Ultimate Guide to CA Foundation Course
Classes · Syllabus · Important Dates · Fees — Everything you need to know
CA Foundation Course Introduction
Becoming a Chartered Accountant is a dream. The CA Foundation course is the step to get there. This is the exam that the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India gives. The CA Foundation course checks if you really understand the basics of accounting, business law, math and economics. If you pass this exam you can move on to the CA Intermediate and CA Final exams.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India has some rules. They want to make sure the exam is up to date with what's happening in business around the world. So they have changed the way the exam is given. Now you can take the exam three times a year — in January, June and September. The CA Foundation course is still the starting point for people who want to become a Chartered Accountant.
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Choosing the coaching is a very important decision. At Parag Gupta Classes our motto is "Small Batch, Big Result". We think that giving each student attention and making sure they really understand the concepts is the key to their success.
Expert Faculty
CA Parag Gupta & team
Small Batches
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Updated Material
Aligned with ICAI
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Quality at fair cost
Small Batch Size — Every student gets attention. Ask questions, get answers right away.
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Our Expert Faculties
| CA. Sonika Jain Ma'am (Expert in Accounting) | CA. Sunila Kapoor Ma'am (Expert in Business Law) | Nitesh Kumar sir (Expert in Quantitative Aptitude) | Rahul Singh Sir (Expert in Business Economics) |
CA Foundation Exam Eligibility Criteria
Before filling out forms, ensure you fulfill the eligibility conditions laid down by ICAI:
| Category | Eligibility Criteria Details |
|---|---|
| Provisional Registration | Students can provisionally register with the ICAI Board of Studies (BOS) after passing their Class 10th board examinations. |
| Regular Registration | Students must have passed or appeared in the Class 12th examination (10+2) from a recognized Central or State Board of Education. |
| Direct Entry Route | Graduates, Post-Graduates, or candidates with equivalent qualifications can skip the CA Foundation course entirely and directly register for the CA Intermediate level. |
ICAI CA Foundation Registration Procedure, Dates & Fees
Registration with ICAI is always open — it does not have a deadline. You need to do it at least 4 months before the ICAI exam you want to take. Plan and register early!
1. Registration Deadlines (2026 Attempts)
| Targeted Exam Attempt | Registration Cut-off Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| January 2027 | September 1, 2026 | Open – Apply Now |
| May / June 2027 | January 1, 2027 | Closed |
| September 2027 | May 1, 2027 | Closed |
2. ICAI Official Fees Structure
| Fee Component | Indian Students (INR) | International Students (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Prospectus | ₹200 | $20 |
| Foundation Registration Fee | ₹9,000 | $700 |
| Subscription for Student's Journal (Optional) | ₹200 | $20 |
| Subscription for Member's Journal (Optional) | ₹400 | $40 |
| Total Mandatory Fee | ₹9,200 | $720 |
Step-by-Step Registration Procedure
- Go to the ICAI Self-Service Portal: https://eservices.icai.org
- Click on "New Students Registration" to make your ICAI profile.
- Use your Email ID and Mobile Number for this.
- Fill in your details — make sure they match your Class 12th certificates exactly.
- Upload documents: Class 10 or 12 marksheets, scanned passport photo, signature, category certificate (if applicable).
- Pay the online fee via the integrated payment gateway.
- Within 2-3 days, you will receive a confirmation email and a coupon code to order your free official study material via CDS.
CA Foundation Syllabus & Exam Structure
The CA Foundation course features four papers. Papers 1 & 2 are subjective, while Papers 3 & 4 are objective (MCQ-based).
