ICAI New Scheme of Education and Training 2026: CA Foundation, Intermediate, Final, Syllabus and Articleship
The Chartered Accountancy course is one of India’s most recognised professional qualifications for students interested in accounting, taxation, auditing, finance, and business management. Over the years, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has updated its education and training framework to align the course with changing professional requirements.
The ICAI New Scheme of Education and Training was introduced with effect from 1 July 2023. It brought changes to the CA course structure, subject distribution, practical training duration, and the introduction of Self-Paced Online Modules (SPOM). The scheme also places greater emphasis on professional skills, technology, ethics, and the practical application of knowledge.
For students planning to pursue CA in 2026, understanding the New Scheme is essential before registration or examination preparation. It helps you understand how many papers you need to study, when practical training begins, and what requirements must be completed before qualifying as a Chartered Accountant.
In this guide, we will explain the ICAI New Scheme, its eligibility criteria, Foundation, Intermediate and Final subjects, articleship requirements, SPOM modules, and preparation strategy in simple, practical terms.
What Is the ICAI New Scheme?
The ICAI New Scheme is the revised framework for the Chartered Accountancy course introduced by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. It was notified in June 2023 and became effective on 1 July 2023.
The scheme retains the three-level structure of the CA course:
- CA Foundation
- CA Intermediate
- CA Final
However, it revised the number and distribution of papers and introduced four Self-Paced Online Modules. The practical training period was also revised from three years to two years under the new framework, subject to the applicable training requirements.
The purpose is to develop students who can apply accounting and financial knowledge in real professional situations, rather than relying only on theoretical learning.
Key Highlights of the ICAI New Scheme
| Feature | Details |
| Implementing body | Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) |
| Effective date | 1 July 2023 |
| Course levels | Foundation, Intermediate and Final |
| Foundation papers | 4 |
| Intermediate papers | 6 |
| Final papers | 6 |
| Self-Paced Online Modules | 4 modules |
| Practical training | 2 years, subject to ICAI requirements |
| Professional skill training | ICITSS and AICITSS |
| Examination approach | Includes objective questions and application-based assessment at relevant levels |
Students should always check the latest official ICAI announcements before acting on examination dates, registration deadlines, exemptions, and training requirements.
ICAI New Scheme: Complete CA Course Structure
Under the New Scheme, students progress through three academic levels while fulfilling the relevant practical training and module requirements.
1. CA Foundation
CA Foundation is the entry-level examination for students following the Foundation route.
It builds the basic knowledge needed for higher-level accounting, law, quantitative analysis, and economics.
2. CA Intermediate
CA Intermediate develops a deeper understanding of accounting, corporate law, taxation, costing, auditing, financial management, and strategic management.
Students must meet the applicable examination and training requirements to progress through the course.
3. CA Final
CA Final focuses on advanced professional subjects, including financial reporting, financial management, auditing, taxation, and integrated business decision-making.
It prepares students to apply their knowledge to complex professional situations.
ICAI New Scheme at a Glance
| Level | Number of Papers | Main Focus |
| CA Foundation | 4 | Accounting, business law, quantitative aptitude and economics |
| CA Intermediate | 6 | Advanced accounting, law, taxation, costing, audit and financial management |
| CA Final | 6 | Advanced reporting, finance, audit, direct and indirect taxation, and integrated business solutions |
| SPOM | 4 modules | Self-paced learning and assessment in prescribed professional areas |
The six-paper structure at Intermediate and Final is an important difference from the previous scheme. Students should download the latest official syllabus and study material rather than relying on old subject lists.
CA Foundation Subjects Under the ICAI New Scheme
CA Foundation contains four papers. These subjects establish the basic concepts students will use throughout the CA course.
| Paper | Subject | Main Areas of Study |
| Paper 1 | Accounting | Accounting principles, transactions and financial statements |
| Paper 2 | Business Laws | Fundamental legal concepts and business-related laws |
| Paper 3 | Quantitative Aptitude | Business mathematics, logical reasoning and statistics |
| Paper 4 | Business Economics | Economic principles and their business applications |
How Should Students Prepare for Foundation?
Students should avoid treating Foundation as an examination that can be cleared through memorisation alone.
Accounting requires regular numerical practice. Business Laws requires conceptual clarity and the ability to apply legal provisions to questions. Quantitative Aptitude improves with consistent problem-solving, while Economics requires a clear understanding of concepts and their relationships.
A practical preparation routine should include:
- Reading the ICAI study material thoroughly.
- Solving questions after completing each topic.
- Revising difficult concepts regularly.
- Practising objective questions under time limits.
- Attempting mock tests before the examination.
Students should also check the current examination scheme for paper-wise marks, negative marking, passing requirements, and the latest applicable instructions.
CA Intermediate Subjects Under the ICAI New Scheme
CA Intermediate consists of six papers divided into two groups, with three papers in each group.
