CA Foundation Exam Pattern PDF Download

The CA Foundation exam pattern for 2025, introduced by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), is now accessible on their official website. Familiarizing yourself with this updated exam pattern is essential for creating a solid preparation strategy. ICAI organizes the CA Foundation exam three times a year: in January, May/June, and September. This guide offers a detailed overview of the 2025 CA Foundation exam pattern.

CA Foundation Exam Pattern (New Scheme) - An Overview

Important Points to Note

1. Question Type

• Papers 1 and 2 - Subjective
• Papers 3 and 4 - Objective

2. Marks: Each paper will be of 100 marks.

3. Total marks: 400

4. Marking scheme

• For subjective papers (Paper 1 and 2) - NO negative marking
• For objective papers (Paper 3 and 4) - ¼ mark will be deducted for every wrong answer

5. Medium of exam: English/Hindi except for Paper 2 (section b which will be in English only).

CA Foundation Passing Criteria 2025 

• To pass the CA Foundation exam in 2025, candidates need to meet specific criteria set by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).
• The minimum passing mark for each individual paper is 40%.
• Additionally, candidates must achieve an overall aggregate of 50% across all four papers.
• If candidates do not meet these criteria, they will not be considered successful and will have to retake the CA Foundation papers.

Frequently Asked Questions about CA Foundation Exam

Here are some FAQs that will help you in understanding the exam better:

Q1: What are the eligibility criteria for the CA Foundation exam? 
Ans: To be eligible, candidates must have completed their Class 12 exams from a recognized board. There is no age limit, and students can register for the exam after completing their 10th grade.

Q2: When is the CA Foundation exam held? 
Ans: CA Foundation course examinations will be held thrice annually in January, May/June, and September starting in 2025, as opposed to the previous schedule of twice a year.

Q3: How can I register for the CA Foundation exam? 
Ans: Candidates can register online through the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) website. It involves filling out the application form and paying the required fees. 

Q4: What study materials should I use? 
Ans: It’s recommended to use ICAI's official study materials and practice manual. Additionally, reference books from reputed authors and coaching classes can be beneficial. 

Q5: What are the career prospects after passing the CA Foundation exam? 
Ans: After passing the CA Foundation, candidates can continue to Intermediate and later to the Final level of the CA course. A Chartered Accountant can pursue various roles in accounting, taxation, audit, finance, and consultancy, offering robust career opportunities.