CA Foundation Syllabus 2025 (New Scheme): Download ICAI Syllabus & Subjects PDF

ICAI CA Foundation Exam 2025 ( CA Foundation )

DeskCalelnderRegistration - 3 Nov '25 - 16 Nov '25

Vipra Shrivastava
Updated on Sep 27, 2025 13:03 IST

By Vipra Shrivastava, Senior Manager - Content

ICAI CA Foundation syllabus is prescribed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). The syllabus for CA Foundation course includes all topics related to taxation, auditing and business law. Candidates have to clear all the CA Foundation papers to be able to move to CA Intermediate level. All exam levels are tough but when compared to each other, CA Foundation syllabus is easiest and the CA Final syllabus is the toughest. 

Typically, it takes 3-4 months to cover the CA exam syllabus for Foundation. For non-Commerce students it might take a couple of more months as they would be unfamiliar with some of the topics like Accounting and Business Laws. There are overall, four papers in CA Foundation course. Each paper has multiple topics. In this article, you will read all about CA Foundation syllabus.

Also Read:

Table of content
  • ICAI CA Foundation Syllabus and Course Highlights
  • CA Foundation Syllabus - New Scheme
  • CA Foundation Syllabus - Previous
  • Best Books for CA Foundation Course
  • Quick Tips for CA Foundation Exam Preparation
  • FAQs on ICAI CA Foundation Syllabus
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ICAI CA Foundation Syllabus and Course Highlights

CA Foundation syllabus has been prepared keeping in mind that it is the beginner's level of the exhaustive Chartered Accountancy course. While studying the CA Foundation subjects, students have to be dedicated and disciplined. Here we have shared ICAI CA Foundation syllabus 2025 highlights:

  • Candidates have to complete the CA syllabus for each course within a given time frame to be eligible to appear for the exam.
  • The ICAI CA exam for Foundation is conducted in May, September and January.
  • Candidates cannot move to the next level of the course until they clear the CA Foundation level.
  • Passing marks of CA Foundation exam is 50 per cent marks in aggregate and 40 per cent in each paper.
  • As per the CA Foundation exam pattern, every question carries 1 mark. There is negative marking of 0.25 in subjective type questions.
  • Students must attend live virrual classes and mock tests conducted by the ICAI to learn and prepare better with proper guidance.

ICAI CA Foundation Exam

Details

Exam Name

Chartered Accountancy (CA) Foundation exam

Exam Conducting body

ICAI

Exam Mode

Pen and Paper 

Exam Levels

CA Foundation

Number of papers 

Four

Frequency

Thrice in a year:

  • May
  • September
  • November

Level of Difficulty

Moderate to tough

Number of attempts

Multiple

Study Guidelines for CA Foundation Examinations

The ICAI has announced some inclusions and exclusions CA Foundation subjects. Check the below given CA Foundation syllabus PDF for the changes in and prepare accordingly. 

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Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is there any change in the CA Foundation syllabus?
Q:   Is it necessary to have studied commerce in class 12 for clearing CA Foundation?
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CA Foundation Syllabus - New Scheme

Listed below are the paper-wise chapters and units included in the Chartered Accountant exam syllabus for CA Foundation syllabus (new scheme and training):

CA Foundation Paper 1 Accounting

Check below the description of CA Foundation syllabus (new scheme) paper 1:

CA Foundation Subjects - Paper 1, Module 1

Unit

Chapter 1: Theoretical Framework

Meaning and Scope of Accounting

Accounting Concepts, Principles and Conventions

Capital and Revenue Expenditures and Receipts

Contingent Assets and Contingent Liabilities

Accounting Policies

Accounting as a Measurement Discipline – Valuation Principles, Accounting Estimates

Accounting Standards

 

Chapter 2: Accounting Process

Basic Accounting Procedures – Journal entries

Ledgers

Trial Balance

Subsidiary Books

Cash Book

Rectification of Errors

Chapter 3: Bank Reconciliation and Statement

-

Chapter 4: Inventories

-

Chapter 5: Depreciation and Amortisation

-

Chapter 6: Bills of Exchange and Promissory Notes

-

Chapter 7: Preparation of Final Accounts of Sole Proprietors

Final Accounts of Non-Manufacturing Entities

Final Accounts of Manufacturing Entities

Module 2

Units

Chapter 8: Financial Statements of Not-for-Profit Organisations

-

Chapter 9: Accounts from Incomplete Records

-

Chapter 10: Partnership and LLP Accounts

Introduction to Partnership Accounts

Treatment of Goodwill in Partnership Accounts

Admission of a New Partner

Retirement of a Partner

Death of a Partner

Dissolution of Partnership Firms and LLPs

Annexure-II

Chapter 11: Company Accounts

Introduction to Company Accounts

Issue, Forfeiture and Re-Issue of Shares

Issue of Debentures

Accounting for Bonus Issue and Right Issue

Redemption of Preference Shares

Redemption of Debentures

CA Foundation Paper 2 Business Laws

Check below the description of CA Foundation syllabus of Chartered Accountant (New Scheme) Paper 2:

