ICAI CA Exam Registration: Step‑by‑Step Guide
Got your eye on the ICAI CA exam? The first move is getting your registration right. A smooth registration saves you time, money, and last‑minute stress. Below is a clear, practical walk‑through that takes you from eligibility check to payment confirmation.
Key Dates & Deadlines
The ICAI releases a registration calendar every year. Typically, the Registration Window opens in June and closes by early August for the November exam, and again in September–October for the May exam. Mark these dates on your phone; missing the window means you’ll wait another six months. Early registration also locks in the lower fee tier, so don’t procrastinate.
Important milestones:
- Online portal opens: First week of June (Nov) or September (May).
- Last date to upload documents: 15‑day buffer before the final deadline.
- Fee payment deadline: Same day as final document submission.
- Admit card release: About 30 days before the exam.
How to Register Online
Step 1: Visit the official ICAI website and click on the “CA Exam Registration” link. Step 2: Create a user ID if you don’t have one; you’ll need your CA roll number and a valid email address. Step 3: Fill in personal details exactly as they appear on your ID proofs – mismatched spellings cause rejection.
Step 4: Choose the exam session (May or November) and select the paper(s) you plan to appear for. Step 5: Upload scanned copies of required documents – ID proof, address proof, passport‑size photo, and your previous qualification certificates. Keep each file under 200 KB and in PDF or JPEG format.
Step 6: Pay the registration fee via net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI. The fee structure is Rs 4,500 for the first attempt and Rs 5,500 for subsequent attempts. After payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a registration number; save it for future reference.
Common Registration Mistakes to Avoid
1. Wrong document size or format – the portal rejects files larger than 200 KB. Resize images before uploading.
2. Inconsistent name spelling – ensure that the name on your ID proof matches exactly with the name you type.
3. Missing deadline buffer – aim to submit everything at least 48 hours before the cut‑off to handle any technical glitches.
4. Skipping the eligibility check – you must have cleared the Intermediate exam or the CA Foundation with the required pass percentage before applying.
5. Ignoring the fee receipt – keep a digital copy of the receipt; you’ll need it to download the admit card.
By staying alert to these issues, you can finish your registration without a hiccup.
Once registered, focus on your study plan. The ICAI portal also offers mock tests and a syllabus download – use them to gauge your readiness. Remember, registration is just the first hurdle; consistent study beats last‑minute cramming every time.
Good luck with your ICAI CA journey. With the right paperwork and timing, the exam day will feel like the next step, not a surprise.
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.