CA Intermediate Registration 2026: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has commenced the registration process for the CA Intermediate Exam January 2026. Eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the official ICAI portal until the deadline of May 1, 2025.
It is essential for aspirants to understand the complete registration procedure, applicable fee structure, eligibility criteria, and important dates to ensure a smooth enrollment process. Read the detailed information on the CA Intermediate Registration Jan 2026, including registration fees, the last date to apply, and other critical guidelines as per the latest ICAI notifications.
The CA Intermediate Registration for the January 2026 session is now open and will remain active until May 1, 2025. Interested candidates can register online through the official ICAI portal, eservices.icai.org. The registration fee is Rs. 18,000 for both groups, and Rs. 13,000 if you're registering for just one group.
As per ICAI guidelines, students must complete their CA Inter registration at least eight months before the month in which they plan to appear for the exam.
According to the new exam cycle, the CA Intermediate exams are now held three times a year, in May/June, September, and January. The cut-off dates for each attempt are announced in advance. For example, the September 2025 registration ended on February 1, 2025. Those who registered on or before September 1, 2024, are eligible to appear for the January 2026 exams.
It’s important to remember that completing registration is only the first step. You’ll also need to fill out the CA Inter exam form 2026 when it becomes available. The May 2024 exam was the first Intermediate exam conducted under ICAI’s new scheme. Once registered, your CA Intermediate registration will stay valid for five years.
To join the CA Intermediate course, you can either take the direct entry route or register after passing the CA Foundation exam.
Before applying for the CA Intermediate 2026 registration, candidates should be fully aware of the key deadlines and events such as the registration window, exam form release, and admit card dates. Staying updated with the schedule ensures smooth preparation and timely application.
Below is a table highlighting the last dates for CA Inter registration for each exam session:
CA Intermediate Registration Important Dates |
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Course |
May 2025 |
September 2025 |
January 2026 |
CA Inter Registration Last Date |
September 1, 2024 |
February 1, 2025 |
May 1, 2025 |
CA Inter Exam Dates |
May 3 to 14, 2025 |
To Be Announced |
To Be Announced |
Make sure to complete your CA Inter registration well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues. Also, don’t forget to fill out the exam form when it is released by ICAI, as registration alone doesn't make you eligible to appear in the exam.
Before applying for the CA Intermediate 2026 exam, candidates must carefully check the eligibility requirements set by ICAI. Meeting these conditions is a must to avoid any issues during the registration process. The following is the CA Intermediate Eligibility Criteria 2026:
There is no upper age limit for CA Intermediate registration.
You must have cleared the CA Foundation exam or completed your graduation/postgraduation from a recognized university.
If you're in the final year of graduation, you can also register provisionally for the CA Intermediate course.
To help students from different educational backgrounds, ICAI offers two routes to register for the CA Intermediate 2026 course , the Foundation Route and the Direct Entry Route. Let’s explore what each route means and how they differ:
Foundation Route
This route is for students who have cleared the CA Foundation exam. ICAI has structured the Chartered Accountancy course in three levels, CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, and CA Final.
Students who pass the Foundation level can register for CA Intermediate 2026 without needing a graduation or postgraduation degree.
Direct Entry Route
This option is ideal for candidates who have already completed or are in the final year of their graduation/postgraduation. Through the Direct Entry route, students can directly register for the CA Intermediate course without appearing for the CA Foundation exam.
However, to be eligible via this route, candidates must meet the minimum marks requirement:
Qualification |
Minimum Marks Required |
Commerce Graduate/Postgraduate |
55% aggregate marks |
Non-Commerce Graduate/Postgraduate |
60% aggregate marks |
Choose the route that fits your academic background and start your CA Intermediate journey in 2026 with confidence.
Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can follow these simple steps to register for the CA Intermediate course:
Step 1: Visit the ICAI Website
Go to eservices.icai.org.
Step 2: Access the Registration Portal
Select the "Student Services" tab, then choose "Entry-Level Forms."
Step 3: Fill in Required Details
Complete the registration form with accurate information.
Step 4: Generate OTP
Click on "Generate OTP." You will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on your registered email and mobile number.
Step 5: Login and Complete Registration
Use the OTP to log in, then upload the necessary documents and proceed with the payment.
Step 6: Download Registration Receipt
After completing the registration, download the CA Intermediate 2026 registration receipt.
Candidates must submit the following documents to the respective ICAI regional office within seven (7) days of completing the online CA Intermediate 2026 registration. The online registration form should also be printed and submitted. All documents must be properly signed.
For candidates entering through the CA Foundation route: An attested copy of the Class 12 marksheet or an equivalent examination certificate recognized by the Central Government.
For candidates entering through the direct entry route: An attested copy of the marksheet from Graduation/Post Graduation or the Intermediate level examination from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) or the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI).
A recent coloured photograph, affixed on the printout of the CA Intermediate 2026 registration form.
An attested copy of proof of nationality (for foreign candidates).
An attested copy of the special category certificate (if applicable), such as SC/ST, OBC, or Differently Abled.
The CA Intermediate course is divided into two groups, Group I and Group II. If you're applying through the CA Foundation route, you have the option to register for either one group or both. But if you're entering through the Direct Entry route, it's mandatory to register for both Group I and Group II.
CA Intermediate Registration Fees 2026 |
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Particulars |
Both Groups |
Both Groups (NRI) |
Group I/II |
Registration Fee |
15,000 |
- |
11,000 |
Students’ Activities Fee |
2,000 |
- |
2,000 |
Registration Fee as Articled Assistant |
1,000 |
- |
- |
Total Fee |
18,000 |
$ 1000 |
13,000 |
Under the new scheme, the CA Intermediate registration is valid for five years. After this period, candidates can revalidate their registration for another five years by paying a fee of Rs. 400. Once the initial registration expires, students must pay the revalidation fee as decided by ICAI from time to time to keep their registration active.
After completing the CA Intermediate 2026 registration, candidates become officially enrolled with the ICAI Board of Studies (BoS). They must then complete a mandatory 8-month study period before they can apply for the January 2026, May 2026, or September 2026 exams.
Once the registration is done, ICAI will open the window for the CA Intermediate Exam Form 2026. Candidates planning to appear in the exam must fill out the form within the given deadline. After the form submission period ends, ICAI will release the CA Intermediate Admit Card 2026, which candidates must download and carry to the exam centre.