CA Foundation Subjects Paper 2 - Chapters

Units

 Chapter 1: Indian Regulatory Framework

-

Chapter 2: The Indian Contract Act, 1872

Nature of Contracts

Consideration

Other Essential Elements of a Contract

Performance of Contract

Breach of Contract and its Remedies

Contingent and Quasi Contracts

Contract of Indemnity and Guarantee
Bailment and Pledge

Agency

Chapter 3: The Sale of Goods Act, 1930

Formation of the Contract of Sale

Conditions & Warranties

Transfer of Ownership and Delivery of Goods

Unpaid Seller

Chapter 4: The Indian Partnership Act, 1932

General Nature of Partnership

Relations of Partners

Registration and Dissolution of a Firm

Chapter 5: The Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008

-

Chapter 6: The Companies Act, 2013

-

Chapter 7: The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881

-

CA Foundation Paper 3 Quantitative Aptitude subjects

Check below the description of CA Foundation Maths syllabus (New Scheme) paper 3. 

CA Foundation Subjects Paper 3- Part A- Business Mathematics

Chapter 1: Ratio and Proportion, Indices, Logarithms

Chapter 5: Basic Concepts of Permutations and Combinations

Chapter 2: Equations

Chapter 6: Sequence and Series – Arithmetic and Geometric Progressions

Chapter 3: Linear Inequalities

Chapter 7: Sets, Relations and Functions, Basics of Limits and Continuity functions

Chapter 4: Mathematics of Finance

Chapter 8: Basic Applications of Differential and Integral Calculus in Business and Economics

 

(A) Differential Calculus

 

(B) Integral Calculus

PART-B: Logical Reeasoning

Chapter 9: Number Series, Coding and Decoding and Odd Man Out

Chapter 11: Seating Arrangements

Chapter 10: Direction Tests

Chapter 12: Blood Relations

PART-C: Statistics

Chapter 13:

Unit I: Statistical Representation of Data

Unit II: Sampling

Chapter 14: Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion

Unit I: Measures of Central Tendency

Unit II: Dispersion

Chapter 15: Probability

Chapter 16: Theoretical Distributions

Chapter 17: Correlation and Regression

Chapter 18: Index Numbers

CA Foundation Paper 4 Business Economics subjects

Check below the description of CA Foundation syllabus (new scheme) paper 4:

CA Foundation Subjects Paper 4- Chapter

Units

Chapter 1: Nature & Scope of Business Economics

Introduction

Basic Problems of an Economy & Role of Price Mechanism

Chapter 2: Theory of Demand and Supply

Law of Demand and Elasticity of Demand

Theory of Consumer Behaviour

Supply

Chapter 3: Theory of Production and Cost

Theory of Production

Theory of Cost

Chapter 4: Price Determination in Different Markets

Meaning and Types of Markets

Determination of Prices

Price Output Determination under Different Market Forms

Chapter 5: Business Cycles

-

Chapter 6: Determination of National Income

National Income Accounting

The Keynesian Theory of Determination of National Income

Chapter 7: Public Finance

Fiscal Functions: An Overview, Centre and State Finance

Market Failure/ Government intervention to correct Market Failure

The Process of Budget Making: Sources of Revenue, Expenditure Management and Management of Public Debt

Fiscal Policy

Chapter 8: Money Market

The Concept of Money Demand: Important Theories

The Concept of Money Supply

Monetary Policy

Chapter 9: International Trade

Theories of International Trade

The Instruments of Trade Policy

Trade Negotiations

Exchange Rate and Its Economic Effects

International Capital Movements

Chapter 10: Indian Economy

-

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is it possible to clear CA Foundation in first attempt?
Q:   What is the difficulty level of CA Foundation syllabus?
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CA Foundation Syllabus - Previous

Candidates have to master CA Foundation topics during their course period to crack the exam. Minimum marks required to pass the exam is 40 percent in all papers and 50 percent in aggregate.

CA Foundation Syllabus: Exam Type

  • CA Foundation Paper 1 and 2 are subjective type
  • CA Foundation Paper 3 and 4 are objective type

The CA Foundation syllabus for January 2025 exam was divided into four papers. Given below are the subjects that were covered in each of the four papers of the CA Foundation syllabus.

