CA Foundation Eligibility Criteria 2026: Qualification & Age Limit

Choosing Chartered Accountancy as a career is a big and life-changing decision for many students. Before starting this journey, the very first question that comes to mind is whether you are eligible to register and appear for the CA Foundation course. Every year, thousands of students search for clear and reliable information about CA Foundation eligibility, but often end up confused because of scattered or incomplete details. 

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has clearly defined eligibility rules for the CA Foundation. However, understanding these rules simply and practically is important so that you do not make mistakes while planning your registration. This article explains the CA Foundation Eligibility Criteria 2026 in a student-friendly manner, covering who is eligible to apply, educational requirements, provisional registration, age limit, required documents, common mistakes, and more.

Highlights of CA Foundation Eligibility Criteria 

CA Foundation eligibility criteria set by ICAI. Candidates need to fulfil the requirements to fill out the registration form and appear for the CA Foundation level. The highlight table represents the data. Kindly check below.

Who Is Eligible for the CA Foundation 2026?

CA Foundation is the entry-level course of the Chartered Accountancy programme. ICAI allows a wide range of students to enter this course, provided certain basic conditions are fulfilled.

In simple terms, any student who has passed Class 12 or is appearing for Class 12 from a recognised board can register and appear for the CA Foundation, subject to completing the minimum study period.

Key eligibility points:

• Students who have passed Class 12 are eligible
• Students appearing in Class 12 can also apply
• Students who passed Class 10 can register provisionally
• The board must be recognised by a government authority

This flexible eligibility structure allows students to plan their CA journey early.

CA Foundation Education Qualification 2026

The ICAI has established the following educational requirements for CA Foundation eligibility:

• You can apply for the CA Foundation exam if you have passed your Class 10 exams from a state or central government board, or an equivalent exam.
• However, your admission will be tentative at first and confirmed if you pass the Class 12 exams.
• You can register for the CA Foundation exam if you are enrolled in Class 12 or have already finished the exams.

Candidates may also apply for the CA Foundation exam if they received at least 50% of the total marks in Class 12.

CA Foundation Required Age Limit

There is no specified age limit criteria by ICAI for CA Foundation. So candidates can any age can apply for the CA Foundation exam 2026. After the 12th, you can directly apply for the CA Foundation level.

Exemption of CA Foundation Eligibility 

As per the ICAI, there are some relaxations from the CA in the above Aadhaar eligibility criteria. Exceptions apply to certain categories of candidates, and they are exempted from appearing for the CA Foundation examination. These candidates will be allowed to directly take admission in the CA Intermediate course. Below are the criteria for candidates seeking exemption from the CA Foundation 2025 exam.

Documents Required to Prove Eligibility

Documents play a crucial role in confirming eligibility. Students should keep all documents ready before registration. Commonly required documents:

• Class 10 marksheet
• Class 12 marksheet (if passed)
• Photograph
• Signature
• Identity proof
• Category certificate (if applicable)

Uploading clear and correct documents avoids rejection.

Common Mistakes Students Make While Checking Eligibility

Students often face problems not because they are ineligible, but because they misunderstand rules.

Frequent mistakes include:

• Assuming commerce is compulsory
• Missing cut-off dates
• Registering without proper documents
• Ignoring the study period rule
• Uploading wrong marksheets

Avoiding these mistakes saves time and stress.

CA Foundation Eligibility Criteria 2026 Equivalence 

To apply for the CA Foundation exam 2025, candidates must satisfy the CA Foundation eligibility criteria 2025 and have passed the 10+2 examination from a recognized board. The boards recognized by the Government of India and approved by ICAI are as follows:

• Board of Intermediate Education, Andhra Pradesh
• Assam Higher Secondary Education Council
• Bihar School Examination Board
• Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
• Chhattisgarh Board of Secondary Education
• Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE)
• Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education
• Gujarat Secondary & Higher Secondary Education
• Board of School Education, Haryana
• H. P. Board of School Education
• J & K State Board of School Education
• Jharkhand Academic Council
• The government of Karnataka, Department of Pre-University Education
• Kerala Board of Higher Secondary Education
• Maharashtra State Board of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education
• Board of Secondary Education, Madhya Pradesh
• Council of Higher Secondary Education, Manipur
• Meghalaya Board of School Education
• Mizoram Board of School Education
• Nagaland Board of School Education
• Council of Higher Secondary Education, Orissa
• Punjab School Education Board
• Board of Secondary Education, Rajasthan
• Tamil Nadu State Board of School Examinations
• Tripura Board of Secondary Education
• U.P. Board of High School and Intermediate Education
• Board of School Education, Uttarakhand
• West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education