From the May 2026 exam onwards, ICAI holds CA Final twice a year, in May and November. The exam used to run three times a year, in January, May and September. ICAI's Council made the change after feedback from stakeholders.
What it means for you:
- After May 2026, the next Final attempt is November 2026, and after that, May 2027.
- If you plan to write in May 2027, Paper 4 (Direct Tax Laws & International Taxation) will be under the Income-tax Act 2025, as ICAI has announced. Prepare from the edition ICAI lists for May 2027 onwards.
What the two attempts a year mean for planning your groups is in how many times CA Final is held in a year.
Sources: ICAI announcement, 6 April 2026 (PDF) (opens in a new tab) · Income-tax Act 2025 applicability (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
Update (October 2026): ICAI has since published the November 2026 dates. Group I is on 2, 4 and 6 November and Group II on 9, 11 and 13 November (ICAI exam schedule for September and November 2026, PDF (opens in a new tab)).
Frequently asked questions
When is the next CA Final attempt after November 2026?
May 2027. CA Final now runs only in May and November (ICAI announcement, 6 April 2026, PDF (opens in a new tab)).