The subjects are designed to develop the technical knowledge required for accounting, taxation, audit, and financial decision-making.
Group I
| Paper | Subject |
| Paper 1 | Advanced Accounting |
| Paper 2 | Corporate and Other Laws |
| Paper 3 | Taxation |
The Taxation paper covers Income-tax Law and Goods and Services Tax (GST) as prescribed by ICAI.
Group II
| Paper | Subject |
| Paper 4 | Cost and Management Accounting |
| Paper 5 | Auditing and Ethics |
| Paper 6 | Financial Management and Strategic Management |
Financial Management and Strategic Management combine financial decision-making with business strategy.
What Makes Intermediate Important?
Intermediate is a significant step because students begin dealing with more detailed professional concepts. The syllabus requires both conceptual understanding and repeated practice.
For example, Advanced Accounting requires students to understand accounting treatments and solve problems accurately. Taxation involves applying the relevant provisions to practical situations, while Auditing requires an understanding of procedures, evidence, and professional responsibilities.
Students should prepare each paper according to its nature. Numerical subjects need regular written practice, while theory-oriented subjects need structured revision and answer-writing practice.
ICAI’s official syllabus and study materials should be treated as the primary reference for the applicable examination attempt.
CA Final Subjects Under the ICAI New Scheme
CA Final contains six papers divided into two groups. The subjects focus on advanced technical knowledge and its application in professional practice.
Group I
| Paper | Subject |
| Paper 1 | Financial Reporting |
| Paper 2 | Advanced Financial Management |
| Paper 3 | Advanced Auditing, Assurance and Professional Ethics |
Group II
| Paper | Subject |
| Paper 4 | Direct Tax Laws and International Taxation |
| Paper 5 | Indirect Tax Laws |
| Paper 6 | Integrated Business Solutions |
Integrated Business Solutions is a multidisciplinary case-study paper that includes Strategic Management. It tests the ability to apply knowledge from different subject areas to business situations.
How to Prepare for CA Final
CA Final preparation should combine technical understanding, revision, and practical application.
Students should not wait until the end of the syllabus to start practising case-based questions. Regular practice helps them connect concepts across subjects and present their reasoning clearly.
A useful approach is to:
- Divide the syllabus into manageable study targets.
- Complete the relevant ICAI study material.
- Maintain concise revision notes.
- Practise case studies and examination-style questions.
- Review mistakes after every mock test.
- Keep time for final revision and current syllabus updates.
The quality of revision matters as much as the number of hours spent studying.
What Are Self-Paced Online Modules (SPOM)?
One of the major features of the ICAI New Scheme is the introduction of Self-Paced Online Modules.
These modules allow students to study specified professional subjects through online learning and assessment. They are intended to support learning beyond the traditional written examination structure.
The New Scheme includes four modules, commonly identified as Set A, Set B, Set C and Set D. Students must follow the applicable ICAI requirements regarding module selection, completion, assessment, and exemptions.
SPOM Modules: Overview
| Module | Broad Area |
| Set A | Corporate and Economic Laws |
| Set B | Strategic Cost and Performance Management |
| Set C | Some prescribed professional elective areas |
| Set D | Some prescribed professional elective areas |
The detailed subjects available under Sets C and D, as well as the requirements applicable to a student, should be checked on the official ICAI portal because prescribed options and rules may be updated.
Why Are SPOM Modules Important?
SPOM encourages students to take responsibility for learning professional topics in a flexible format.
However, students should not assume that completing online lessons automatically fulfils every requirement. They must check whether the relevant module assessment, passing criteria, and completion status have been recorded according to ICAI rules.
Before beginning, review the latest instructions on the official ICAI Self-Paced Online Modules portal and retain evidence of completed requirements where applicable.
Articleship Under the ICAI New Scheme
Practical training, commonly known as articleship, is an important part of CA education. It gives students exposure to professional work and helps them connect classroom knowledge with real assignments.
Under the New Scheme, the prescribed practical training period is two years, subject to the applicable ICAI rules and eligibility requirements.
Students should understand the distinction between registering for practical training and completing all requirements to appear for a particular examination. Eligibility depends on the rules applicable to the relevant stage and attempt.
When Can Students Start Articleship?
Students following the usual Foundation route generally need to pass the required Intermediate examination group or groups, complete the prescribed Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (ICITSS), and fulfil the relevant registration requirements before starting practical training.
The precise requirements should be verified with ICAI before entering into a training arrangement.
What Is ICITSS?
The Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills helps students develop professional communication and technology-related skills.
It forms part of the prescribed training framework and must be completed at the stage required by ICAI.
What Is AICITSS?
The Advanced Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills is a further professional training requirement. Under the New Scheme framework, students must complete it according to the prescribed timing and eligibility conditions before the applicable Final examination.
