The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has announced an important change for students taking the Chartered Accountancy (CA) Intermediate examinations in 2026. The exam date for Paper 5, Auditing and Ethics , has been postponed. This means students will now sit for this specific paper on a new date.
Instead of the earlier date of January 19, 2026 , the Auditing and Ethics paper will now be held on January 31, 2026 . This gives students an extra 12 days to prepare for this crucial subject. The ICAI is the main professional body in India that handles the Chartered Accountancy course, including setting exam dates and rules for future CAs.
This change affects only Paper 5 of Group II. All other CA Inter exam dates for Group I and Group II will remain the same as first announced. Students should check the new date for Paper 5 carefully and update their study plans. They can use their existing admit cards for the rescheduled exam, as no new admit cards will be issued for this change.
New Exam Schedule for Paper 5
The table below shows the revised and original dates for the affected CA Inter paper:
| Paper Name | New Exam Date | Old Exam Date |
| Paper 5 (Auditing and Ethics) | January 31, 2026 | January 19, 2026 |
No Change for Other CA Inter Exams
The ICAI confirmed that the dates for other CA Inter Group II exams remain the same. Exams set for January 20, 2026 , January 22, 2026 , and January 24, 2026 , will happen on their original schedule. There are no changes to these dates or times.
The Paper 5 (Auditing and Ethics) exam will take place from 2 PM to 5 PM . This three-hour exam will be held at all previously announced exam centres.
Admit Card Rules
Students must remember important rules about their admit cards. The admit card issued earlier for the January 19, 2026, exam is still valid. Students do not need a new admit card for the rescheduled exam on January 31, 2026 .
- Carry the admit card that was already given to you.
- Do not make any changes or marks on your admit card. An admit card with any writing or changes will not be accepted at the exam centre.
- The admit card is a key document. You must show it to enter the exam hall.
Important Exam Day Guidelines for CA Inter 2026
Students appearing for the CA Inter exams, especially those affected by the date change for Paper 5, must follow these instructions carefully:
- Note the New Date: The most important step is to remember that Paper 5 (Auditing and Ethics) is now on January 31, 2026 . This date is different from the original January 19, 2026 . Update your calendars and study schedules right away.
- Keep Original Admit Card: Your admit card, which was already given to you, is still valid. There is no need to get a new admit card for the changed date of Paper 5. This makes the process simpler for all students.
- Do Not Mark Admit Card: It is very important not to write anything or make any changes on your admit card. An admit card that has been tampered with or marked will not be accepted when you arrive at the exam centre. Keep it clean and safe.
- Other Exam Dates Unchanged: Remember that all other CA Inter exam papers will take place on their original dates. For example, if you have exams on January 20, 2026 , January 22, 2026 , or January 24, 2026 , these dates are not changed. Plan for these exams as per the initial schedule.
- Arrive Early at Exam Centre: On each exam day, make sure to reach your designated exam centre at least 45 minutes before the exam begins . For Paper 5, which starts at 2 PM , this means arriving by 1:15 PM . Arriving early helps you avoid last-minute rush, find your seat calmly, and complete all entry formalities.
- Exam Timings: Paper 5, Auditing and Ethics, will be held from 2 PM to 5 PM . This is a three-hour exam. Be ready to start writing at 2 PM.
The ICAI's update ensures students are informed about the new schedule. It is vital for all CA Inter candidates to stay updated with official announcements and prepare well for their exams. This date change offers a bit more preparation time for one key subject, which can be beneficial for many students.
