Keep CA 'registration' alive? What happens if there is a long pause between IPCC and Articleship?

Hi Jr123,

Thanks for sharing your situation! I understand it can be confusing, especially with a long gap and the changes in your course status on SSP (Student Services Portal). Let's break down what you need to know and do to keep your CA registration active and not lose your progress.

1. What happens if there’s a long gap between IPCC and Articleship / Final?

• ICAI allows students to continue their CA journey even after long gaps, but certain conditions apply.

• Your IPCC passes remain valid indefinitely — ICAI does not make you reappear for IPCC after a gap.

• However, your registration status on SSP may lapse if you don’t register for the next stage or don’t complete certain formalities within specified timeframes.

• You will not be asked to re-register for the Foundation exam again if you already passed IPCC.

2. What is “course status lapsed” on SSP?

• This means your current enrollment (as IPCC or Final student) has become inactive because:

  • You didn’t register for Final course or,

  • You didn’t renew/update your status within ICAI’s timelines.

• This does not erase your IPCC pass records.

3. How to “revalidate” or continue your CA course now?

• Since you have cleared both IPCC Groups, you are eligible to register for Final course.

• You do NOT need to re-register for Foundation again.

Recommended Steps:

• Log into SSP → Go to Student Services → Registration → Course Registration.

• Select Final Course registration.

• Since you missed ITT earlier, you will need to:

  • Register for the 40 days Information Technology Training (ITT) first.

  • Complete ITT before appearing for Final exams or starting Articleship.

• You can register for Final course and ITT simultaneously (or ITT first, then Final course).

4. Regarding Articleship

• You can start Articleship after registering for Final and completing ITT.

• The ICAI allows you to start Articleship within 5 years of passing IPCC, but this can be extended on a case-to-case basis (especially for genuine reasons like yours).

• If a long gap occurs, you might have to apply for extension or revalidation via ICAI’s support/helpdesk.

5. How to avoid losing your CA progress?

• Always keep your registration active by registering for the next stage in time.

• Complete mandatory trainings (like ITT) as early as possible.

• Even if you are not currently pursuing Articleship or Final exams, maintain your student registration active by timely renewal or registration.

• In case of long gaps, communicate with ICAI Student Support or local branch to get advice on revalidation.

• Don’t worry about losing IPCC passes — ICAI does not invalidate past exam clears.

6. Summary

Final Advice:

• Register for Final Course + ITT ASAP to keep your CA registration live.

• Reach out to ICAI Helpdesk or your local branch if you face issues during registration or if your SSP account needs assistance.

• Keep all your pass certificates and documents safe.