The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has postponed all remaining CA Final, Intermediate, and Post Qualification Course (PQC) Examinations, including the International Taxation–Assessment Test (INTT AT), that were scheduled between May 9 and May 14, 2025.
This decision comes in response to the heightened security situation across India following recent military escalations between India and Pakistan under Operation Sindoor. ICAI officials have assured students that new dates will be announced soon and have advised candidates to monitor the official ICAI website for updates. The CA Foundation exams, set to begin on May 15, will proceed as planned.
Security Fears Lead to Major Exam Disruption
The ICAI’s official notification, issued on May 8, 2025, and signed by Joint Secretary (Examination) CA Anand Kumar Chaturvedi, cited the “prevailing tense and uncertain security situation in the country” as the reason for the postponement.
The affected exams include CA Final Group II (originally scheduled for May 8, 10, and 13), CA Intermediate Group II (May 9, 11, and 14), and the INTT AT. These papers were to be conducted at hundreds of centres across India and at nine international locations, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Muscat, and Kathmandu.
“The safety and well-being of our candidates and staff are our utmost priority,” said Chaturvedi in the statement. He further urged students to “remain calm and stay connected with the official ICAI communication channels for further information.” This sudden decision has left thousands of aspirants, many of whom had travelled to exam centres, in a state of uncertainty and anxiety.
Operation Sindoor and Its Ripple Effect on Education
The postponement follows a rapid escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan after the Indian Armed Forces launched precision strikes under Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The operation targeted militant infrastructure across the border, leading to retaliatory actions and widespread security alerts, particularly in border states.
In the wake of these developments, several universities-including Kashmir University and Cluster University-have also postponed all examinations and academic activities until further notice. Schools in sensitive regions have been temporarily closed, and public gatherings are being restricted as a precaution.
The disruption of the CA exams, a key milestone for thousands of aspiring accountants, underscores the far-reaching impact of geopolitical tensions on the everyday lives of Indian citizens, especially students and young professionals.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we stand with the students and families affected by these sudden changes, recognising the stress and disappointment that comes with such uncertainty. While national security is non-negotiable, it is equally important for authorities and educational institutions to ensure timely, transparent communication and to offer emotional and logistical support to those impacted.
We believe that peace, dialogue, and empathy must guide our responses to conflict, so that education and the dreams of our youth are never compromised. How can our education system and policymakers create more resilient support systems for students caught in crises? We invite our readers to share their thoughts and solutions, and to join us in advocating for a future where learning and progress are never interrupted by violence or fear.
