foundation, Intermediate, Final)
The CA exam is divided into three levels, each designed to build progressively advanced accounting and professional knowledge.
CA Exam Features
Details
Exam Name
Chartered Accountancy (CA) Exam
Conducting Body
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
The CA course follows a step-by-step qualification pathway.
Candidates must clear each level before progressing to the next.
Articleship training is mandatory before appearing for CA Final.
ICAI CA Fees 2026 (Foundation, Intermediate & Final)
The CA course fees vary depending on the level and group selection. Below is a structured breakdown of official ICAI-level fees.
Component
Indian Students
Foreign Students
Prospectus Cost
₹200
$20
Registration Fee
₹9,000
$700
Student Journal (Optional)
₹200
$20
Member Journal (Optional)
₹400
$40
Exam Form Fee
₹1,500
$325
Total Fees
₹11,300
$1,105
CA Intermediate Fees 2026
Fee Component
Both Groups (₹)
Single Group (₹)
Both Groups ($)
Single Group ($)
Registration Fee
₹15,000
₹11,000
$1,000
$600
Student Activity Fee
₹2,000
₹2,000
—
—
Articleship Registration
₹1,000
—
—
—
Exam Form Fee
₹2,700
₹1,500
$500
$325
Total Fees
₹20,700
₹14,500
$1,500
$925
CA Final Fees 2026
Fee Component
Both Groups
Single Group
Overseas Students
Registration Fee
₹22,000
₹22,000
$1,100
Exam Form Fee
₹3,300
₹1,800
$550
Total Fees
₹39,800
₹38,300
$1,650
ICAI CA Exam Medium & Language Options
Candidates can attempt the CA exams in:
English
Hindi
However, certain sections (such as law-related components) may require English terminology, even in Hindi-medium papers.
ICAI CA Passing Criteria 2026
To successfully clear each level of the Chartered Accountancy course, candidates must meet specific minimum marks criteria.
Minimum Passing Requirements
Minimum 40% marks in each paper
Minimum 50% aggregate across all papers
Exemption available for high scores
Exemption Rule
Candidates scoring 60% or more in a paper are eligible for permanent exemption, meaning they do not need to reappear for that subject in future attempts.
Key Insight: Understanding passing rules helps students focus on both accuracy and overall performance.
ICAI CA Registration Process 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
Students planning to appear for the Chartered Accountancy exams must complete the registration process through the official portal of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. The registration process differs slightly depending on whether candidates are applying through the Foundation route or Direct Entry route.
Steps to Register for ICAI CA Exams 2026
Follow these steps to complete the ICAI CA registration process:
Visit the official ICAI student portal Go to the ICAI e-services portal and select Student Registration.
Create a new account Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
Fill the registration form Enter personal, academic, and contact details carefully.
Late fee: ₹600 (Indian students), $10 (Overseas students)
Important Notes About ICAI CA Fees & Attempts
Students planning for the CA course should understand the financial and attempt flexibility aspects before registering.
Key Points:
Candidates are allowed multiple attempts at each level.
Late submission of exam forms attracts additional late fees.
Coaching fees are optional but commonly used due to exam difficulty.
Articleship training is compulsory before attempting CA Final.
Estimated Total Cost of Becoming a Chartered Accountant in India
The total estimated cost of completing the CA course from Foundation to Final can range between ₹3 lakh to ₹4 lakh, depending on coaching choices, study materials, and number of attempts. Students pursuing private coaching or multiple attempts may incur additional costs.
Top CA Coaching Institutes 2026: Fees & Mode Comparison
Choosing the right coaching institute can significantly improve success in the Chartered Accountancy exams conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. Many institutes offer flexible learning modes, experienced faculty, and structured preparation programs across Foundation, Intermediate, and Final levels.
Institute
Courses Offered
Fees (Approx.)
Mode
Best For
Master Minds
All CA Levels
₹40,000–₹1,20,000
Online + Offline
Full-time students
CMS For CA
Foundation, Inter, Final
₹35,000–₹1,10,000
Online + Offline
Individual attention
A.S. Chakravarthy (ASC) Institute
Foundation & Intermediate
₹30,000–₹1,00,000
Offline
Classroom learners
Agarwal CA Classes
Foundation, Inter
₹25,000–₹80,000
Online + Offline
Beginners
Digvijay Coaching Institute
All Levels
₹35,000–₹1,00,000
Online + Offline
Serious aspirants
SR Academy
Foundation, Inter
₹20,000–₹75,000
Offline
Budget-friendly learners
Takshasila CA Institute
All Levels
₹40,000–₹1,20,000
Online + Offline
Guided preparation
Inspire Academy
Foundation & Inter
₹25,000–₹85,000
Online + Offline
Students weak in basics
Excel CA Academy
All Levels
₹30,000–₹90,000
Online + Offline
College-going students
KS Academy (Hyderabad Branch)
All Levels
₹45,000–₹1,30,000
Online + Offline
High-performing students
Elite CA Academy
Foundation & Inter
₹25,000–₹70,000
Offline
Personal attention
Summary Insight: Institutes like Master Minds, CMS For CA, and KS Academy are widely preferred due to structured programs and consistent results across CA levels.
