CA Foundation Syllabus May 2025 Exam: ICAI New Syllabus And Pattern

CA Foundation Syllabus May 2025: ICAI exam revised syllabus, pattern and marking scheme, paper-wise, etc. Check the exam pattern and make your study plan accordingly.

The ICAI sets the syllabus for the CA Foundation course. The new CA Foundation Syllabus May 2025 covers a complete range of topics, including taxation, auditing, and business law. To progress to the CA Intermediate level, candidates must successfully clear all four papers of the CA Foundation course. 

While each exam level presents its own unique challenges, the CA Foundation syllabus is considered the most accessible, whereas the CA Final syllabus is the most demanding. This article provides an in-depth overview of the CA Foundation exam syllabus, which comprises four papers, each covering multiple topics essential for a strong foundation in chartered accounting. 

CA Foundation Exam Syllabus Highlights 

The CA Foundation syllabus is carefully designed by the ICAI as the introductory level of the complete CA program. To do excellent in this foundational stage, students must adopt a diligent and disciplined approach to studying the CA Foundation exam syllabus. Below, we outline the key highlights of the ICAI CA Foundation syllabus for 2025:

ICAI CA Foundation Exam Details
Exam Name Chartered Accountancy (CA) Exam
Exam Conducting Body ICAI
Exam Mode Pen and Paper
Exam Levels CA Foundation
Number of Papers Four
Frequency Thrice in a year:
  • May
  • September
  • January
Level of Difficulty Moderate to tough
Number of attempts Multiple

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CA Foundation Exam Syllabus: May 2025 Exam (New Scheme)

Here is a detailed, paper-wise breakdown of the chapters and units comprising the CA Foundation syllabus (under the new scheme and training), applicable for the May 2025 examination. 

Paper 1: Accounting 

This foundational paper is designed to equip you with a solid understanding of fundamental accounting concepts, principles, and techniques. By mastering the topics covered in this paper, you'll be able to prepare financial statements and solve basic accounting problems.

CA Foundation Syllabus 2025 for Accounting
Chapters Units
Module 1
Chapter 1: Theoretical Framework
  • Meaning and Scope of Accounting
  • Accounting Concepts, Principles and Conventions
  • Capital and Revenue Expenditures and Receipts
  • Contingent Assets and Contingent Liabilities
  • Accounting Policies
  • Accounting as a Measurement Discipline—Valuation Principles, Accounting Estimates
  • Accounting Standards
Chapter 2: Accounting Process
  • Basic Accounting Procedures—Journal entries
  • Ledgers
  • Trial Balance
  • Subsidiary Books
  • Cash Book
  • Rectification of Errors
Chapter 3: Bank Reconciliation and Statement –
Chapter 4: Inventories –
Chapter 5: Depreciation and Amortisation –
Chapter 6: Bills of Exchange and Provisional Notes –
Chapter 7: Preparation of Final Accounts of Sole Proprietors
  • Final Accounts of Non-Manufacturing Entities
  • Final Accounts of Manufacturing Entities
Module 2
Chapter 8: Financial Statements of Not-for-Profit Organisations –
Chapter 9: Accounts from Incomplete Records –
Chapter 10: Partnership and LLP Accounts
  • Introduction to Partnership Accounts
  • Treatment of Goodwill in Partnership Accounts
  • Admission of a New Partner
  • Retirement of a Partner
  • Death of a Partner
  • Dissolution of Partnership Firms and LLPs
  • Annexure-II
Chapter 11: Company Accounts
  • Introduction to Company Accounts
  • Issue, Forfeiture and Re-Issue of Shares
  • Issue of Debentures
  • Accounting for Bonus Issue and Right Issue
  • Redemption of Preference Shares
  • Redemption of Debentures

Paper 2: Business Law 

In the CA Foundation exam 2025, Paper 2 is dedicated to Business Laws, aiming to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of key legislation governing business operations.

CA Foundation Syllabus 2025 for Business Laws
Chapter Units
Chapter 1: Indian Regulatory Framework –
Chapter 2: The Indian Contract Act, 1872
  • Nature of Contracts
  • Consideration
  • Other Essential Elements of a Contract
  • Performance of Contract
  • Breach of Contract and its Remedies
  • Contingent and Quasi Contracts
  • Contract of Indemnity and Guarantee
  • Bailment and Pledge
  • Agency
Chapter 3: The Sale of Goods Act, 1930
  • Formation of the Contract of Sale
  • Conditions & Warranties
  • Transfer of Ownership and Delivery of Goods
  • Unpaid Seller
Chapter 4: The Indian Partnership Act, 1932
  • General Nature of Partnership
  • Relations of Partners
  • Registration and Dissolution of a Firm
Chapter 5: The Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 –
Chapter 6: The Companies Act, 2013 –
Chapter 7: The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 –

Paper 3: Quantitative Aptitude 

This paper is designed to help you develop a strong foundation in mathematical and statistical concepts, with a focus on their practical applications in business, finance, and economics. Additionally, it aims to enhance your logical reasoning skills, enabling you to analyze and solve problems systematically and logically.

