CA Final September 2026: Group 1 Only or Both Groups?

Registration for CA Final September 2026 closes on July 3, 2026 — and choosing to attempt Group 1 only or both groups is one of the most critical decisions you make this cycle.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) allows CA Final students to appear for Group 1, Group 2, or both groups in a single sitting. Each option suits a different preparation level and career timeline. Making the right call before you submit your form can save you from unnecessary exam pressure and fee expenditure.

• Last date to register for CA Final September 2026 is July 3, 2026 on the ICAI self-service portal.
• Under the New Scheme, Group 1 has four papers (FR, AFM, AAEP, Direct Tax) and Group 2 has two papers (Indirect Tax, IBS).
• Registering for both groups lets you complete CA Final in one sitting if you clear both.
• Group 1 only registration reduces exam load and suits students with limited preparation time or heavy articleship commitments.
• Scoring 60 or above in any paper of a failed group earns you an exemption for that paper in the next attempt.

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CA Final September 2026 Key Registration Dates

ICAI has announced the examination form schedule for the September 2026 CA Final attempt. The last date to register without a late fee is July 3, 2026. A short late-fee window is usually offered after this date — confirm exact dates on the official ICAI portal once the notification is published.

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Group 1 and Group 2: Papers at a Glance

Under ICAI’s New Scheme of Education and Training, CA Final has six papers split across two groups. Knowing the paper distribution helps you gauge the workload before you decide on your registration option.

To pass a group, you need at least 40 marks in each paper and 50% aggregate within the group — that is 200 out of 400 for Group 1 and 100 out of 200 for Group 2.

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Who Should Register for Group 1 Only?

Registering for Group 1 alone is a strategic choice, not a shortcut. These are the profiles where it makes clear sense:

• First-attempt students who have not covered the full six-paper syllabus — Group 1 alone is already four demanding papers. Stretching to six without adequate preparation often results in failing both groups.
• Students serving articleship during peak audit or tax season — Focusing on four papers gives you a realistic preparation window when your firm workload is heavy.
• Students who failed Group 1 in a previous attempt — Clear your pending group before taking on the other. Adding Group 2 while Group 1 remains uncleared stretches your attention without improving your standing.
• Students who have already cleared Group 2 — You only need Group 1 to complete CA Final. There is no reason to re-register for Group 2.
• Students whose mock test scores are below 50% in Group 1 papers — Attempting a group you are not ready for only delays your overall qualification timeline.

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Who Should Register for Both Groups?

Clearing both groups in one sitting is the fastest path to qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. Consider both groups if these conditions apply:

• You have completed your three-year articleship or are in the final months — Fewer work obligations mean you can give sufficient study time to all six papers.
• Your mock test scores are consistently above 50% across all six papers — This is the most reliable indicator that a both-groups attempt is realistic for you.
• You attended coaching that covered the full New Scheme syllabus — Integrated preparation covering all six papers is the foundation for a successful both-groups attempt.
• You want to maximise exemption opportunities — Attempting both groups gives you six papers in which to score 60 or above. Each such paper becomes exempt in the next attempt if you fail the overall group — a significant advantage.
• You are a repeater with one group pending — If you cleared one group in a prior attempt, you must appear for the remaining group. This is a requirement, not a choice.

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CA Final September 2026 Registration Fees

The fee varies based on how many groups you register for. The table below reflects ICAI’s standard fee structure — verify the exact figures in the official September 2026 notification on icai.org before making payment.

Fees are payable online via the ICAI self-service portal through net banking, UPI, or debit/credit card. Download your payment confirmation receipt immediately and keep it for your records.

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How to Submit the CA Final Registration Form

Complete your CA Final September 2026 registration on the ICAI self-service portal before July 3, 2026 by following these steps:

1. Visit icai.org and log in using your student registration number and password.
2. Navigate to the Examination Form section and select the CA Final September 2026 examination.
3. Choose your registration option — Group 1 only, Group 2 only, or both groups.
4. Select your preferred exam centre from the list of available cities.
5. Upload your photograph and signature in JPEG format as per the size specifications in the official notification.
6. Review all personal and registration details carefully before proceeding.
7. Pay the applicable fee online and download the confirmation receipt immediately.

If you face login issues, use the Forgot Password option on the ICAI portal. For unresolved problems, contact the ICAI Examination Department helpline listed on icai.org.