The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has officially announced a major update in the CA Final examination schedule. Starting in 2025, the CA Final exams will be held three times a year instead of the current two-attempt format. This decision was made during the 441st Council Meeting of ICAI held in New Delhi on March 27, 2025.
Key Highlights of ICAI’s New Exam Schedule
- CA Final Exams: To be held thrice a year from 2025.
- Exam Months: January, May, and September.
- Post Qualification Course (ISA): Assessment Test will now be held in February, June, and October.
- This change aims to give students more opportunities and align with global best practices.
ICAI’s Historic Decision
According to ICAI, this significant move is intended to provide greater flexibility and multiple chances for students to clear the exams without long waiting periods. ICAI President CA Charanjot Singh Nanda and Vice President CA Prasanna Kumar D, along with council members, finalized this decision to improve professional education accessibility.
ICAI said in its official statement,
“To stay aligned with international examination systems and offer students additional opportunities, the 26th Council has decided to conduct the CA Final examination three times a year.”
Changes in Post Qualification Course
In addition to the CA Final exams, ICAI has also modified the schedule for the Post Qualification Course in Information Systems Audit (ISA):
- Earlier, the ISA Assessment Test was conducted twice a year, in June and December.
- From 2025 onwards, it will be conducted in February, June, and October.
Benefits of the New Exam Pattern
This new exam pattern is expected to help students in the following ways:
- More chances to clear exams.
- Reduced waiting time between attempts.
- Faster completion of the Chartered Accountancy course.
- Keeps India’s CA education system in line with international standards.
ICAI is expected to release detailed guidelines and the revised exam calendar soon.