ICAI CA Eligibility 2026: Foundation vs Direct Entry Route
Students can join the CA course either through the Foundation route (after Class 12) or the Direct Entry route (after graduation or professional qualification).
Factor
Direct Entry Route
Foundation Route
Who Can Apply
Graduates / CS or CMA Final
Class 12 passed or appearing
Minimum Qualification
Degree with 55%–60%
Class 12 (Any Stream)
Foundation Exam Required
No
Yes
Entry Point
CA Intermediate
CA Foundation
Time Saved
~6–12 months
—
Articleship Duration
3 Years
3 Years
ICITSS Required
✓ Yes
✓ Yes
CA Final Exams
Same
Same
Minimum Duration
~3.5 years
~4.5 years
Registration Validity
4 Years
4 Years
Key Insight: Graduates benefit from the Direct Entry route by saving time and avoiding the Foundation exam, while Class 12 students must follow the Foundation route.
ICAI CA Exam Dates 2026 (May Session)
Understanding exam dates helps candidates plan preparation timelines and application submissions efficiently.
ICAI CA Exam Schedule 2026
Course
Group
Exam Dates
CA Final
Group I
2, 4, 6 May 2026
CA Final
Group II
8, 10, 12 May 2026
CA Intermediate
Group I
3, 5, 7 May 2026
CA Intermediate
Group II
9, 11, 13 May 2026
CA Foundation
—
14, 16, 18, 20 May 2026
Important Application Dates
Event
Date
Application Start Date
3 March 2026
Last Date (Without Late Fee)
16 March 2026
Last Date (With Late Fee ₹600)
19 March 2026
Correction Window
20–22 March 2026
Key Insight: Admit cards are usually released in late April, while results are declared approximately 45 days after exams.
CA Career Scope 2026: Salary, Job Roles & Industry Demand
The Chartered Accountancy profession offers strong earning potential across multiple industries, including finance, consulting, and technology-driven sectors.
CA Salary by Experience Level
Experience Level
Average Salary (₹)
0–1 Year (Fresher)
10–14 LPA
2–4 Years
14–20 LPA
5–10 Years
20–30 LPA
10–15 Years
30–45 LPA
15+ Years
40–70 LPA+
Industry Demand Trends for CAs
Sector / Role
Demand Trend
Avg Salary (₹ LPA)
Audit & Taxation
Moderate
9–13
Banking & NBFCs
Rising
10–15
Finance / FP&A
High
12–18
IT Audit & Compliance
High
13–18
FinTech & Data Analytics
Very High
15–25
Mergers & Acquisitions
High
15–20
Traditional Accounting
Declining
7–10
Top Recruiters Hiring Chartered Accountants
Company
Average Salary (₹ LPA)
Reliance Industries
13.3
Deloitte
12.0
Wipro
11.4
KPMG
11.1
PwC
10.3
EY
9.9
TCS
9.7
Infosys
9.4
ICICI Bank
8.2
Career Insight: Emerging fields like FinTech, IT Audit, and Data Analytics show the fastest growth for CA professionals.
ICAI CA Pass Percentage 2026: Level-wise Trends
Pass percentages in CA exams vary significantly across levels and groups, highlighting the competitive nature of the course.
CA Final Pass Percentage (Example Data)
Group
Appeared
Passed
Pass %
Group I
53,652
11,282
21.03%
Group II
38,169
3,726
9.76%
Both Groups
22,293
2,446
10.97%
CA Intermediate Pass Percentage
Group
Appeared
Passed
Pass %
Group I
105,526
14,733
13.96%
Group II
69,477
10,798
15.54%
Both Groups
41,798
3,924
9.39%
CA Foundation Pass Percentage
Category
Appeared
Passed
Pass %
Overall
1,09,694
21,099
19.23%
Male Candidates
57,238
11,523
20.13%
Female Candidates
52,456
9,576
18.26%
Key Observation: Pass rates remain below 25% across most levels, reinforcing the need for disciplined preparation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ICAI CA exam fees for 2026?
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India CA exam fees vary by level. The CA Foundation total course cost is about ₹11,300, while the CA Final course cost for both groups is around ₹39,800. Candidates should check the official ICAI website for updated exam form fees and deadlines.
How much is the CA Foundation exam fee in 2026?
The CA Foundation exam form fee for 2026 is approximately ₹1,500 for Indian students. This fee is separate from the registration fee, which is about ₹9,000–₹9,800 and includes study materials and enrollment charges.
What is the fee structure for CA Intermediate exams in 2026?
The CA Intermediate exam form fee is approximately:
₹2,700 for both groups
₹1,500 for a single group
In addition, the registration fee ranges from ₹11,000 to ₹15,000, depending on the group selection.
What are the CA Final exam fees for 2026?
The CA Final exam form fee for Indian students is approximately:
₹3,300 for both groups
₹1,800 for a single group
For overseas students, the exam fee is about $550. A late fee of ₹600 applies if the exam form is submitted after the deadline.
