ICAI Adjusts CA Exam Dates in Response to Security Changes
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has made a major change in its May 2025 exam schedule, rescheduling certain CA Final, Intermediate, and International Taxation – Assessment Test (INTT–AT) exams to new dates between May 16 and 24. The decision, which comes soon after improvements in the national security outlook, is intended to guarantee smooth and safe exam operations across centers. For the thousands of students who plan their year around these critical tests, this shift means adjusting their preparations and travel plans, but also offers some reassurance that safety is firmly on the agenda.
The affected exams include the CA Final Group II Paper 5 on Indirect Tax Laws and INTT–AT Paper 1 (International Tax – Transfer Pricing), both now set for May 16. Intermediate Group II Papers 4, 5, and 6 will take place on May 20, 22, and 24, respectively. Although these changes will shuffle schedules for many, the most reassuring aspect is that admit cards already issued are still valid—no additional paperwork needed. The exam times (mostly 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM IST, with some papers running until 6:00 PM) and venues remain fixed, so students don’t have to hunt for last-minute information or locations.
What Stays Unchanged and What’s Different?
For those registered for the CA Foundation papers, there’s no shake-up. Those exams are locked in for the original dates—May 15, 17, 19, and 21—which makes planning a bit less stressful for new aspirants. But, for students scheduled to write the now-rescheduled papers, keeping track of the new timetable is crucial. ICAI has firmly stated that, even if the new exam dates coincide with public or bank holidays, the papers won’t be moved again. So yes, even if a major festival lands on an exam day, the test will still go on. If you’ve been wondering whether you’ll need to print a new admit card for ICAI CA Exams 2025, that’s one worry off your plate—the originals are still good.
Six papers across the CA Final, Intermediate, and INTT–AT have been impacted. That may not sound like much, but each exam represents months, even years, of preparation. Students are now recalibrating their routines, shifting revision timetables and practice tests. This isn’t a minor rescheduling; it changes travel bookings, accommodation plans, and maybe even part-time work schedules for some. ICAI, meanwhile, has again demonstrated its readiness to address major logistical concerns head-on, taking decisions in alignment with the evolving situation nationwide.
As for what prompted the change, ICAI pointed to the improved security context in the country as a positive sign, but also made it clear that ensuring exam integrity and candidate safety are always the top priorities. So, while the postponement may be inconvenient for a few, it’s very much about maintaining stability and fairness. Regular updates from the ICAI are expected as the new exam window approaches, aiming to keep candidates and parents in the loop every step of the way.
