The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, or ICAI, conducts the CA Foundation, Intermediate and Final exams. From the January 2027 cycle, candidates for Foundation and Intermediate have a chance to appear in January, which gives students more flexibility in planning their CA journey. News reports say ICAI announced the schedule in September 2026, and the exam form window is open for a short period in November.
This guide explains the January 2027 exam dates reported for CA Foundation and Intermediate, the form window, a basic overview of the pattern and passing rules, a last-weeks study plan and some practical tips for exam day. Last checked: 14 November 2026. Sources differ on one date related to the form (the last date with or without late fee), and the CA Final January 2027 schedule is not covered in the sources I found, so please verify every date, fee and rule on the official ICAI websites (icai.org and eservices.icai.org) before you act.
CA January 2027: Key Dates (Verify on icai.org)
| Item | What reports say |
|---|---|
| Schedule announcement | Reported on 23 September 2026 |
| Exam form window | Reported as 3 November to 16 November 2026; another source mentions a different cut-off, so check the official portal |
| CA Foundation papers | 3, 5, 7 and 9 January 2027 (afternoon session) |
| CA Intermediate Group I | 2, 4 and 6 January 2027 |
| CA Intermediate Group II | 8, 10 and 12 January 2027 |
| Timings | One source reports 2 pm to 5 pm for Intermediate papers; some Foundation papers are shorter. Confirm in the schedule and on your admit card |
| CA Final | Not covered in the January 2027 announcement I found; check ICAI for the Final schedule |
Because the form window is short and may close within days, check the official portal today if you plan to appear in January.
CA Foundation: Subjects and Pattern (Verify in the ICAI Scheme)
| Paper | Subject | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Accounting | Descriptive |
| Paper 2 | Business Laws | Descriptive |
| Paper 3 | Quantitative Aptitude | Objective (multiple-choice) |
| Paper 4 | Business Economics | Objective (multiple-choice) |
In the recent scheme, each paper carries 100 marks, and candidates are required to score the minimum marks in each paper and in aggregate as per ICAI rules. Objective papers may have negative marking. Check the current ICAI rules for passing marks, negative marking and exemptions.
CA Intermediate: Groups and Papers (Verify in the ICAI Scheme)
| Group | Papers (as commonly listed) |
|---|---|
| Group I | Advanced Accounting, Corporate and Other Laws, Taxation |
| Group II | Cost and Management Accounting, Auditing and Ethics, Financial Management and Strategic Management |
Candidates can appear for one or both groups as per ICAI rules. Read our guide on how to become a chartered accountant after 12th for the full journey: Foundation, Intermediate, articleship and Final.
Who Can Appear? Basics (Verify With ICAI)
- Foundation: students who have registered for the Foundation course and meet the eligibility conditions, usually after passing Class 10 or Class 12 as per the registration route
- Intermediate: students who have passed Foundation or are eligible through direct entry routes as per ICAI rules and have completed the required period of study
- Specific rules on registration validity, gap between registration and exam and attempts are given in the ICAI regulations
If you are unsure about your eligibility, check the ICAI website or contact your regional council.
How to Fill the Exam Form
- Log in to the official ICAI student portal (SSP) with your registration details.
- Select the exam form for January 2027 and choose the level and groups.
- Choose your exam centre from the available options.
- Check the details and pay the exam fee online.
- Download the acknowledgement and keep it safe.
- Download the admit card when released and verify all details.
If you miss the first window, check whether a late-fee window is available. Do not wait until the last day.
A Last-Weeks Study Plan Before 2 January 2027
| Period | Focus |
|---|---|
| Now to 25 November | Finish the syllabus once; solve past papers topic-wise |
| 26 November to 15 December | Full revision with RTPs, MTPs and exam-style questions |
| 16 to 28 December | Mock tests in exam timing and answer writing practice |
| 29 December to 1 January | Light revision, short notes, formulas and case laws; rest and travel planning |
Adjust the plan according to your group and strengths. In the last week, focus on revision, not new topics.
Answer Writing and Time Management
- Read the question carefully and answer all parts in the given order.
- Use proper headings, working notes and neat tables for accounting and cost questions.
- Quote sections, case laws and standards correctly in law and audit papers.
- Attempt the questions you know best first to build confidence.
- Keep ten minutes to review and add missing working notes.
Subject Tips for Foundation
Accounting and Business Laws
Practise journal entries, ledgers and final accounts daily. In business laws, learn the key sections with simple examples.
