ICAI Announces CA Exam Dates for January 2026 Session
ICAI CA Exams January 2026: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has officially released the examination schedule for the Chartered Accountancy (CA) January 2026 session. This timetable includes exam dates for the Final, Intermediate, and Foundation courses. Aspiring candidates can access the full date sheet on the ICAI’s official website at icai.org.
Final Course Examination Dates
The CA Final examination for January 2026 has been divided into two groups:
- Group 1: January 5, 7, and 9, 2026
- Group 2: January 11, 13, and 16, 2026
These dates are crucial for final-level students preparing to enter the professional domain of chartered accountancy.
Intermediate Course Examination Dates
The Intermediate-level exams are also organized into two groups:
- Group 1: January 6, 8, and 10, 2026
- Group 2: January 12, 15, and 17, 2026
Candidates should ensure their preparation aligns with these dates to optimize their performance.
Foundation Course Examination Dates
The Foundation course exams are scheduled to be conducted on four separate days:
- January 18, 20, 22, and 24, 2026
This level serves as the entry point into the CA profession and is a critical step for aspiring chartered accountants.
Other ICAI Examinations in January 2026
In addition to the main CA courses, ICAI will also conduct the following specialized examinations:
- International Taxation – Assessment Test: January 13 and 16, 2026
- Insurance and Risk Management Technical Exam: January 9, 11, 13, and 16, 2026
These papers are essential for professionals looking to specialize in niche areas of finance and taxation.
Examination Timings and Duration
Most of the scheduled exams will take place from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, lasting three hours. However:
- Paper 6 (Final) and International Taxation papers will be conducted from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, due to their extended duration.
- Papers 3 and 4 of the Foundation course will be of two hours duration.
Candidates are advised to review their specific papers for accurate timing and make arrangements accordingly.
Exam Holiday Break
There will be no examinations on January 14, 2026, in observance of traditional festivals including Makar Sankranti, Magha Bihu, and Pongal.
Registration and Application Dates
The online registration process for all levels of the CA January 2026 exams begins on November 3, 2025.
Important deadlines include:
- Last date to apply without late fee: November 16, 2025
- Last date to apply with late fee: November 19, 2025
Applicants can choose to write their papers in either English or Hindi, based on personal preference.
Final Note for Aspirants
All students and candidates are strongly encouraged to regularly visit the official ICAI website for any updates, notifications, or changes in the exam schedule. Staying informed is key to a successful examination experience.