| Paper | Subject Name | Marks | Type of Exam | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Principles and Practice of Accounting | 100 | Subjective | 3 Hours | No |
| Paper 2 | Business Laws | 100 | Subjective | 3 Hours | No |
| Paper 3 | Quantitative Aptitude (Maths, Logical Reasoning & Statistics) | 100 | Objective (MCQ) | 2 Hours | Yes (-0.25) |
| Paper 4 | Business Economics | 100 | Objective (MCQ) | 2 Hours | Yes (-0.25) |
CA Foundation Exam Date: September 2026
| Paper | Subject | Official Exam Date | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Principles & Practice of Accounting | September 2, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (3 Hrs) |
| Paper 2 | Business Laws | September 5, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (3 Hrs) |
| Paper 3 | Quantitative Aptitude | September 7, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (2 Hrs) |
| Paper 4 | Business Economics | September 9, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (2 Hrs) |
Important Dates for CA Foundation Registration (September 2026)
| Event | Date (Expected) |
|---|---|
| CA Foundation Registration Starts | 6th July 2026 |
| Exam Form Last Date (Without Late Fee) | 19th July 2026 |
| Exam Form Last Date (With Late Fee) | 22nd July 2026 |
| Correction Window | 23rd – 25th July 2026 |
| CA Foundation Exam Dates (Sept 2026) | 2nd, 5th, 7th, 9th September 2026 |
CA Foundation Syllabus (Paper-wise) for 2026
Paper 1: Principles and Practice of Accounting
| Module | Chapters |
|---|---|
| Module 1 | 1. Theoretical Framework, 2. Accounting Process, 3. Bank Reconciliation Statement, 4. Inventories, 5. Depreciation and Amortisation, 6. Bills of Exchange and Promissory Notes |
| Module 2 | 7. Preparation of Final Accounts of Sole Proprietors, 8. Financial Statements of Not-for-Profit Organisations, 9. Accounts from Incomplete Records, 10. Partnership and LLP Accounts, 11. Company Accounts |
Paper 2: Business Laws
| Chapter | Key Acts |
|---|---|
| 1. Indian Regulatory Framework | Basic understanding of the regulatory environment. |
| 2. The Indian Contract Act, 1872 | Nature of contracts, Consideration, Performance, Breach and remedies, Agency, Indemnity & Guarantee, Bailment & Pledge. |
| 3. The Sale of Goods Act, 1930 | Formation of contract, Conditions & Warranties, Transfer of ownership, Unpaid seller. |
| 4. The Indian Partnership Act, 1932 | Nature of partnership, Relations of partners, Registration and dissolution. |
| 5. The Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 | Key features and provisions. |
| 6. The Companies Act, 2013 | Introduction to company law. |
| 7. The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 | Important concepts and provisions. |
Paper 3: Quantitative Aptitude
| Part | Key Topics | Marks Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Part A: Business Mathematics | Ratio, Proportion, Indices, Logarithms, Equations, Linear Inequalities, Mathematics of Finance, Permutations & Combinations, Sequence & Series, Calculus basics | 40 Marks |
| Part B: Logical Reasoning | Number Series, Coding-Decoding, Direction Tests, Seating Arrangements, Blood Relations | 20 Marks |
| Part C: Statistics | Statistical Representation of Data, Sampling, Measures of Central Tendency & Dispersion, Probability, Correlation & Regression, Index Numbers | 40 Marks |
Paper 4: Business Economics
| Chapter | Key Units |
|---|---|
| 1. Nature & Scope of Business Economics | Introduction, Basic Problems of an Economy, Role of Price Mechanism |
| 2. Theory of Demand and Supply | Law of Demand, Elasticity of Demand, Theory of Consumer Behaviour, Supply |
| 3. Theory of Production and Cost | Theory of Production, Theory of Cost |
| 4. Price Determination in Different Markets | Types of Markets, Determination of Prices, Price-Output Determination under different market forms. |
| 5. Business Cycles | Concept and phases of business cycles. |
| 6. Determination of National Income | National Income Accounting, Keynesian Theory |
| 7. Public Finance | Fiscal Functions, Market Failure, Budget Making, Fiscal Policy |
| 8. Money Market | Demand and Supply of Money, Monetary Policy |
| 9. International Trade | Theories of Trade, Trade Policy, Exchange Rate |
| 10. Indian Economy | Overview of the Indian Economy |
CA Foundation Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
| Paper | Subject Name | Type of Questions | Duration | Marks | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Accounting | Subjective | 3 Hours | 100 | No |
| Paper 2 | Business Laws | Subjective | 3 Hours | 100 | No |
| Paper 3 | Quantitative Aptitude | Objective (MCQ) | 2 Hours | 100 | Yes (-0.25) |
| Paper 4 | Business Economics | Objective (MCQ) | 2 Hours | 100 | Yes (-0.25) |
CA Foundation Passing Criteria
Subject Minimum Cut-off: You must score at least 40% marks in each of the four papers individually.
