no. of attempts
If you are asking this question here, you must be thinking of giving the CA exams, or you may have already registered for them, or you may have even given the exams. Let me tell you, passing the chartered accountancy exam will be one of the most rewarding but difficult challenges of your life. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) also knows this fact and thus gives enough time and attempts for you to crack the exam.
The Structure of the CA Exam and your Safety Nets
The CA journey is divided into three parts:
- Foundation
- Inter
- Final
Earlier, the number of CA attempts used to be 2 every year. However, recently, in a change in 2024, the number of CA attempts for the Foundation and Inter stages was increased from 2 to 3. On the other hand, the number of attempts in the final stage was increased from 2 to 3 in 2025, but this decision was retracted in a major change on 6 April 2026.
So, currently the number of attempts/year for every stage is:
| Stage | Attempts/year |
|---|---|
| Foundation | 3 |
| Inter | 3 |
| Final | 2 |
CA Foundation
This stage tests your basic understanding of the concepts of mathematics, economics, law, and accounting.
The Rule: You can attempt the CA Foundation for a maximum of 4 years.
The Attempts: 4 years means 12 attempts in total. That is how many attempts you get for the CA Foundation exam. In case you cannot clear this exam in these 12 attempts, you cannot re-register for this level. However, do not worry, since 12 attempts are more than enough for the CA Foundation exam, since it tests concepts on a basic level.
CA Inter
This stage consists of a vast syllabus and two groups: Group I and Group II. You can choose to clear both groups one by one in any order in different attempts or both of them in the same attempt.
The Rule: Your registration for CA Inter is valid for a maximum of 5 years.
The Attempts: 5 years mean 15 attempts in total. However, even if your 5 years get over, you can revalidate your registration by paying a nominal fee. So, technically, there is no upper limit on attempts.
CA Final
When you reach this stage, you are already called a half-CA. This is the final peak of the CA exam. It requires immense dedication and nerves to clear the CA final exam.
The Rule: Your registration for CA Inter is valid for a maximum of 10 years.
The Attempts: 10 years means 20 attempts in total. However, even if your 10 years get over, you can revalidate your registration by paying a nominal fee. So, technically, there is no upper limit on attempts.
Right now, you might be feeling that clearing the CA exam in your first attempt gives you an edge. While clearing in the first attempt does give you a minute advantage in the initial placements, in the long run, companies are looking for skilled professionals who fit their ecosystem, not just good test-takers.
The CA journey by design is not a sprint; it is supposed to be a marathon, and the longer you can stay in it, the higher your chances are of clearing it and the more you learn. Every failed attempt is not a step backward; it is a step towards your journey of learning and improving.
Keep this in your mind at all times:
“Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of success."