ICAI Exams And Policy Updates: What Students And Members Should Know Right Now

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India is in the spotlight again. The main focus is the CA January 2026 exams under the New Scheme of Education and Training. Students are preparing across Foundation, Intermediate and Final levels.

At the same time, the ICAI community is talking about jobs, new policies, global outreach and digital changes. The conversation shows hope and concern together.

Key Takeaways

• January 2026 exams are underway under the New Scheme
• CA Intermediate Group II Paper 5 moved to January 19, 2026 for Maharashtra only
• Fee for answer verification cut to ₹50 per paper and certified copies ₹100 per paper
• Mandatory E Diary begins January 1, 2026 for new articles
• Mixed opinions online on rising pass rates and job demand
• ICAI continues global and professional expansion efforts

Exams Under The New Scheme

Under the New Scheme, Intermediate papers reduced from 8 to 6 and there are three exam cycles a year. Technology, GST and strategic thinking now play a bigger role. This attempt is the first full year where the scheme is fully active.

Admit cards released in December 2025. CA Intermediate Group II Paper 5 Auditing and Ethics shifted from January 15 to January 19, 2026 due to civic polls in Maharashtra. Other papers continue as planned. Final exams run early January. Intermediate in mid January. Foundation later in the month.

Students share daily routines online. The focus is steady revision instead of last minute pressure. ICAI has also launched live revision classes, observer empanelment and announcements for May 2026.

Recent Results And Professional Growth

The last big milestone was CA Final September 2025 results on November 3, 2025. About 11,466 students became Chartered Accountants. Toppers received wide appreciation. Some students achieved near perfect scores in papers.

Late 2025 convocations welcomed almost 20,000 new CAs across centres. ICAI is also pushing international exposure through webinars and new policy notes on auditing and taxation.

From January 1, 2026, a mandatory E Diary helps track daily articleship work for new trainees. This improves reporting and transparency.

Financial And Compliance Relief Measures

Members welcomed lower verification fees. These now stand at ₹50 per paper for verification and ₹100 per paper for certified copies. These changes apply from the January 2026 exams.

There are also extensions:

• CPE compliance extended to March 31, 2026
• Peer Review Phase IV extended to December 31, 2026

Many see these as student and member friendly reforms.

Mixed Public Opinion On Social Platforms

Online discussions show two clear sides.

Positive views

Students celebrate clearing attempts after years of effort. Motivational posts trend during exam periods. Parents share emotional messages. Many admire ICAI leadership for working through holidays. There is respect for toppers and young achievers. Some highlight global recognition.

Concerns

Some professionals fear the course is becoming easier. They worry that more qualifiers per attempt may create job pressure. There are calls to reduce exam cycles. Concerns include:

• rising supply of new CAs
• lower entry barriers
• possible impact on pay packages

Others defend the reforms. They say accessibility supports deserving students. Debates also include marking patterns and exam portal issues. Many students still stay hopeful and determined for the January 2026 attempt.

One Helpful Breakdown For Students

Here is a short summary list for clarity:

• January exams continue under New Scheme
• Paper 5 Group II postponed in Maharashtra only
• Fees reduced for verification and certified copies
• E Diary now compulsory for new trainees
• CPE and Peer Review deadlines extended
• Job market debates remain active
• ICAI continues global outreach

Final Outlook

The ICAI landscape is changing fast. Access to the profession is improving. Digital systems are expanding. Fees are becoming lighter. Students preparing for January 2026 show strong focus and discipline. At the same time, senior members worry about long term employability and prestige.

The profession is in a transition phase. Confidence, fear, ambition and uncertainty all exist together. What remains constant is the respect for effort. Many still believe that hard work, ethics and skill will keep the CA title strong in the years ahead.

Tags: ICAI, Chartered Accountant, CA Exams, New Scheme, Professional Education, India Finance Sector

About Author