Introduction: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has made significant changes to its examination schedule and registration deadlines for the Foundation and Intermediate courses. Effective May/June 2024, exams will be held thrice a year, offering more flexibility to students. This article delves into the details of these updates and what they mean for aspiring Chartered Accountants.
Detailed Analysis
1. Exam Frequency Changes: Traditionally, ICAI held Intermediate and Foundation course exams twice a year. However, starting from May/June 2024, these exams will now take place three times annually, in May/June, September, and January. This adjustment aims to provide students with more opportunities to clear their exams and progress in their CA journey.
2. Eligibility Criteria: To appear in the Foundation or Intermediate exams, students must fulfill certain eligibility criteria. For the Foundation course, students need to be registered with the Board of Studies for a minimum of four months before the exam month. Similarly, Intermediate course candidates must be registered and undergo a study course for at least eight months before the exam month.
3. Registration Deadlines: The announcement specifies the last dates for registration in both the Foundation and Intermediate courses. For the September 2024 Foundation exam, registration must be completed by May 1, 2024. Similarly, for the January 2025 Intermediate exam, registration deadline is also May 1, 2024.
4. Transitional Arrangements: Students who registered for the Intermediate course either through the Foundation Route or Direct Entry Route by January 1, 2024, are eligible to appear in the September 2024 Intermediate Examination. This provision ensures a smooth transition for existing candidates under the new exam schedule.
5. Registration Process: The article directs students to the Self-Service Portal for registration, providing a convenient and accessible platform for enrolling in the exams.
Conclusion: The updated exam schedule and registration deadlines introduced by ICAI mark a significant shift in the examination process for aspiring Chartered Accountants. By offering exams thrice a year and extending registration deadlines, ICAI aims to enhance flexibility and convenience for students while maintaining the integrity of the CA qualification process. Aspiring candidates are encouraged to take note of these changes and ensure timely registration to stay on track with their CA journey.
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Board of Studies
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
24th April, 2024
Announcement
Re: Cut-off date for enrollment in Foundation /Intermediate Course for appearing in September 2024/ January, 2025 Examinations.
The Institute has decided that from May/June 2024 onwards, Intermediate & Foundation course Examinations will be held thrice in a year in the month of May/June, September and January from the existing practice of twice a year and CA Final course examination will continue to be held twice a year in the month of May and November.
Students who are fulfilling the eligibility criteria for Admission to the Foundation course examination i.e registered with the Board of Studies of the Institute for a minimum period of four months on or before the 1st day of the month in which the examination is held along with other eligibility conditions specified in Regulation 25F and for Intermediate course Examination i.e registered with the Board of Studies of the Institute and produces a certificate to the effect that he has undergone a study course for a period of not less than eight months as on the first day of the month in which the examination is held along with other eligibility conditions specified in Regulation 28G can appear in the next eligible exam.
Students may note that as per the above eligibility criteria –
- the last date for registration in Foundation Course for appearing in September 2024 Examination is 1st May 2024.
- the last date for registration in Intermediate Course for appearing in January 2025 Examination is 1st May 2024 through both the routes.
It may be noted that students who have registered in Intermediate Course either through Foundation Route or Direct Entry Route up to 1st January 2024 are eligible for appearing in September 2024 Intermediate Examination.
For registration, students may visit the Self-Service Portal at https://eservices.icai.org/For registration, students may visit the Self-Service Portal at https://eservices.icai.org/
Joint Director,
Board of Studies
