The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has issued a detailed announcement outlining the eligibility requirements and preparatory steps for candidates intending to appear in the CA Final Examination scheduled for November 2026. The Institute has advised students to verify their records on the Self-Service Portal (SSP) well before the commencement of the examination application process to avoid last-minute complications.
Students Must Verify SSP Status Before Filing Exam Forms
According to ICAI, candidates should ensure that their SSP login credentials are active and that their course registration remains valid. Students whose registrations have lapsed are required to complete the necessary conversion process through the SSP portal before applying for the examination.
Candidates registered under older course codes must convert to the New Scheme before submitting examination applications. ICAI has clarified that no conversion fee is payable for this process. Additionally, students must verify that their photographs and signatures available on SSP meet the prescribed standards for printing on official records and mark sheets.
The Institute has also urged Final course students to check their articleship records and ensure that their training status is reflected as "Registered" in SSP. Any discrepancies in articleship documentation should be resolved before the examination application window opens.
Articleship Training Conditions for November 2026 Eligibility
ICAI has laid down separate eligibility conditions for candidates undergoing three-year, three-and-a-half-year, and two-year articleship training structures.
For candidates under the three-year or three-and-a-half-year articleship framework, eligibility may be established either by completing the prescribed training period before the examination application date or by fulfilling specified completion timelines extending up to April 2027 or October 2027, depending upon the training stream and registration category. Candidates who have terminated their articleship are advised to re-register and complete the balance period of training to remain eligible.
For students registered under the two-year articleship regime introduced under the New Scheme, the prescribed period of training, including excess leave, must be completed on or before 30 April 2026.
Advanced ICITSS Completion Mandatory by October 10, 2026
One of the key eligibility requirements relates to the Advanced Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (Advanced ICITSS). ICAI has reiterated that students governed by the New Scheme of Education and Training must successfully complete Advanced ICITSS to become eligible for the November 2026 Final Examination.
The Institute has specified that Advanced ICITSS must be completed on or before 10 October 2026. Students who have not yet cleared the Advanced ICITSS IT Test have been advised to appear for the test within the stipulated timeframe to ensure eligibility.
ICAI further clarified that students who have partially completed legacy courses such as GMCS-II or Advanced ITT under the old scheme need only complete the remaining corresponding component under the Advanced ICITSS framework.
SPOM Requirements Continue to Play a Crucial Role
The announcement also highlights the applicability of Self-Paced Online Module (SPOM) Tests for Final Examination candidates.
ICAI has categorized students based on their examination history and Intermediate qualification status. While certain candidates who appeared in Final examinations up to November 2023 continue to enjoy exemptions from Sets C and D, they are generally required to qualify Sets A and B before applying for membership.
Candidates admitted to the Final Examination from November 2024 onwards are required to qualify the applicable SPOM Sets A, B, C and D, depending on their category, on or before 10 October 2026 to remain eligible for the November 2026 examination.
The Institute has also prescribed separate SPOM qualification requirements for Intermediate candidates based on the timing of their Intermediate examination completion and the marks obtained.
Photo and Signature Specifications
ICAI has reminded students that photographs uploaded to SSP must meet prescribed technical standards, including white background requirements, clear visibility of the face, and specified file size limits. Selfies, photographs with caps, and images with poor visibility may not be accepted.
Similarly, signatures must be uploaded in JPG/JPEG format within the prescribed file size limits and should be properly cropped and clearly visible.
Download Now: Guidance Notes for CA Final Nov 2026 Exams
Advisory for Students
Given the multiple compliance requirements involving course registration, articleship completion, Advanced ICITSS, SPOM qualifications, and document verification, ICAI has advised students to review their SSP profiles well in advance. Early verification of records can help candidates avoid technical issues and ensure smooth submission of examination forms for the November 2026 CA Final examinations.
Click here to view/download the official copy of the notification
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