The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has officially released the eligibility requirements for candidates planning to appear in the May 2025 Chartered Accountancy (CA) exams.
This announcement is crucial for students at all levels—Foundation, Intermediate, and Final—to ensure they meet all prerequisites to avoid any last-minute issues. The guidelines emphasise completing the necessary training, updating records on ICAI’s Self-Service Portal (SSP), and adhering to deadlines.
Eligibility Criteria for May 2025 CA Exams
1. Foundation Level
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board.
- Registration Deadline: Students should have registered for the Foundation course at least four months before the exam month (by January 1, 2025).
- Study Period: Completion of a minimum four-month study period is mandatory before appearing for the exam.
2. Intermediate Level
- For CPT/Foundation Route Candidates:
- Must have cleared the CA Foundation examination.
- Should have completed an eight-month study period after registration.
- For Direct Entry Route Candidates:
- Graduates/Postgraduates with specified marks or those who cleared CS Executive or CMA Intermediate exams can register directly.
- Must complete nine months of articleship training before May 1, 2025.
- Self-Paced Online Modules (SPOM): Completion of SPOM (Set A, B, C, or D) is required based on admission and exam history.
3. Final Level
- Course Registration: Candidates must be registered in the new CA Final course (NEWFIN23 or CONFIN23).
- Articleship Training:
- Completion of three years of articleship training is mandatory.
- Candidates must finish their training, including excess leave, by April 30, 2025, or October 31, 2025, depending on their course structure.
- Advanced ICITSS: Completion of the Advanced Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (AICITSS) by April 10, 2025.
Important Deadlines
- March 1–14, 2025: Application window opens for May exams (without late fees).
- March 15–17, 2025: Applications accepted with a late fee of ₹600.
- April 10, 2025: Deadline to complete Advanced ICITSS and SPOM requirements.
- Exam Dates:
- Foundation: May 15–21, 2025
- Intermediate: May 3–14, 2025
- Final: May 2–13, 2025
How to Ensure Eligibility
- Update Records on SSP: Log in to ICAI’s Self-Service Portal to verify your registration status and update details like photographs and signatures.
- Complete Required Training: Ensure that all articleship and course-specific training are completed within stipulated timelines.
- Convert to New Course (if applicable): Students registered under older schemes must convert to the new syllabus without additional fees.