Breaking: ICAI CA Pass Percentage Hits Historic Low in May 2025 Results

CA passing percentage has plummeted to alarming levels in the May 2025 exams, with only 14.17% of candidates clearing the Foundation Group 1 examination. The results, declared by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), reveal a concerning trend across all levels of the prestigious accounting qualification.

According to the official data, the CA pass percentage for Foundation Group 2 stands slightly higher at 22.16%, with 17,813 candidates successfully passing out of 80,368 who appeared. However, when we look at candidates who attempted both groups, the passing percentage of ca drops to a mere 14.05%, as only 6,781 students qualified out of 48,261 participants. The CA final passing percentage shows a relatively better performance at 18.75% for both groups combined, though this figure still represents a significant challenge for aspirants. Specifically, a total of 14,247 candidates have qualified to become Chartered Accountants in this attempt.

The Foundation exam, conducted on May 15, 17, 19, and 21, 2025, saw a decline in success rates compared to the January 2025 session, which had a pass percentage of 21.52%. Similarly, the CA Inter pass percentage for May 2025 stands at just 13.22% for both groups, highlighting the consistent difficulty across all examination levels.

Despite these challenging statistics, the journey to becoming a Chartered Accountant continues to attract thousands of aspirants. In the following sections, we will explore the potential reasons behind this historic low in CA exam results and what it means for students preparing for future attempts.

Why did CA pass percentage hit a historic low in May 2025?

The historic drop in CA passing percentage during May 2025 stems from multiple factors that have created unprecedented challenges for aspirants. An examination of the results reveals a concerning pattern across all examination levels.

ICAI's official statement on result trends

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India acknowledged the sharp decline in success rates, particularly highlighting the which fell to a mere 14.67% CA Intermediate Group 1 pass percentage. This represents a significant decrease compared to previous examination cycles.

For CA Final, the statistics paint an equally challenging picture. In Group 1, only 22.38% of the 66,943 candidates who appeared managed to pass. Group 2 showed a slightly better performance with 26.43% of 46,173 candidates clearing the examination. Moreover, only 18.75% of candidates who attempted both groups successfully qualified.

ICAI officials noted that this session produced 14,247 newly qualified Chartered Accountants, a figure that must be considered against the total number of aspirants. The Institute maintains that its evaluation standards remain stringent to ensure only competent candidates qualify for the profession.

The CA Foundation examination results were particularly concerning, with Group 1 showing a pass rate of just 14.17%. Although Group 2 demonstrated a modest improvement at 22.16%, the overall pass percentage for candidates attempting both groups stood at an alarming 14.05%.

Expert opinions on exam difficulty and student preparedness

Education experts and coaching institutes have identified several key factors contributing to the historic low in pass percentages:

First, the May 2025 examination papers—particularly subjects like Audit—featured unexpectedly challenging multiple-choice questions (MCQs) that tested more than conceptual clarity. Students reported that the Audit paper was exceptionally difficult, with many only able to attempt 10 marks from the MCQ section.

Second, the examination structure increasingly favors analytical reasoning over rote memorization. As one student noted, "MCQs were unexpectedly confusing. I was able to attempt only 10 out of 30 marks. Descriptive was a bit better but still challenging". This shift marks an evolution in ICAI's assessment approach.

Third, experts point to fundamental preparation issues among candidates. These include:

• Poor time management skills during both preparation and examination
• Insufficient self-study and over-reliance on coaching
• Inadequate revision strategies
• Failure to analyze mistakes from previous attempts.

Furthermore, the comprehensive syllabus covering vast topics requires in-depth understanding rather than superficial knowledge. Industry experts note that the dynamic requirements of the accounting profession necessitate up-to-date knowledge and continuous adaptation.

Additionally, the examination format for May 2025 showed a blend of repeated and new questions, with approximately 10-15 questions being familiar while the rest demanded unique insights. Consequently, those who focused solely on previous question patterns struggled significantly.

