The CA Foundation Quantitative Aptitude Paper Analysis September 2026 provides a detailed review of the QA paper based on the analysis shared after the examination. The paper was described as lengthy and moderately difficult, with several questions requiring lengthy calculations, conceptual understanding and careful time management.
CA Foundation Quantitative Aptitude includes 100 questions to solve in 2 hours. This exam carries the value of 100 marks. Candidates get objective-based questions from Business Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, and Statistics sections.
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CA Foundation Quantitative Aptitude Paper Analysis September 2026 Overview |
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Exam |
CA Foundation September 2026 |
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Paper |
Paper 3 – Quantitative Aptitude |
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Exam Date |
September 7, 2026 |
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Total Marks |
100 Marks |
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Exam Duration |
2 Hours |
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Question Type |
Objective Type Questions |
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Business Mathematics |
40 Marks |
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Logical Reasoning |
20 Marks |
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Statistics |
40 Marks |
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Negative Marking |
0.25 mark for each wrong answer |
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Question Paper |
Available after the examination |
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Official Website |
icai.org |
According to the analysis, the CA Foundation QA paper analysis Sep 2026 indicates that the paper was not extremely difficult from a conceptual perspective. However, the length of the questions and the way some questions were framed made the paper time-consuming.
The analysis suggested that a well-prepared candidate could comfortably aim for a passing score, while scores in the 55–60 marks range were considered achievable. Candidates were advised to skip lengthy questions initially and attempt the questions they were confident about.
The CA Foundation Quantitative Aptitude difficulty level Sep 2026 was assessed as moderate, mainly because of the lengthy calculations and some confusing question formats.
| Parameter | Analysis |
| Overall Difficulty | Moderate |
| Paper Length | Lengthy |
| Conceptual Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Calculation Level | Moderate to High |
| Time Management | Important |
| Expected Comfortable Score | Around 45–60 marks |
| Major Challenge | Lengthy and time-consuming questions |
The paper included several easy questions, but candidates could lose significant time if they attempted lengthy questions without considering the time required.
The paper covered questions from various areas of Quantitative Aptitude, including Mathematics, Statistics, Logical Reasoning and related topics.
Some of the questions highlighted in the analysis included:
Sets, relations and functions
Sequences and series
Probability
Bayes' theorem
Index numbers
Correlation and regression
Sampling
Measures of dispersion
Mean, median and mode
Standard deviation
Permutations and combinations
Arithmetic progression
Calculus
Financial mathematics
Linear programming
Logical reasoning
Coding-decoding
Number series
The Mathematics section featured a mixture of straightforward and calculation-based questions. Questions from sets, relations and functions were considered relatively easy when candidates were familiar with the concepts.
Questions involving AP, GP, permutations and combinations, logarithms and calculus also appeared. Some questions were lengthy, requiring candidates to spend additional time on calculations.
The analysis also highlighted a question involving an integration-based concept, while several financial mathematics questions involved NPV, depreciation, perpetuity, effective rate and future value.
The Statistics portion included several questions that could be solved using standard formulas and concepts. Topics highlighted in the analysis included:
Missing frequency
Quartile deviation
Mode
Standard deviation
Combined standard deviation
Sampling
Systematic sampling
Stratified sampling
Index numbers
Correlation
Regression
Growth rate
A systematic sampling question was specifically described as conceptual because it required candidates to determine the sampling interval and then identify the required employee.
The analysis also pointed out a question where the standard deviation remains unchanged when a constant is added to every observation.
Probability was identified as one of the areas that could trouble candidates. The paper reportedly included two questions based on Bayes' theorem, along with questions involving multiplication theorem and expectations.
The analysis suggested that candidates who had properly prepared probability concepts could attempt many of these questions, although some required additional calculation.
A major point raised during the analysis was the possibility of errors in some questions/options.
The reviewer specifically identified questions that appeared incorrect or had mismatched options. These included:
Question 19, which was considered incorrect.
A question involving f(1/x)f(1/x), where the calculated answer reportedly did not match any option.
A correlation-related question where the expected sign of the correlation coefficient reportedly did not match the given options.
Another question where the wording and options appeared inconsistent.
A question where “infinity” was reportedly given instead of “not defined.”
The analysis suggested that candidates may receive appropriate consideration/grace marks if an official review confirms that any question or its options were incorrect. However, the final decision would depend on the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).
The biggest challenge identified in the CA Foundation QA paper analysis Sep 2026 was the length of the paper. Several questions were considered conceptually easy but required considerable calculation.
The reviewer noted that the paper appeared designed in a way that could consume candidates' time. Therefore, question selection and time management were particularly important.
Candidates who spent too much time on lengthy questions could have found it difficult to attempt the complete paper.
The analysis suggested that candidates with proper preparation could potentially score around 55–60 marks. At the same time, scores of approximately 40–48 marks were also considered achievable for candidates who strategically attempted the easier questions.
The paper was therefore not considered so difficult that a candidate could not pass. Instead, the primary challenge was managing the paper's length and avoiding getting stuck on lengthy questions.
The major takeaways from the CA Foundation Quantitative Aptitude exam analysis Sep 2026 are:
The overall paper was moderate in difficulty.
The paper was considered lengthy and calculation-intensive.
Several questions were easy but required time to solve.
Probability included questions based on Bayes' theorem.
Statistics featured conceptual questions on sampling, standard deviation, correlation and regression.
Mathematics included questions from sets, functions, sequences, calculus, financial mathematics and permutations and combinations.
Some questions/options were flagged as potentially incorrect in the initial analysis.
Time management and question selection were crucial for scoring well.
A score of around 45–60 marks was considered achievable depending on preparation and accuracy.