The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has officially announced that the registration window for the CA January 2026 Session exams will open on November 3, 2025. This applies to all levels — Foundation, Intermediate, Final, and relevant Post-Qualification / Assessment Tests. Aspirants must stay alert and complete their registration within specified deadlines to avoid late fees and complications.
📅 Important Dates & Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | November 3, 2025 |
| Last Date (Without Late Fee) | November 16, 2025 |
| Last Date (With Late Fee) | November 19, 2025 |
| Correction Window (City / Medium) | November 20-22, 2025 |
Candidates who miss the November 16 deadline can still apply by paying a late fee until November 19. After that, no registrations are accepted.
🏛 Exam Schedule for January 2026 Session
ICAI has also released the exam dates for all CA levels in January 2026. The schedule is as follows:
Final & Intermediate Exams: January 5 to January 17, 2026 (split into Group I and Group II)
Foundation Exams: January 18, 20, 22, and 24, 2026
Note: No exam will be held on January 14, 2026 owing to regional festival observances (Makar Sankranti / Pongal / Magha Bihu)
Timings: Usually 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm for most papers, with some papers (Paper 6 in Final, International Taxation Assessment Test) extended to 4 hours (2:00 pm to 6:00 pm).
With these dates in hand, candidates can map their revision and study plan accordingly.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility norms:
Foundation Level
Must have passed Class 12 (10 + 2) from a recognized board.
Some may have provisional registration if you are appearing for Class 12 in the same year (depending on ICAI rules).
Intermediate Level
Must have passed CA Foundation or be eligible through exemption (graduates / postgraduates with specified percentage) — exact exemptions as per ICAI rules.
Final Level
Must have passed Intermediate and met applicable training / articleship requirements.
Others (INTT-AT, IRM, etc.)
For post-qualification assessments or special tests (e.g. International Taxation, Risk Management), registered members or relevant candidates are eligible.
Always refer to the official notification / PDF on the ICAI website for detailed eligibility criteria for your specific level, as there may be additional criteria or updates.
🛠 How to Register / Apply Online: Step-by-Step
Here’s a streamlined process to complete your registration:
Visit ICAI / SSP Portal
Go to ICAI’s official website (icai.org) or the Self Service Portal (SSP) — eservices.icai.org.
If you don’t have an SSP account, first register / activate it.
Login with Username & Password
Use your SRN / registration number and password to log in.
Locate “Apply for CA Jan 2026 Exams”
Under the “Examinations / Application for Examination” section, you’ll find the link when registration opens.
Fill the Application Form
Choose your level (Foundation / Intermediate / Final).
Select group(s) (Group I, Group II, or both).
Select exam centre and medium (Hindi / English).
Provide personal, educational, and registration details.
Upload Documents
Upload your photograph, signature, and other mandatory documents in prescribed formats (as per ICAI guidelines).
Pay the Examination Fee
Pay online using net banking, credit / debit card, or other RBI / payment gateway modes.
Fee differs by level, number of groups, and whether in India or overseas centres.
Submit the Form & Take PDF / Print
After verifying all details, submit.
Download / print confirmation, application form PDF, and receipt.
Use Correction Window if Needed
Between November 20–22, 2025, limited edits (exam city, paper medium) can be made.
⚠️ Important Points & Tips
Meet deadlines: No submissions will be accepted after November 19, 2025.
Select exam centre carefully: Consider travel logistics and local conditions.
Choose medium wisely: Once selected, corrections may be limited.
Check fee & currency: For overseas centres, fee may be in USD.
Save backup: Keep screenshots / PDF copies of all submitted forms and payment receipts.
Double-check eligibility: Incorrect applications may lead to rejection.
Use correction window if necessary, but avoid relying completely on corrections — fill carefully.
📌 Why This Matters
Early registration by ICAI gives students ample time to prepare logistics, deadlines, and plan strategy. Knowing the timings and exam schedule ahead enables better time allocation, revision planning, and avoiding last-minute rush. Many aspirants depend on accurate registration to secure their registration slot in preferred centres.
If you like, I can also prepare a PDF guide with direct links, exam fee tables, and checklists for Foundation / Intermediate / Final levels for January 2026 — would you like me to send that?
