ICAI Announces New Date for Postponed CA Intermediate Exam
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has officially confirmed a fresh schedule for the postponed CA Intermediate examination. Candidates who were scheduled to appear for Paper 5 of Group II on 19 January 2026 will now sit for the exam on 31 January 2026. This decision brings much-needed clarity to thousands of aspirants who were left uncertain after the sudden postponement.
Revised Examination Schedule
According to the updated timetable released by the institute, the Auditing and Ethics paper, originally planned for Monday, 19 January 2026, will now be conducted on Saturday, 31 January 2026. The examination timing remains unchanged, with the test scheduled from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (IST). This adjustment applies uniformly across all designated examination centres in India and abroad.
It is important to note that the venue allocation for candidates has not been altered. Every student will appear at the same examination centre that was originally assigned to them in their admit card, ensuring no additional logistical complications for those preparing to travel.
No Impact on Foundation Examinations
The rescheduling of this single Intermediate paper will not affect the ongoing CA Foundation examinations for January 2026. All remaining Foundation papers will proceed as per the originally announced schedule. The upcoming Foundation examination dates are as follows:
- 20 January 2026
- 22 January 2026
- 24 January 2026
Students appearing for the Foundation level can continue with their preparation plans without any disruption or changes to their examination calendar.
Admit Card Guidelines for Candidates
The institute has clarified that no fresh admit cards will be issued for the rescheduled examination. Candidates must carry the same admit card they received earlier, which remains valid for the examination on 31 January 2026. It is advisable for students to keep their admit cards safe and accessible well in advance of the new examination date.
Additionally, ICAI has stated that the examination will proceed even if a public or local holiday is declared by the central or any state government on the revised date. The examination will be conducted strictly according to the announced schedule, and no further postponement will occur under such circumstances.
Guidance for Students
With the additional time now available before the rescheduled paper, candidates are encouraged to utilise this period productively to strengthen their preparation. The institute has advised students to focus on revising key concepts and practising previous years’ question papers to build confidence.
Students are also urged to remain cautious of misinformation circulating on social media platforms. For any official updates or announcements regarding the examination, candidates should rely exclusively on the information published on the ICAI official website. Staying informed through verified channels will help avoid confusion and ensure that students receive accurate and timely communication about their examinations.
The announcement has been welcomed by the student community, as it resolves the uncertainty surrounding the examination timeline. With a clear schedule now in place, candidates can plan their remaining preparation days effectively and approach the examination with greater confidence.
