ICAI Announces May 2026 Exam Schedule for CA Foundation, Intermediate, and Final Courses with Timings and Application Details
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has released the official exam dates for the May 2026 CA exams. This latest schedule covers all three levels: CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, and CA Final.
The CA Final exams will start from May 2 to May 12, 2026, split into Group I and Group II. The Intermediate exams will run from May 3 to May 13, 2026. The Foundation papers are set for May 14, 16, 18, and 20, 2026.
This update matters to thousands of CA students. It gives them time to plan studies and submit their application forms. The ICAI also shared key application dates and exam timing details in its notification.
Let’s explain what these dates mean. We also look at the application process, exam timings, and tips to help students prepare well.
Breaking update: ICAI’s May 2026 calendar and what it means
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India issued an official notice on 12 December 2025. The notice sets exam dates for the May 2026 cycle. The timeline covers CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, CA Final, and the INTT-AT post-qualification test. These dates lock planning for tens of thousands of students across India and overseas.
CA Final: exact dates and structure
CA Final Group I will be held on 2, 4, and 6 May 2026. Group II will fall on 8, 10, and 12 May 2026. Paper-wise durations vary. Papers 1-5 run for three hours from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (IST). Paper 6 runs for four hours from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM (IST). Advance reading time of 15 minutes applies to most papers and starts at 1:45 PM (IST). These specifics come directly from ICAI’s official announcement.
CA Intermediate: group schedule and timing
CA Intermediate Group I is scheduled for 3, 5, and 7 May 2026. Group II will be on 9, 1,1 and 13 May 2026. All Intermediate papers last three hours and start at 2:00 PM (IST), with 15 minutes of advance reading time for applicable papers. Note that the schedule is arranged to keep high-weight papers spaced for revision time.
CA Foundation: dates and paper format
CA Foundation exams will be conducted on 14, 16, 18, and 20 May 2026. Papers 1 and 2 run for three hours (2 PM to 5 PM IST). Papers 3 and 4 are two-hour tests (2 PM to 4 PM IST) and do not carry advance reading time. The Foundation timetable puts objective and descriptive tests on separate days. This helps students plan focused revision for each paper type.
Exam timings
Most papers begin at 2:00 PM IST. Advance reading time of 15 minutes starts at 1:45 PM IST for papers that allow it. Foundation Paper 3 and Paper 4, plus MCQ-only sections, do not have reading time. ICAI adjusts start times at overseas centres so the exam begins at the local time equivalent to 2:00 PM IST. For example, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Muscat centres will begin at 12:30 PM local time. These rules and timings are in the ICAI notice.
Application window, fees, and late fee rules
Online submission of exam application forms opens on 3 March 2026. The last date to apply without a late fee is 16 March 2026. Candidates may apply with a late fee (₹600 or US $10) up to 19 March 2026. All candidates must apply through the ICAI Self Service Portal (SSP) and pay fees online. These dates are official and firm. Plan the application early to avoid technical issues near the deadline.
ICAI Exam centres: India and overseas list
ICAI published an extensive list of Indian exam cities. Major metros and many tier-II and tier-III cities appear in the list. Nine overseas centres are also listed: Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Thimphu (Bhutan), Doha, Dubai, Kathmandu (Nepal), Kuwait, Muscat, and Riyadh. ICAI reserves the right to withdraw any centre if the candidate count is low. Overseas start times are synchronized to IST as noted in the official notice.
Admit cards and correction windows
ICAI usually releases admit cards about 2-3 weeks before the exams on the SSP portal. Candidates should update their photos and signatures on SSP well before the application window. Candidates must correct any errors in their application entries when ICAI opens the correction window. It is prudent to monitor the SSP and the ICAI announcements page for correction dates and admit card links. (Admit card timing guidance from recent coverage and SSP practice.)
Exam day rules that matter
ICAI strictly states the reading time, reporting time, and permitted items. Reporting and entry rules vary by centre, and late entry may be denied. Electronic devices are banned. Calculators are allowed only where specified, and clear instructions on MCQ seals and composite papers are in the official notice. Follow the admit card instructions for allowed stationery and identity proof. Violations may lead to disqualification under the ICAI conduct rules.
How does the schedule affect study and articleship planning?
The May window affects articleship and internships. Students aiming to finish articleship in 2026 must check the institute rules and employer policies. Final students can time mock tests to match the actual paper sequence.
For Intermediate and Foundation candidates, the gap days allow focused revision. Use a calendar to mark exam and application deadlines. For portfolio or placement planning, align the exam outcome window with campus hiring cycles. Industry trends suggest recruiters often expect results or mark sheets before final offers.
Practical tips to avoid application errors
Fill forms early. Upload the correct photo and signature. Keep scanned copies of eligibility proof ready. Use the SSP’s “forgot password” option early if login fails. Double-check exam centre choices and spelling of names. Pay fees online and save the fee receipt. These small steps reduce the risk of rejection or last-minute corrections.
Final advisory and official links
Always verify dates on the ICAI website or in the official PDF announcement dated 12 December 2025. Rely only on the SSP for application and admit cards. Bookmark the ICAI exam announcements page for live updates. Use official notices as the final authority.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The ICAI May 2026 exams will start on 2 May 2026 for the CA Final. Intermediate and Foundation exams will run from 3 May to 20 May 2026 in scheduled order.
The last date to apply for the ICAI May 2026 exams without a late fee is 16 March 2026. Candidates can submit their applications online through the ICAI portal.
Most ICAI May 2026 exams will run from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM IST. Some papers include a 15-minute reading time before the exam starts.
Disclaimer
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
