CA Foundation Exam 2026, January Exam Dates, Application, Eligibility, Syllabus and Pattern

If you’re considering a career as a Chartered Accountant, taking the CA Foundation exam in January 2026 is where it begins. Organized by ICAI - the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India - this exam opens the door for anyone aiming to become a CA.

For students aiming to get ready the right way, SuccessEdge - a leading CA coaching center in Bangalore - helps you organize your prep, stick to a smart study routine, so you pass the Foundation test first time around.

Here's every detail you should know - test dates, who can apply, what’s covered, along with how the test works.

1. CA Foundation January 2026 Exam Dates

I've got a good idea about what's coming up for the January 2026 round; ICAI runs three test periods each year - first one in January, then another around May or June, followed by one in September

Exam Start Date: 5th January 2026 (tentative)

Paper-wise Schedule:

• Paper 1 – Principles and Practice of Accounting: 18 January 2026

• Paper 2 – Business Laws & Business Correspondence: 20 January 2026

• Paper 3 – Business Mathematics, Logical Reasoning & Statistics: 22 January 2026

• Paper 4 – Business Economics & Commercial Knowledge: 24 January 2026

Registration Deadline: On or before 1st September 2025

Exam Form Window: Expected between 3rd to 16th November 2025 (late fees up to 19th November)

2. CA Foundation 2026 Application Process

The whole sign-up happens online using ICAI’s Self-Service Portal, otherwise known as SSP.

Steps to Apply:

Visit : https://eservices.icai.org

Set up your student account then fill out the Foundation registration.

Send over required files such as your photo, signature along with Class 10 or 12 certificates.

Hand over the ₹9,000 registration charge if you're an Indian student.

After signing up, complete the test form as soon as it becomes available for the January session.

Those waiting on their Class 12 scores can sign up early, then swap in official records once available.

3. CA Foundation Eligibility Criteria

Check you fit the requirements before signing up:

Might’ve cleared or taken the Class 12 test from an approved board.

Can sign up right after Class 10 - for now, at least.

You can take the CA Foundation exam at any age - there’s no maximum limit.

Those who’ve finished their degree might bypass the Foundation course, instead enrolling straight into CA Intermediate through the Direct Entry option.

4. CA Foundation Syllabus 2026

The updated CA Foundation curriculum (2024–2026) covers four papers - with every one worth 100 marks:

PaperSubjectPaper 1Principles & Practice of AccountingPaper 2Business Laws and Business Correspondence & ReportingPaper 3Business Mathematics, Logical Reasoning & StatisticsPaper 4Business Economics & Business and Commercial Knowledge

ICAI posts fresh study guides online along with practice exams plus review sheets for prep.

If you're learning in Bangalore, SuccessEdge CA classes provide pro-led lessons built around the newest ICAI curriculum and structure - so you can keep prepped for tests.

5. CA Foundation Exam Pattern 2026

Here’s how the test is set up:

Mode: Offline (Pen and Paper)

Type of Questions:

• Paper 1 along with Paper 2 – both descriptive, relying on personal judgment

• Paper 3 and 4 – Focused on multiple-choice questions, includes penalty for wrong answers

• Total Marks: 400 (100 per paper)

• Time needed: 3 hours for each paper

Passing Criteria:

• At least 40% on every test paper, otherwise

• Half total when you add up every paper

6. Key Highlights of the 2026 Attempt

Three test periods each year - one in January, another around May or June, then one more come September.

Sign-up stays good four years starting the day you join.

Candidates might take the test more than once throughout these dates.

The January batch fits those wrapping up 12th grade in 2025 - ideal if you're keen to jump into CA early.

7. How to Prepare for CA Foundation January 2026

Here’s some real stuff that top scorers actually use at SuccessEdge – the go-to coaching hub in Bangalore for CA prep:

Get going well ahead - kick off your prep roughly four to five months prior to test day.

Use ICAI’s study resources - focus on their textbooks along with recent test papers.

Try sample exams - they help. Work through them often, racing the clock.

Study sharp - jot down quick notes so you’re ready at the last second.

Conclusion

The CA Foundation January 2026 test gives students a solid chance to kick off their Chartered Accountancy path early in the year. By using smart strategies, sticking to a steady routine, or getting support from SuccessEdge – known as the leading CA coaching center in Bangalore – passing the Foundation exam on first try is totally within reach.

Stay updated through ICAI’s official website for exam forms, admit cards, and results.