ICAI Reschedules CA Intermediate Paper 5 Exam 2026

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has officially announced a revision in the CA Intermediate Examination Schedule 2026, rescheduling Paper 5 due to administrative reasons.

As per the latest official notice issued by ICAI, the CA Intermediate Paper 5 examination, which was earlier scheduled to be held on January 15, 2026, has now been postponed and rescheduled to January 19, 2026.

ICAI CA Intermediate Paper 5 Exam 2026: Revised Date

The change in the examination date has been made in view of the General Elections to Municipal Corporations in the state of Maharashtra, which are scheduled on January 15, 2026. ICAI clarified that the rescheduling decision was taken to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination and to avoid inconvenience to candidates, exam centres, and invigilating staff.

The revised date will apply to all candidates appearing for CA Intermediate Paper 5 across examination centres in India.

Official Notice by ICAI

In the official communication, ICAI stated that all other papers in the CA Intermediate January 2026 examination schedule will remain unchanged. Candidates are advised to take note of the revised date and plan their preparation accordingly. The institute has also urged candidates to regularly check the official ICAI website for any further updates or announcements related to the examination.

Importance of CA Intermediate Paper 5

CA Intermediate Paper 5 is a crucial paper in the Chartered Accountancy curriculum and plays a significant role in determining a candidate's progress toward the CA Final stage. Any change in the exam schedule can significantly impact preparation strategies, revision plans, and exam readiness. Therefore, candidates must align their study timetable with the revised examination date.

What Candidates Should Do Now

With the exam rescheduled to January 19, 2026, candidates get additional time to revise and strengthen key topics. Aspirants should:

• Update their personal study schedules
• Focus on weak areas and practice mock tests
• Download and read the official ICAI notification carefully
• Stay updated through the ICAI website and official announcements

Candidates who had made travel or accommodation arrangements for January 15 should modify their plans as per the new schedule.

Impact on Candidates in Maharashtra and Other States

While the election is being held in Maharashtra, ICAI has rescheduled the paper nationwide to maintain uniformity in the examination process. This ensures fairness and avoids confusion across exam centres. Candidates from Maharashtra, in particular, will benefit as they will not face logistical or administrative disruptions due to election-related restrictions.

ICAI's Commitment to Student Welfare

ICAI has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the interests of students and ensuring that examinations are conducted smoothly without external disturbances. The decision to reschedule the CA Intermediate Paper 5 demonstrates the institute's proactive approach toward managing unforeseen circumstances while prioritizing candidate convenience and examination integrity.

Conclusion

The rescheduling of the ICAI CA Intermediate Paper 5 Exam 2026 from January 15 to January 19, 2026 is an important update for all aspirants. Candidates should make a note of the revised date, adjust their preparation plans, and refer only to official ICAI sources for accurate information. With a few extra days at hand, aspirants can optimize their revision strategy and approach the examination with greater confidence.