(Based on ICAI Press Release dated 27th March 2025)
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the world’s largest professional accountancy body, has taken a historic and reformative step towards transforming the CA examination structure. In its 26th Council decision announced via the Public Relations Committee on 27th March 2025, ICAI declared that the CA Final Examinations will now be held thrice a year, instead of the traditional biannual schedule. This decision follows the successful implementation of the triannual examination cycle at the CA Intermediate and Foundation levels.
I. The Revised Examination Schedule
Effective from the 2025 cycle, CA Final examinations will be conducted in January, May, and September every year. This change is uniform across all three levels of the Chartered Accountancy course, namely:
- CA Foundation
- CA Intermediate
- CA Final
This revised scheme aligns India’s CA examination pattern with global benchmarks followed by leading international accounting bodies, promoting increased accessibility, flexibility, and professional readiness among aspirants.
II. Rationale Behind the Reform
This strategic policy decision has been taken with the objective of:
1. Enhancing Flexibility for Students
Candidates now have more opportunities each year to appear for examinations. This addresses long-standing concerns around delays caused by missed attempts or poor performance due to unforeseen circumstances.
2. Accelerating the Qualification Journey
A student who misses clearing in one cycle no longer has to wait six months to reattempt. Instead, the next attempt is just four months away, enabling faster progression through the CA course and quicker entry into the profession.
3. Reducing Examination Stress
The triannual cycle is expected to reduce psychological pressure, as candidates can now attempt papers with the knowledge that another window is available shortly thereafter. This fosters a healthier learning environment and can potentially improve pass rates.
4. Alignment with New Scheme of Education and Training
The ICAI’s New Scheme, implemented from 1st July 2023, emphasizes continuous and practical learning. The triannual examination schedule complements this vision by enabling students to integrate academics with practical training in a more agile manner.
III. Impact on Students and Stakeholders
For Students
- More attempt opportunities in a calendar year.
- Improved time management by aligning study plans with the next available cycle.
- Early career prospects, especially for candidates who clear CA Final on their first or second attempt in a given year.
For ICAI
- Greater administrative agility in managing candidate flows across multiple cycles.
- Reinforcement of its commitment to global standards and professional excellence.
For Firms and Industry
- Continuous inflow of fresh talent throughout the year.
- Better manpower planning for audit cycles, GST and income tax return seasons, due diligence assignments, etc.
IV. Additional Update: Post Qualification Course in Information Systems Audit (ISA)
In the same press release, ICAI has also announced that the Assessment Test for the Post Qualification Course in Information Systems Audit (ISA) will now be conducted thrice a year—in February, June, and October, replacing the earlier biannual schedule of June and December.
This change is crucial for members aspiring to upskill in the technology and audit domains. ISA-qualified CAs are increasingly sought after in cyber risk, IT assurance, and systems-based auditing, and ICAI’s move ensures continuous development opportunities for its members.
V. ICAI President’s Statement
CA. Charanjot Singh Nanda, President of ICAI, described this as an “epoch-making decision” which signals a new era of support for students and members. He emphasized that this initiative is a product of ICAI’s 24/7 commitment to the growth and excellence of its stakeholders.
“This historic decision will ensure that both students and professionals have abundant opportunities to excel in their careers.”
— CA. Charanjot Singh Nanda, President, ICAI
VI. Regulatory and Legal Framework
As a statutory body constituted under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949, ICAI exercises its powers in regulating both education and examination structures. This change is fully within the purview of its authority and is a continuation of its mission under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India.
Furthermore, the Examination Committee and the Board of Studies (Academic) are the functional arms responsible for executing this decision in coordination with the Directorate of Studies and Examination Directorate.
VII. Comparative Analysis with International Bodies
| Professional Body | Frequency of Exams | Global Practice |
|---|---|---|
| ICAI (India) | 3 times/year | Now aligned |
| ACCA (UK) | 4 times/year | Computer-based |
| CPA (USA) | Continuous testing | Dynamic |
| CA ANZ (Aus/NZ) | 2-4 times/year | Online & offline |
With this decision, ICAI has taken a significant step towards parity with its international peers, ensuring that Indian Chartered Accountants remain competitive and future-ready in the global accounting ecosystem.
VIII. Final Thoughts
This announcement is not merely a scheduling adjustment—it is a paradigm shift. For CA students, it represents new hope and new opportunities. For the profession, it reinforces the agility and responsiveness of ICAI to the evolving demands of modern commerce and governance.
ICAI has once again reaffirmed its commitment to building a robust pipeline of world-class professionals who are not only technically sound but also globally adaptive.
Source : https://www.icai.org/post/prc-ca-final-to-be-held-thrice-a-year
(All data sourced exclusively from ICAI’s official announcement dated 27th March 2025.)
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