CA Foundation Paper 1: Principles and Practice of Accounting

The CA Foundation paper 1 has 10 chapters divided in two modules. Given below are the chapter names of CA Foundation Paper 1:

CA Foundation Module-1

CA Foundation Module-2

Chapter 1: Theoretical Framework

Chapter 7: Preparation of Final Accounts of Sole Proprietors

Chapter 2: Accounting Process

Chapter 8: Partnership Accounts

Chapter 3: Bank Reconciliation Statement

Chapter 9: Financial Statements of Not-for-Profit Organizations

Chapter 4: Inventories

Chapter 10: Company Accounts

Chapter 5: Concept and Accounting of Depreciation

Chapter 6: Accounting for Special Transactions

CA Foundation Paper-2: Business Laws and Business Correspondence and Reporting

The CA Foundation paper has 2 sections. Section 1 has 5 paper and section 2 has 13 papers. Check the chapter names below. These chapters have to be covered in a given time limit to be able to appear for the CA Foundation exam.

Paper 1 Sec A: Business Laws

Paper 2 Sec B: Business Correspondence and Reporting

Chapter 1: The Indian Contract Act, 1872

Chapter 1: Communication

Chapter 2: The Sale of Goods Act, 1930

Chapter 2: Sentence Types and Direct-Indirect, Active-Passive Speech

Chapter 3: The Indian Partnership Act, 1932

Chapter 3: Vocabulary

Chapter 4: The Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008

Chapter 4: Comprehension Passages

Chapter 5: The Companies Act, 2013

Chapter 5: Note Making

Chapter 6: Introduction to Basics of Writing

Chapter 7: Precis Writing

Chapter 8: Article Writing

Chapter 9: Report Writing

Chapter 10: Writing Formal Letters and Official Communication

Chapter 11: Writing Formal Mails

Chapter 12: Resume Writing

Chapter 13: Meetings

CA Foundation Paper 3: Business Mathematics, Logical Reasoning and Statistics

The CA Foundation paper 3 has three parts. Part 1 has 8 chapters, part 2 has 5 chapters and part 3 has 6 chapters. Given below are chapter names for CA Foundation Paper 3:

Part A: Business Mathematics

Part B: Logical Reasoning

Part-C: Statistics

Chapter 1: Ratio and Proportion, Indices, Logarithms

Chapter 9: Number Series, Coding and Decoding and Odd Man Out

Chapter 14: Statistical Description of Data

Chapter 2: Equations and Matrices

Chapter 10: Direction Tests

Chapter 15: Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion

Chapter 3: Linear Inequalities

Chapter 11: Seating Arrangements

Chapter 16 : Probability

Chapter 4: Time Value of Money

Chapter 12: Blood Relations

Chapter 17: Theoretical Distributions

Chapter 5: Basic Concepts of Permutations and Combinations

Chapter 13: Syllogism

Chapter 18: Correlation And Regression

Chapter 6: Sequence and Series - Arithmetic and Geometric Progressions

Chapter 19: Index Number and Time Series

Chapter 7: Sets, Functions and Relations

Chapter 8: Basic Concepts of Differential and Integral Calculus

CA Foundation Paper-4: Business Economics and Business and Commercial Knowledge

The CA Foundation paper 4 has two parts. Part 1 has 5 chapters and Part 2 has 6 chapters. Give below are the chapter names of CA Foundation syllabus paper 4.

Part I: Business Economics

Part 2: Business and Commercial Knowledge

Chapter 1: Nature & Scope of Business Economics

Chapter 1: Business and Commercial Knowledge – An Introduction

Chapter 2: Theory of Demand and Supply

Chapter 2: Business Environment

Chapter 3: Theory of Production and Cost

Chapter 3: Business Organizations

Chapter 4: Meaning and Types of Markets

Chapter 4: Government Policies for Business Growth

Chapter 5: Business Cycles

Chapter 5: Organizations Facilitating Business

Chapter 6: Common Business Terminologies

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How much time is needed to cover CA Foundation syllabus?
Q:   What is the syllabus of ICAI CA Foundation course?
View Syllabus
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Best Books for CA Foundation Course

Chartered Accountant study material is provided by the ICAI for all course levels. The ICAI books and study material includes comprehensive sample test papers, mock tests, etc. Candidates can refer to other recommended CA Foundation books too for secondary reference. Here is the list of recommended books for CA Foundation course. Students should refer to the following books along with the ICAI study material for CA Foundation: 

