ICAI declares CA Foundation results; only 20% candidates clear May exam
ICAI CA Foundation exam results show low pass rate of 20.09% among nearly 90,000 test-takers.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has announced the results of its CA Foundation Examination held in May 2026, revealing a challenging pass rate of just 20.09%. Out of the 90,217 candidates who sat for the examination across 609 centres nationwide and internationally, only 18,124 managed to qualify, highlighting the competitive nature of India's premier accounting qualification.
The results demonstrate a clear gender divide in performance, with male candidates achieving a pass rate of 20.88% compared to their female counterparts at 19.24%. Sakshi Jain emerged as the top performer, securing 371 marks, with Ayanabbas Ajani and Radha Unmesh Mulay following closely. All results are now accessible through the official ICAI portal, allowing candidates to review their performance and next steps.
The CA Foundation course serves as the entry-level qualification for aspiring chartered accountants in India. The low pass percentage reflects the rigorous standards maintained by ICAI to ensure only serious and capable candidates progress toward intermediate and advanced certifications. This stringent approach has long been criticized by some as discouraging, though defenders argue it maintains professional excellence.
For unsuccessful candidates, the results underscore the need for stronger preparation strategies and comprehensive study approaches. The exam's difficulty level continues to prompt discussions about curriculum design and coaching effectiveness among aspiring accountants across the country. ICAI has congratulated all qualifying candidates and encouraged others to reappear in future examination cycles.
Source: Times of India