Quantitative Aptitude and Business Economics
For quant, revise formulas and practise speed. For economics, learn definitions, diagrams and examples, and solve multiple-choice questions regularly.
Subject Tips for Intermediate
Advanced accounting needs practice of standards-based problems. For taxation, keep updated with the applicable assessment year and amendments given by ICAI. For auditing and law papers, learn important provisions and standards with examples. For costing and financial management, practise numerical problems carefully and memorise formulas.
Documents and Exam-Day Checklist
- Admit card and valid photo ID
- Required stationery as allowed by ICAI
- Registration and acknowledgement printouts, if needed
- Reach the centre early and follow instructions
- Avoid carrying electronic devices not allowed
What If You Plan for May 2027 Instead?
If you cannot prepare well for January, consider the next exam window. The sources I found did not give confirmed May 2027 dates, so watch the ICAI announcements. Use the extra time to cover weak chapters, join a test series and write many full papers. Read our guide on CA vs CS vs CMA if you are comparing professional courses.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the exam form window
- Relying on unofficial dates and cut-offs
- Studying new topics in the last days
- Not writing full-length papers in exam time
- Ignoring ICAI announcements and amendments
- Neglecting rest and health
Using RTPs, MTPs and Past Papers Effectively
ICAI publishes Revision Test Papers (RTPs), Mock Test Papers (MTPs) and past papers with suggested answers. These are very useful in the last weeks. Solve them in exam timing and compare your answers with the suggested solutions. Note how marks are given for steps, working notes and presentation. Repeat questions you got wrong after a few days. This process teaches you what examiners expect and where you usually lose marks.
| Resource | How to use it |
|---|---|
| RTP | Revise the syllabus with updated questions and amendments |
| MTP | Take as a mock test in exam conditions |
| Past papers | Practise question patterns and time management |
| Study material | Use for concept clarity and standard formats |
Staying Healthy During the Exam Period
A tough exam schedule can be tiring. Sleep seven to eight hours, eat on time and take short walks. Avoid last-minute all-nighters, because tired students make more mistakes in numerical papers. Talk to friends or family if you feel anxious. Remember that CA is a long journey and one attempt does not define your future.
- Keep a regular sleep schedule even in exam week.
- Carry water and a light snack to the exam centre if allowed.
- Avoid discussing papers right after each exam.
- Use gap days for focused revision of the next paper.
Articleship, Registration and Planning the Next Steps
After clearing Intermediate, CA students usually begin articleship training under a practising chartered accountant, as per ICAI rules. Plan your registration for articleship and check the rules on eligibility, stipend and duration. During articleship, balance work and study for Final. Many students also use this period to learn tools such as accounting software, spreadsheets and data analysis. A clear plan for the next stage helps you stay focused after the January exams.
- Check ICAI rules for articleship registration and the required documents.
- Start preparing your resume and apply to firms in advance.
- Keep your marksheets and certificates safe and organised.
- Plan study hours for Final alongside your training schedule.
Final Thoughts
The January 2027 CA exams give Foundation and Intermediate candidates another chance to progress. Check the exam form window today, use the remaining weeks for focused revision and keep an eye on ICAI notices. Whatever your result, learn from your performance and plan the next steps. Explore our commerce courses page for related options.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the CA Foundation exams in January 2027?
Reports say 3, 5, 7 and 9 January 2027. Verify on icai.org.
When is CA Intermediate Group I in January 2027?
Reports say 2, 4 and 6 January 2027.
When is CA Intermediate Group II in January 2027?
Reports say 8, 10 and 12 January 2027.
What is the exam form window for January 2027?
Reports say 3 to 16 November 2026, but another source gives a different cut-off. Check the official portal.
Is the CA Final included in the January 2027 schedule?
The announcement I found did not cover Final. Check ICAI for the Final schedule.
What time are the CA exams?
One source reports 2 pm to 5 pm for Intermediate papers. Check the schedule and admit card.
How many subjects are there in CA Foundation?
There are four papers: Accounting, Business Laws, Quantitative Aptitude and Business Economics.
How many groups are there in CA Intermediate?
There are two groups with three papers each in the current scheme.
Is there negative marking in CA exams?
Objective papers in Foundation may have negative marking. Check the current ICAI rules.
Where can I download the admit card?
From the official ICAI student portal after it is released.
Can I appear in both groups of Intermediate together?
Yes, as per ICAI rules, but check eligibility and preparation level.
Where can I find official information?
On icai.org and eservices.icai.org.
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