ICAI CA Exam Dates May 2026: Check Foundation, Inter & Final Schedule

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has officially announced the exam dates for the May 2026 session. For every aspiring Chartered Accountant, these dates are the North Star for their preparation strategy. Whether you are appearing for Foundation, Intermediate, or Final levels, staying aligned with the official timetable is crucial for success.
In this article, we break down the complete schedule, registration details, and fee structure to help you plan your journey toward the prestigious "CA" prefix.

Highlights of ICAI May 2026 Exams

The May 2026 session will be conducted in offline (pen-and-paper) mode across various centers in India and overseas.

CA Foundation Exam Dates May 2026

The Foundation exams are the entry point into the profession. For the May 2026 attempt, exams will be held in the third week of May.

CA Intermediate Exam Dates May 2026

The Intermediate level consists of two groups. ICAI typically conducts these exams on alternate days to provide students with a revision gap.

Group I Schedule:

• Paper 1 (Advanced Accounting): May 03, 2026
• Paper 2 (Corporate and Other Laws): May 05, 2026
• Paper 3 (Cost and Management Accounting): May 07, 2026

Group II Schedule

• Paper 4 (Taxation): May 09, 2026
• Paper 5 (Auditing and Ethics): May 11, 2026
• Paper 6 (FM & SM): May 13, 2026

CA Final Exam Dates May 2026

The Final exams are the ultimate hurdle. These papers test deep technical knowledge and practical application.

Exam Form and Registration Details

To appear for the May 2026 exams, students must ensure they are registered with the Board of Studies (BoS).

1. Registration Deadline: For the Foundation May attempt, you must register by January 1, 2026.
2. Exam Form Availability: Forms will be available on the ICAI SSP portal starting March 03, 2026.
3. Submission Deadline: The last date to submit the form without a late fee is March 16, 2026.
4. Correction Window: If you make a mistake in the center or medium selection, a correction window will open from March 20 to March 22, 2026.

Examination Fee

• CA Foundation: ₹1,500
• CA Intermediate (Both Groups): ₹2,700
• CA Final (Both Groups): ₹3,300
• Late Fee (if applicable): ₹600

Preparation Strategy for May 2026

With the dates out, it's time to shift from "reading" to "testing."

• Foundation: Focus heavily on Paper 3 and 4 (Objective) to score high marks through speed and accuracy.
• Intermediate: Practice the ICAI Study Material religiously. Do not skip Revision Test Papers (RTPs) and Mock Test Papers (MTPs).
• Final: Since Paper 6 (Integrated Business Solutions) is multi-disciplinary, practice case studies that link various subjects like Law, Tax, and Audit.

Why a Test Series is Essential?

As per experts at caexams.in, 70% of students fail not because of lack of knowledge, but due to poor time management and exam anxiety. Utilizing a professional test series helps in

• Simulating Exam Environment: Get used to the 3-hour pressure.
• Expert Feedback: Understand where you lose marks in subjective papers.
• Pattern Familiarity: Stay updated with the latest ICAI question styles.

Conclusion

The announcement of the ICAI CA May 2026 exam dates marks the beginning of the most critical phase of your journey. With the schedule now clear, the transition from gathering knowledge to mastering application must begin. Success in the CA exams is a blend of disciplined scheduling, conceptual clarity, and rigorous practice.
Remember, the dates on the calendar are fixed, but your level of preparedness is in your hands. Start your revision cycles early, prioritize the ICAI study material, and utilize mock tests to bridge the gap between "knowing" and "performing." Stay focused, stay disciplined, and take the first step toward adding those two prestigious letters to your name.

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