How Many Attempts Can You Give in the CA Exam?
The Chartered Accountancy (CA) course is one of the most respected professional qualifications in India. It opens doors to diverse career opportunities in accounting, finance, auditing, taxation, and management. Many aspiring Chartered Accountants often ask: “How many attempts can I take at each level of the CA exams?”
Understanding the attempt limits, registration validity, and exam frequency is crucial to plan your CA journey efficiently and ensure timely completion of the course. In this blog, we provide an updated overview of the rules for CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, and CA Final exams.
Table of Contents
CA Foundation Exam Attempts: Rules and Limits
The CA Foundation is the entry-level examination and sets the stage for the subsequent CA exams.
- Maximum Attempts: Candidates are allowed a maximum of 12 attempts within a 4-year registration period.
- Registration Validity: Registration is valid for 4 years from the date of enrollment.
- Revalidation: Once the 4-year period expires, revalidation is not allowed, meaning students must complete the exam within this time.
- Exam Frequency: The Foundation exams are conducted three times a year – January, May, and September.
This structure ensures that students complete the foundation level within a reasonable timeframe to progress to CA Intermediate.
CA Intermediate Exam Attempts: Number of Attempts and Registration Validity
The CA Intermediate exam is the second stage of the CA course, covering a more detailed and application-based syllabus.
- Maximum Attempts: There is no limit on the number of attempts.
- Registration Validity: Registration is valid for 5 years from the date of enrollment.
- Revalidation: After the 5-year period, revalidation is required to continue appearing in the examinations.
- Exam Frequency: Exams are conducted three times a year – January, May, and September.
This gives students flexibility, but timely completion is still encouraged to avoid unnecessary delays in the CA journey.
CA Final Exam Attempts: Rules, Limits, and Validity
The CA Final exam is the last stage of the course, assessing a candidate’s readiness to enter the professional world.
- Maximum Attempts: There is no limit on the number of attempts.
- Registration Validity: Registration is valid for 5 years.
- Revalidation: Required after the 5-year period if exams are not cleared.
- Exam Frequency: Held three times a year – January, May, and September.
The unlimited attempts at this stage provide flexibility, but completing the exams efficiently ensures smoother entry into the CA profession.
Summary Table of CA Exam Attempts
| Level | Maximum Attempts | Registration Validity | Revalidation Required | Exam Frequency (Per Year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA Foundation | 12 attempts in 4 years | 4 years | Not allowed | 3 (Jan, May, Sep) |
| CA Intermediate | Unlimited | 5 years | Required after 5 years | 3 (Jan, May, Sep) |
| CA Final | Unlimited | 5 years | Required after 5 years | 3 (Jan, May, Sep) |
Key Takeaways on CA Exam Attempts
- Foundation has limited attempts: 12 attempts within 4 years to ensure timely progression.
- Intermediate and Final have unlimited attempts, providing flexibility but still requiring attention to registration validity.
- Registration validity is crucial to avoid revalidation procedures.
- Knowing the exam frequency helps plan the CA journey effectively.
Conclusion
Understanding the CA exam attempt rules is essential for every aspirant. While the CA Foundation has a limited number of attempts, both CA Intermediate and CA Final offer unlimited attempts. Awareness of registration validity and exam frequency helps candidates complete the course efficiently and ensures a smoother journey toward becoming a Chartered Accountant.