ICAI CA Final May 2026 attempt: Who can appear for the upcoming exam?

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has issued detailed eligibility conditions for candidates who plan to appear in the CA Final examination scheduled for May 2026. Students are advised to check their status on the Self Service Portal (SSP) before filling out the exam form. The institute has clearly stated that candidates must meet requirements related to course registration, articleship training, Advanced ICITSS, and Self-Paced Online Modules.

Those who fail to complete any of the mandatory conditions within the prescribed timeline will not be allowed to appear in the examination. Candidates must ensure their records are updated and compliant before submitting the application form for the May 2026 attempt.

CA Final May 2026 registration and course conversion mandatory

Candidates must be registered under the Final New Course to appear in the May 2026 examination. Those who are still under the old scheme must convert to the new course through the SSP portal before applying. No conversion fee is required.

ICAI has also clarified that candidates must have valid login credentials and active course registration. In case the registration has lapsed, it must be renewed before submitting the exam form. Students must also ensure that their photograph and signature are updated as per prescribed specifications. The articleship status on SSP must show “Registered.” If the status is pending or under correction, candidates must regularise it before applying.

CA articleship training completion rules

Eligibility depends largely on completion of articleship training.

Candidates under the three-year or three-and-a-half-year articleship route must have completed the prescribed training period, including excess leave, either before filling the form or on or before April 30, 2026. Those who are in the last six or twelve months of training as on May 1, 2026, and are due to complete training within the permitted extended timeline, are also eligible as per ICAI rules.

Candidates registered under the two-year articleship route must have completed two years of training, including excess leave, on or before October 31, 2025.

Students who terminated their articleship earlier must re-register and ensure they are in service on May 1, 2026, and complete the remaining period within the allowed deadline.

Advanced ICITSS and Self-Paced Modules compulsory

ICAI has made it mandatory to complete the Advanced Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (Advanced ICITSS) before April 10, 2026, to appear in the May examination.

In addition, candidates must clear the required Self-Paced Online Module sets. The number of module sets required depends on the candidate’s previous attempt history and Intermediate performance. Students admitted in later attempts may need to complete all module sets before April 10, 2026.

Candidates are advised to review their eligibility carefully to avoid rejection of the examination form.
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