ICAI announces exam schedule and new tender guidelines

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has announced the examination schedule for the January 2027 CA Foundation and Intermediate exams. Online applications via the ICAI e-Services portal will open on November 3, 2026. The deadline to submit forms without a late fee is November 16, 2026, while a late fee option will be available until November 19, 2026. A correction window for amending submitted forms is scheduled from November 20 to November 22, 2026.

Additionally, the ICAI has issued new guidelines for members in practice regarding responses to professional service tenders. Effective immediately, these guidelines under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949, prohibit members from responding to tenders that do not prescribe minimum fees for services exclusively reserved for chartered accountants. Members must ensure quoted fees are commensurate with the work's nature, volume, and manpower requirements. The guidelines also require members to maintain cost sheets detailing estimated costs and personnel involvement, which the Institute may request for review.