The ICAI CA Exam Schedule for September 2025 is officially live, and it’s a big deal for future Chartered Accountants across India and beyond. If you’re hustling through late-night study marathons or planning your first crack at the CA journey, this article is your all-in-one guide to succeed.
Whether you’re aiming for the Foundation, Intermediate, or Final level, we’ve broken everything down in simple, real-talk language that’s helpful for both a 10-year-old and a finance pro. Let’s dive into dates, prep tips, career scope, and more.
The Evolving CA Exam
The ICAI CA examination has undergone significant changes over the years, adapting to the dynamic needs of the finance world. Historically, the emphasis might have been more on theoretical knowledge and traditional accounting practices. However, the current scheme places a stronger focus on practical application, case studies, and integrated business solutions. For instance, the number of papers at the Intermediate and Final levels has been streamlined from eight to six, and MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) have been integrated into all subjects, promoting a more holistic and dynamic assessment. This evolution ensures that newly qualified CAs are well-equipped to tackle modern financial challenges.
ICAI CA Exam Schedule September 2025
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Authority | ICAI – Institute of Chartered Accountants of India |
| Exam Name | ICAI CA Exam (Foundation, Intermediate, Final) |
| Exam Month | September 2025 |
| Application Period | July 5 to July 18, 2025 (without late fee) |
| Late Fee Window | July 19–21, 2025 |
| Correction Window | July 22–24, 2025 |
| Foundation Exam Dates | September 16, 18, 20, 22, 2025 |
| Intermediate Exam Dates | Group I: Sept 4, 7, 9; Group II: Sept 11, 13, 15 |
| Final Exam Dates | Group I: Sept 3, 6, 8; Group II: Sept 10, 12, 14 |
| Admit Card Release | One week before exams |
| Official Portal | https://eservices.icai.org |
The ICAI CA September 2025 Exam Schedule is more than just a timetable—it’s your wake-up call to take action. With precise dates, preparation tools, past trends, and career forecasts, now’s the best time to strategize and own your CA journey.
This isn’t just another test—it’s your launchpad into a high-impact career. So put your phone on Do Not Disturb, crack open those ICAI modules, and let’s get to work.
What Is the ICAI CA Exam?
The CA (Chartered Accountancy) exam is India’s most elite and challenging professional certification in accounting and finance. It’s often compared to the US CPA, the UK’s ACCA, and Australia’s CA ANZ, but it’s uniquely rigorous with its tiered structure.
Here’s the basic flow:
- Foundation (beginner level)
- Intermediate (think “undergrad level” but harder)
- Final (the big boss of finance exams)
It’s not just a qualification—it’s a badge of honor in the world of business.
ICAI CA Exam Dates – September 2025
CA Final
| Group | Dates | Time |
|---|---|---|
| I | Sept 3, 6, 8 | 2 PM – 5 PM |
| II | Sept 10, 12, 14 | Paper 6: 2–6 PM |
CA Intermediate
| Group | Dates | Time |
|---|---|---|
| I | Sept 4, 7, 9 | 2 PM – 5 PM |
| II | Sept 11, 13, 15 | 2 PM – 5 PM |
CA Foundation
| Paper | Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sept 16 | 2 PM – 5 PM |
| 2 | Sept 18 | 2 PM – 5 PM |
| 3 | Sept 20 | 2 PM – 4 PM |
| 4 | Sept 22 | 2 PM – 4 PM |
Historical Pass Percentages (2019–2024)
| Year | Foundation | Intermediate | Final |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 29.5% | 15.8% | 9.7% |
| 2023 | 30.7% | 12.9% | 8.3% |
| 2022 | 25.2% | 14.2% | 10.2% |
| 2021 | 26.9% | 13.3% | 6.7% |
| 2020 | 35.1% | 18.1% | 10.8% |
How to Register
- Go to: https://eservices.icai.org
- Sign up/login with your ICAI SSP ID
- Choose your exam (Foundation/Inter/Final)
- Upload scanned documents
- Pay online
- Save your receipt & application confirmation
Top Tools & Resources for CA Prep
- Books:
- Taxmann, Grewal, ICAI Modules
- YouTube Channels:
- CA Ravi Taori, CA Neeraj Arora, CA Praveen Jindal
- Mobile Apps:
- CA Foundation Hub, ICAI BOS, Unacademy CA
- Practice Portals:
- BosLive, ICAI Cloud Campus
Real-Life Success Story
Sonal Jain, a small-town aspirant from Indore, cracked CA Final in her third attempt. She’s now a Financial Analyst at KPMG earning ₹18 lakh annually. Her advice?
“Stick to your ICAI material. Trust the process. And take breaks—mental health is just as important as marks.”
CA Exam Levels at a Glance
Confused about the different CA exam levels? This table breaks down what each stage entails:
| Feature | CA Foundation | CA Intermediate | CA Final |
| Purpose | Entry-level exam, builds basic knowledge | Builds upon foundational knowledge, covers core areas | Advanced level, tests expertise and professional competence |
| Eligibility | After Class 12th | After clearing Foundation or Direct Entry (Graduates) | After clearing both groups of Intermediate & Articleship |
| No. of Papers | 4 papers | 6 papers (2 groups of 3 each) | 6 papers (2 groups of 3 each) |
| Exam Frequency | Three times a year (Jan, May/June, Sep) | Three times a year (Jan, May/June, Sep) | Twice a year (May, Nov) |
| Pass Marks | 40% in each paper, 50% aggregate overall | 40% in each paper, 50% aggregate per group | 40% in each paper, 50% aggregate per group |
Career Opportunities After CA
Roles:
- Internal Auditor
- Financial Controller
- Tax Consultant
- CFO
- Investment Banker (with CFA/CPA)
Industries:
- Tech (Google, Amazon)
- Finance (Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan)
- Government (RBI, SEBI)
- Startups & NGOs
Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping mock exams
- Relying only on coaching notes
- Poor time management
- Ignoring ICAI RTPs and MTPs
- Cramming all revisions last minute
CA vs. CPA vs. ACCA
| Feature | CA (India) | CPA (USA) | ACCA (UK) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 4–5 years | 1–2 years | 2–3 years |
| Global Recognition | High (Asia) | Very High | High (Europe/Asia) |
| Avg Salary (INR) | ₹7–24 LPA | ₹50L+ (converted) | ₹10–20 LPA |
| Entry Requirements | 12th / B.Com | Graduate + 150cr | 10+2 / B.Com |
FAQs
Q1. Can I change my group or center later?
Yes, during the correction window (July 22–24, 2025).
Q2. Is there a cap on how many attempts I can take?
No official cap, but your registration is valid for a limited period (3 years for Final).
Q3. Do I need coaching to pass?
Not mandatory. Many students clear with self-study and ICAI materials alone.
Q4. Can I apply for campus placement after passing CA?
Yes, ICAI organizes placement drives.
Q5. Is CA valid outside India?
Yes, especially in UAE, UK, and Canada. Combine with CPA for best global scope.