CA Foundation Syllabus 2025 for Quantitative Aptitude
Part A: Business Mathematics
Chapter 1: Ratio and Proportion, Indices, and Logarithms Chapter 5: Basic Concepts of Permutations and Combinations
Chapter 2: Equations Chapter 6: Sequence and Series—Arithmetic and Geometric Progressions
Chapter 3: Linear Inequalities Chapter 7: Sets, Relations and Functions, Basics of Limits and Continuity Functions
Chapter 4: Mathematics of Finance Chapter 8: Basic Applications of Differential and Integral Calculus in Business and Economics
(A) Differential Calculus 
(B) Integral Calculus
PART-B: Logical Reasoning
Chapter 9: Number Series, Coding and Decoding, and Odd Man Out Chapter 11: Seating Arrangements
Chapter 10: Direction Tests Chapter 12: Blood Relations
PART-C: Statistics
Chapter 13:
Unit I: Statistical Representation of Data
Unit II: Sampling		 Chapter 14: Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion
Unit I: Measures of Central Tendency
Unit II: Dispersion
Chapter 15: Probability Chapter 16: Theoretical Distributions
Chapter 17: Correlation and Regression Chapter 18: Index Numbers

Paper 4: Business Economics 

In this paper, we explore the fundamentals of business economics with the primary goal of equipping you with a deep understanding of key concepts and theories. By mastering these principles, you'll be able to apply economic reasoning to real-world business scenarios, making informed decisions and solving everyday problems with confidence.

Chapter Units
Chapter 1: Nature & Scope of Business Economics
  • Introduction
  • Basic Problems of an Economy & Role of Price Mechanism
Chapter 2: Theory of Demand and Supply
  • Law of Demand and Elasticity of Demand
  • Theory of Consumer Behaviour
  • Supply
Chapter 3: Theory of Production and Cost
  • Theory of Production
  • Theory of Cost
Chapter 4: Price Determination in Different Markets
  • Meaning and Types of Markets
  • Determination of Prices
  • Price Output Determination under Different Market Forms
Chapter 5: Business Cycles –
Chapter 6: Determination of National Income
  • National Income Accounting
  • The Keynesian Theory of Determination of National Income
Chapter 7: Public Finance
  • Fiscal Functions: An Overview, Centre and State Finance
  • Market Failure/Government intervention to correct Market Failure
  • The Process of Budget Making: Sources of Revenue, Expenditure Management and Management of Public Debt
  • Fiscal Policy
Chapter 8: Money Market
  • The Concept of Money Demand: Important Theories
  • The Concept of Money Supply
  • Monetary Policy
Chapter 9: International Trade
  • Theories of International Trade
  • The Instruments of Trade Policy
  • Trade Negotiations
  • Exchange Rate and Its Economic Effects
  • International Capital Movements
Chapter 10: Indian Economy –

CA Foundation Exam Pattern for May 2025

The CA Foundation Exam Pattern May 2025 includes 4 papers, each testing a different aspect of a candidate's knowledge and skills. The exam will be conducted in offline mode, with multiple-choice questions and descriptive questions. Candidates must score a minimum of 40% in each paper and 50% overall to pass. Check below the detailed CA foundation exam pattern for May 2025.

CA Foundation Exam Pattern 2025
Sl. No Paper Name Marks Types of Questions
Paper 1 Accounting 100 Marks Objective
Paper 2 Business Laws 100 Marks Objective
Paper 3 Quantitative Aptitude:
Part A: Business Mathematics
Part B: Logical Reasoning
Part C: Statistics		 100 Marks
Part A: 40 Marks
Part B: 20 Marks
Part C: 40 Marks		 Subjective
Paper 4 Business Economics 100 Marks Subjective

Conclusion

The CA Foundation Exam Syllabus for May 2025 covers four key subjects: Principles and Practice of Accounting, Business Laws and Business Correspondence and Reporting, Business Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, and Statistics, and Business Economics and Business and Commercial Knowledge. The syllabus maintains conceptual understanding, analytical skills, and application-based learning.

FAQs

What are the subjects included in the CA Foundation syllabus for May 2025?

The CA Foundation syllabus comprises four papers:

  • Paper 1: Principles and Practice of Accounting
  • Paper 2: Business Laws and Business Correspondence
  • Paper 3: Business Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, and Statistics
  • Paper 4: Business Economics and Business and Commercial Knowledge.

Has there been any change in the exam pattern for the CA Foundation May 2025 exams?

Yes, significant changes have been introduced:

  • Increased emphasis on Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
  • Revised marking scheme with updated weightage for each section.
  • Updated syllabus content focusing on practical applications.

 

Is there a negative marking in the CA Foundation exams?

Yes, negative marking is applicable in objective papers (Papers 3 and 4). For each incorrect answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted.

What are the passing criteria for the CA Foundation exams?

To pass the CA Foundation exams, students must score at least 40% in each paper and an aggregate of 50% across all papers.

Are calculators allowed during the CA Foundation exam?

Yes, candidates are permitted to use battery-operated calculators with up to 6 functions, 12 digits, and two memories. Scientific calculators are not allowed.

How many attempts are allowed for the CA Foundation exams?

There is no restriction on the number of attempts for the CA Foundation exams. Candidates can appear for the exams as many times as they need to, until they pass, without any limitations.

What is the mode of examination for the CA Foundation papers?

Papers 1 and 2 are subjective (descriptive), while Papers 3 and 4 are objective (MCQ-based).

Can I change my medium of study/exam after registration?

Yes, you can change your medium of study/exam after registration, but it's subject to certain conditions and timelines. You'll need to submit a formal request to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) within the specified timeframe, usually before the exam form is submitted

Has the CA Foundation exam schedule been revised for May 2025?

Yes, due to festivals, the exam originally scheduled for January 14, 2025, has been rescheduled to January 16, 2025. The updated schedule is January 12, 16, 18, and 20, 2025.

Where can I find the detailed syllabus for each subject in the CA Foundation course?

The detailed syllabus is available on the official ICAI website and includes comprehensive topics under each paper.