ICAI CA Exams Postponed Amid Rising National Security Threats
The ICAI CA exams postponed notification has shocked thousands of aspirants as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) officially deferred exams scheduled between May 9 and May 14, 2025. The decision follows escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan, raising serious concerns over the safety of candidates.
ICAI’s Official Announcement and Security Context
In an official notice (No. 13-CA (EXAM)/2025/II) dated May 8, 2025, ICAI declared that the remaining CA Final, Intermediate, and Post Qualification Course exams would be postponed due to the “tense and security situation in the country.”
“The remaining papers… stand postponed. Revised dates will be announced in due course.” – ICAI Notification
This announcement partially modifies the earlier schedule (No. 13-CA (EXAM)/2025) released on January 13, 2025.
List of Affected CA Exams (May 2025)
The following papers are affected by the ICAI CA exams postponed decision:
CA Intermediate Group 2:
- Paper 4: Cost & Management Accounting – May 9
- Paper 5: Auditing & Ethics – May 11
- Paper 6: Financial Management & Strategic Management – May 14
CA Final Group 2:
- Paper 4: Direct Tax Laws & International Taxation – May 8
- Paper 5: Indirect Tax Laws – May 10
- Paper 6: Integrated Business Solutions – May 13
Post Qualification Course (INTT AT):
- International Taxation – Assessment Test: May 10 & 13
Note: The CA Foundation exams scheduled to begin from May 15, 2025, are not currently affected.
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Background: India-Pakistan Tensions Behind the Postponement
The ICAI CA exams postponed decision is a direct result of the deteriorating situation across the India-Pakistan border. After the April 22 Pahalgam massacre, Indian forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror camps in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).
This led to:
- Cross-border missile and drone attacks from Pakistan
- Attempted strikes on military bases in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur
- At least 16 casualties reported due to heavy firing near the Line of Control (LoC)
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that most attacks were intercepted successfully, but the threat level remains high.
Educational Disruptions Across India
In addition to ICAI CA exams postponed, schools and universities in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Bihar have been temporarily shut. Panjab University has deferred all exams scheduled for May 9, 10, and 12.
Earlier on May 8, ICAI had announced city-specific postponements for 12 high-risk zones (e.g., Chandigarh, Jammu, Srinagar, Bikaner). Hours later, it was extended nationwide.
Impact on CA Students & Guidance
This sudden development affects thousands who had already appeared for Group 1 exams:
- CA Intermediate Group 1: May 3, 5, 7
- CA Final Group 1: May 2, 4, 6
Students are now uncertain about how to reschedule their studies, as no revised dates have been announced yet.
ICAI Guidelines for Students:
- Visit www.icai.org regularly for updates
- Continue your preparation without delay
- Avoid relying on unverified sources
Conclusion
The ICAI CA exams postponed notification underscores the importance of prioritizing student safety during national emergencies. While the disruption is difficult, staying calm, focused, and informed is the best path forward.
