In view of the current security scenario in the nation, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has formally announced the deferment of the remaining papers of the Chartered Accountants (CA) Final, Intermediate, and Post Qualification Course (PQC) examinations for May 2025. The move comes in view of increasing concerns regarding the safety and well-being of examinees and staff at examination centers in India. The notice was given through an official circular by the ICAI Examinations Department on Friday morning.

As per the circular, all CA examinations scheduled between May 9 to May 14, 2025, are now postponed. These comprise Group II papers of the CA Final Examination previously scheduled to be held on May 10 and May 13, Group II papers of the CA Intermediate Examination to be held on May 9, 11, and 14. The examinations for the Post Qualification Course – International Taxation – Assessment Test (INTT AT) have also been postponed. The ruling applies across the country and impacts thousands of hopefuls studying for one of the most respected professional exams in the nation.

The ICAI has assured candidates that the new examination dates will be announced shortly. Nevertheless, it has urged students to keep track of the official ICAI website — www.icai.org — and other approved communication channels in a timely manner. In a statement given by CA Anand Kumar Chaturvedi, Joint Secretary (Examinations), candidates were asked to refrain from using unofficial information sources and remain unruffled by this sudden postponement.

“it is notified for general information that due to prevailing tense and security condition in the country, remaining papers of Chartered Accountants Final, Intermediate and Post Qualification Course Examinations [International Taxation – Assessment Test (INTT AT)] May 2025 from 9th May 2025 to 14th May 2025, stand postponed,” went the official statement released by the institute.

In spite of the interruption in the Intermediate, Final, and PQC examination schedule, the CA Foundation course exams are unaffected. These will take place as initially scheduled on May 15, 17, 19, and 21. ICAI confirmed that all the logistics for the Foundation exams are on track and there are no changes expected at present in this portion of the examination cycle. Candidates who are taking the Foundation exams have been asked to proceed with their preparations without any break.

Paper 6 of the CA Final and all papers of the PQC International Taxation course, which are four hours long, will also be rescheduled. The ICAI assured that all rescheduled papers will be held in due course and that the integrity and fairness of the exam process will be preserved.

The ICAI’s decision to postpone the exams is not just limited to India. The May 2025 session is also being conducted at nine overseas examination centers — Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Bhutan (Thimpu), Doha, Dubai, Kathmandu (Nepal), Kuwait, Muscat, and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). While the notice primarily addresses postponements within India, the institute has not clarified whether the overseas exam schedules will also be impacted. Candidates appearing in international centers are advised to consult their local exam coordinators and remain attentive to updates through ICAI’s global channels.

Language flexibility remains unchanged for examinees: candidates for the Foundation, Intermediate, and Final exams have the option to answer in either English or Hindi. However, the International Taxation – Assessment Test (INTT AT) will be conducted only in English, in line with past practices.

The last-minute deferment has elicited a range of reactions from CA aspirants. Although several have lamented the delay, the majority concurred that safety and security should be the priority. Since there is a tremendous amount of pressure and preparation involved in the CA exams, students have requested ICAI to come out with the revised schedule at the earliest to enable them to plan accordingly and prepare mentally.

ICAI, which is the world’s largest professional body, regulates the profession of chartered accountancy in India. Its exams are renowned for their high standards and stringent nature. It is therefore dealing with the current disruption with great seriousness, both on the part of the institute and the students.

In the days to come, attention will be given to how ICAI handles the rescheduling process and overcomes logistical issues. For the time being, eyes are glued to the official ICAI site where the updated schedule is likely to be released.