One common question every CA aspirant asks is: “How many attempts can I give for the CA exams?”
With ICAI’s New Scheme of Education and Training, the attempt structure and registration validity have become clearer and more streamlined. Let’s understand how many times you can appear for CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, and CA Final exams and what registration validity really means.
CA Foundation Exam Attempts: Rules and Limits
- Maximum Attempts: You can give up to 12 attempts within the registration validity period.
- Registration Validity: Your Foundation registration is valid for 4 years from the date of registration.
- Revalidation: Not allowed. Once 4 years are over, you’ll need to register again if you haven’t cleared it.
- Exam Frequency: Conducted three times a year — January, May/June, and September.
In simple terms:
Since exams are now held three times a year, you’ll have up to 12 chances (4 years × 3 attempts/year) to pass the Foundation level.
This system gives students flexibility while also encouraging them to complete the Foundation stage within a reasonable timeframe.
CA Intermediate Exam Attempts: Number of Attempts and Validity
Key Details:
- Maximum Attempts: There is no fixed limit on the number of attempts.
- Registration Validity: Valid for 5 years from the date of registration.
- Revalidation: Required after 5 years by paying a small fee (₹400).
- Exam Frequency: Conducted three times a year — January, May/June, and September.
What this means:
You can appear as many times as you want, as long as your registration is valid. If you don’t pass within 5 years, simply revalidate and continue your journey.
This flexibility helps students prepare at their own pace while still ensuring they stay connected with the course timeline.
CA Final Exam Attempts: Rules, Limits, and Validity
Key Details:
- Maximum Attempts: Unlimited.
- Registration Validity: 10 years under the New Scheme (earlier it was 5 years).
- Revalidation: Required every 10 years by paying ₹500.
- Exam Frequency: Conducted three times a year — January, May/June, and September.
In other words:
You can attempt the CA Final exam as many times as you need, provided your registration is valid or revalidated.
This long validity period gives candidates ample opportunity to balance their professional training and exam preparation
Summary Table of CA Exam Attempts
| Level | Maximum Attempts | Registration Validity | Revalidation | Exam Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA Foundation | 12 attempts in 4 years | 4 years | Not allowed | 3 per year (Jan, May, Sep) |
| CA Intermediate | Unlimited | 5 years | Required after 5 years (₹400) | 3 per year (Jan, May, Sep) |
| CA Final | Unlimited | 10 years | Required every 10 years (₹500) | 3 per year (Jan, May, Sep) |
Key Takeaways
- Foundation: You have a maximum of 12 attempts within 4 years no revalidation permitted.
- Intermediate: Unlimited attempts, but registration must be revalidated every 5 years.
- Final: Unlimited attempts, with registration revalidation every 10 years.
- Exam Frequency: All levels are now conducted three times a year (Jan, May, Sep), giving students more flexibility.
- Strategy tip: Treat each attempt seriously unlimited attempts don’t mean unlimited time. Consistency and smart planning matter most.
