CA Foundation Schedule: Key Dates and Simple Planning Tips
If you’re gearing up for the CA Foundation, the first thing you need is a clear schedule. Knowing when registration opens, when the exam is held, and when results come out helps you build a realistic study plan. Below we break down the most important dates for the current cycle and share easy ways to turn that timetable into a daily study guide.
Important Dates to Remember
Registration start: The ICAI usually opens online registration in August. Mark the exact date on your calendar as soon as it’s announced – spots fill up fast and you’ll need a confirmed roll number to apply for the exam.
Last date to submit documents: After you register, you have about two weeks to upload your photograph, signature, and any required certificates. Missing this deadline can delay your application.
Exam window: The CA Foundation exams are conducted in two sessions every year – May‑June and November‑December. Each session spans three consecutive days, covering four papers. Check the official ICAI portal for the exact day numbers; they often fall on a Thursday‑Saturday block.
Result announcement: Results are typically released 45‑60 days after the exam ends. The ICAI posts them on the website, and you can download the PDF using your roll number.
Re‑registration (if needed): If you have to appear again, the next registration window opens a few months before the subsequent exam session. Keep the cycle in mind so you don’t scramble at the last minute.
How to Use the Schedule Effectively
1. Create a backward study plan. Start from the exam date and count back the number of weeks you have. Allocate each week to a specific paper or topic, leaving the last two weeks for revision and mock tests.
2. Set weekly goals. Break down the syllabus into bite‑size chunks. Write down what you’ll finish each week and tick it off. This keeps you motivated and prevents last‑minute cramming.
3. Sync with a digital calendar. Enter every ICAI deadline – registration, document upload, fee payment – as an event with reminders set a day before. Calendar alerts help you avoid costly mistakes.
4. Plan buffer days. Life throws surprises. Reserve at least two days each month as “catch‑up” slots. If you fall behind, you have a built‑in safety net.
5. Use official mock tests. The ICAI releases practice papers a few weeks before the exam. Slot these into your schedule as real test days (same time, same environment). Treat them as a rehearsal.
6. Review the schedule weekly. Every Sunday, glance at your calendar. Adjust any tasks that slipped or moved ahead. Small tweaks keep the plan realistic.
Following the official CA Foundation schedule isn’t just about remembering dates; it’s about turning those dates into a roadmap that guides your daily study. When you combine the timetable with a simple, disciplined plan, the exam feels less like a hurdle and more like a series of manageable steps.
Ready to lock in the dates? Head to the ICAI website, download the latest schedule, and start penciling in your study blocks today. With the right timing and a clear plan, you’ll walk into the exam hall confident and prepared.
CA January 2026 Exam Datesheet Unveiled: Timetable, Fees & Registration Tips
ICAI has rolled out the complete January 2026 CA exam timetable covering Foundation, Intermediate and Final levels. Registration opens on November 3, 2025 with early and late fee deadlines. The schedule skips Jan 14 for major festivals and lists specific paper dates and durations. Fees range from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,700 per group, and a 40% per paper, 50% aggregate passing rule applies.