As said CA(Chartered Accountancy) exams is one of the toughest exams in India. Passing CA is considered as the highest achievement one can have. Pass percentage in CA is very less due to the level of difficulty and chances for taking the exam. Now, The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has brought a broad light to all the CA aspirants by their new notification by bringing few changes in the exams. 

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has announced a significant change in its examination schedule, focusing on  providing students with more opportunities to pass. Starting from May/June 2024, the Intermediate and Foundation course examinations will be conducted thrice a year, in May/June, September, and January. This change marks a departure from the previous practice of holding exams twice a year, offering students more flexibility and chances to clear their exams. CA Exams thrice a year, on the social media X, formerly called twitter Dhiraj Khandewal, a member of the Central Council (CCM) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), brought the broad light to all the CA aspirants announcing the update regarding the CA exams being held thrice a year

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has made a significant change to the CA exam pattern.

Instead of the two times as earlier, candidates can now take the CA Foundation and Intermediate exams three times a year. This opportunity offers students more flexibility and chances to clear their exams.

Official  Announcement by ICAI for CA Exams - Thrice a Year

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has made significant changes in conducting  CA Foundation and Inter exams, starting  from June 2024. Instead of a previous two times, these examinations will now be held three times every year. The change was meant to provide students with greater opportunities to succeed in their CA careers.

• The change aims to make things easier for students. It aims to provide more opportunity and reduce the stress that students experience while preparing for these difficult tests.

• While the CA Foundation and CA Inter tests are set to take place three times a year, the CA Final exams will continue to be held twice annually.

The ICAI's decision to increase the number of attempts for the Intermediate and Foundation courses indicates a major change in the method used for Chartered Accountancy education. This adjustment was made to help the future Chartered Accountants by increasing their opportunities to pass tests and advance in their professions.

One of the primary benefits of this adjustment is that students can better schedule their exam preparations. Exams are held three times per year, allowing students to better plan their study schedules and spend their time and resources. This greater freedom can help students relax and enjoy their exams more.

Here’s the brief about changes before and after the announcement 

Exam Pattern for CA Foundation and Inter Exams: 

Before the announcement the exams for CA Foundation and Inter was two times per year but after the announcement both CA Inter and Foundation has been changed to three times a year 

Stress Level :

The amount of stress for a CA student is never limited. But the increase in examination level for both CA Foundation and CA Intermediate has brought a level of satisfaction and comparatively less stress than earlier. 

CA Final Exams:

Speaking of CA Final exams the attempts before the announcement was biannual and this has remained the same even after the announcement which would be Biannual before and after the announcements. 

Effect on students improvement:

The room for improvement is more as the result of an increase in the number of chances. 

The reason behind ICAI’s decision to conduct CA Exams thrice a year?

The decision to increase the frequency of tests highlights the ICAI's dedication in supporting students on their path to become Chartered Accountants. By providing more exam dates, students have more flexibility in planning their study schedules and can repeat exams earlier if necessary. This change was made to reduce stress for students and improve their overall exam experience.

Key-Point to remember: This decision, made by Central Council Member (CCM)

Dhiraj Khandelwal, aims to reduce stress for students while also providing them with additional opportunities to achieve in their CA journey.

New schedule for CA Foundation and Intermediate Exams

To be eligible for the Foundation course examination, students must be enrolled with the ICAI Board of Studies at least four months before the exam date. Similarly, for the Intermediate course examination, students must have been registered for at least eight months before the exam date and completed a study course within that time. These requirements for eligibility make sure that students have enough time to properly study for their exams.

The last day for registration in the Foundation course for students planning to take the September 2024 examination is May 1, 2024. Similarly, the registration deadline for the January 2025 Intermediate exams is also on May 1, 2024. Students who registered for the Intermediate course through either the Foundation or the Direct Entry before January 1, 2024, are eligible to take the September 2024 Intermediate exam.

• CA Foundation June 2024 : June 20, 22, 24, 26 

• CA Intermediate May 2024 : May 3 to 13 

FAQ’s:

• How many times a year will the CA Foundation and Inter exams be conducted starting from June 2024?

   The exams will be held three times a year, in May/June, September, and January.

  
  

• What was the reason behind ICAI's decision to increase the frequency of CA exams?

  The decision was made to provide students with more opportunities to pass and reduce stress levels by offering greater flexibility.

  
  

• How does the change in exam frequency affect the CA Final exams?

  The CA Final exams will continue to be held twice annually, remaining unchanged by the new schedule.

  
  

• What are the eligibility requirements for the CA Foundation and Inter exams under the new schedule?

  For the Foundation course, students must be enrolled with the ICAI Board of Studies at least four months before the exam. For the Intermediate course, students must have been registered for at least eight months before the exam and completed a study course within that time.

  
  

• When is the last day for registration for the September 2024 Foundation and January 2025 Intermediate exams?

  The last day for registration for both exams is May 1, 2024