Exciting Changes Ahead for CA Final Aspirants!
Great news for those on the journey to becoming Chartered Accountants! Starting in 2025, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has announced a significant shift to the CA Final examination schedule that is sure to benefit all aspiring professionals. Finally, the number of attempts for CA final examinations has increased.
During its 441st Council Meeting held on March 27 in New Delhi, ICAI revealed that the CA Final exams will now be conducted thrice a year, aligning with the Intermediate and Foundation stages, which switched to a three-exam format last year viz. 2024. This consistent schedule across all levels of the Chartered Accountancy course will enhance accessibility and flexibility for students.
ICAI stated, “To stay in sync with international best practices and provide students with additional chances, the 26th Council of ICAI has taken a historic decision to hold the CA Final examination thrice a year.” Previously, students had only two opportunities to take the exam each year; this shift opens up new possibilities for candidates looking to progress in their careers more quickly.
Under the new plan, the CA Final exams will be scheduled for January, May, and September. This change not only allows students more chances to attempt the exams but also facilitates a faster completion of the course, encouraging candidates to stay motivated and engaged in their studies. However, this does mean more number of Chartered Accountants being qualified in a year and resulting to more competition towards the existing as well as newly qualified Chartered Accountants.
Additionally, ICAI is revising the schedule for the Post Qualification Course in Information Systems Audit. This assessment will now happen in February, June, and October, moving away from the previous twice-a-year schedule of June and December.
This decision, supported by ICAI President CA. Charanjot Singh Nanda and Vice President CA. Prasanna Kumar D, is part of a broader initiative to reform and enhance professional education and examination access. The aim is to ease the exam journey for students, making it more manageable to navigate through the rigorous demands of CA exams.
ICAI is expected to release detailed guidelines and an updated schedule very soon, so keep an eye out for more information. This new approach to the CA Final exams is a welcome step forward, providing students with ample opportunities to showcase their skills and contribute to the accounting profession.
As we enter this exciting new phase, let’s embrace the change and look forward to an even brighter future in the world of Chartered Accountancy!
If you have any questions or need more information, remember you’re not alone—reach out to your peers or academic mentors for support. Happy studying and best of luck with your CA journey!