The CA Intermediate level is often considered the most challenging bridge in the Chartered Accountancy journey. With the ICAI New Scheme of Education and Training now fully in effect for 2026, the exam structure has been streamlined from eight papers down to six.
If you are aiming for the May 2026 attempt, staying ahead of the official schedule and understanding the weightage of the new syllabus is critical for your success.
CA Intermediate May 2026 Official Exam Schedule
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has confirmed the timetable for the May 2026 session. Exams will be held in a single afternoon shift across all designated centers.
Subject-Wise Date Sheet
| Group | Date | Paper | Subject | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group I | 3 May 2026 | Paper 1 | Advanced Accounting | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Group I | 5 May 2026 | Paper 2 | Corporate and Other Laws | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Group I | 7 May 2026 | Paper 3 | Taxation | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Group II | 9 May 2026 | Paper 4 | Cost and Management Accounting | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Group II | 11 May 2026 | Paper 5 | Auditing and Ethics | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Group II | 13 May 2026 | Paper 6 | Financial Management & Strategic Management | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
Pro Tip: All papers include a 15-minute reading time starting at 1:45 PM. Use this time to identify the easiest questions and plan your sequence.
Important Registration & Exam Form Deadlines
Missing a deadline can cost you six months. Ensure you complete these steps on the ICAI Self-Service Portal (SSP).
- Registration Deadline: You must have registered for the Intermediate course by September 1, 2025 (for the May 2026 attempt).
- Exam Form Start Date: 3 March 2026
- Last Date (Without Late Fee): 16 March 2026
- Last Date (With Late Fee of ₹600): 19 March 2026
- Correction Window: 20 March – 22 March 2026 (For changing city or medium).
Understanding the New 2026 Syllabus & Pattern
The 2026 syllabus is designed to be more application-oriented. A major update is the 70:30 Assessment Pattern applied across all six papers.
The 70:30 Split
- 30% Objective: Case study-based MCQs (no negative marking).
- 70% Subjective: Descriptive theory and practical problems.
Group-Wise Subject Breakdown
Group I: Core Pillars
- Advanced Accounting (100 Marks): Now merges the old Accounting and Advanced Accounting into one comprehensive paper focused heavily on Accounting Standards (AS).
- Corporate and Other Laws (100 Marks): Includes Company Law (60%) and Other Laws like FEMA and Interpretation of Statutes (40%).
- Taxation (100 Marks): Divided equally into Income Tax (50 Marks) and GST (50 Marks).
Group II: Management & Audit
- Cost and Management Accounting (100 Marks): Focuses on cost computation and decision-making.
- Auditing and Ethics (100 Marks): Increased focus on Professional Ethics and Standards on Auditing (SAs).
- FM & SM (100 Marks): Split into Financial Management (50 Marks) and Strategic Management (50 Marks).
Passing Criteria and Exemption Rules
To clear CA Intermediate 2026, you must meet the following criteria in a single attempt:
- Subject-wise: Minimum 40% in each paper.
- Aggregate: Minimum 50% in the group total (150 out of 300 per group).
New Exemption Rule: If you score 60 or more in any paper, that paper is considered permanently passed. You can carry forward this exemption indefinitely, though certain conditions apply for the remaining papers.
Preparation Strategy: Moving Toward “Both Groups”
With only 6 papers instead of 8, many students are now opting to appear for Both Groups together. This not only saves time but also provides the benefit of “set-off” (where excess marks in one group cover a deficit in the other).
Focus Areas for 2026:
- Master the MCQs: Since there is no negative marking, 30 marks per paper are “low-hanging fruit.” Practice case-scenario MCQs daily.
- Accounting Standards: In Paper 1, AS carries nearly 45–50% weightage. Don’t skip them.
- Taxation Amendments: Ensure your study material includes the Finance Act 2025, as it applies to the May 2026 exams.
Conclusion
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