The CA Foundation exam, the first stepping stone in the Chartered Accountancy journey under the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), tests your foundational knowledge in accounting, law, quantitative skills, and economics. With sessions now held thrice yearly (January, May/June, and September), the 2025-26 cycle offers flexibility—next up: January 2026 on 18, 20, 22, and 24. National pass rates hover at 25-30%, but with a smart plan, you can aim for 70%+ success. Eligibility? Register by November 1, 2025, for Jan 2026 (post-Class 12 or equivalent), with forms open from November 3 to 16 (late fee till 19). This guide equips you with the syllabus, a 4-6 month study blueprint, and topper-proven tips for first-attempt clearance.
Step 1: Master the Syllabus and Exam Pattern (New Scheme 2025)
The revised syllabus (effective from June 2024) emphasizes conceptual clarity, practical applications, and 30-45% MCQs per paper—total 400 marks, needing 40% per paper and 50% aggregate. Download ICAI modules from bosknowledgeportal.icai.org for free PDFs, RTPs (Revision Test Papers), and MTPs (Mock Test Papers).
| Paper | Subject | Marks Breakdown | Key Topics (Updated 2025) | Exam Tips |
| 1 | Accounting (Subjective + MCQs) | 100 (15% MCQs) | Theoretical Framework, Company Accounts, Not-for-Profit Orgs, Partnership Accounts | Focus on journal entries; practice illustrations from ICAI material. |
| 2 | Business Laws & BCR (Business Correspondence & Reporting) | 100 (30% MCQs) | Indian Regulatory Framework, Correspondence (emails, reports) | Understand provisions; write sample letters for BCR. |
| 3 | Quantitative Aptitude (Maths, LR, Stats) | 100 (50% MCQs) | Ratios, Logical Reasoning, Descriptive Stats, Probability | Master calculator shortcuts; solve 50 MCQs daily. |
| 4 | Business Economics | 100 (40% MCQs) | Demand Theory, Business Cycles, Indian Economy | Link concepts to real-world (e.g., GST impact); revise graphs. |
Changes: More emphasis on Ind AS basics in Accounting and BRSR (Business Responsibility & Sustainability Reporting) in Laws. Each paper: 2-3 hours, offline pen-paper mode.
Step 2: Craft a 4-6 Month Study Plan (Start Now for Jan 2026)
With ~2 months left for Jan 2026, prioritize revision if registered; otherwise, aim for May 2026 with 6 months. Dedicate 6-8 hours daily, balancing subjects.
Sample 4-Month Plan (Adapt for Your Timeline):
| Phase | Duration | Focus | Daily Routine | Weekly Goals |
| Foundation (Months 1-2) | 60 days | Cover syllabus (1 subject/day) | 4 hrs theory + 2 hrs practice; 1 hr revision | Complete 1 paper; solve ICAI illustrations. |
| Practice (Months 2-3) | 45 days | RTPs, MTPs, PYQs (past 5 years) | 3 hrs problems + 3 hrs MCQs; 1 hr doubts | 2 chapter tests/paper; analyze errors in a “mistakes journal.” |
| Revision (Month 3) | 30 days | Short notes, formulas, weak areas | 2 hrs/subject rotation + 2 hrs mocks | 1 full mock/week; 30-20-10 rule (30% new, 20% weak, 10% formulas). |
| Final Sprint (Last 15-30 Days) | 2 weeks | Intensive mocks + relaxation | 4 hrs mocks + 2 hrs analysis; Ganga walks for stress bust | 3 full mocks; revise bullet notes only. |
Daily Template: 6 AM formulas, 7-11 AM coaching/self-study, 12-3 PM practice, 4-6 PM doubts/group discussion, 8-10 PM light revision. Include 10-min breaks hourly; sleep 7-8 hours. Track via apps like Notion or ICAI’s BOS portal.
Step 3: Essential Resources and Tools
- Core: ICAI study material (free, comprehensive)—solve all examples.
- Books: Scanner for PYQs (CA Parag Gupta), Padhuka for Law, P.C. Tulsian for Accounts.
- Coaching/Online: Join hybrids like Kisalay Commerce Classes (Prayagraj) or VSI for mocks (₹15K-25K); free YouTube (CA Foundation Wallah) for basics.
- Practice: 8,000+ MCQs total; 20-25 mocks. Use ICAI’s free virtual classes and app for doubts.
Step 4: Topper Tips for Guaranteed Success
From 2025 rankers: Start early (6 months ideal), focus on understanding over rote (e.g., “why” in journal entries).
- Subject Hacks: Accounting—daily 50 entries; Law—mind maps for sections; Quant—logical puzzles; Eco—current affairs links (e.g., RBI reports).
- MCQ Mastery: 1,000/paper; negative marking (0.25), so accuracy > speed.
- Presentation: Use headings, underline keys in descriptive answers; practice writing for time.
- Health & Mindset: Exercise 30 mins, meditate; join study groups for motivation. Avoid burnout—weekly off.
- Common Pitfalls: Skipping mocks (fix: 1/week from Month 2); ignoring BCR (practice emails weekly).
Success Stories: Ananya (AIR 47, Jan 2025) credits daily MCQs and mentors; Rohan (275/400) swears by hybrid coaching.
Final Push: Register and Execute
Register at icai.org (₹9,200 fee); download admit card mid-Dec for Jan. Track via ICAI app. With consistency, 90% toppers clear in one go. Your CA foundation course dream starts now—plan, practice, persist. For personalized tweaks, join ICAI’s free orientations.
