What Is the Right Time to Start Your CA 2026 Preparation?

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has established a clear path for students of commerce and aspiring accountants in India to follow in order to become Chartered Accountants (CAs). One question that students ask a lot when the CA 2026 exam draws near is:

When is the right time to start preparing for the CA 2026 exams?

We will address this subject in-depth in this article, help you choose the best time to prepare, and offer helpful advice on how to design a solid, productive study routine.

Why Starting Early Matters for CA Preparation

The CA exam covers the Foundation, Intermediate, and Final levels and is well-known for its demanding curriculum, wide range of disciplines, and profound intellectual requirements. You can gain important benefits by committing to an early start, such as:

Strong Base: It's time to develop a clear conceptual framework.
Lots of Practice: A chance for in-depth reviews and practice tests.
Stress management is a calm, methodical study strategy.
High Performance: The capacity to continuously deliver quality work under duress.

The greatest way to increase your chances of passing these challenging tests on your first try is to start your preparation as soon as possible, regardless of whether you are a commerce graduate or a student in Class 11 or 12.

What Is the Ideal Time to Start CA 2026 Preparation?

For Class 10 and 11 Students

Class 11 is a great launching pad if you've made up your mind to become a chartered accountant. Actively concentrating on courses like accounting, mathematics, and business studies via a CA lens now offers substantial early value, even though formal CA Foundation registration is only feasible after Class 10.

For Class 12 Students

The most common choice is this one. You can sign up for CA Foundation after finishing Class 10, and you can take the CA Foundation Exam in 2026 after passing Class 12.

Therefore, your attempt at CA Foundation will take place in either May or November of 2026 if you are a Class 12 student during the 2024–2025 school year. In order to have 18 to 24 months of adequate preparation, start your preparation by the middle of 2024.

For Graduates (Direct Entry Route)

You can enroll straight in the CA Intermediate level if you are pursuing or have completed a Commerce degree with the required percentage (often 55% or more). In that case, planning ought to start the year after graduation or right after.

CA Course Structure at a Glance

CA Course Levels

📲 Slide left or right to view full table on mobile

levels	Eligibility	Duration
CA Foundation	After 12th	~6 months
CA Intermediate	After Foundation or Graduation	~8–12 months
Articleship	After Intermediate Group 1	2 years (revised from 3 years)
CA Final	After Intermediate + Articleship	~6–12 months

This entire journey typically spans 4–5 years.

Daily, Weekly & Monthly Preparation Strategy for CA 2026

To ensure thorough covering, we will split the study schedule into three time periods:

Daily Study Plan

A good daily strategy is essential. This is an illustration of a plan that you can use.

Morning (6:30–9:00): Work on challenging or theoretical subjects like auditing or law.
In the afternoon, from 12:00 to 2:00: Complete the hands-on courses, such Accounting or Tax
Evening (5:00–7:00 p.m.): Review the sessions in the morning or the afternoon.
Night (9:00–10:00): Finish a mock test or practice multiple-choice questions
For best retention, use the Pomodoro Technique or 90-minute deep focus sessions.

Weekly Strategy

Your weekly objectives should strike a balance between practice, revision, and new subjects:

Every week, cover four to five items per subject.
Set aside a single day each week for revision.
Every week, take one or two quick practice exams.
Make time for more than just memorizing; schedule time for conceptual clarity.

It's important to reflect every week. Go over your understanding and your areas of difficulty.

Monthly Milestones

Chart your development every month:

Months 1–3: Finish 30% of the course material with thorough notes.
Months 4-6: Completion of 60% of the course material and beginning ICAI multiple-choice questions
Months 7–9: Complete the entire curriculum and begin revising it
Months 10–12: Concentrate on past year papers, practice exams, and areas of weakness

Using ICAI modules, RTPs (Revision Test Papers), and MTPs (Mock Test Papers), set clear monthly goals.

How to Use ICAI Resources Effectively

Many students make the grave error of relying only on coaching notes and ignoring the official ICAI resources.

Here's how to make the most of them:

Study Guide: Use this as a Bible. Go over each idea in detail.
Practice RTPs and MTPs thoroughly for each subject.
Previous Papers: Solve a minimum of five prior tries to comprehend question trends.
ICAI BOS App: For lectures, notes, and tests, use the ICAI mobile app.

Choose to combine ICAI materials with professional advice from organizations like CICA Kota, which offer both online and offline support.

Practical Tips for Success

Make a reasonable schedule and adhere to it scrupulously.
Divide complex subjects into digestible portions.
Give challenging and important chapters more time.
Participate in forums or peer study groups to learn collaboratively.
Maintain your physical and emotional well-being.

Conclusion

The earlier you start preparing for CA 2026, the better, even though there isn't a "perfect" period. Consistency, preparation, and learning economy are crucial, regardless of whether you're starting Class 11, having trouble in Class 12, or just completing your degree.

You can move through levels with ease if you are aware of the CA course syllabus, push yourself through your preparation in phases, use ICAI aids, and seek advice from a competent organization like iWision.

Start today with a clear head, exercise, and give it your all. You can accomplish your CA goal in a methodical manner.

Timed Popup with Styled Button

FAQs

Is starting CA preparation in Class 11 too early?

Not at all! Beginning in Class 11 helps you build strong fundamentals in Accounting and Business, giving you a head start by the time you reach the Foundation level.

How much preparation time is ideal for CA Foundation?

Generally, 6–8 months of focused study is sufficient if you follow ICAI study materials and maintain a planned, disciplined approach.

Is it possible to clear CA in the first attempt?

Yes! With consistent preparation, proper strategy, and regular practice, many students successfully clear all levels on their first attempt.

Do I really need coaching for CA exams?

Coaching isn’t mandatory, but learning from reputed institutes can help you avoid common mistakes, stay motivated, and strengthen conceptual clarity.

Should I focus on one level at a time or plan the entire CA journey?

Focus on your current level while understanding the overall structure of the CA course. This helps with long-term planning and better time management.

FAQs

You may also be interested in