ICAI Reschedules CA Intermediate May 2026 Exams: New Dates Announced
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has officially revised the schedule for the CA Intermediate examinations originally planned for May 2026. Candidates who were preparing for the earlier commencement date will now need to adjust their plans, as the exams have been pushed back by two days.
Revised Examination Timeline
According to the updated official notice, the CA Intermediate exams will now begin on 5 May 2026 instead of the previously announced date of 3 May 2026. The institute has cited unavoidable circumstances as the reason behind this change. The revised timetable applies uniformly across all examination centres in India as well as those located abroad.
Here is the updated schedule for both groups:
- Group I: 5, 7, and 9 May 2026
- Group II: 11, 13, and 15 May 2026
The examination timing remains unchanged, with papers scheduled from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (IST) on each designated day. Students are encouraged to reorganise their preparation strategies in line with the new dates and ensure they are fully prepared by the time the exams commence.
No Changes to Other Examination Schedules
ICAI has clarified that this rescheduling applies exclusively to the Intermediate course. Candidates appearing for the CA Foundation, CA Final, or Post Qualification Courses (PQC) can continue with their existing study plans without any disruption. The dates for these examinations remain exactly as they were originally published, so no adjustments are needed for those aspirants.
Major Update for CA Final Candidates
In a separate but equally significant development, ICAI has announced that starting from 2026, the CA Final examination will be conducted twice a year. This marks a notable shift from the previous pattern. The two sessions will now take place in the months of May and November each year.
This decision has been made after carefully considering feedback and suggestions received from students and other stakeholders. The move is intended to provide candidates with greater flexibility and more opportunities to appear for the Final examination, ultimately reducing waiting times and allowing for better career planning.
Guidance for Aspirants
Students preparing for any level of the CA examinations are advised to stay updated through official channels. Since schedules can be revised with short notice, it is prudent to check for announcements periodically rather than relying on secondary sources.
For those appearing in the Intermediate exams, the extra two days before the start of the papers can be used productively. Focus on revising key concepts, practising mock tests, and reviewing important case studies. With the new dates confirmed, candidates now have a clear roadmap to follow as they move closer to the examination period.
The institute remains committed to conducting examinations smoothly and transparently, and any further updates will be communicated through official notifications. Candidates are urged to plan their travel and study schedules well in advance, especially those who need to appear at centres away from their home cities.
