CA Results Debate: Has the Course Really Become Easier?
CA remains consistently rigorous, with standards tightly controlled rather than eased
Chartered accountancy is one of India's most demanding professions. It is not just an exam; it is a long, uncertain struggle marked by repeated attempts, financial pressure, and emotional resilience. Despite changing exam patterns and modern resources, the struggle to clear CA remains deeply personal, intense, and unforgiving.
As the curiosity that ‘CA has become easy?’ People are confused about what to believe. With mixed opinions and selective results, they were looking for clarity based on facts rather than assumptions. A review of CA final results across multiple attempts shows that pass percentages have remained unpredictable and largely low, contradicting the perception of a steady easing examination system.
CA exam pattern:
- Foundational level - Basic concepts
- Intermediate level - Two groups
- Final level - Two groups
What Data says
The figure based on recent ICAI result data shows that the CA final pass percentage has mostly stayed between 5% to 15%, with only a brief spike. While the result improved from about 9% in May 2018 to 15% in Nov 2018, and crossed 20% in May 2019, these gains were short-lived, with pass rates falling back to 10% by Nov 2019. From 2022-23, results were established at 8-10%, then spiked to close to 20% in May 2024, which again corrected to the mid-teens by September 2025.
Group-wise data further shows that while group II sometimes records higher passes, clearing both groups together remains consistently difficult, underscoring that CA has not become easier.
What clearly emerges from the visual analysis is not a linear upward trend, but a zig-zag movement, sharp rises followed by equally sharp falls.
Why is CA so tough?
Several reasons repeatedly emerge when we talk about why CA remains difficult. The curriculum covers accounting, taxation, finance, ethics, and more, requiring not just memorising but a deep understanding and application. Also, with strict valuation norms and strong focus on understanding and application, ICIAs assessment process keeps fluctuations in CA pass rates.
With the introduction of case-based MCQs and application-focused questions, the CA exam shifted towards testing analytical thinking over rote learning.
In conclusion, one reality is unmistakably clear: CA has not become easy. Over 7 years of data confirm that clearing the CA final, especially for both groups, remains an exceptional achievement. Even if the CA
Examination continues to remain tough or, in certain attempts, become even more demanding; the number of candidates appearing has increased over the year. In that sense, the growing volume of candidates alongside consistently low both group pass rates reinforces one clear reality, the CA final remains a high stakes examiatons where difficulty persists, even as competition intensifies
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