ICAI News – The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has officially released ICAI Guidance Notes for the Jan 2026 CA Examinations. These guidance notes are issued for CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, and CA Final students and are meant to help candidates complete exam formalities correctly and avoid last-minute issues.
The ICAI Guidance Notes clearly explain eligibility rules, exam form dates, fees, exam pattern, admit card details, & important instructions that every student must follow.
What Are ICAI Guidance Notes?
ICAI Guidance Notes are official instruction documents released by ICAI. They guide students on:
- Who is eligible for the Jan 2026 exams
- How and when to fill the exam form
- Exam dates, timings, and paper pattern
- Admit card rules
- Fee structure and refund policy
- MCQ and descriptive paper format
- Special rules for exemptions and disabilities
These notes are mandatory to read before filling the exam form.
Key Highlights from ICAI Guidance Notes – Jan 2026
1. Exam Form Filling
- Exam forms must be filled online only through the Self Service Portal (SSP).
- Start date for exam forms: 3 November 2025
- Last date without late fee: 16 November 2025
- Last date with late fee: 19 November 2025
2. Admit Card
- Admit cards will be available around 14 days before exams
- No physical admit card will be sent
- Download only from SSP
3. Exam Pattern
- All CA exams will follow a MCQ + descriptive pattern
- MCQs carry 30% weightage
- No negative marking
- CA Final Paper 6 is an open-book case study paper
4. Eligibility Rules
- Registration validity is mandatory on the exam form date
- Course conversion to the new scheme must be completed
- Articleship and study period rules must be fulfilled as per the level
5. Examination Fees
- Fees vary for Foundation, Intermediate, and Final levels
- Late fee applies after 16 November 2025
- Refund allowed only for failed or duplicate transactions
Why ICAI Guidance Notes Are Important
The ICAI Guidance Notes help students:
- Avoid rejection of exam forms
- Understand the latest exam structure
- Know exact eligibility conditions
- Stay updated with Jan 2026 exam rules
- Prevent technical mistakes on SSP
Students are strongly advised to read the complete ICAI Guidance Notes before applying.
ICAI has clearly stated that non-compliance with guidance notes may lead to exam form rejection or admit card issues. Every CA aspirant appearing in Jan 2026 should follow the ICAI Guidance Notes line by line to ensure a smooth exam process. For accurate updates, candidates should regularly check ICAI’s official portals and notifications.
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