Get an update on CA Exams 2024 Dates Pattern Syllabus and Eligibility
What are CA Exams?
The CA exams, also known as the ICAI exams, are among the toughest in India and are conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). The CA examination comprises three levels: CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, and CA Final. Upon passing these three exams, students are awarded ICAI membership and become Chartered Accountants (CAs). These exams are held twice a year, during the May/June session and the November/December session.
For the May 2024 exams, ICAI has released the exam dates, forms, and admit cards. According to the schedule, the exam dates for Group 1 are May 3, 5, and 9, 2024, while Group 2 exams are set for May 11, 15, and 17, 2024.
Furthermore, ICAI has announced that the exam forms will be available from February 2 to February 23, 2024. The admit cards will be released in April 2024, and students can download them from the official ICAI website.
In this guide, you will find comprehensive details about the CA exams, including the levels, subjects covered, steps to apply for the exams, exam forms, CA exam dates for 2023, paper patterns, marking schemes, admit cards, VSI mock test series, and results.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | CA or Chartered Accountancy |
| Conducting Body | Institute of Chartered Accountants of India – ICAI |
| Exam Conducting Level | National |
| Frequency | Conducted twice a year |
| Exam Mode | Online/Offline |
| Exam Duration | 03 hours |
| Language | English |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit |
| Exam Levels | 03 (Foundation, Intermediate & Final) |
| Course Duration | 4.5 to 05 years via Foundation route (after the 12th) Direct entry after graduation – 03 years |
| Eligibility Criteria | Must be 12th Pass for CA Foundation |
| Average Fees |
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| Number of Test Cities | 192 Indian cities and 08 Abroad cities |
| Official Website | Icaiexam.icai.org |
Levels of ICAI CA Exams
As previously mentioned, the CA examinations are divided into three levels, detailed below:
CA Foundation Exam – This is the initial step toward becoming a Chartered Accountant. The ICAI conducts the CA Foundation exam twice a year, in June and December. Students must register with the Board of Studies (BoS) after passing their Class X exams and become eligible for the Foundation level after completing their Class 12th exams.
CA Intermediate Exam – The CA Intermediate level is the second stage and consists of two groups, each with four subjects. To be eligible for the CA Intermediate exam, students must either pass the CA Foundation exam or be graduates.
CA Final Exam – This is the final stage in the journey to becoming a Chartered Accountant. Students can register for the CA Final exams during their articleship period, but only after completing both groups of the CA Intermediate level. The CA Final level also includes two groups, each containing four papers.
Eligibility Criteria for CA Exams
CA Foundation Level: Students must pass Class 12 or an equivalent exam from a recognized board. Commerce students need at least 50% marks, while students from other streams require at least 55%.
CA Intermediate Level:
- Foundation Route: Students must pass the CA Foundation exam with at least 50% aggregate marks and 40% in each subject.
- Direct Entry Route: Graduates can directly apply. Commerce graduates need 55% marks, and other stream graduates need 60%.
CA Final Level: Students must pass both groups of the CA Intermediate level and complete at least 2.5 years of articleship training under a certified firm.
ICAI CA Exam Dates 2024 for Foundation, Intermediate, and Final
| CA Foundation Exams: | |
| Paper 1: | September 13, 2024 |
| Paper 2: | September 15, 2024 |
| Paper 3: | September 18, 2024 |
| Paper 4: | September 20, 2024 |
Duration: Papers 1 & 2 – 3 hours each; Papers 3 & 4 – 2 hours each
| CA Intermediate Exams: | |
| Paper 1: | September 12, 2024 |
| Paper 2: | September 14, 2024 |
| Paper 3: | September 17, 2024 |
| Paper 4: | September 19, 2024 |
| Paper 5: | September 21, 2024 |
| Paper 6: | September 23, 2024 |
Duration: 3 hours per paper
| CA Final Exams: | |
| Paper 1: | November 1, 2024 |
| Paper 2: | November 3, 2024 |
| Paper 3: | November 5, 2024 |
| Paper 4: | November 7, 2024 |
| Paper 5: | November 9, 2024 |
| Paper 6: | November 11, 2024 |
Duration: 3 hours per paper
Syllabus & Subjects for the Chartered Accountancy Exams 2024
The following table mentions the subjects and syllabus of all the levels of Chartered Accountancy 2024 exams.
