CA Foundation Exam Date January 2026 (OUT) – ICAI Official Schedule & Updates

CA Foundation Exam Dates Jan 2026 announced by ICAI. Exams on 18, 20, 22 & 24 Jan. Check schedule, registration & admit card details now!

If you are planning to appear for this attempt, it is crucial to stay updated with the exam dates, registration deadlines, and other key updates. This blog will guide you through the entire process and help you plan your preparation efficiently.

The CA Foundation exam is the entry-level stage of the Chartered Accountancy course. It tests your understanding of accounting, law, mathematics, logical reasoning, economics, and business knowledge. Clearing this exam allows you to register for the CA Intermediate course.

What is the CA Foundation Exam?

The CA Foundation is the entry-level examination for the Chartered Accountancy course in India. It tests your basic understanding of accounting, law, mathematics, and economics. Once you pass the CA Foundation, you become eligible to register for the CA Intermediate course. 

It is conducted by ICAI three times a year, that is, in May, September, and January. Under this new scheme, to be eligible, candidates need to register with the Board of Studies of ICAI at least 4 months before the examination.

Overview—CA Foundation January 2026 Exam

The January 2026 session will be conducted offline and consists of four papers, each carrying 100 marks. Students need a minimum of 40% in each paper and 50% aggregate to pass.

Particular Details
Exam Name CA Foundation
Exam Conducting Body ICAI (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India)
Exam Session January 2026
Frequency Thrice a year (January, May, September)
Mode of Exam Offline (Pen and Paper Based)
Type of Questions Objective and Subjective
Number of Papers 4 Papers
Total Marks 400 Marks
Minimum Passing Marks 40% in each paper and 50% aggregate
Official website icai.org

Enroll Now for CA Foundation Courses

CA Foundation January 2026 Exam Date 

The CA Foundation January 2026 exams will be held on 18th, 20th, 22nd, and 24th January 2026. Registration for the session is open year-round, but students must complete the formalities before the deadlines to avoid late fees.

Particular Details
Commencement of Registration Open throughout the year
Last date for registration for CA Foundation Jan 2026 30th September 2025
Availability of exam form 1st November 2025
Deadline for filling the exam date without a late fee
14th November 2025
Deadline for filling the exam form with a late fee of Rs 600
17th November 2025
Correction window 18th – 20th November 2025
Availability of the admit card To be notified
CA Exam date 18th, 20th, 22nd & 24th January 2026
Announcement of CA result To be notified

Note: Please keep visiting icai.org for the latest updates.

CA Foundation Exam Time table 2026

The CA Foundation exam is conducted over four non-consecutive days. Each paper tests different skills and knowledge areas.

Paper Subjects Exam Date Timing Type
Paper 1 Principles and Practice of Accounting 18th Jan 2026 2 PM–5 PM Subjective
Paper 2 Business Laws and Business Correspondence 20th Jan 2026 2 PM–5 PM Subjective
Paper 3 Business Mathematics and Logical Reasoning & Statistics 22nd Jan 2026 2 PM–4 PM Objective
Paper 4 Business Economics and Business & Commercial Knowledge 24th Jan 2026 2 PM–4 PM Objective

Eligibility Criteria for CA Foundation Jan 2026

To appear in January 2026 session, students must have registered for the CA Foundation course on or before 1st November 2025 and completed at least 4 months of study. Candidates should have passed or appeared in Class 12th from a recognized board.

CA Foundation Exam Form Jan 2026

To appear for the exam, candidates must fill out the CA Foundation exam form online through the official ICAI website. Here's what you need to know:

Steps to Fill the CA Foundation Exam Form:

  • Visit eservices.icai.org
  • Log in with your registered ID and password.
  • Select the “Foundation Exam Form” option.
  • Fill in personal details, select the exam center, and upload required documents.
  • Pay the exam fees online.
  • Submit and download the confirmation page.

Exam Form Fees:

The CA Foundation exam form fees for Jan 2026 vary based on the exam center location. Candidates must pay the prescribed fee while submitting the application form online through the ICAI exam portal before the deadline.