  • CA Foundation Books for Paper 1- Principles and practice of Accounting by PC Tulsian and Bharat Tulsian.
  • CA Foundation Books for Paper 2- Business laws and business correspondence and reporting by PC Tulsian, Tushar Tulsian and Bharat Tulsian
  • CA Foundation Books for Paper 3- Business mathematics, statistics and logical reasoning by Kailash Thakur
  • CA Foundation Books for Paper 4- Business Economics and Business and commercial knowledge by Bharat Tulsian. P.C Tulsian
  • CA Foundation scanner cum compiler by Dr S.K Agarwal, CA Manmeet Kaur
  • Fundamentals of Accounting  by Grewal's Accountancy
  • Fundamentals of Accounting PC Tulsian and Bharat Tulsian
  • Mercantile Law by MC Kucchal, Vivek Kucchal
  • Mercantile law study Material by ICAI
  • General Economics by PM Salwan, Pranjal B Deshpande
  • General Economics by SK Agrawal
  • General Economics by ICAI
  • Quantitative Aptitude by Dr T Padma and KCP Rao

To prepare for CA Foundation exams, students should also practice mock test series by ICAI. The mock tesr series can be accesss online as well as offline.

Benefits of ICAI Study Material: Foundation

Chartered Accountancy course is a high difficulty level course and requires dedicated preparation. Therefore it is important to refer to books that are useful and cover the CA Foundation syllabus comprehensively. ICAI provides exclusive study material for CA Foundation to the students online. Here's why you should study from ICAI study material for Foundation. 

  • Since the CA Foundation syllabus is prepared by the ICAI, it takes utmost care in providing guidance for each and every topic included. The study material provided by ICAI covers CA Foundation subjects in detail with explanation, examples and practice questions.
  • The ICAI study material is designed in a structured manner guiding the students to adopt a systematic approach to cover the syllabus for CA Foundation. 
  • ICAI study material and CA Foundation books are prepared by experienced CAs and Chartered Accountancy teachers ensuring accuracy and relevance. 
  • ICAI study material is closely aligned with the exam pattern and syllabus, and gets updated regularly with the change in CA Foundation syllabus.
  • ICAI study material is needed to develop the base on which students can further prepare with secondary study material.
  • ICAI E-books, sample papers, mock tests, previous years'papers help students in applying theory to practice which is crucial for cracking the exam and for practicing Chartered Accountancy profession.

Read More:

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Commonly asked questions
Q:   How many hours should one devote daily to study for CA Foundation?
Q:   Does ICAI provide study material for CA Foundation?
View list of Books
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Quick Tips for CA Foundation Exam Preparation

CA Foundation exam preparation requires long hours of dedicated study and monthly plans alongwith expert guidance. Here are some quick tips that form the basis of exam preparation plan.

  • Understand the CA Foundation Syllabus.
  • Make a list of tough and easy topics.
  • Start exam preparation with tough topics.
  • Have a daily, weekly and monthly study plan.
  • Practice sample question papers and mock tests regularly
  • Refer to ICAI study material and attend online problem solving sessions
  • Seek guidance from mentors and experts. Join study online channels and groups.
  • Stay updated with the latest changes in the industry relevant to CA Foundation exam.
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Commonly asked questions
Q:   How many attempts are allowed in CA Foundation?
Q:   What is the timings of CA exams?
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FAQs on ICAI CA Foundation Syllabus

Check here Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to ICAI CA Foundation Exam Syllabus:

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Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the passing mark in CA courses?
Q:   What is Professional Competence Course or PCC in CA?
Q:   What is Integrated Professional Competence Course or IPCC in CA?
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CA Foundation Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered a month ago

No, candidates do not need to create fresh login for every attempt of CA Foundation exam. Students can register for the CA Foundation exam with the login created for the first time. The same login ID remains valid for the entire course. Students must note that to apply for the exam, they have to cre

...Read more

A

Anyam Kalra

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month ago

CA Foundation form correction window opens the next day of application form submission deadline. The form correction remains open for 2 days during which candidates can login to SSP portal and edit course group, test city and medium of exam. No other field of the CA Foundation application form is ed

...Read more

E

Esha Singh

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 months ago

It is advised to preserve the CA Foundation admit card even after the exam. The admit card may be required for reference or for any query in the future. Candidates should preserve all the documents of CA exams until their course is completed.

M

Manisha Singh

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 months ago

The link to download CA Foundation admit card will be available till the exam date only. After the last exam of the particular session, the hall ticket download link will be deactivated. Thus, students must save their CA Foundation admit card as a soft copy as well as a hard copy.

P

Pallavi Gupta

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 months ago

Given below is the process of CA Foundation route entry for pursuing a CA degree from ICAI:

  • Step 1: Register Yourself for the CA Foundation Exam and pass it
  • Step 2: Register Yourself for the CA Intermediate Exam 2025
  • Step 3: Once you pass the CA Intermediate Exam, enrol for the Articleship And Final Ex

...Read more

P

Pallavi Rai

Contributor-Level 7

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