The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has officially revised the CA Intermediate May 2026 exam schedule, shifting the start date from May 3 to May 5, 2026, due to “unavoidable reasons.” The updated timetable applies to all examination centres, including those outside India. However, the exam timings remain unchanged, with papers scheduled from 2 PM to 5 PM (IST).
This update is crucial for CA aspirants across India and globally, as it provides additional preparation time and clarity for the upcoming CA Intermediate May 2026 examinations.
REVISED CA INTERMEDIATE MAY 2026 EXAM DATES
According to ICAI’s latest notification, the exams will be conducted as follows:
Group I Exam Dates
- May 5, 2026
- May 7, 2026
- May 9, 2026
Group II Exam Dates
- May 11, 2026
- May 13, 2026
- May 15, 2026
All exams will be held in the afternoon session (2 PM to 5 PM IST).
No Changes in CA Foundation and Final Exams
ICAI has clarified that the rescheduling applies only to the CA Intermediate course. There are no changes in the previously announced schedules for:
- CA Foundation Exams
- CA Final Exams
- Post Qualification Courses (PQC)
Students appearing for these examinations can continue their preparation as per the original timetable without any concerns.
Major Update: CA Final Exams to Be Held Twice a Year
In a significant reform, ICAI has announced that CA Final examinations will now be conducted twice a year, starting from May 2026 onwards.
- Exam Cycles: May and November every year
This decision has been taken after feedback from stakeholders to provide greater flexibility and more opportunities for candidates to clear the final stage.
Quick Reference Summary
| Exam Component | Details |
| Conducting Body | ICAI |
| Exam Name | CA Intermediate May 2026 |
| Old Start Date | May 3, 2026 |
| New Start Date | May 5, 2026 |
| Group I Dates | May 5, 7, 9 |
| Group II Dates | May 11, 13, 15 |
| Exam Timing | 2 PM – 5 PM (IST) |
| Change Applicable To | CA Intermediate only |
Why the Schedule Was Revised
ICAI stated that the change in exam dates was due to “unavoidable reasons”, though specific details were not disclosed. Such adjustments are typically made to ensure smooth conduct of examinations across centres.
What This Means for Students
- Students now have extra preparation time before the first exam.
- No need to revise preparation plans drastically, as only the start date has shifted slightly.
- Ensure you keep track of official ICAI notifications for any further updates.
Preparation Tips After Date Change
- Use the additional days to revise weak topics and practice mock tests.
- Focus on time management and accuracy, especially for practical papers.
- Stay updated with ICAI announcements via the official website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| What is the new start date for CA Intermediate May 2026 exams? |
| The exams will now begin on May 5, 2026. |
| Why were the CA Intermediate exam dates changed? |
| ICAI cited “unavoidable reasons” for revising the schedule. |
| What are the Group I exam dates? |
| May 5, 7, and 9, 2026. |
| What are the Group II exam dates? |
| May 11, 13, and 15, 2026. |
| Have CA Final or Foundation exam dates changed? |
| No, there are no changes for CA Final, Foundation, or PQC exams. |
| What is the exam timing for CA Intermediate 2026? |
| All exams will be held from 2 PM to 5 PM IST. |
| Will CA Final exams be conducted twice a year? |
| Yes, from May 2026 onwards, CA Final exams will be held in May and November. |
| Where can I check official ICAI updates? |
| On the official ICAI website (icai.org). |
The ICAI CA Intermediate May 2026 exam rescheduling provides candidates with a slight extension in preparation time while maintaining the overall exam structure. With no changes in other CA exams and the introduction of biannual CA Final exams, ICAI continues to improve flexibility for aspirants. Candidates are advised to stay updated via the official ICAI website and bookmark this page for future notifications and updates, for more details CLICK HERE