The examination's difficulty level prompted many students to reflect on their preparation strategies, recognizing that surface-level study might no longer suffice for these increasingly challenging assessments. Essentially, the results highlight a growing gap between examination expectations and candidate readiness.

How does May 2025 compare with previous CA exam sessions?

The May 2025 CA examination results represent a significant regression in pass rates across all levels, indicating a troubling trend that warrants careful analysis. A look at historical data reveals this session's results stand among the lowest in recent years for many categories.

CA Final pass percentage per year (2020–2025)

The May 2025 CA Final exam recorded a pass percentage of with 14,979 students qualifying out of 66,943 who appeared 22.38% for Group 1. Group 2 showed a slightly better performance at 26.43% with 12,204 passing out of 46,173 candidates. For both groups combined, the success rate stands at 18.75% as 5,490 candidates qualified out of 29,286 who appeared.

This performance marks a distinct improvement over the November 2024 session, which saw pass rates of 16.8% for Group 1 and 21.36% for Group 2. Yet it falls short of the May 2024 results, which recorded the highest success rates in recent years at 27.35% for Group 1 and an impressive 36.35% for Group 2.

Examining the five-year trend:

Notably, the November 2023 session marked a historic low with just 9.42% of candidates passing both groups, making the current results appear relatively favorable in comparison.

CA Intermediate and Foundation historical trends

The Intermediate level examination results reflect a concerning pattern. The May 2025 session recorded pass rates of 14.67% for Group 1, 21.51% for Group 2, and a mere 13.22% for both groups combined. These figures represent a slight increase from January 2025's results for Group 1 (14.17%) but a minor decrease for Group 2 (22.16%) and both groups (14.05%).

The downward trend becomes more apparent when compared with May 2024's results, which showed substantially higher pass rates of 27.15% for Group 1 and 18.42% for both groups.

Historical data reveal considerable fluctuation

The most alarming dip occurred in the May 2022 and September 2024 sessions, where only 5.46% and 5.66% of candidates passed both groups, respectively.

Graphical or tabular comparison of pass rates

Analyzing the comprehensive data reveals several key patterns:

1. Fluctuating performance: The CA pass percentages have shown substantial volatility since 2020, with no consistent upward or downward trend.

2. Group disparities: Typically, Group 2 shows higher pass rates than Group 1 across most examination cycles for both Final and Intermediate levels.

3. Both groups challenge: The pass percentage for candidates attempting both groups simultaneously remains consistently lower than for individual groups, highlighting the increased difficulty of comprehensive preparation.

4. Cyclical patterns: May sessions generally show better performance than November/January sessions, possibly due to preparation time differences.

5. Five-year comparison: The May 2025 results, while concerning, are not unprecedented - they fall roughly in the middle of the historical range over the past five years.

To qualify for these examinations, candidates must score at least 40% in each paper and a minimum 50% aggregate overall, standards that have remained constant despite fluctuating pass rates.

The erratic nature of these results suggests external factors beyond syllabus changes may influence outcomes, including examination difficulty, evaluation standards, and candidate preparation approaches.

What does the low pass rate mean for CA aspirants?

The record-low ca passing percentage in May 2025 has sent shockwaves through the CA community, creating unprecedented challenges for students pursuing this prestigious qualification. First and foremost, this downward trend has far-reaching implications beyond mere statistics.

Impact on student morale and preparation strategies

The consistently low pass rates with in each attempt only 5-6% of applied students passing—have severely affected student morale. Many aspirants report feeling "stupid" and experiencing self-doubt, anxiety, and stress even before beginning their studies. This psychological burden intensifies as students compare themselves to peers and struggle with the perception of inadequacy.

Preparation strategies must necessarily evolve in response. The CA course demands regular studies of 6-8 hours daily for 6-8 months, yet many students fail despite multiple attempts. Candidates increasingly recognize that success requires:

• Setting daily targets and maintaining strict self-discipline
• Regular self-evaluation through practice tests
• Balanced stress management through meditation and breaks
• Focus on understanding concepts rather than rote memorization

Coaching institutes' response and guidance

In light of the historically low results, coaching institutes have adjusted their approaches. Many now emphasize psychological preparation alongside academic content, acknowledging that "stress is necessary to help stay focused but frequently turns counterproductive if not managed".

