The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has officially released the detailed examination schedule for the CA Foundation, Intermediate, and Final exams for January 2026. The notification, published under reference No. 13-CA (EXAM)/JANUARY/2026, provides crucial information regarding exam dates, application deadlines, correction windows, and timings.
This announcement gives aspiring Chartered Accountants a clear timeline to organize their preparation and manage applications effectively. The exams will begin on January 5, 2026, and conclude on January 24, 2026.
Key Highlights of ICAI CA January 2026 Exams
Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
Conducting Body |
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) |
Exams Covered |
CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, CA Final |
Exam Start Date |
January 5, 2026 |
Exam End Date |
January 24, 2026 |
Application Start Date |
November 3, 2025 |
Last Date (Without Late Fee) |
November 16, 2025 |
Last Date (With Late Fee) |
November 19, 2025 |
Correction Window |
November 20 – November 22, 2025 |
Official Website |
Application Process and Deadlines
Students must submit their applications through ICAI’s Self Service Portal. Below are the important deadlines:
- Start of Application Submission: November 3, 2025 (Monday)
- Last Date without Late Fee: November 16, 2025 (Sunday)
- Last Date with Late Fee: November 19, 2025 (Wednesday)
- Correction Window: November 20 to November 22, 2025
Candidates are strongly advised to apply early to avoid last-minute issues.
Detailed Exam Schedule
ICAI has announced the following dates for the January 2026 examinations across Foundation, Intermediate, and Final levels:
CA Final Exam Dates
- Group I: January 5, 7, and 9, 2026
- Group II: January 11, 13, and 16, 2026
CA Intermediate Exam Dates
- Group I: January 6, 8, and 10, 2026
- Group II: January 12, 15, and 17, 2026
CA Foundation Exam Dates
- All Papers: January 18, 20, 22, and 24, 2026
Important Note: No examinations will be conducted on January 14, 2026, due to national celebrations of Makar Sankranti, Magha Bihu, and Pongal.
Additionally, ICAI has clarified that the schedule will remain unchanged even if any examination date is later declared a public holiday.
Exam Timings and Duration
ICAI has specified different exam durations and timings depending on the level and type of paper:
- CA Foundation:
- Papers 1 & 2: 3 hours, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (IST)
- Papers 3 & 4: 2 hours, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (IST)
- CA Intermediate:
- All papers: 3 hours, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (IST)
- CA Final:
- Papers 1 to 5: 3 hours, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (IST)
- Paper 6: 4 hours, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM (IST)
Advance Reading Time
Candidates will be given a 15-minute advance reading time from 1:45 PM to 2:00 PM for all papers except CA Foundation Papers 3 & 4. For exams containing Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), the question paper seal will be opened strictly at 2:00 PM.
Importance of the January 2026 Schedule
The January exam cycle offers students an additional opportunity apart from the traditional May and November sessions. This is particularly beneficial for:
- Students preparing for their first attempt at the Foundation level.
- Candidates planning to clear pending Intermediate or Final groups.
- Those who need an extra exam attempt before campus placements or training deadlines.
The announcement also provides clarity for coaching institutes and faculties to structure their batches and revisions accordingly.
Preparation Strategy for Aspirants
Since the exam dates are now officially released, students can streamline their study plans. A few key tips include:
- Create a Subject-Wise Plan: Distribute available months between concept building, practice, and mock tests.
- Prioritize Weak Areas: Allocate more time to challenging topics well before revision stages.
- Mock Test Series: Attempt ICAI mock tests to understand the exam pattern and improve time management.
- Time Management: Practice completing papers within the allotted time under exam-like conditions.
- Stay Updated: Regularly check the ICAI official website for any notifications or changes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When will the ICAI CA January 2026 exams be conducted?
The exams will be held from January 5 to January 24, 2026.
Q2. When does the application process start for CA January 2026 exams?
Applications open on November 3, 2025.
Q3. What is the last date to apply without late fee?
The last date is November 16, 2025.
Q4. Can I apply after November 16, 2025?
Yes, with a late fee. The last date with late fee is November 19, 2025.
Q5. Where can I apply for the exams?
Candidates must apply through the ICAI Self Service Portal available at https://www.icai.org.
Q6. Will the exam schedule change if a public holiday is declared?
No, ICAI has clarified that the schedule will remain unchanged.
Q7. What are the exam timings?
Exams will generally be held from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with specific variations for Foundation and Final papers.
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