ICAI’s CA Final Exam Reform Sparks Debate; Concerns Over Dilution, Recruitment, and Training

ICAI Introduces Major Exam Reform: CA Final to be Held Thrice a Year, Raising Concerns Over Job Market, Training, and Professional Standards

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) recently announced a significant reform in its examination system, allowing the CA Final exam to be conducted three times a year, in January, May, and September. This move aligns the CA Final with the Intermediate and Foundation levels, which had already adopted a thrice-yearly schedule.

ICAI President CA Charanjot Singh Nanda hailed the decision as a landmark step that would provide students with greater opportunities and flexibility.

While the decision aims to enhance accessibility, it has sparked a debate among Chartered Accountants and aspirants. Several professionals have raised concerns about the impact of increased exam frequency on the profession’s exclusivity, market demand, and the effectiveness of articleship training.

Concerns Over Dilution of CA Qualification

Critics argue that frequent exams may lead to an oversupply of Chartered Accountants, potentially devaluing the qualification in the job market. CA Akhil Pachori questioned whether the industry could absorb the increasing number of qualified CAs, stating, “I don’t know how this many CAs would be absorbed by the industry as most are going into jobs. ICAI needs to think after considering these factors.”

Yogesh Mani echoed similar concerns, stating that the CA qualification is at risk of losing its rigor and exclusivity. “CA Final now has just six papers, exams three times a year, and a market flooded with CAs struggling at ₹4–5 LPA packages. This isn’t evolution—it’s mass production without matching demand. The CA course is becoming more like B.Com, losing the value it was built on,” he wrote.

Impact on Articleship and Recruitment Cycles

Another major point of contention is the effect on articleship training and recruitment cycles. Himanshu Mehta criticized ICAI for reducing the articleship period, which he believes weakens the practical foundation of future CAs. “The articleship is the foundation of any skill set. Just to save some money on stipends and gain popularity, ICAI has shortened it. This is a blunder.”

Kabra raised logistical concerns regarding recruitment, arguing that companies might not accommodate multiple hiring cycles each year. “No recruiter will visit three times a year. All articles whose exams were in November will now take six months’ leave from April for the September attempt, affecting audit work. It will also disturb students who were preparing for the November exam.” He suggested implementing the change from 2026 to allow a smoother transition.

Anjali Tiwari criticized the decision, stating, “Thank you for destroying the value and respect of the CA course. Just six papers for CA Final plus exams three times a year—ICAI is making CA equivalent to B.Com. No more value and respect for the CA course.”

Support for Increased Exam Frequency

Amidst the criticism, some professionals have welcomed the decision. CA Anupam Sharma called the move a “landmark step” that will empower students. “The CA Final exam will now be held thrice a year—a move aimed at providing students with more opportunities, faster career progression, and greater flexibility in planning their journey. This will reduce waiting time and boost confidence among aspirants.” He praised ICAI for continuously evolving to support students’ aspirations.

Way Forward

The mixed reactions highlight the challenges and opportunities associated with ICAI’s decision. While ICAI emphasizes student-centric reforms, critics urge the institute to ensure that the move does not compromise the profession’s value. Whether the change will benefit or dilute the CA qualification remains a subject of debate within the community.

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