Presently, institutes are implementing more rigorous test series and evaluation methods to identify students' weak areas. Some coaching centres report adapting their teaching methodologies to address the changing examination patterns and higher evaluation standards.

Increased competition for future attempts

The low pass rate inevitably intensifies competition for future attempts. Indeed, with the recent announcement that (January, May, and September) CA Final exams will now be conducted thrice annually, this pressure may either alleviate or intensify.

Undoubtedly, this change offers more opportunities, addressing the previous six-month wait that felt "like a never-ending pause" yet also creates heightened expectations. The comprehensive syllabus covering vast topics requires in-depth understanding, creating a substantial barrier even with increased attempt frequency.
For unsuccessful candidates, the path forward includes careful rechecking processes, strategic preparation for subsequent attempts, and possibly greater competition as more students remain in the pipeline pursuing qualification.

What are the next steps for students who didn’t pass?

For unsuccessful candidates facing the historically low ca passing percentage, immediate action is crucial. The path forward requires strategic planning and a methodical approach to overcome this setback.

Rechecking and verification process

Students doubting their results should consider ICAI's verification service, which allows checking for tallying errors in marks. For May 2025 exams, candidates must apply within 30 days of result declaration through the official ICAI website. The verification fee stands at for all exam levels. Additionally, students can request certified copies of their answer sheets for ₹500 per paper, providing valuable insights into evaluation patterns.₹400 per paper

Beyond verification, ICAI offers a more comprehensive inspection process where candidates can obtain scanned copies of evaluated answer books for detailed review. This service costs ₹1000 per paper and applications must be submitted online only.

Nonetheless, students should maintain realistic expectations, historically, mark changes through verification occur in less than 2% of applications

When to apply for the next CA exam cycle

Following ICAI's recent announcement, CA exams will now be conducted thrice annually January, May, and September. For candidates who failed in May 2025, the next available attempt is September 2025, with applications typically opening 60-75 days before the examination date.

The application deadline for September 2025 exams is expected by mid-July 2025. Students should monitor the official ICAI website for precise dates. This increased frequency significantly reduces waiting time between attempts, potentially improving the overall ca pass percentage by allowing more frequent testing opportunities.

Tips for improving performance in the next attempt

Firstly, conduct a thorough self-assessment by analyzing your performance pattern across subjects. Identify weak areas that contributed to failing the examination.

Secondly, adopt these proven strategies for improvement:

• Create a structured study plan with daily targets for each subject
• Focus on understanding underlying concepts rather than memorization
• Practice previous years' question papers under timed conditions
• Join peer study groups to clarify doubts and exchange insights
• Seek guidance from recent successful candidates regarding exam strategies

Moreover, balanced preparation is essential, many students who failed focused exclusively on theoretical subjects while neglecting practical papers or vice versa. Mental preparation remains equally important as technical knowledge, especially when confronting the pressure of historically low ca passing percentage statistics.

Can ICAI improve transparency and support for students?

Amid figures, student advocacy for increased transparency in ICAI's evaluation process has intensified considerably. Protests organized under "Dear ICAI please change" have highlighted growing concerns about assessment fairness and result declaration processes record-low ca passing percentage.

Calls for reform in evaluation and result declaration

Students nationwide have demanded re-checking rights for answer sheets—a feature currently restricted under CA regulations. The protest movement has garnered support from prominent figures, including past ICAI President N.D. Gupta and political leader Rahul Gandhi. Demonstrators primarily advocate for transitioning from the current verification system to a comprehensive re-evaluation process that allows thorough reassessment of answers.

Suggestions from educators and industry experts

Industry professionals have proposed several concrete improvements to enhance system transparency. Foremost among these recommendations is implementing a (CBES) that would eliminate human errors in evaluation Computer-Based Examination System. This system would standardize marking criteria and prevent discrepancies arising from different examiners' judgments.

