The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has officially released the schedule for the CA Exams January 2026 session. This includes the dates for CA Foundation, Intermediate, and Final examinations. Aspiring chartered accountants can now plan their preparation accordingly. The exams are set to commence in early January 2026, with specific dates allocated for each level and group. In this blog post, we’ll break down the complete datesheet, application deadlines, fees, and key notes to help you stay informed.
Whether you’re appearing for CA Foundation January 2026, CA Intermediate, or CA Final, knowing the exact timeline is crucial for effective study planning. Let’s dive into the details.
CA Foundation January 2026 Exam Dates
The CA Foundation exams are the entry-level tests for the Chartered Accountancy course. According to the latest announcement, the CA Foundation January 2026 exams will be held on the following dates:
- Paper 1: January 18, 2026
- Paper 2: January 20, 2026
- Paper 3: January 22, 2026
- Paper 4: January 24, 2026
Exam Timings:
- Papers 1 and 2: 2 PM to 5 PM (3 hours)
- Papers 3 and 4: 2 PM to 4 PM (2 hours)
These dates ensure ample gaps for preparation between papers.
CA Intermediate January 2026 Exam Dates
For candidates at the Intermediate level, the exams are divided into two groups. The CA Intermediate January 2026 schedule is as follows:
- Group 1: January 6, 8, and 10, 2026
- Group 2: January 12, 15, and 17, 2026
Exam Timings: All papers will be from 2 PM to 5 PM (3 hours each).
This staggered approach allows students to focus on one group at a time if opting for a single group appearance.
CA Final January 2026 Exam Dates
The CA Final exams mark the culmination of the CA journey. The dates for CA Final January 2026 are:
- Group 1: January 5, 7, and 9, 2026
- Group 2: January 11, 13, and 16, 2026
Exam Timings:
- Papers 1 to 5: 2 PM to 5 PM (3 hours)
- Paper 6: 2 PM to 6 PM (4 hours)
Additionally, for specialized exams:
- International Taxation – Assessment Test (INTT-AT): January 13 and 16, 2026
- Insurance and Risk Management (IRM) Technical Examination (Modules I to IV): January 9, 11, 13, and 16, 2026
These dates are designed to avoid overlaps and provide recovery time.
Application Process and Deadlines for CA Exams January 2026
Applications for the CA January 2026 exams must be submitted online through the ICAI Self Service Portal (SSP) at https://eservices.icai.org. Here’s the key timeline:
- Start of online applications: November 3, 2025
- Last date without late fee: November 16, 2025
- Last date with late fee (₹600 or US$10): November 19, 2025
- Correction window for exam city or medium: November 20 to 22, 2025
Don’t miss these deadlines to avoid additional fees or complications. Admit cards are typically released 14-15 days before the exams.
Exam Fees for CA January 2026
The fees vary based on the level, groups, and exam center location. Here’s a breakdown:
| Level | Indian Centres | Overseas (excluding Thimphu & Kathmandu) | Thimphu & Kathmandu |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation | ₹1,500 | US$325 | ₹2,200 |
| Intermediate (Single Group/Unit except Unit 2) | ₹1,500 | US$325 | ₹2,200 |
| Intermediate (Both Groups/Unit 2) | ₹2,700 | US$500 | ₹3,400 |
| Final (Single Group) | ₹1,800 | US$325 | ₹2,200 |
| Final (Both Groups) | ₹3,300 | US$550 | ₹4,000 |
| INTT-AT | ₹2,000 | – | – |
| IRM Technical | ₹2,000 | – | – |
Payments must be made online during the application process.
Important Notes for CA Exams January 2026
- No Exam on January 14, 2026: Due to Makar Sankranti, Magha Bihu, and Pongal festivals, no exams are scheduled on this date.
- Medium of Examination: Candidates can choose English or Hindi for Foundation, Intermediate, and Final exams. However, INTT-AT and IRM exams are in English only.
- Unchanged Schedule: The dates will remain the same even if any exam day is declared a public holiday.
- Preparation Tips: With the schedule out, focus on revising the syllabus, practicing mock tests, and staying updated via the official ICAI website (icai.org).
For the most accurate and latest information, always refer to the official ICAI notifications.
This CA Exams January 2026 update is a game-changer for aspirants. Start your preparations now, and best of luck!
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