CA Foundation Course Duration, Syllabus, Exam Pattern & More

Start your journey to becoming a CA with our detailed guide to the CA Foundation Course. Discover everything you need to know, from eligibility criteria and registration processes to exam fees and syllabus coverage, and set yourself up for success in this esteemed profession.

The CA Foundation Course marks the beginning of your journey to becoming a CA. This foundational level includes a complete syllabus, including accounting principles, business laws, mathematics, and economics. Conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), exams are held three times a year May, September, and January providing students with two opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge and progress.

Eligible students who are currently in or have completed Class 12 can register for the CA Foundation Course. Upon registration, students have a four-month preparation period before the exams. The overall syllabus is divided into four papers, covering:

• Principles and Practice of Accounting
• Business Laws and Business Correspondence and Reporting
• Business Mathematics and Logical Reasoning & Statistics
• Business Economics and Business and Commercial Knowledge

Mastering these subjects provides an understanding of a successful career in CA.

CA Foundation Course Details 

Are you a student seeking key information about the CA Foundation Course? Look no further! The table below provides all important details, including eligibility criteria, exam difficulty level, duration, format, total fees, and more. Get instant access to all the information you need to kickstart your CA Foundation journey.

Enroll Now for CA Foundation Courses

CA Foundation Course Date and Timing in May 2025

Stay updated on the CA Foundation exam dates for 2025 with the session-wise exam dates provided in the table below. Please note that any changes or updates to the ICAI CA Foundation exam dates will be promptly reflected on this page. Refer to the table for the latest CA Foundation May 2025 exam timeline

CA Foundation Course Registration Procedure 

To register for the CA Foundation Course, follow these step-by-step procedures:

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Criteria: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria set by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), which typically includes passing Class 12 or equivalent.

Step 2: Visit the ICAI Website: Go to the official ICAI website, icai.org, and navigate to the "Student" section.

Step 3: Fill Out the Online Registration Form: Click on "Course Registration" and fill out the online registration form with the required details, including personal information, educational qualifications, and contact details.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents: Upload scanned copies of the required documents, such as:

• Class 12 mark sheet
• Proof of identity (Aadhaar card, PAN card, etc.)
• Passport-sized photograph

Step 5: Pay the Registration Fee: Pay the registration fee online through a debit/credit card or net banking.

Step 6: Take a Printout of the Registration Form: After completing the registration process, take a printout of the registration form for future reference.

Step 7: Receive the Study Materials: After registration, you will receive the study materials and course books from ICAI.

Step 8: Complete the Orientation Programme: Complete the mandatory orientation program, which will help you understand the course structure and requirements.

CA Foundation Course Fees 

Get a detailed breakdown of the CA Foundation fees for both domestic and international students in the table below, providing a clear understanding of the costs involved. This table includes various types of fees such as registration fees, examination fees, etc.

CA Foundation Course Duration 

It usually takes 5 years to finish the CA course. Students must complete their articleship training and pass the Foundation, Intermediate, and Final levels during this time. Through the direct entry program, the duration of the chartered accounting program is shortened to 4.5 years if you enroll after graduation.

Note: The 5-year duration is the minimum timeframe required to complete the CA course, with an additional 6 months potentially added if exams are not passed within the initial time frame. On a positive note, the CA course is age-agnostic, allowing individuals of all ages to pursue this professional certification and enhance their career prospects.

CA Foundation Exam Pattern Subject-wise Marking 

Refer to the table below for a detailed subject-wise marking scheme of the CA Foundation exam, as organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) under the new Education and Training framework.

On the other hand, both economics and mathematics have multiple-choice questions and are objective. Note that the new scheme still assigns a negative score of 0.25 for the objective papers.

Preparation Tips for CA Foundation Exam Syllabus 

The following tips for the CA Foundation Exam Syllabus 2025. 

1. Master the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the CA Foundation syllabus, delving into each subject to understand the scope of coverage. This targeted approach helps focus your study efforts.

2. Start Your Journey Early: Avoid procrastination and initiate your CA Foundation exam preparation at the earliest. This head start allows for thorough revision, practice, and a reduced stress load.

3. Leverage Authentic Study Materials: Utilize the official study materials provided by ICAI on their website, supplemented by reputable textbooks to fortify your grasp on CA Foundation concepts.

4. Simulate Success with Mock Tests: Engage with mock tests offered by ICAI to recreate the actual exam experience. This strategic practice enables you to assess your readiness, identify areas for improvement, and refine your performance.