Indian entrance exam

CA Foundation

Chartered Accountancy Foundation examination

CA Foundation is the first of the three ICAI exam levels (Foundation, Intermediate, Final) on the way to becoming a Chartered Accountant. It is held more than once a year; you register with ICAI first and then apply for a sitting.

Conducted by: the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) · Official site ↗

Dates

CA Foundation, January 2027 sitting (ICAI)
Dates from this cycle's official notice (2026-27 cycle).
  • 3 November 2026 – 16 November 2026 — Exam application window [Source]
  • 3 January 2027 – 9 January 2027 — Foundation examination days [Source]

Each date links to the official notice it was read from. Dates can be revised — check the official site.

Who can apply

  • You can register after Class 10, but sit the exam only after passing Class 12.
  • Register with ICAI at least four months before the exam month.
  • No stream or minimum Class 12 marks required.

Leads to: CA Intermediate and then Chartered Accountancy

Source: ICAI · Provisional registration in the Foundation Course after Class 10 · checked 2026-09-27

Careers it leads to

Accountants and AuditorsFinancial Analysts

Careers whose Indian route runs through this exam's programmes.

Related exams: CUET (UG) · IPMAT (IIM Indore) · All entrance exams