CA Final Syllabus May 2026, Updated ICAI Course Structure

Check the ICAI updated syllabus for the May 2026 examination. Including subjects wise details, paper pattern, marking scheme, and other important topics for preparation.

Table of Content

CA Final Syllabus for May 2026
Highlights of CA Final Syllabus for May 2026
CA Final Syllabus for May 2026 According to New Scheme
Paper 1: Financial Reporting
Paper 2: Advanced Financial Management
Paper 3: Advanced Auditing, Assurance, and Professional Ethics
Paper 4: Direct Law & Tax and International Taxation
Paper 5: Indirect Tax & Laws
Paper 6: Integrated Business Solutions
Why Choose CA Exams Test Series for CA Preparation

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India introduced a revised CA Final syllabus on July 1, 2023, as part of its updated scheme. The new syllabus debuted in the May 2024 examination and was also applied to the upcoming session.

Notably, the revised syllabus features a streamlined curriculum with six papers, reduced from eight, and provides overall coverage of essential topics, subtopics, and papers. Additionally, the updated exam pattern aims to assess students' knowledge and skills effectively.

CA Final Syllabus for May 2026

The ICAI CA Final Syllabus May 2026 is structured into 6 major subjects, divided into two distinct categories. These extensive subjects cover a broad range of topics, including financial reporting, strategic management, advanced auditing, corporate and allied laws, cost and management accounting, and direct and indirect taxation. Each paper within the CA Final curriculum carries a weightage of 100 marks.

To achieve success in the CA Final exams, students must meet the minimum passing criteria, which includes securing at least 40% marks in each subject and a cumulative aggregate of 50% across all CA Final subjects.

To excel in the exams, it is important to adopt a strategic approach, total strict preparation, thorough revision, and extensive practice through CA Final model test papers (MTPs) and revision test papers (RTPs), ultimately leading to outstanding results in the May 2026 exams.

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Highlights of CA Final Syllabus for May 2026

Get familiar with the revised CA Final syllabus, as per the latest ICAI scheme, and explore the comprehensive overview of the papers included in the curriculum.

CA Final Syllabus May 2026
Sl. No	Paper Name	Marks
Paper 1	Financial Reporting	100 Marks
Paper 2	Advanced Financial Management	100 Marks
Paper 3	Advanced Auditing, Assurance And Professional Ethics	100 Marks
Paper 4	Direct Tax Laws & International Taxation	100 Marks
Paper 5	Indirect Tax Laws Part I: Goods and Services Tax Part II: Costumes & FTP	100 Marks 80 Marks 20 Marks
Paper 6	Integrated Business Solutions (Multi-Disciplinary Case Study With Strategic Management)	100 Marks

CA Final Syllabus for May 2026 According to New Scheme

The CA Final syllabus, introduced under the new ICAI scheme, comprises six core subjects. Below is a detailed outline of the extensive topics and subtopics covered in each subject of the new CA Final syllabus.

Paper 1: Financial Reporting

To Objective of the Financial Reporting

To develop the ability to apply and resolve real-world issues related to Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS), enabling the determination of proper accounting treatment and the creation of appropriate accounting policies.
To acquire proficiency in identifying and implementing Ind AS disclosure requirements in practice, ensuring accurate preparation and presentation of financial statements.
To gain expertise in preparing financial statements using Ind AS for group entities, including subsidiaries, associates, and joint ventures.
To develop knowledge of specific accounting standards and learn to navigate complex, real-world scenarios where different standards apply, requiring nuanced treatment.

CA Final Syllabus Financial Reporting
Introduction to General Purpose Financial Statements as per Indian Accounting Standard (Ind AS)	Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting under Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS)
Statutory provisions: Applicability criteria Division II of Schedule III to the Companies Act, 2013 and Guidance Note thereupon
Application of Ind AS about General Purpose Financial Statements	i) Ind AS on Presentation of Items in the Financial Statements Ind AS 1 “Presentation of Financial Statements” Ind AS 34 “Interim Financial Reporting” Ind AS 7 “Statement of Cash Flows” Ind AS on Measurement based on Accounting Policies Ind AS 8 “Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors” Ind AS 10 “Events after the Reporting Period” Ind AS 113 “Fair Value Measurement” Ind AS on Income Statement Ind AS 115* “Revenue from Contracts with the Customers” Ind AS on Assets and Liabilities of the Financial Statements Ind AS 2 “Inventories” Ind AS 16 “Property, Plant and Equipment” Ind AS 116* “Leases” Ind AS 23 “Borrowing Costs” Ind AS 36 “Impairment of Assets” Ind AS 38 “Intangible Assets” Ind AS 40 “Investment Property” Ind AS 105 “Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations” Ind AS 19 “Employee Benefits” Ind AS 37 “Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets Ind AS on Items impacting the Financial Statements Ind AS 12* “Income Taxes” Ind AS 21 “The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates Ind AS on Disclosures in the Financial Statements Ind AS 24 “Related Party Disclosures” Ind AS 33 “Earnings per Share” Ind AS 108 “Operating Segments” Other Ind AS Ind AS 20 “Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosure of Government Assistance” Ind AS 102 “Share Based Payment” Ind AS 41 “Agriculture Ind AS on Financial Instruments (it includes Ind AS 32, Ind AS 109, Ind AS 107) Financial Instruments: Scope and Definitions Classification and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Financial Instruments: Equity and Financial Liabilities Derivatives and Embedded Derivatives Recognition and Derecognition of Financial Instruments Hedge Accounting Disclosures
Ind AS on Group Accounting	Business Combinations (Ind AS 103) ii Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements (it includes Ind AS 110, Ind AS 111, Ind AS 27, Ind AS 28, Ind AS 112)
First-time adoption of Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS 101)	Analysis of financial statements (as per Ind AS)
Identify and explain the key ethical issues	Ethics with Accounting Concepts
Evolution of Accounting in the technological environment	Technology and Accounting

Paper 2: Advanced Financial Management

Developing the ability to apply financial management concepts, theories, and techniques to inform strategic decision-making processes.

CA Final Syllabus Advanced Financial Management
Risk Management	Identification of types of Risks faced by an organization Evaluation of Financial Risks Value at Risk (VAR) Evaluation of appropriate method for the identification and management of financial risk
Financial Policy and Corporate Strategy	Advanced role of CFO in various matters, including Value Creation Strategic decision-making framework Interface of Financial Policy and strategic management Balancing financial goals vis-à-vis sustainable growth
Advanced Capital Budgeting Decisions	Current Trends in Capital Budgeting Impact of Inflation on Capital Budgeting Decisions Impact of change in technology on Capital Budgeting Impact of Change in Government Policies on Capital Budgeting Dealing with Risk in Investment Decisions Internal and External Factors affecting capital budgeting decision Methods of incorporating risk in Capital Budgeting Adjusted Present Value Optimum Replacement Cycle
Security Analysis	Fundamental Analysis Technical Analysis Meaning Assumptions Theories and Principles Charting Techniques – Basics Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH Equity Research and tools available
Security Valuation	Theory of Valuation Return Concepts Equity Risk Premium Required Return on Equity Discount Rate Selection in Relation to Cash Flows Approaches to Valuation of Equity Shares Valuation of Preference Shares Valuation of Debentures/ Bonds Role and Responsibilities of Valuers Precautions need to be taken by a Valuer before accepting any valuation assignment
Securitization	Introduction Concept and Definition Benefits of Securitization Participants in Securitization Mechanism of Securitization Problems in Securitization Securitization Instruments Pricing of Securitization Instruments Risks in Securitization Tokenization Securitization in India
Portfolio Management	Portfolio Management Portfolio Analysis Portfolio Selection Capital Market Theory Portfolio Revision Portfolio Evaluation Asset Allocation Fixed Income Portfolio Risk Analysis of Investment in Distressed Securities Alternative Investment Avenues Real Estate Gold Private Equity REITs Hedge Funds ETFs Mutual Funds Commodities
Mutual Funds	Meaning Types Advantages and Disadvantages of Mutual Funds Evaluation of Mutual Funds Role of Fund Manager in Mutual Funds Hedge Funds Role of FIIs in Mutual Funds
Derivatives Analysis and Valuation	Introduction to Forwards, Futures and Options Futures Market Pricing of Forwards and Futures Hedging using Futures Options – Option Pricing – Option Greeks – Exotic Options Credit Derivatives Real Options Derivative Mishaps and Lessons Swaps Commodity Derivatives Weather Derivatives Electricity Derivatives
Foreign Exchange Exposure and Risk Management	Factors affecting foreign exchange rate Role of SWIFT in Foreign Exchange National and International Payment Gateways Exchange rate determination Foreign currency market Management of Foreign Exchange Risk
International Financial Management	International Capital Budgeting Offshore Investment Strategies vis-à-vis Domestic Capital Budgeting Project vis-à-vis Parent Cash Flows Discounting Rate and Adjusting Cash Flows Adjusted Present Value
Interest Rate Risk Management	Benchmark Rates Interest Rate Risk Hedging Interest Rate Risk Traditional Methods Asset and Liability Management (ALM) Forward Rate Agreement (FRA) Modern methods, including Interest Rate Derivatives Interest Rate Futures Interest Rate Options Swaps Swaptions
Business Valuation	Conceptual Framework of Valuation Approaches/ Methods of Valuation -Assets Based Valuation Model -Cash Flow Based Models -Earning Based Models -Measuring Cost of Equity Capital Asset Pricing Model Arbitrage Pricing Theory Estimating Beta of an unlisted company -Relative Valuation Steps involved in relative valuation Equity valuation multiples Enterprise valuation multiple Other approaches to Value Measurement Economic Value Added (EVA) Market Value Added (MVA) Shareholder Value Analysis (SVA) -Arriving at Fair Value Going concern and non going concern valuation Valuation of distressed companies Valuation of startups Valuation of digital platforms Valuation of professional / consultancy firms Impact of ESG on valuation
Mergers, Acquisitions and Corporate Restructuring	Conceptual Framework Rationale Forms Mergers and Acquisitions -Financial Framework – Takeover Defensive Tactics – Reverse Merger Divestitures -Partial Sell off – Demerger – Equity Carve outs Ownership Restructuring -Going Private – Management/ Leveraged Buyouts Unlocking the value through Mergers & Acquisitions and Business Restructuring Cross Border Mergers Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs)
Startup Finance	Introduction including Pitch Presentation Concept of Unicorn Startup Initiative of GOI Sources of Funding Succession planning in Business

Paper 3: Advanced Auditing, Assurance, and Professional Ethics

Key objectives include:

Developing the skills to analyze, evaluate, and apply contemporary auditing practices and procedures in real-world auditing engagements.
Enhancing the ability to effectively address and resolve complex cases and issues that arise during audit engagements.

CA Final Syllabus Advance Auditing, Assurance and Professional Ethics
General Auditing Principles and Auditors Responsibilities	SA 240 The Auditor’s Responsibilities Relating to Fraud in an Audit of Financial Statements SA 250 Consideration of Laws and Regulations in an Audit of Financial Statements SA 260 Communication with Those Charged with Governance SA 299 Joint Audit of Financial Statements SA 402 Audit Considerations Relating to an Entity Using a Service Organisation
Quality Control	SQC 1 Quality Control for Firms that Perform Audits and Reviews of Historical Financial Information and Other Assurance and Related Services Engagements SA 220 Quality Control for an Audit of Financial Statements
Audit Planning, Strategy, and Execution	SA 300: Planning an Audit of Financial Statements; (Content is covered in depth at Intermediate level, Therefore, the application part of SA 300 may be discussed in the form of Case Study at Final level.) SA 450 Evaluation of Misstatements identified During the Audit SA 520 Analytical Procedures SA 540 Auditing Accounting Estimates, Including Fair Value Accounting Estimates and Related Disclosures SA 610 Using the Work of Internal Auditors SA 620 Using the Work of an Auditor’s Expert
Materiality, Risk Assessment and Internal Control	Evaluation of Internal Control Procedures; Components of Internal Controls; Internal Control and Risk Assessment; Auditor’s response to assessed risks; Risk-Based Audit- Audit Risk Analysis; Reporting on Internal Control Weaknesses, Framework on Reporting of Internal Controls SA 265 Communicating Deficiencies in Internal Control to Those Charged with Governance and Management SA 330 The Auditor’s Responses to Assessed Risks
Audit Evidence	Completion and Review
Specialised Areas	Basic and overview of SA 800 special considerations – Audits of financial statements Basic and overview of SA 805 special considerations – audits of single financial statements Basic and Overview of SA 810 Engagements to Report on Summary Financial Statements
Reporting	SA 700 Forming an Opinion and Reporting on Financial Statements SA 701 Communicating Key Audit Matters in the Independent Auditor’s Report SA 705 Modifications to the Opinion in the Independent Auditor’s Report SA 706 Emphasis of Matter Paragraphs and Other Matter Paragraphs in the Independent Auditor’s Report SA 710 Comparative Information – Corresponding Figures and Comparative Financial Statements SA 720 The Auditor’s Responsibility in Relation to Other Information
Audit-related Services	Basic and Overview of SRS 4400 Engagements to Perform Agreed-upon Procedures Regarding Financial Information Basic and Overview of SRS 4410 Compilation Engagements
Review of Financial Information	Basic and Overview of SRE 2400 Engagements to Review Historical Financial Statements Basic and Overview of SRE 2410 Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity
Digital Auditing and Assurance	Auditing digitally and Digital auditing, Usage of Automated Tools such as CAAT, Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, etc., Remote Auditing
Prospective Financial Information and Other Assurance Services	Basic and Overview of SAE 3400 The Examination of Prospective Financial Information Basic and Overview of SAE 3402 Assurance Reports on Controls at a Service Organisation Basic and Overview of SAE 3420 Assurance Engagements to Report on the Compilation of Pro-forma financial information included in a prospectus
Group Audits	Audit of Consolidated Financial Statements Responsibility of Parent Company, Auditor of the Consolidated Financial Statements; Audit Considerations – Permanent Consolidation, Current Period Consolidation; Reporting Audit of Group Financial Statements including the work of Component Auditors (SA 600 Using the Work of Another Auditor)
Special Features of Audit of Banks & Non-Banking Financial Companies
Overview of Audit of Public Sector Undertakings	Concept of Propriety Audit; Performance Audit; Comprehensive Audit
Internal Audit	Provisions of Internal Audit as per Companies Act, 2013; Scope of Internal Auditing; Relationship between Internal and External Auditor; Basics of Internal Audit Standards issued by the ICAI; Drafting of Internal Audit Report; Audit Trail, Internal Audit as a Management Function
Due Diligence, Investigation and Forensic Accounting:	Due Diligence Review; Audit versus Investigation; Steps for Investigation; Types of Investigation; Procedure, Powers, etc. of Investigator; Types of Fraud, Indicators of Fraud, Follow-up thereof; Forensic Accounting- meaning, difference between Statutory Audit and Forensic Accounting, Forensic Accounting and Investigation Report, Introduction of Forensic Accounting and Investigation Standards
Emerging Areas: Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) & Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Assurance, etc
Professional Ethics and Liabilities of Auditors:	Introduction of Code of Ethics as per IESBA and Code of Ethics with special reference to the relevant provisions of the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 and the Regulations thereunder; Application of Fundamental Principles; Application of Threats, Evaluation of Threat Addressing Threats and Safeguards Conceptual Framework Important Provisions of Chartered Accountants Act,1949 and Chartered Accountants Regulations, 1988

Paper 4: Direct Law & Tax and International Taxation

Key objectives include:

Developing expertise in analyzing and interpreting the provisions of direct tax laws to provide optimal, tax-efficient solutions to real-world problems.
Acquiring the ability to apply the principles, guidelines, and regulations of international taxation, as well as direct tax laws, to develop effective solutions for issues arising from cross-border transactions.

CA Final Syllabus: Direct Tax Laws & International Laws
	Comprehensive computation of income-tax liability of companies and other entities under the alternative tax regimes under the Income-tax Act, 1961 to optimise tax liability. General provisions under the Act for computation of total income and tax liability of companies and other entities Special tax regimes under the Act for companies and other entities Optimisation of tax liability of companies and other entities through tax planning
Tax Administration and Appellate Mechanism	Deduction, Collection and Recovery of Tax Income-tax Authorities Assessment Procedures Appeals and Revision; and Dispute Resolution Provisions to counteract unethical tax practices – Taxation of undisclosed income under the Income-tax Act, 1961 – Taxation of undisclosed foreign income and assets – Penalties and offences and prosecution Miscellaneous Provisions Tax Audit
International Taxation	Taxation of cross-border transactions and Non-resident taxation under the Income-tax Act, 1961, including Transfer Pricing Non-resident Taxation Double Taxation Relief Advance Ruling Other Aspects of International Taxation, namely, Significant articles of OECD and UN Model Tax Conventions Fundamentals of BEPS Application and Interpretation of Tax Treaties Latest developments in International Taxation

Paper 5: Indirect Tax & Laws

Section I: TAX ON GOODS AND SERVICES

Objective:

To develop the ability to analyze, interpret, and provide solutions to diverse case studies and scenarios related to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) law.

