A Foundation Exam is the gateway into the world of Chartered Accountancy(CA). It is the first step towards a career in CA and it was the easiest one to crack out of all three CA exams. Even though the exam is comparatively easier than other CA Exams, one has to prepare well.
A solid preparation is needed which begins with getting a thorough understanding of the CA Foundation exam details such as the CA Foundation exam pattern, structure, timetable, and so on. The Foundation stage is designed to inculcate basic and preliminary knowledge of the CA program for Class 12 passed and graduate students. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) conducts the CA Foundation exam.
Eligibility
If you are appearing for CA Foundation then check out the eligibility criteria for CA Foundation. Read more and learn about it in detail.
Exam Pattern
CA Foundation examination is a written test that is conducted offline and held twice a year. There are four papers in the CA Foundation course. Out of them, Papers 1 and 2 are subjective, while Papers 3 and 4 are objective MCQ-based papers, which test your practical knowledge.
Paper-1: Principles and Practice of Accounting
Paper-2: Business Laws and Business Correspondence and Reporting
Paper-3: Business Mathematics, Logical Reasoning and Statistics
Paper-4: Business Economics and Business and Commercial Knowledge
A candidate can write the CA Foundation exams in either English or Hindi. The sole exception to this is Section B of Paper 2 (Business Correspondence And Reporting). This paper mainly tests the student’s English Language skills to conduct formal communication in a professional setting, hence it can be taken in English only. Negative marking applies to objective papers. Any wrong answer will result in a deduction of one-fourth mark in the paper
Pass Criteria
A candidate needs to secure at least 40% marks in each paper and 50% aggregate marks in all four papers combined to qualify for the CA foundation exams.
Direct Entry to Second Level
The ICAI permits students with certain educational qualifications to skip the CA Foundation course and take a direct entry into the second level, which is the CA Intermediate Course. The following students can avail of this special category exemption.
CA Foundation Exam Fee
Students need to fill out the CA Foundation exam form and pay an exam fee before they can appear for the CA Foundation exams. The exam fee varies depending on the venue chosen, as given below.
Late Fees
A late fee of INR 600 (Indian candidates)/ US$ 10 (Overseas candidates) is applicable if you submit your CA foundation application form after the last date.
Registration to CA Foundation Exams
Class 10 passed candidates qualify for admission to the CA Foundation Course via the provisional route. However, they are not eligible to appear for the CA Foundation Exams unless they clear their class 12th examinations.
The option to provisionally register for the CA Foundation course gives you an early head start on the CA career and allows you to complete the course and become a CA six months in advance.
Students writing the CA Foundation exams are required to follow certain best practices and guidelines set by ICAI about the use of stationary and other essentials. Here are some pointers:
CA Foundation Registration Procedure
Candidates who are eligible for the CA Foundation exam can register through the following process:
