ICAI Allows CA May 2026 Candidates to Select Preferred Examination Centre

In a student-friendly move, the Institute introduces direct centre selection in the exam application form — a first for CA examinations

Published: March 6, 2026   |   Source: ICAI Examination Department   |   Announcement No. 13-CA (Exam)/May/2026

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has introduced a significant change in the examination centre selection process for candidates appearing in the May 2026 Chartered Accountants Examinations. For the first time, students will be able to directly choose their preferred examination centre within their selected zone or city — a departure from the previous system where only a broad zone or city could be selected, with the specific centre being assigned later by the Institute.

The announcement was made by the Examination Department of ICAI on March 2, 2026, in continuation of the earlier notification (No. 13-CA (Exam)/May/2026) dated December 12, 2025, pertaining to Final, Intermediate, and Foundation Examinations scheduled for May 2026.

What Has Changed?

Earlier, while submitting the online examination application form, candidates could only choose a specific zone or city as their preferred examination centre. The actual examination centre — including the specific venue — was allocated by ICAI at a later stage, often leaving students uncertain about their exact exam location until the release of admit cards.

Under the revised system, the online application form for the May 2026 CA Examinations will allow candidates to directly choose their preferred examination centre within the selected zone or city. This gives students greater visibility and control over where they appear for one of the most important professional examinations in India.

Key Clarification: ICAI Retains Final Authority

While the new system empowers candidates with a choice, ICAI has been explicit that the Institute reserves the right for the final allotment of examination centres. The name of the allotted examination centre will be communicated to candidates through their admit cards. Candidates should therefore treat their preference as a request, not a guarantee.

Registration Timeline & Important Dates

The online application window for the CA May 2026 examinations opened on March 3, 2026, at eservices.icai.org. Candidates may submit their application forms without payment of a late fee up to 16 March 2026, while those applying with a late fee have until March 19, 2026. Admit cards are expected to be released in late April 2026.

The schedule of examinations for May 2026 is provided below:

CA Final:  May 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12, 2026

CA Intermediate:  May 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13, 2026

CA Foundation:  May 14, 16, 18, and 20, 2026

Correction Window Available

Candidates who want to modify their chosen examination centre after submitting the form will be provided a one-time correction window on the ICAI examination portal (icaiexam.icai.org). This window allows students to modify their exam centre, group, medium, or syllabus at no additional cost. However, candidates are cautioned that only one such correction opportunity is available — there is no second chance.

Extensive Examination Network

The CA examinations are conducted across an extensive network of centres spanning over 297 cities in India. Additionally, for candidates residing abroad, ICAI offers examinations at 9 international locations including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Doha, Muscat, Kuwait, Kathmandu, Thimphu, and Singapore. The CA Intermediate examination alone is held in more than 100 cities across India and at all nine overseas centres.

Why This Matters for CA Students

The CA examination is one of the most rigorous professional credentialing processes in India, with lakhs of students appearing across all levels each session. Logistical challenges — such as being assigned an examination centre far from one’s residence or place of study — have historically added stress to an already demanding preparation period. By allowing candidates to express a preference upfront, ICAI is taking a meaningful step towards reducing avoidable inconvenience.

This change aligns with ICAI’s broader efforts to modernise examination administration and enhance the student experience, including the introduction of online application forms, result portals, and virtual classes for Foundation and Intermediate students.