ICAI CA Final Exam Dates May 2026 (OUT), Complete Exam Schedule

The CA Final Exam is not just another test—it’s the final milestone of your Chartered Accountancy journey. If you are preparing for the CA Final May 2026 attempt, keeping track of the official schedule is very important. ICAI has now released the detailed timetable for both Group I and Group II exams, helping students plan their preparation better.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the CA Final May 2026 exams—group-wise dates, paper timings, admit card updates, exam pattern, and other key guidelines. So, if you’re aiming to clear CA Final this attempt, this guide will help you stay fully prepared.

Overview of CA Final Exam 2026

The CA Final Exam is conducted three times a year — in May, September, and January— by ICAI. It is the third and final level of the Chartered Accountancy course and consists of two groups with four papers each. Only those candidates who have completed the CA Intermediate exam and the required articleship training are eligible to apply for the CA Final exam.

Highlights of CA Final

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CA Final Exam Date: May 2026

Here is the official exam schedule for the CA Final May 2026 attempt:

Paper Timings and Duration

All CA Final papers are conducted in a single shift. Below is the general timing pattern followed by ICAI:

• Exam Timing: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
• Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes)
• Paper Type: Descriptive and case study-based (open-book for Paper 6; Duration is 4 hours)

Students are advised to report at least 30 minutes before the exam to avoid last-minute issues.

When will ICAI release the CA Final Exam Date for May 2026?

ICAI generally releases the exam notification and detailed timetable around 2–3 months before the exam. For the May 2026 session, you can check the ICAI CA Final exam dates released by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India on the official website, which is icai.org.

You will find the exam timetable and other important updates on ICAI’s official website—www.icai.org. 

Admit Card Release for CA Final May 2026

ICAI will release the CA Final May 2026 admit card around 15–20 days before the exam, likely in the last week of April 2026.

• Tentative Admit Card Release Date: Last week of April 2026
• Mode of Release: Online (Download from ICAI Self-Service Portal)
• Website: eservices.icai.org

Details mentioned on the CA Final Admit Card 2026

• Candidate’s Name
• Photograph and Signature
• Exam Center Address
• Group opted
• Paper-wise Subject Codes
• Exam Timings
• Instructions for exam day

It is mandatory to carry a printed copy of your admit card along with a valid photo ID to the exam center.

Exam Form and Fee

Before appearing for the CA Final May 2026 exam, candidates must fill out the exam form on the ICAI exam portal. You can check and fill out the exam form for the CA Final exam in May 2026

Exam Form Fees

The exam form must be filled out online through ICAI's self-service portal. Make sure to double-check your details before final submission.

Syllabus and Exam Pattern (As per New Scheme)

The CA Final May 2026 exam will be held under the New Scheme of Education and Training introduced by ICAI in 2023. It has brought certain changes in the number of papers and the evaluation structure.

Group I Subjects (New Scheme)

• Financial Reporting
• Advanced Financial Management
• Advanced Auditing and Professional Ethics

Group II Subjects (New Scheme)

• Direct Tax Laws & International Taxation
• Indirect Tax Laws
• Integrated Business Solutions 

Key Changes in New Scheme:

• Reduction in the total number of papers from 8 to 6 in earlier drafts (now reverted to 8 with restructuring).
• A case study-based approach was introduced in Papers 6 & Paper 8.
• Focus on practical applicability and analytical skills.
• Introduction of open-book format for some papers.

Preparation Strategy Based on Exam Dates

Here are some tips to align your preparation with the tentative CA Final exam schedule:

• Start with strong subjects: Begin preparation with your strongest subjects to build confidence.
• Revise Regularly: Set revision targets every 30 days and cover the entire syllabus at least 3 times.
• Mock Tests: Attempt ICAI’s mock test papers before the final exam.
• Focus on RTPs and MTPs: These give an idea of the expected question formats.
• Open Book Paper Practice: If you have chosen Paper 6, practice answering case studies using reference materials.

Guidelines for Exam Day

• Reach the exam center at least 30-45 minutes before the reporting time.
• Carry your admit card and a valid photo ID (Aadhar card, Passport, etc.)
• Bring only permitted stationery. Use black ink pens.
• Mobile phones, smartwatches, or electronic devices are strictly prohibited.
• Follow the COVID or any health protocol, if applicable, during that time.

What is after the CA Final Exam?

After passing the CA final exam, candidates are eligible to become Chartered Accountants (CAs) in India. They can then pursue various career paths, including joining accounting firms, starting their own practices, or working in diverse industries.

Summary

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has officially released the exam schedule for the CA May 2025 session, encompassing the Foundation, Intermediate, and Final courses. Candidates can access the detailed timetable and application guidelines on the ICAI's official website, icai.org. This announcement enables aspirants to plan their preparation effectively for the upcoming examinations.