Center Exam Fee
Indian Centres ₹1,500
Kathmandu Centre ₹2,200
Overseas Centres (except Kathmandu) US$ 325

CA Foundation Syllabus 2026

Understanding the syllabus is crucial for smart preparation. The CA Foundation syllabus is divided into four papers:

  • Principles and Practice of Accounting: Basic accounting concepts, journal entries, ledgers, trial balance, partnership accounts, etc.
  • Business Laws and Business Correspondence: Indian Contract Act, Sale of Goods Act, business communication formats, and report writing.
  • Business Mathematics, Logical Reasoning & Statistics: Ratios, equations, probability, permutations & combinations, data interpretation, etc.
  • Business Economics and BCK: Microeconomics concepts, demand & supply, pricing, business environment, and commercial knowledge.

Preparation Tips for CA Foundation Jan 2026

Here are some smart preparation tips to help you crack the exam:

  • Make a daily study plan and stick to it.
  • Focus more on accounting and law, as these are scoring subjects.
  • For math and statistics, practice regularly to gain speed and accuracy.
  • Solve past year papers and mock tests to understand the exam pattern.
  • Stay updated with ICAI announcements for any changes in the exam pattern or syllabus.

Admit Card for CA Foundation Jan 2026

The ICAI usually releases the admit card 10–15 days before the exam. It can be downloaded from the ICAI exam portal using your login credentials.

Details Mentioned on Admit Card:

  • Candidate’s Name
  • Exam Roll Number
  • Exam Center Address
  • Photograph and Signature
  • Exam Dates and Subject Codes

Without the admit card, no candidate will be allowed to enter the examination hall.

CA Foundation Result Sept 2025

The result is generally announced 4 to 6 weeks after the last paper. Students can check their results from the ICAI result portal:

How to Check:

  • Go to icai. nic. in
  • Click on “CA Foundation Result.”
  • Enter your roll number and PIN or registration number.
  • View and download the scorecard.

A minimum of 40% in each paper and 50% overall aggregate is required to pass the CA Foundation exam.

Summary

The CA Foundation January 2026 exams are scheduled on 18th, 20th, 22nd, and 24th January 2026. Registration deadlines, exam form submission, and preparation strategy are crucial to ensure success. Start early, revise regularly, and practice mock tests to maximize your performance.

FAQs

What are the CA Foundation exam dates for January 2026?

ICAI has scheduled the CA Foundation January 2026 exams on 18th, 20th, 22nd, and 24th January 2026.

When will ICAI release the CA Foundation January 2026 admit card?

The admit card is expected to be released in the first or second week of January 2026 on the ICAI exam portal.

What is the last date to register for CA Foundation January 2026?

Students must register with ICAI on or before 30th September 2025 to be eligible for the January 2026 attempt.

What is the last date to submit the exam form for CA Foundation Jan 2026?

The last date without late fee is 14th November 2025, and with a late fee (₹600) it is 17th November 2025.

What are the exam timings for CA Foundation January 2026?

Papers 1 and 2 will be from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, while Papers 3 and 4 will be from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

How many papers are there in the CA Foundation January 2026 exam?

The exam has four papers: Accounting, Business Laws, Mathematics & Statistics, and Economics & BCK.

What is the eligibility criteria for CA Foundation January 2026?

Candidates must have registered with ICAI by 1st November 2025 and completed a 4-month study period, along with passing/appearing in Class 12.

What are the exam fees for CA Foundation January 2026?

The fees are ₹1,500 for Indian centres, ₹2,200 for Kathmandu, and US$ 325 for overseas centres.

When will ICAI declare the CA Foundation January 2026 result?

The result is expected in March 2026, around 4–6 weeks after the last paper.

Which subject is best for CA?

For future chartered accountants (CAs), the best theme to choose in high school is commerce. In particular, subjects such as accounting, business studies, and economics provide a strong base for CA study.