CA Foundation Syllabus May 2025: Exam Pattern and Structure

Get the latest CA Foundation Syllabus May 2025 exams. Explore the revised subject-wise syllabus and exam pattern and prepare for your CA Foundation exam.

CA Foundation Syllabus May 2025: Organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the CA Foundation syllabus covers important subjects such as taxation, auditing, financial management, and business law. To advance to the CA Intermediate level, aspirants must successfully clear all four papers of the CA Foundation course, which serves as a foundational stepping stone in their chartered accounting journey. 

Although the CA test is demanding at every level, the Foundation syllabus is usually considered the simplest, while the CA Final syllabus is the most challenging. The four papers in the CA Foundation course cover a variety of subjects.

CA Foundation Syllabus May 2025

The CA Foundation Syllabus 2025 is carefully crafted to establish a robust foundation in accounting and business fundamentals, comprising four pivotal papers:

  • Paper-1: Principles and Practice of Accounting
  • Paper-2: Business Laws and Business Correspondence
  • Paper-3: Quantitative Aptitude and Business Mathematics
  • Paper-4: Business Economics and Business and Commercial Knowledge

Each paper seamlessly integrates theoretical concepts with practical applications, emphasizing analytical skills, conceptual clarity, and problem-solving abilities. Following ICAI's structured syllabus, students acquire a comprehensive understanding, setting the stage for a successful CA journey. 

Highlights of the CA Foundation Syllabus May 2025

The CA Foundation 2025 exam comprises four papers, each carrying 100 marks. To help candidates prepare for the CA Foundation Sept 2025 exam, we have summarized the exam pattern in the table below:

CA Foundation Syllabus 2025 Highlights
Particulars Details
Examination name CA Foundation exam
Exam conducting body The Institute Of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
Exam mode Pen-paper-based or offline
Exam frequency Thrice a year
January, May/June, or September
Exam Level National Level
Exam difficulty Easy to moderate
Number of paper 4
Paper names Paper 1: Principles and Practice of Accounting
Paper 2: Business Laws and Business Correspondence and Reporting
Paper 3: Business Mathematics, Logical Reasoning and Statistics
Paper 4: Business Economics and Business and Commercial Knowledge
Exam duration 3 hours for Paper 1 and Paper 2
2 hours for Paper 3 and Paper 4.
Maximum marks for each paper 100
Total marks for all 4 papers 400
Marking scheme There will be no negative marking in Papers 1 and 2, as questions will be descriptive. However, ¼ mark will be deducted for every wrong answer in Paper 3 and Paper 4, as questions will be multiple-choice.
Medium of exam English/Hindi except section B for Paper 2

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CA Foundation Exam Pattern for May 2025

Check the CA Foundation 2025 exam structure and marking scheme in the table below:

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

CA Foundation Syllabus 2025 Paper-wise 2025

The CA Foundation exam syllabus for May 2025 encompasses a comprehensive range of topics, which are outlined below, corresponding to each of the four papers:

Paper 1: Accounting 

This paper focuses on laying a solid foundation in accounting principles and concepts, empowering you to prepare financial statements, resolve accounting issues, and apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. Here's a detailed overview of the CA Foundation syllabus (new scheme) for Paper 1.

CA Foundation Syllabus May 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 

The primary objective of Paper 2 is to equip students with a complete understanding of key business laws, enabling them to analyze and apply legal principles to real-world business scenarios and develop practical problem-solving skills.

CA Foundation Syllabus May 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 

The purpose of this section is to assist you in understanding basic statistical and mathematical ideas and how they apply to business, finance, and economics. It also emphasizes developing your logical thinking skills and applying them to solve simple situations. An outline of the CA Foundation curriculum (new scheme) for Paper 3 may be found below:

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 

Business Economics is covered in detail in Paper 4 of the CA Foundation exam. Helping you understand the fundamental ideas and theories of business economics and how to apply them to resolve common issues is the major goal here.

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 Syllabus May 2025 Preparation Tips 

Follow these preparation tips to do excellent in the CA Foundation Exam May 2025. 

  • Master the Syllabus: Keep up to date with the CA Foundation syllabus; explore each subject to understand the scope of topics covered.
  • Start your preparation early: Avoid last-minute cramming! Begin your CA Foundation exam prep as early as possible to allow ample time for revision and practice.
  • Leverage Reliable Study Materials: Utilize ICAI's official study materials, tailored specifically for the exam. Supplement with trusted textbooks to reinforce your understanding.
  • Practice with Mock Tests: Simulate the actual exam experience with ICAI's mock tests. Assess your readiness, identify areas for improvement, and refine your performance.

By following these strategic tips, you'll be well prepared to tackle the CA Foundation syllabus 2025 and achieve success.

FAQs

What is the CA Foundation exam syllabus for May 2025?

The CA Foundation exam syllabus for May 2025 comprises four papers: Principles and Practice of Accounting, Business Laws, Quantitative Aptitude, and Business Economics. These papers cover various aspects of accounting, law, mathematics, and economics. The syllabus is designed to test the candidate's knowledge, skills, and aptitude.

Is the CA Foundation syllabus the same for May 2025 and November 2025?

Yes, the CA Foundation syllabus remains the same for both the May 2025 and November 2025 exams. ICAI periodically updates the syllabus, but the changes are not exam-specific. Candidates can refer to the same syllabus for both exams.

How many papers are there in the CA Foundation exam in May 2025?

The CA Foundation exam in May 2025 has four papers, each worth 100 marks. The papers are designed to test the candidate's knowledge, skills, and aptitude in various areas of accounting, law, mathematics, and economics.

What is the duration of each paper in the CA Foundation exam in May 2025?

Each paper in the CA Foundation exam May 2025 is of 3 hours duration. Candidates are required to complete each paper within the allotted time. The exam is conducted in offline mode.

Is there any negative marking in the CA Foundation exam 2025?

No, there is no negative marking in the CA Foundation exam May 2025. Candidates are awarded marks for correct answers, and no marks are deducted for incorrect answers.

Can I appear for the CA Foundation exam in May without coaching?

Yes, you can appear for the CA Foundation exam in May 2025 without coaching. However, it is recommended to take coaching from a reputable institute to improve your chances of success. Coaching institutes provide guidance, study materials, and mock tests.

How can I download the CA Foundation exam syllabus for May 2025?

You can download the CA Foundation exam syllabus for May 2025 from the official ICAI website. The syllabus is available in PDF format and can be downloaded for free.

What are the passing marks for the CA Foundation exam in May 2025?

To pass the CA Foundation exam in May 2025, you need to secure at least 40% marks in each paper and an aggregate of 50% marks in all four papers. Candidates who meet these criteria are declared pass.

Can I appear for the CA Foundation exam in May 2025 if I have not completed my 12th standard?

No, you are not eligible to appear for the CA Foundation exam in May 2025 if you have not completed your 12th standard. Candidates must have passed the 12th standard examination to be eligible for the CA Foundation exam.

How can I get the study materials for the CA Foundation May 2025?

You can get the study materials for the CA Foundation exam May 2025 from the official ICAI website or from a reputable bookstore. ICAI provides study materials, including textbooks, guides, and practice manuals, to help candidates prepare for the exam.