The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has announced that the CA Final exams will now be conducted three times a year starting in 2025, with scheduled exams in January, May, and September.
This change aligns the frequency of the CA Final exams with those of the Intermediate and Foundation levels, providing students with increased flexibility and opportunities to succeed. Additionally, ICAI has released the examination schedule for May 2025, which will take place from May 2 to May 21.
Harmonised Exam Schedules for All Levels
In a landmark decision made during its 441st Council Meeting on March 27, 2025, the ICAI has officially announced that the CA Final exams will be held three times annually. This move aims to enhance the examination process for aspiring Chartered Accountants by offering them more opportunities to attempt their final examinations.
Previously, the CA Final exams were conducted biannually, which limited candidates’ chances to clear the exam within a year. ICAI President CA Charanjot Singh Nanda emphasised that this initiative is designed to improve success rates among students and members alike. “Now, all three levels will have an equal number of attempts each year, providing students more opportunities to sit for the exam,” he stated.
The new schedule not only applies to the CA Final exams but also extends to the Intermediate and Foundation courses, which have already been adjusted to a thrice-a-year format since last year. This alignment is expected to create a more streamlined experience for students as they navigate through their Chartered Accountancy journey.
Furthermore, ICAI has also announced that the Post Qualification Course in Information Systems Audit will now be assessed three times a year—specifically in February, June, and October—providing additional avenues for professional development.
ICAI CA May 2025 Examination Schedule
As part of its recent announcements, ICAI has released the detailed schedule for the Chartered Accountancy (CA) examinations for May 2025. This schedule outlines when candidates can expect to sit for their exams across all levels. Below is a comprehensive table detailing the examination dates and timings:
| Examination | Examination Dates | Exam Paper(s) | Exam Timings (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation Course Examination | 15th, 17th, 19th & 21st May 2025 | Paper 1 & 2 | 2 PM to 5 PM |
| Paper 3 & 4 | 2 PM to 4 PM | ||
| Intermediate Course Examination | Group – I: 3rd, 5th & 7th May 2025 | All Papers | 2 PM to 5 PM |
| Group – II: 9th, 11th & 14th May 2025 | |||
| Final Examination | Group – I: 2nd, 4th & 6th May 2025 | Paper 1 to 5 | 2 PM to 5 PM |
| Group – II: 8th, 10th & 13th May 2025 | |||
| Paper 6 | 2 PM to 6 PM | ||
| Members’ Examination | 10th and 13th May 2025 | International Taxation – Assessment Test (INTT – AT) | 2 PM to 6 PM |
Candidates are encouraged to prepare accordingly and can access further details about these examinations through ICAI’s official website.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian views this decision as a significant step forward in enhancing educational opportunities for aspiring Chartered Accountants. By increasing the frequency of examinations and providing clarity through a well-defined schedule for May 2025, ICAI is not only facilitating better preparation but also fostering a supportive environment for students. This initiative reflects a commitment to educational reform that prioritises student success and accessibility.
Moreover, this change signifies ICAI’s responsiveness to the evolving needs of its candidates in a competitive landscape. It encourages dialogue within the community about how such reforms can lead to positive social change in education and professional training.
As we embrace this new chapter in CA education, we invite our readers to reflect on how these changes might impact their journey or that of others pursuing this esteemed qualification. How do you think this change will streamline the journey for CA aspirants? Share your thoughts below!14. Late submissions were accepted until March 17 with an additional fee imposed. A correction window was also made available from March 18 to March 20 for any necessary adjustments.
