Introduction
The CA Foundation May 2026 session represents the first step for aspiring Chartered Accountants in India to enter the professional world of finance. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India has released a structured timetable to help students plan their final revision cycles effectively. Candidates must familiarise themselves with the specific dates for each of the four papers to ensure a smooth examination experience.
Official Timetable and Subject Sequence for May 2026
The examination consists of four distinct papers that test the foundational knowledge of accounting, law, and quantitative aptitude.
- Principles and Practice of Accounting is traditionally the first paper scheduled for the CA Foundation May session.
- Business Laws and Business Correspondence follow as the second paper, requiring a deep understanding of the Indian Contract Act.
- The CA Foundation quantitative aptitude segment includes mathematics and logical reasoning to evaluate the analytical skills of the students.
- Business Economics and Commercial Knowledge conclude the series of examinations with an objective-type question paper format.
- Each paper is designed to be completed within a three-hour window during the CA Foundation afternoon session.
Afternoon Session Timings andCentrer Protocols
Following the prescribed reporting times and centre rules is mandatory for all candidates to avoid disqualification on technical grounds.
- The CA Foundation examinations generally begin at 2:00 PM and conclude at 5:00 PM for all subjective and objective papers.
- Candidates are granted an initial fifteen minutes of reading time to plan their answers for the first two subjective papers.
- Entry into the CA Foundation examination hall is strictly closed thirty minutes before the commencement of the scheduled test.
- Students must carry their original admit card and a valid photo identity proof for every session of the CA Foundation cycle.
Conclusion
The afternoon session requires students to maintain high energy levels and focus throughout the late hours of the day. Consistent revision based on the ICAI timetable helps in reducing last-minute anxiety and improves the overall performance of the aspirants. It is essential to stay updated with any minor changes in the schedule by checking the official portal regularly. For more information on the May session, visit the CA Foundation updates page to track all important announcements.