In a historic move, 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. This decision was made during the 441st Council Meeting held on March 27, 2025, in New Delhi. Previously conducted twice a year, the exams will now take place in January, May, and September, providing students with increased flexibility and opportunities.
Key Highlights of the Announcement
– Thrice-a-Year Exam Schedule: The CA Final exams will now align with the Intermediate and Foundation levels, which were already scheduled to follow a thrice-a-year pattern starting in 2024.
– Global Best Practices: ICAI stated that this change was made to align with international standards and provide students with more opportunities to succeed in their professional journey.
– Post Qualification Course Updates: The Post Qualification Course in Information Systems Audit (ISA), previously held twice a year in June and December, will also be conducted three times annually—in February, June, and October.
A Step Towards Flexibility for Students
The ICAI’s decision is expected to significantly benefit students by reducing waiting times between exam attempts. Speaking about the reform, ICAI President CA Charanjot Singh Nanda said, “This is a historic decision aimed at supporting students in their academic pursuits and aligning with global best practices. It ensures that all three levels—CA Final, Intermediate, and Foundation—now have equal opportunities for students.”
Vice President CA Prasanna Kumar D added that these changes are part of ICAI’s broader initiative to improve access to professional education and examinations.
Impact on Students
With over 1 lakh students enrolled in various levels of the Chartered Accountancy course, this change is expected to streamline the qualification process. Students will now have more chances to clear their exams within a shorter timeframe. This reform also opens up possibilities for quicker career progression as students can complete their qualifications earlier than before.
The announcement has been widely welcomed by the student community. Many have expressed relief at having additional opportunities to attempt their exams without waiting for six months between cycles.
Changes in ISA Assessment Test
The Post Qualification Course in Information Systems Audit (ISA) will also see significant changes. The assessment test for this course will now be held three times a year instead of two. This adjustment aims to increase accessibility for members seeking specialization in information systems audit—a growing area of importance in the accounting profession.
Future Examination Schedules
ICAI has confirmed that further details regarding exam schedules and guidelines will be released soon on its official website. Students are encouraged to stay updated by regularly checking for announcements.
The decision to conduct CA Final exams thrice a year marks a transformative step in ICAI’s efforts to modernize its examination framework. By providing greater flexibility and aligning with global standards, ICAI is ensuring that aspiring chartered accountants have better opportunities to achieve their professional goals.
By – Kartik
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