There are no items in your cart
Add More
Add More
| Item Details | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
CA Foundation Exam Pattern 2026: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has officially designed the CA Foundation exam structure for students preparing for the May 2026 attempt. The exam is the first step to becoming a Chartered Accountant and is conducted at the national level. The CA Foundation exam consists of 4 papers, including both subjective and objective types. It is held in offline mode, available in English and Hindi, and carries a total of 400 marks. Understanding the latest CA Foundation paper pattern helps students create the right preparation strategy and score better in the exam
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | CA Foundation |
| Conducting Body | ICAI |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Frequency | 3 Times a Year |
| Attempts | January, May/June, September |
| Level | National Level |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to Moderate |
| Total Papers | 4 Papers |
| Total Marks | 400 Marks |
| Marks Per Paper | 100 Marks |
| Language | English / Hindi |
| Negative Marking | Yes (Objective Papers Only) |
Click on any batch to view details and enrol instantly!
The CA Foundation exam includes the following four subjects:
Includes:
| Paper | Subject | Type | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Accounting | Subjective | 3 Hours | 100 |
| Paper 2 | Business Laws | Subjective | 3 Hours | 100 |
| Paper 3 | Quantitative Aptitude | Objective | 2 Hours | 100 |
| Paper 4 | Business Economics | Objective | 2 Hours | 100 |
Students should carefully answer MCQs because negative marking applies in objective papers
To pass the CA Foundation exam, students must score
Example:
If a student scores:
Total = 203 Marks
Then the student will pass because
ICAI follows the new syllabus for CA Foundation 2026. Students should prepare according to the updated course structure.
All questions in the exam will be based on the latest ICAI syllabus.
Important Topics:
| Chapter / Topic | Approximate Weightage |
|---|---|
| Theoretical Framework | 5% - 10% |
| Accounting Process | 25% - 30% |
| Depreciation & Inventory | 15% - 20% |
| Final Accounts (Sole Proprietors) | 20% - 25% |
| Partnership & Companies | 25% - 30% |
Section A: Business Laws (60 Marks)
| Chapter | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Indian Contract Act | 25% - 30% |
| Sale of Goods Act | 20% - 25% |
| Partnership Act | 20% - 25% |
| LLP Act | 5% - 10% |
| Companies Act | 15% - 20% |
| Part | Subject | Marks | Important Chapters / Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Mathematics | 40 Marks | Ratio & Proportion, Logarithms, Equations, Matrices, Time Value of Money, Permutation & Combination, Sequence & Series, Calculus Basics |
| Part B | Logical Reasoning | 20 Marks | Number Series, Coding-Decoding, Direction Test, Seating Arrangement, Blood Relation, Syllogism |
| Part C | Statistics | 40 Marks | Data Interpretation, Mean, Median, Mode, Probability, Correlation, Regression, Index Numbers |
| Part | Subject | Marks | Important Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part I | Business Economics | 60 Marks | Introduction to Economics, Demand & Supply, Production & Cost, Market Price Determination, Business Cycles |
| Part II | Business Knowledge | 40 Marks | Business Environment, Business Organizations, Government Policies, Commercial Terms, Business Growth |
ICAI provides official study material for CA Foundation students. It includes
Students should always prefer ICAI material for best preparation
The CA Foundation Exam Pattern 2026 is student-friendly and well-structured. If you understand the paper format, marking scheme, and syllabus properly, cracking the exam becomes much easier. Start your preparation early, stay consistent, and follow a smart study plan to clear CA Foundation in the first attempt.
Q1. What is the last date to register for the CA Foundation May 2026 attempt?
Ans: As per ICAI guidelines, a student must be registered with the Board of Studies for at least four months before the exam. For the May 2026 attempt, the cutoff date for registration is January 1, 2026.
Q2. Is a calculator allowed in the CA Foundation exams?
Ans: Yes, students are permitted to use a basic battery-operated calculator (up to 12 digits). However, scientific calculators are strictly prohibited. Mastering calculator shortcuts is highly recommended for Paper 3 (Quantitative Aptitude).
Q3. How many times a year is the CA Foundation exam conducted?
Ans: Under the current scheme, ICAI conducts the CA Foundation exams three times a year: in the months of January, May/June, and September.
Q4. Does the CA Foundation exam have negative marking?
Ans: Negative marking applies only to objective papers (Paper 3 and Paper 4). For every incorrect MCQ answer, 0.25 marks are deducted. There is no negative marking for the subjective papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2).
Q5. Can I choose the medium of the exam?
Ans: Yes, students have the option to write the exam in either English or Hindi. You must specify your preferred medium at the time of filling out the examination form.
🚀 Ready to start your CA Journey?
Click the image or button above to explore our courses!
Launch your Graphy