ICAI CA Exam Date May 2026: Official Schedule for Foundation, Inter & Final

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has officially released the exam dates for the May 2026 cycle. Whether you are entering the profession through the Foundation route or you are on the final stretch toward becoming a CA, staying ahead of the schedule is your first step toward success.
In this guide, we break down the entire datesheet, important registration deadlines, and provide expert tips to help you clear this attempt with flying colors.

1. CA Final Exam Dates (May 2026)

The CA Final examinations are scheduled to be held in the first two weeks of May. These exams test your professional expertise across diverse subjects.

Group Paper Subject Exam Date
Group 1 Paper 1 Financial Reporting May 2, 2026
Group 1 Paper 2 Advanced Financial Management May 4, 2026
Group 1 Paper 3 Advanced Auditing & Professional Ethics May 6, 2026
Group 2 Paper 4 Direct Tax Laws & International Taxation May 8, 2026
Group 2 Paper 5 Indirect Tax Laws May 10, 2026
Group 2 Paper 6 Integrated Business Solutions (IBS) May 12, 2026
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2. CA Intermediate Exam Dates (May 2026)

CA Intermediate is often considered the most rigorous level. The May 2026 attempt follows the New Scheme of Education.

Group Paper Subject Exam Date
Group 1 Paper 1 Advanced Accounting May 3, 2026
Group 1 Paper 2 Corporate and Other Laws May 5, 2026
Group 1 Paper 3 Taxation May 7, 2026
Group 2 Paper 4 Cost and Management Accounting May 9, 2026
Group 2 Paper 5 Auditing and Ethics May 11, 2026
Group 2 Paper 6 FM & Strategic Management May 13, 2026
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3. CA Foundation Exam Dates (May 2026)

Foundation students will begin their exams immediately after the Intermediate exams conclude.

Paper Subject Exam Date
Paper 1 Accounting May 14, 2026
Paper 2 Business Laws May 16, 2026
Paper 3 Quantitative Aptitude May 18, 2026
Paper 4 Business Economics May 20, 2026
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4. Official Exam Timings

Managing your time during the exam is as important as your preparation. Note the following durations:

  • Foundation Paper 1 & 2: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (3 Hours)
  • Foundation Paper 3 & 4: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (2 Hours)
  • Intermediate (All Papers): 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (3 Hours)
  • Final Paper 1 to 5: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (3 Hours)
  • Final Paper 6 (IBS): 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM (4 Hours)

5. Top Strategy in May 2026

To ensure you don't just clear, but excel in these exams, follow this three-step blueprint:

A. Master the ICAI Study Material

ICAI exams are based almost entirely on the concepts provided in the official modules. Ensure you have read every chapter and solved every illustration.

B. Solve Revision Test Papers (RTPs)

RTPs are released specifically for each attempt. They contain the latest amendments (especially for Tax and Law) and new types of questions that ICAI might ask.

C. The "3-Cycle Revision" Rule

  • Cycle 1: Complete your syllabus 3 months before exams.
  • Cycle 2: A detailed 45-day revision focusing on weak areas.
  • Cycle 3: A final 15-day "marathon" revision including Mock Test Papers (MTPs).

Conclusion

The May attempt is a golden opportunity to stay focused. With the summer heat kicking in, keep your health in check and your preparation consistent. The journey from a student to a Professional Accountant is tough, but it is worth every second of the hard work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. When will the CA May 2026 results be announced?
Typically, ICAI announces the results for Final and Inter in July, and Foundation results follow in early August.

Q. Can I change my exam city after submitting the form?
Yes, but only during the official Correction Window (March 20–22, 2026). Plan your travel and center choice carefully.

Q. Is there negative marking in CA exams?
Negative marking (0.25 marks per wrong answer) applies only to the objective-type papers: Foundation Papers 3 & 4 and the 30% MCQ portion in Intermediate and Final papers.

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CA Vipul Dhall is a first-attempt Chartered Accountant and All India Rank 43 in CA Finals, B.Com graduate from Hindu College, University of Delhi, he brings valuable corporate experience from PwC and Bharti Airtel, blending practical industry insights with a strong passion for teaching. With 6+ years of teaching experience, his mission is to inspire students to believe that the CA dream is achievable with the right guidance and discipline.

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