ICAI News – The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has released the ICAI guidance notes for the January 2026 CA Final, Inter & Foundation examinations. These guidance notes include exam form rules, important dates, eligibility, paper schedules & mandatory requirements students must follow to avoid last-minute rejection.
Exam Form Dates for Jan 2026
- Start date for form: 03 November 2025
- Last date without late fee: 16 November 2025
- Last date with late fee ₹600 / $10: 19 November 2025
- Admit cards released 14 days before exams on SSP (Self Service Portal). No physical admit card will be sent.
Where to Apply
All students must apply only online using SSP at eservices.icai.org and must not open multiple exam sessions on the same device while filling the form.
Key Requirements Before Filling Form
Students should ensure:
- Valid SSP login and updated photo & signature
- Correct course registration status
- Clear browser cache before filling the form
- Internet speed is stable, use laptop/desktop only
- PDF of submitted form must be saved for records
CA Final Guidance Notes
- Must complete Articleship as per allowed timelines
- Must complete Advanced ICITSS on or before 10 Dec 2025
- Paper 6 (Integrated Business Solutions) is open book, 4 hours
- All Final Papers now include 30% MCQs, 70% descriptive
- No negative marking for MCQs
ICAI CA Intermediate Guidance Notes
- Must be registered on or before 1 May 2025
- Exam includes 30% MCQs, 70% descriptive
- Paper 3 and 6 have 2 separate answer booklets per section
- No negative marking for MCQs
- Group exemption rules apply
CA Foundation Guidance Notes
- Must register on or before 1 Sept 2025
- Class 12 marksheet or admit card must be uploaded before 1 Dec 2025
- No concept of exemption in Foundation
- Papers 3 & 4 are 2 hours, Papers 1 & 2 are 3 hours
- All papers include MCQs, no negative marking
Exam Mode & Cities
ICAI will conduct exams in India and select international centres including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat, Kathmandu, Kuwait, Riyadh, Bahrain, Thimpu, etc., depending on student availability.
The ICAI guidance notes clearly show that forms must be filled carefully, eligibility must be verified early, and all documents must be updated on SSP to avoid rejection.
Your next attempt can be your last — plan smart, file early, and follow the ICAI guidance notes step by step!
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