| CA Exam Level | Subjects | Marks |
| CA Foundation Syllabus | Paper 1: Accounting | Total 400 Marks (100 Marks Each) |
| Paper 2: Business Law | ||
| Paper 3: Quantitative Aptitude (A) Business Mathematics (B) Logical Reasoning (C) Statistics |
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| Paper 4: Business Economics | ||
| CA Intermediate Syllabus | Paper 1: Advanced Accounting | Total 600 Marks (100 Marks each) |
| Paper 2: Corporate and Other Laws | ||
| Paper 3: Taxation (A) Income Tax Law (B) Goods and Service Tax |
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| Paper 4: Cost and Management Accounting | ||
| Paper 5: Auditing and Ethics | ||
| Paper 6: Financial Management and Strategic Management (A) Finacial Management (B) Strategic Management |
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| CA Final Syllabus | Paper 1: Financial Reporting | Total 600 Marks (100 Marks Each) |
| Paper 2: Advanced Financial Management | ||
| Paper 3: Advanced Auditing, Assurance & Professional Ethics | ||
| Paper 4: Direct Tax Law & International Taxation | ||
| Paper 5: Indirect Tax Laws | ||
| Paper 6: Integrated Business Solutions (A) Corporate and Economic Laws (B) Strategic Cost & Performance Management |
How to Apply for CA Exams?
- Students can apply for the CA exams from the official ICAI website.
- Visit the e-service portal and fill in the required details.
ICAI CA Exam Form Fees
| CA Exam level | |
|---|---|
| CA Foundation Exam Form | For Indians – Rs. 1500 For Kathmandu – Rs. 2200 For overseas – $325 |
| CA Intermediate Exam Form | For Indians- Both groups- INR 3300, Single group INR 1800 For Kathmandu- Both groups- INR 4000Single Group- INR 2200 For overseas – both groups- USD 550, and Single group- USD 325 |
| CA Final Exam Form | For Indian – Both groups- Rs 2700, Single group Rs 1500 For Kathmandu – Both groups- Rs 3400, Single Group- Rs 2200 For Overseas – both groups- $ 500, and the Single group- $ 325 |
Preparation Tips to Clear the CA Examinations on the First Attempt
To effectively prepare for exams, consider the following tips:
- Complete the Syllabus: Aim to cover the entire syllabus and plan for at least three revisions before the exam.
- Stay Positive and Motivated: Maintain a positive attitude and self-motivation to study consistently.
- Create a Timetable: Develop a study schedule and ensure daily topics are completed before ending each study session.
- Prepare Concise Notes: Make brief notes to aid in efficient revision.
- Take Regular Breaks: After studying for 3-4 hours, take a 30-40 minute break to boost productivity.
- Practice Regularly: Solve previous papers and mock tests to improve answer quality and assess your performance.
FAQs Related to CA Exams
Ques 1. What is the age limit to register for the CA course?
There is no age restriction for students looking to enrol in the CA course.
Ques 2. What is the entrance exam for CA called?
The entrance exam for CA is called the CA Foundation exam.
Ques 3. What are the total marks in the CA exams?
CA Foundation is for 400 marks, CA intermediate is for 600 marks, and CA final exam is for 600 Marks. CA foundation has 04 subjects, and intermediate and final have 08 subjects. Each subject is worth 100 marks.
Ques 4. How many exams are there in Chartered Accountancy?
There are a total of 16 exams in the Chartered Accountancy course. The CA Foundation has 04 exams, whereas the CA intermediate and Finals have 06 papers each.
Ques 5. Which exams are harder between CA and IIT?
CA and IIT are both hard and difficult levels. Both have a 15-20% passing percentage.
Ques 6. Which level of the CA examinations is the toughest to clear?
The CA Final exam is the toughest stage of CA exams.
Ques 7. Can I pursue CA without Maths?
Yes, one can pursue CA without Maths as a subject in class 12th.
Ques 8. How many attempts are there for the CA exams?
The CA Foundation has 06 attempts, CA Intermediate has 08 attempts, and CA Final has 10 attempts.
Ques 9. Which board is ideal for a career in Accountancy?
Candidates must complete Class 12th exams from the central or state board. There is no specific board requirement to appear for the CA foundation after the 12th.