CA Intermediate Eligibility Criteria 2026, Age Limit, Qualification
ICAI has released the CA Intermediate Eligibility Criteria 2026 for the May session. Candidates can register via CA Foundation or Direct Entry, meeting academic qualifications and study-duration requirements, ensuring eligibility to appear for the CA Intermediate 2026 examination and advance their accounting careers.
Ca Narayan8 Mar, 2026
CA Intermediate Eligibility Criteria 2026: Students planning to register for the CA Intermediate May 2026 exams must meet the CA Intermediate eligibility criteria and other academic requirements set by ICAI. The CA intermediate May 2026 eligibility requirements include educational qualifications, age limit, and more. Meeting these criteria is essential for completing the CA Intermediate 2026 registration process and progressing toward a better career in accounting.
It is also crucial for students to know that ICAI will conduct the CA Intermediate May 2026 examination under the existing scheme of education and training. Read the complete article to get the CA Intermediate Eligibility criteria details issued by ICAI.
CA Intermediate Eligibility Criteria 2026 Highlights
CA Intermediate eligibility criteria are released by the ICAI official website. The CA intermediate eligibility criteria highlights a re given in the table below.
| CA Intermediate Eligibility Criteria 2026 Highlights | |
| Exam Name | CA Intermediate Exam |
| Exam conducting body | Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) |
| Mode of exam | Pen and Paper-based |
| Frequency | Thrice a year |
| Group | 2 |
| Level of exam | National level |
| No. of Papers | 6 |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Medium of Exam | English/ Hindi |
CA Intermediate Eligibility 2026 Important Dates
As we now have detailed information regarding CA Intermediate Eligibility Criteria for the May 2026 session, let’s familiarize ourselves with the CA Intermediate Important Dates 2026. The table below lets you know the CA Intermediate May 2026 exam dates:
| CA Intermediate Eligibility Important Dates 2026 | |
| Events | Important Dates |
| The last date for submitting the CA Intermediate application form without a fine | March 16, 2026 |
| Last date for submitting the CA Intermediate application form with a fine of Rs.600/- (US Dollar $10) |
March 19, 2026 |
| CA Intermediate Admit Card 2026 release date |
15 Days before the exam |
| CA Intermediate Exam Date May 2026 |
Group I: 3rd, 5th and 7th of May 2026 Group II: 9th, 10th and 13th of May 2026 |
CA Intermediate Eligibility Criteria May 2026
Prospective candidates have two pathways to register for the CA Intermediate program. The initial route involves enrolling through the CA Foundation program, while the alternative route allows direct entry after successfully completing graduation, post-graduation, or a specific professional degree program level.
Outlined below are the comprehensive qualification and eligibility criteria for the CA Intermediate 2026 exam registration, which candidates should carefully review before submitting their application.
CA Foundation Route
Students who have successfully passed the Common Proficiency Course or CA Foundation exam can apply for the CA Intermediate exam group(s). To register for the CA Intermediate exam, eligible candidates only need to pay the Intermediate registration fees. For those planning to appear in the CA Intermediate program examination, it's important to have completed eight months of the study course by the first day of the month in which the exams are scheduled to take place.Direct Entry Route
Individuals possessing diverse qualifications can also qualify to take the CA Intermediate examination directly.How to get Direct Entry in CA Intermediate?
Individuals with a graduate or postgraduate degree, or those holding professional qualifications like CS or CMA, qualify for direct entry into the CA Intermediate level. Here's the CA Intermediate eligibility criteria for candidates with such qualifications.CA Intermediate Eligibility Criteria after Graduation and Post Graduation
Individuals holding a commerce degree (graduate or postgraduate) with a minimum of 55% marks can apply directly for the CA Intermediate course. Alternatively, those from non-commerce backgrounds can register for the CA Intermediate examination if they have achieved a minimum of 60% marks. To be eligible for the CA Inter exam, students must complete the 9-month study course by the first day of the examination month.CA Intermediate Eligibility Criteria for CS and CMA Students
Individuals who have successfully cleared the CS Executive level from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India and those who have finished the CMA Intermediate program from the Institute of Cost Accountants of India are eligible to apply for the CA Inter examination groups. To be eligible, these candidates must finish the 9-month study course by the first day of the month in which the examination is scheduled.CA Intermediate Eligibility Criteria 2026 Important Points
The CA Intermediate eligibility criteria set by ICAI includes the following important points:- Graduates from open universities can apply directly for the CA Inter examination.
- Commerce graduates or postgraduates specializing in accounting, auditing, mercantile laws, corporate laws, economics, management, taxation, costing, business administration, or related subjects are exempted from the CA Foundation course. They are eligible for direct entry into CA Intermediate.
- Students in their final year of graduation can provisionally register for the CA Intermediate examination. However, they must provide proof of passing within 6 months of the final qualifying examination. Provisionally registered candidates can begin their practical training in ICITSS (Information technology and orientation course).
CA Intermediate Registration 2026
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has introduced a user-friendly self-service portal (SSP) to streamline the registration process. Throughout their academic journey, students can conveniently utilize SSP for any administrative queries without the need for physical visits. For CA Intermediate level course registration, candidates have two options:- Foundation Course Qualifiers: Those who have successfully completed the CA Foundation can register for the CA Inter examination. By paying the Intermediate registration fees only, students can switch to direct entry.
- Direct Entry Route: Individuals who have passed CMA Inter or CS Executive level exams can register for the CA Inter examination through the direct entry scheme. Using the SSP, candidates can access the online CA Inter registration form under the "Entry Level Forms" tab on the portal. They need to fill in required details, upload self-attested documents, and pay the registration fee to complete the process.
After registration, students must order their study material through the centralized dispatch on the portal icai-cds.org. This ensures a smooth and efficient registration experience for aspiring Chartered Accountants.
CA Intermediate Eligibility Criteria 2026 FAQs
What are the eligibility criteria for CA Intermediate May 2026 exams?
To be eligible for the CA Intermediate May 2026 exams, students must meet criteria related to educational qualifications, age limit, and other requirements set by ICAI. These criteria are crucial for completing the registration process and pursuing a career in accounting.
How will the CA Intermediate May 2026 examination be conducted?
ICAI will conduct the CA Intermediate May 2026 examination under the existing scheme of education and training. The exam will be paper-based, held thrice a year (May, September, and January), and consists of two groups with a total of six papers. The duration of each exam is three hours, and it is conducted at a national level.
What are the eligibility criteria for direct entry into CA Intermediate after graduation or postgraduation?
Individuals with a graduate or postgraduate degree, or those holding professional qualifications like CS or CMA, can qualify for direct entry into the CA Intermediate level. The eligibility criteria for candidates with commerce or non-commerce backgrounds are specified, including minimum percentage requirements.
Talk to a counsellorHave doubts? Our support team will be happy to assist you!
Get Free Counselling Today
and Clear up all your Doubts
Talk to Our Counsellor just by filling out the form.
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingLakhs of practice questions
Free Learning Resources
PW Books
Notes (Class 10-12)
PW Study Materials
Notes (Class 6-9)
Ncert Solutions
Govt Exams
Our Other Websites
Class 6th to 12th Online Courses
Govt Job Exams Courses
UPSC Coaching
Defence Exam Coaching
Gate Exam Coaching
Other Exams
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Copyright © 2026 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.