ICAI CA Foundation Exam September 2026: Complete Guide to Registration, Fees and Exam Dates
Introduction
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has officially released the detailed guidance note and examination schedule for the CA Foundation Examination - September 2026. This comprehensive announcement provides vital clarity on eligibility criteria, application timelines, examination schedules, fees, admit card issuance, and structural guidelines for all aspiring Chartered Accountants.
Students planning to appear in the September 2026 term must ensure that their registration profiles, foundational educational qualifications, photographs, signatures, and essential credentials are fully updated and validated on the official Self Service Portal (SSP) before generating an application.
Who Is Eligible for the CA Foundation September 2026 Exam?
According to the structural guidelines outlined by ICAI, a candidate must satisfy the following criteria to qualify for the upcoming September cycle:
- Course Registration Deadline: Candidates must have successfully registered for the Foundation Course on or before 1 May 2026, or they should have completed their conversion from the Common Proficiency Test (CPT) to the Foundation Course prior to filing the examination form.
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have either successfully cleared their Class 12 Senior Secondary Examination from a recognized board or appeared in the Class 12 Board Exams this year.
Important Dates: CA Foundation September 2026
Filing schedules are bound to strict deadlines. Ensure you complete your application workflow within the official timelines provided below:
| Event | Official Timeline |
|---|---|
| Last Date for Foundation Registration | 1 May 2026 |
| Online Exam Form Window Opens | 6 July 2026 (10:00 AM IST) |
| Last Date to Apply (Without Late Fee) | 19 July 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply (With Late Fee) | 22 July 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | 23 July 2026 to 25 July 2026 |
Note: ICAI has explicitly clarified that absolutely no examination application forms or processing overrides will be entertained after 22 July 2026 under any circumstance.
CA Foundation September 2026 Exam Schedule
The centralized pen-and-paper examinations will be held systematically across designated national testing centers in India as well as select overseas locations:
| Paper | Subject / Domain | Date of Examination |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Accounting | 2 September 2026 |
| Paper 2 | Business Laws | 5 September 2026 |
| Paper 3 | Quantitative Aptitude | 7 September 2026 |
| Paper 4 | Business Economics | 9 September 2026 |
Paper Duration and Reading Allowances:
- Papers 1 & 2: 3 Hours duration. Candidates will be granted an additional 15 minutes of advance reading time prior to writing.
- Papers 3 & 4: 2 Hours duration. No advanced reading allocation is permitted for these objective assessments.
Examination Fees & Payment Gateways
The standard examination fee structure structured across varied regional blocks stands as follows:
- Centers inside India: ₹1,500
- Kathmandu Center: ₹2,200
- Bahrain and Dubai Centers: US$325
Admit Card Access and Correction Facility
The physical delivery of hallway passes has been entirely discontinued. Digital admit cards will be hosted seamlessly on the portal approximately 14 days prior to the commencement of the first paper. Candidates must check and download their copy using their SSP portal credentials.
In case an error was made during application entry, a free correction window for modifying chosen examination centers or languages/mediums will remain accessible from 23 July to 25 July 2026. Only a single correction submittal is permitted per candidate profile.
Examination Pattern and Passing Criteria
The entry-level curriculum tests students for an aggregate valuation of 400 total marks across four papers. Papers 3 and 4 follow an objective format containing multiple-choice questions (MCQs), carrying a strict **negative marking penalty of 0.25 (one-fourth) mark** for every wrong answer.
To successfully pass the CA Foundation assessment, a candidate must clear both of the following performance benchmarks in a single attempt:
- Secure a minimum threshold of 40 marks individually in each of the four separate papers.
- Secure a cumulative minimum of 50% marks in aggregate across all four papers combined.
Candidates demonstrating exceptional command by hitting an aggregate score of 70% or above will be officially awarded a "Pass with Distinction" credential on their results.
Important Advice for Candidates
To prevent heavy server traffic constraints during the final hours, ICAI encourages students to initialize their forms well ahead of the mid-July curve. Check your profile photo, sign dimensions, and store a permanent digital copy of the barcoded application sheet for tracking purposes.
Please remember that smartwatches, mobile phones, and unapproved electronic tools are strictly prohibited in the testing zones. Carrying any such items can lead to immediate disqualification under Unfair Means (UFM) protocols.