Other key suggestions include

Publishing marking schemes publicly, similar to government examinations like SSC and CBSE .Introducing minimum qualifications for paper checkers beyond just CA certification Dedicating examiners exclusively to paper checking during evaluation periods. Releasing answer keys alongside results to help students learn from mistakes.

Role of ICAI in maintaining exam standards

In response to transparency concerns, ICAI has implemented several reforms. Digital evaluation has been introduced, enabling continuous monitoring of examiners and improving assessment quality. Additionally, centralized evaluation brings examiners under direct supervision of Head Examiners.

Furthermore, ICAI strengthened stepwise marking requirements, designating any answer without proper step marking as "not evaluated" during verification. The institute has also removed restrictions on sharing evaluated answer copies, allowing students to seek guidance from mentors and parents.

Nevertheless, ICAI maintains that robust standards remain essential for upholding professional competence. The institute is reportedly working with regulatory bodies to draft re-evaluation processes requiring amendments to the Chartered Accountants Regulation.

Conclusion

The May 2025 CA examination results certainly mark a watershed moment for the accounting profession in India. Students face unprecedented challenges as pass percentages plummet across all levels - , Intermediate (13.22%), and Final (18.75%). These figures reflect a concerning trend that affects thousands of aspiring chartered accountants nationwide. Foundation (14.05%)

Looking at historical data reveals significant fluctuations in pass rates over the past five years. Though May 2025 results aren't the absolute lowest recorded, they still represent a substantial barrier for candidates. Students must therefore adapt their preparation strategies accordingly, focusing on conceptual understanding rather than rote memorization.

Multiple factors undoubtedly contributed to this historic low. The examination pattern evolved to emphasize analytical reasoning, particularly through challenging MCQs. Additionally, many students struggled with time management, insufficient self-study, and inadequate revision strategies. These challenges underscore the need for a more comprehensive approach to CA preparation.

Failed candidates still have several options ahead. First, they can verify their results through ICAI's official rechecking process. Second, the newly implemented thrice-yearly exam schedule provides more frequent opportunities to attempt these challenging assessments. Third, students must thoroughly analyze their performance, identify weak areas, and develop structured study plans with daily targets.

ICAI faces growing pressure to increase transparency in evaluation processes. Student protests and expert recommendations highlight the need for potential reforms. Though ICAI has implemented some changes like digital evaluation and centralized assessment, many students and educators still advocate for comprehensive re-evaluation rights and published marking schemes.

Aspiring CAs must remember that perseverance remains key to success despite these challenging statistics. The journey toward becoming a chartered accountant tests not just technical knowledge but also resilience and determination. Those who analyze their mistakes, adjust their strategies, and maintain consistent effort will eventually succeed - even against the backdrop of historically low pass percentages.

Key Takeaways

The May 2025 CA exam results reveal unprecedented challenges for aspiring chartered accountants, with pass rates hitting historic lows across all levels and significant implications for future preparation strategies.

• Historic low pass rates across all CA levels: Foundation (14.05%), Intermediate (13.22%), and Final (18.75%) represent some of the lowest success rates in recent years.
• Exam difficulty has evolved beyond memorization: Papers now emphasize analytical reasoning and conceptual understanding, with challenging MCQs that test deeper comprehension rather than rote learning.
• More opportunities with thrice-yearly exams: ICAI now conducts CA Final exams in January, May, and September, reducing waiting time between attempts from six months.
• Strategic preparation is essential for success: Focus on understanding concepts, practice timed mock tests, analyze weak areas, and maintain consistent 6-8 hours daily study routine.
• Transparency reforms are underway but limited: While ICAI has implemented digital evaluation and centralized assessment, students continue advocating for comprehensive re-evaluation rights and published marking schemes.

The path to CA qualification remains challenging but achievable for those who adapt their preparation strategies, maintain resilience, and leverage the increased exam frequency to their advantage.