The CA Foundation September 2026 attempt is a crucial milestone for students aiming to enter the prestigious Chartered Accountancy course conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). With competition increasing and the syllabus demanding strong conceptual clarity, early planning and structured preparation are essential.
This expert guide covers eligibility, registration timeline, syllabus structure, preparation strategy, exam pattern, and practical tips to help you confidently target the September 2026 attempt.
About the CA Foundation Course
CA Foundation is the entry-level examination of the Chartered Accountancy program in India. It tests students on core subjects such as Accounting, Law, Mathematics, and Economics, forming the base for Intermediate and Final levels.
The course is designed to develop:
- Analytical thinking
- Conceptual clarity
- Quantitative aptitude
- Legal and business awareness
CA Foundation September 2026- Important Dates (Expected Timeline)
While ICAI officially announces dates closer to the attempt, based on the standard cycle:
- Exam Month: September 2026
- Admit Card Release: Approximately 15-20 days before exams
- Result Declaration: Around 6-8 weeks after the exam
Always verify dates through ICAI’s official announcements.
Eligibility for September 2026 Attempt
You can appear for CA Foundation September 2026 if:
- You have passed or appeared in Class 12 (from a recognized board)
- You complete the mandatory study period of 4 months
- You complete ICAI registration before the prescribed deadline
Students currently in Class 11 or early Class 12 should ideally register early to get sufficient preparation time.
CA Foundation Syllabus (As per ICAI Structure)
The exam consists of 4 papers:
Paper 1: Principles and Practice of Accounting
- Accounting concepts & principles
- Special transactions
- Final accounts
- Company accounts basics
Paper 2: Business Laws
- Indian Contract Act
- Sale of Goods Act
- Basic business laws and ethics
Paper 3: Quantitative Aptitude
- Business Mathematics
- Logical reasoning
- Statistics
Paper 4: Business Economics
- Microeconomics
- Business and commercial knowledge
Exam Pattern- September 2026 Attempt
| Paper | Type | Marks | Negative Marking |
| Paper 1 | Subjective | 100 | No |
| Paper 2 | Subjective | 100 | No |
| Paper 3 | Objective (MCQ) | 100 | Yes (0.25 per wrong answer) |
| Paper 4 | Objective (MCQ) | 100 | Yes (0.25 per wrong answer) |
Passing Criteria:
- Minimum 40% in each paper
- 50% aggregate overall
How to Prepare for CA Foundation September 2026
1. Start Early (Minimum 8-10 Months Before Exam)
For September 2026, serious preparation should ideally begin by:
- November 2025 (for comfortable preparation)
- January 2026 (minimum timeline)
2. Build Strong Accounting Foundation
Accounting carries heavy weightage and forms the base for CA Intermediate. Focus on:
- Daily practice of journal entries
- Revision of adjustments
- Full-length mock tests
3. Law Requires Writing Practice
Business Law is not about memorizing sections blindly. Focus on:
- Understanding provisions
- Learning answer presentation format
- Writing structured answers (Provision + Explanation + Conclusion)
4. Master MCQ Strategy for Maths & Economics
Since Papers 3 & 4 are objective:
- Practice ICAI MCQ booklets
- Attempt mock tests with time limits
- Avoid guesswork due to negative marking
Recommended Study Plan (Monthly Strategy)
Phase 1 (Concept Building – 4 Months)
- Complete full syllabus
- Daily revision of previously covered topics
- Weekly tests
Phase 2 (Practice & Revision – 2 Months)
- Solve ICAI RTPs (Revision Test Papers)
- Solve MTPs (Mock Test Papers)
- Attempt full-length simulated exams
Phase 3 (Final Revision- Last 1 Month)
- Rapid revision notes
- Formula revision for Maths & Statistics
- Important case laws and amendments
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Accounting practice
- Postponing Law writing practice
- Not solving ICAI study material
- Over-relying on coaching summaries
- Starting preparation too late
Expert Tips for High Scores
- Focus on conceptual clarity over shortcuts
- Follow ICAI study material strictly
- Solve at least 5–6 full mock papers
- Maintain a revision notebook
- Track weak areas monthly
Students who consistently revise and attempt proper mock exams significantly improve their passing probability.
Should You Take CA Foundation Coaching?
Self-study works for highly disciplined students. However, most rankers and 300+ scorers follow:
- Personalised study plans
- Regular mock simulations
- Performance tracking
- Dedicated doubt-clearing
- Mentorship from experienced professionals
Small batch group tuitions (around 20 students) create an ideal learning environment, better than overcrowded classrooms.
Is September 2026 Attempt Right for You?
Choose this attempt if:
- You are currently in Class 11 or early Class 12
- You want sufficient preparation time
- You aim to clear CA Foundation in the first attempt
With disciplined preparation, the September 2026 attempt can be a strong opportunity to start your CA journey confidently.
Final Thoughts
The CA Foundation September 2026 attempt is not just an exam, it is the first step toward becoming a Chartered Accountant. Early registration, structured study, consistent revision, and exam-oriented preparation will determine your success.
If you begin now with clarity and commitment, clearing in the first attempt is absolutely achievable.
The CA Foundation September 2026 exams are expected to be conducted in September 2026 as per ICAI’s regular examination cycle. Exact dates will be announced officially by ICAI.
Students must complete ICAI registration at least 4 months before the exam. The exact cut-off date will be notified by ICAI. Early registration is recommended to avoid last-minute issues.
Students who have passed or appeared in Class 12 from a recognized board and completed the mandatory 4-month study period are eligible to appear.
CA Foundation consists of 4 papers:
-Principles and Practice of Accounting
-Business Laws
-Quantitative Aptitude
-Business Economics
Yes, negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer applies to objective papers (Quantitative Aptitude and Business Economics).
Students must score:
-Minimum 40% in each paper
-50% aggregate overall
Ideally, preparation should begin 8–10 months before the exam. Starting by November 2025 ensures sufficient time for concept building, revision, and mock practice.
Students should attempt at least 5–6 full-length mock tests under exam conditions to improve speed, accuracy, and confidence.