CA Final Syllabus Indirect Tax Laws
Goods and Services Tax (GST) Law as contained in the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Act, 2017 and Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) Act, 2017 including	Case studies based on following: Levy and collection of CGST and IGST – Application of CGST/IGST law; Concept of supply, inter-State supply, intra-State supply, supplies in territorial waters; Charge of tax including reverse charge; Classification; Exemption from tax; Place of supply; Time of Supply; Value of supply; Input tax credit; Computation of GST liability Procedures under GST including registration, tax invoice, credit and debit notes, electronic way-bill, accounts and records, returns, payment of tax Refunds and case studies based on refund provisions Job work Liability to pay in certain cases Administration of GST; Assessment and Audit Inspection, Search, Seizure and Arrest Demand and Recovery; Offences and Penalties Appeals and Revision Advance Ruling Ethics under GST Other provisions
PART II: CUSTOMS & FTP
Customs Law as contained in the Customs Act, 1962 and the Customs Tariff Act, 1975	Introduction to customs law including Constitutional aspects Levy of customs duties including application of customs law, taxable event, charge of customs duty, exceptions to levy of customs duty, exemption from custom duty Types of customs duties Classification and valuation of imported and export goods Import and Export Procedures including special procedures relating to baggage, goods imported or exported by post, stores Warehousing Refund
Foreign Trade Policy	Introduction to FTP: legislation governing FTP, salient features of an FTP, administration of FTP, contents of FTP and other related provisions Basic concepts relating to import and export Basic concepts relating to export promotion schemes provided under FTP

Paper 6: Integrated Business Solutions

The objective of this assignment is to develop the ability to analyze and apply the concepts, rules, and provisions of various disciplines, including corporate laws, accounting, auditing, taxation, finance, and business strategy and management, to resolve real-world issues presented in case studies.

This case-study-based assignment will assess students' complete knowledge and understanding of the following key topics:

Financial Reporting
Advanced Financial Management
Advanced Auditing, Assurance and Professional Ethics
Direct Tax Laws & International Taxation
Indirect Tax Laws
Corporate and Economic Laws
Strategic Cost & Performance Management

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FAQs

Is the CA Final syllabus for May 2026 different from earlier attempts?

Yes, the CA Final syllabus for May 2026 continues under the New Scheme of Education and Training 2023, which became applicable from May 2024 and remains valid for May 2026 unless ICAI announces revisions.

How many papers are there in the CA Final syllabus for May 2026?

The CA Final syllabus for May 2026 consists of six papers, divided into Group I and Group II, covering Financial Reporting, Audit, Direct Tax, Indirect Tax, Strategic Management, and electives.

Has ICAI officially confirmed the CA Final syllabus for May 2026?

Yes, ICAI has confirmed that the existing new syllabus introduced in 2024 will continue for May 2026, with no major structural changes announced as of the latest official notifications.

Are there any removals or reductions in the CA Final syllabus for May 2026?

As of now, ICAI has not announced any syllabus reduction for CA Final May 2026. Students are advised to prepare the full syllabus as prescribed under the new scheme.

Does CA Final May 2026 include case-study based questions?

Yes, the CA Final syllabus for May 2026 places strong emphasis on case-study and application-based questions, especially in papers like Financial Reporting, Audit, and Strategic Management.

What is the elective paper option in CA Final syllabus May 2026?

In Group II, students must choose one elective paper such as Risk Management, International Taxation, or Economic Laws, as per the CA Final syllabus applicable for May 2026.

Does the CA Final May 2026 syllabus require self-paced modules?

Yes, completion of Self-Paced Online Modules (SPOM) is mandatory under the new scheme and is linked to eligibility for appearing in CA Final examinations including May 2026.

Is there any change in Direct Tax syllabus for May 2026?

The Direct Tax portion for CA Final May 2026 continues as per the new syllabus, including updated Income-tax provisions applicable for the relevant assessment years notified by ICAI.

Is ICAI study material sufficient for CA Final May 2026 syllabus?

ICAI study material forms the base of preparation for May 2026. However, students are advised to supplement it with practice manuals, RTPs, and MTPs for better exam readiness.