CA Intermediate Exam Pattern Jan 2026, Check ICAI New Format

The CA intermediate exam pattern for Jan 2026 is available on icai.org. Under the CA New Scheme 2024, the exam includes 6 papers, which are divided into two sets, each of which has 3 papers. The examination includes both objective and subjective questions, with a period of 3 hours per paper, each of which has 100 marks.

Therefore, the total marks for the CA Intermediate Examination are 600. To pass the examination, students need to get at least 40% on each paper and a total of 50% in a group. In addition, there is no negative marking on CA intermediate papers. The exam is conducted 3 times a year: in May, September, and January.

CA Intermediate Exam Pattern Jan 2026 Session

The six papers of the offline CA Intermediate exam are further divided into two sections. The CA inter-exam carries a total score of 600 (100 points for each paper). The information provided below can be used by candidates to plan their preparation for the CA inter-exam. According to the updated CA Inter exam format, all six papers for CA Inter Jan 2026 will include 70% descriptive questions and 30% case study-based multiple-choice questions.

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CA Intermediate Exam Pattern Jan 2026

Learn about the Jan 2026 CA Intermediate Exam Pattern. Recognize the Group 1 and Group 2 exam format, marking scheme, and question paper format as announced by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).

Changes in the New Scheme for CA Intermediate Exam Pattern 

ICAI has redesigned the exam pattern in the new scheme, simplifying the process. CA Intermediate and CA Final both now have fewer exams, from 8 to 6. MCQs have also been introduced in all subjects for CA Intermediate and CA Final.

CA Intermediate Marking Scheme Jan 2026 

According to the ICAI CA Intermediate New Scheme, each of the four papers will include both multiple-choice questions (MCQ) and descriptive questions. For MCQs, 30 marks will be allocated, while the remaining 70 marks will be dedicated to descriptive questions. In these letters, MCQs will be worth one or two points, and they are all mandatory. 

Importantly, there will be no internal or external option for MCQs, and there is no negative marking for these questions. In the table below, check for each CA intermediate paper marking scheme and subject-wise marks distribution.

CA Intermediate Passing Marks for Jan 2026

A new modification in the rules of exemption has been brought about in the new scheme by ICAI. According to this modification, documents where students obtain 60 marks or more will be treated as having been permanently passed. To pass successfully, students must get at least 50% in the other papers separately. Also, students can choose to relinquish the exemption provided in the new ICAI scheme voluntarily.

For Direct Entry Candidates: Training Session 

Three training processes are required for candidates who enter through the direct entry and join the CA course. To ultimately get enrolled in the Final program of CA, a candidate has to pass CA Intermediate both in groups, and all three training requirements have to be fulfilled. Compulsory training requirements are as follows:

• Following completion of 6 months (earlier 9 months) of practical training, a candidate can attempt exams of CA Intermediate.
• Before the articleship, four weeks of an integrated course in soft skills and information technology must be completed. It must also include courses such as the OC (Orientation Course) and the Information Technology (IT) Course.
• For two years of practical training, the registration has to be done.

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When it comes to preparing for the hard CA exams, choosing the right test series can make all the difference. caexams.in has emerged as a trusted and result-oriented platform for CA Foundation, Intermediate, and Final aspirants. Here's why it should be your first choice:

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