The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), on Monday, announced the opt-out option for July 2020 CA Exams.
“The students (who have already submitted online examination application for May 2020 Examination cycle) shall be allowed to OPT-OUT and carry forward their candidature to next examination i.e. November 2020 examination cycle,” the ICAI announced.
In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, the Institute received the mixed expression of opinions, views and requests from students, both relating to holding exams as per the schedule issued by The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India commencing from 29th July 2020 or not holding exams in the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic situation.
However, a large number of students showed their strong desire to appear in the examination as per the announced schedule.
“ICAI is committed to serving even if one student wishes to appear in examination scheduled from 29th July 2020, still considering the prevailing COVID-19 situation and in the interest of mitigating the anxiety and hardships of students, it has been decided to provide an OPT-OUT option to students,” the Institute said.
The Institute notified, “in this case, the examination fees and exemption, if any, of the particular student will automatically be shifted and carried forward to next examination i.e. November 2020 cycle and this attempt (May 2020) will be treated as cancelled / not counted. The student will be required to apply afresh for November 2020 Examination cycle at the relevant time. His / Her Examination fees will be adjusted and differential fees, if any, will only be charged (In case he/she has filled the form for May 2020 exams for one group only and in November 2020 exams cycle, he/she opts to appear in both groups, then, he/she will be required to pay the differential fees).”
However, the Institute is making all the required and necessary arrangements for smooth conduct of May 2020 examination, commencing from 29th July 2020 across the globe including strict adherence to the precautions/measures related to COVID–19 which cover thermal scanning, hands’ sanitization, wearing of masks, maintaining social distancing at all times, following Government guidelines, etc. for the examinees/centre functionaries during the conduct of Chartered Accountant Examination, Remaining students who will choose not to opt-out and wish to appear for the exams commencing from 29th July 2020.
The ICAI further clarified the procedure to Opt-Out.
The procedure states that a student who chooses to opt-out must Submit a declaration online available at https://icaiexam.icai.org from 17th June 2020 i.e. on Wednesday; 11 AM Onwards to 20th June 2020 i.e. Saturday; 11.59 PM.
On submitting the declaration, candidature of the student for May 2020 Examination Cycle will be cancelled and he/she will be shifted to the next Examination Cycle.
“Once the option for “Opt-out” is taken, it will be treated as final. No request for its change will be entertained under any circumstances. The candidates are advised to note the above and stay in touch with the website of the Institute, www.icai.org,” the Institute clarified.