Aggregate Minimum Cut-off: You must secure a minimum of 50% marks in total aggregate across all four papers.
Example Scenario:
- If you score 40, 42, 45, and 75 (Total = 202), you pass (every paper ≥ 40 and Total ≥ 200).
- If you score 38, 65, 70, and 75 (Total = 248), you fail (failed to hit the 40-mark threshold in Paper 1).
How to Fill the CA Foundation Exam Form
- Visit Exam Portal: Go to icaiexam.icai.org.
- Login: Use your login ID and password (created during course registration).
- Apply: Click on "Apply for Foundation" under the student services menu.
- Fill Details: The form will auto-populate some details. Fill in the remaining information, like exam city preference.
- Upload Documents: Upload your photograph and signature as per specifications.
- Pay Fee: Pay the exam form fee online (₹1,500 for Indian centers).
- Submit & Print: Submit the form and print a copy for your records.
CA Foundation Admit Card
- Release Window: The papers are usually ready for download two weeks before the test starts.
- How to Download: Go to the SSP portal, open the admit card link, check your registration details, and download the PDF.
- Important Guidelines: Make sure your signature and picture are clear. Print the paper in color. Carry a Government ID card (Aadhaar, PAN, or Voter ID) to the examination hall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download the CA Foundation study material for free?
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India gives you all the study material you need for the CA Foundation. This material is free for all registered students — it's already included in your registration fee. You can download it chapter-wise from the official ICAI website, or ICAI sends a physical copy to your registered address.
Why should I choose StudyByTech?
StudyByTech highlights several key strengths: Proven Results (high success rate, rank holders), Expert Faculty (experienced, conceptual clarity), Personalized Attention (small batches, doubt sessions), Comprehensive Support (career guidance, placement assistance, stress management), and Modern Infrastructure (smart classrooms, comfortable environment).
How do I enroll in a course?
The enrollment process is straightforward: Contact the institute via phone or website, attend a free demo class, select a batch and learning mode (classroom/online/recorded), fill the admission form, and pay the course fee. Visit the official StudyByTech website for the most accurate information.
How can I contact StudyByTech?
Phone: +91 9968875529
Address: D-98, lane No. 5, near Metro Pillar No. 30, Veer Savarkar Block, Block D, Laxmi Nagar, Delhi, 110092.
Website: studybytech.com
How to clear the CA Foundation in the first attempt?
Master the ICAI Material — it's your primary resource. Practice relentlessly with module questions, past papers, and mock tests. Make a study plan with realistic timetables. Be consistent — focus on productive study hours daily. Understand the exam pattern including negative marking. Revise, revise, revise — plan multiple revisions before the exam.
Can I become a CA if I am weak in math?
Yes, absolutely! Focus on basics — build a strong foundation in arithmetic, algebra, and statistics. Practice daily, starting with simple questions. Master formulas — spend 15-25 minutes daily on formula revision. Use shortcut techniques to improve speed. Start early if you are weak in math, and focus on high-weightage chapters. ICAI's material is designed for beginners — with patience and practice, you can score well.
Which is the best institute for CA Foundation in India?
StudyByTech is well known as one of the best places in India for commerce coaching. We have expert-made tests, special modules, and modern teaching methods that help students achieve top scores.
Does CA Foundation require coaching?
You can study on your own, but coaching is extremely helpful. Business Law is hard to learn by yourself — you need guidance on writing case laws. Papers 3 and 4 have negative marking, so learning methods and shortcuts from a professional coach is very important to pass on time.