Why Does Articleship Matter?
Articleship helps students gain practical experience in areas such as:
- Audit and assurance.
- Accounting and financial reporting.
- Taxation and compliance.
- Internal controls.
- Business processes and documentation.
- Client communication and professional conduct.
The quality of practical exposure can influence how confidently students approach professional responsibilities after qualification.
CA Course Eligibility Under the New Scheme
Eligibility depends on the route through which a student enters the CA course.
Foundation Route
Students may register for the Foundation course after passing Class 10, subject to ICAI’s registration requirements. To appear for the examination, they must satisfy the applicable Class 12 and study-period requirements.
Registration alone does not mean that a student is immediately eligible to sit for the Foundation examination.
Direct Entry Route
Eligible graduates and postgraduates may enter through the Direct Entry Route if they meet ICAI’s prescribed academic criteria.
The applicable percentage requirements differ according to the qualification and stream. Certain candidates with specified professional qualifications may also qualify under the relevant rules.
Students should confirm the current criteria on ICAI’s official website before applying.
Documents and Registration
Students should keep their academic records, identity details, photographs, signatures, and other prescribed documents ready for registration.
The required documents, fees, and process may vary according to the course and route. Use the official ICAI registration system rather than relying solely on third-party summaries.
Benefits of the ICAI New Scheme
The New Scheme introduces several changes intended to support professional development.
A revised paper structure: The distribution of subjects across Foundation, Intermediate and Final gives students a defined progression through the course.
Greater emphasis on application: Case-based questions and integrated assessment help evaluate how students use concepts in practical situations.
Self-paced learning: SPOM provides a structured online learning component for prescribed subjects.
Shorter practical training period: The prescribed training period under the New Scheme is two years, subject to applicable requirements.
Professional skills development: ICITSS and AICITSS form part of the framework for technology, communication, and professional readiness.
These features do not make the CA course easy or guarantee qualification within a fixed period. Students still need consistent preparation, examination performance, and completion of all prescribed requirements.
How to Prepare for the ICAI New Scheme in 2026
A good study plan should reflect the student’s current level, available time, and examination attempt.
1. Download the Correct Syllabus
Start with the official syllabus for your course and examination attempt. Older books, notes, or online videos may refer to subjects or rules from the previous scheme.
2. Use ICAI Study Material
ICAI study material, revision test papers, model test papers, and suggested answers can help students understand the expected coverage and question style.
3. Create a Realistic Timetable
Set weekly targets instead of relying on an unrealistic daily schedule. Include lectures, self-study, written practice, and revision.
4. Practise Under Exam Conditions
Mock tests help students identify weak areas, improve time management, and develop confidence in presenting answers.
5. Track Every Course Requirement
Keep a checklist for examinations, training registration, ICITSS, AICITSS, SPOM, and other applicable requirements. This reduces the risk of missing a non-examination requirement.
6. Verify Updates Before Every Attempt
ICAI may issue announcements concerning syllabus applicability, examination dates, study material, training, and other procedures. Check the official portal regularly.
Official ICAI Resources for the New Scheme
Students should use official sources to verify the latest details.
- New Scheme overview: https://www.icai.org/post/new-scheme-of-education-and-training
- Foundation syllabus: https://www.icai.org/post/foundation-nset
- Intermediate syllabus: https://www.icai.org/post/intermediate-nset
- Final syllabus: https://www.icai.org/post/final-nset
- ICAI students portal: https://www.icai.org/students.shtml
These resources provide access to syllabus details, study materials, model test papers, and other student guidance.
How CA Mentoring Program Can Help CA Aspirants
Understanding the ICAI New Scheme is the first step. The next step is building a preparation routine that fits your current level and goals.
At CA Mentoring Program, students can explore educational resources and guidance related to their CA preparation journey.
Before choosing a preparation approach, students should identify their target examination, subjects requiring extra practice, available study hours, and revision needs.
A well-organised plan can help students manage lectures, self-study, mock tests, and revision without leaving everything until the final weeks.
The aim should be to develop conceptual clarity and examination readiness, rather than simply completing the syllabus as quickly as possible.
Conclusion
The ICAI New Scheme of Education and Training, effective from 1 July 2023, revised the structure of the CA course through changes to paper distribution, practical training, and the introduction of Self-Paced Online Modules.
Under the scheme, CA Foundation has four papers, while Intermediate and Final each have six papers. The framework also includes two years of prescribed practical training and professional skill courses, subject to the applicable ICAI requirements.
For students planning their CA journey in 2026, the most important step is to understand the correct syllabus and eligibility rules for their course and examination attempt.
Use official ICAI material, practise regularly, maintain a realistic timetable, and track every academic and training requirement. With consistent preparation and accurate information, you can approach the CA course with greater clarity and confidence.
