CA Foundation 2026: Complete Study Plan for Beginners
Are you planning to appear for the CA Foundation Exam in 2026? This exam is the very first milestone in your Chartered Accountancy journey and requires a smart study plan rather than just hard work. With lakhs of students appearing each year and pass percentages hovering around 25–30%, you need a clear subject-wise strategy, timetable, and revision plan to crack it in your first attempt.
This guide gives you a complete study plan for CA Foundation 2026, covering syllabus, timetable, subject-wise tips, last-month revision, and mistakes to avoid.
Understanding the CA Foundation Exam
The CA Foundation exam, conducted by ICAI (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India), consists of 4 papers:
| Paper | Subject | Mode | Marks | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Accounting | Offline | 100 | Subjective |
| Paper 2 | Business Laws | Offline | 100 | Subjective |
| Paper 3 | Quantitative Aptitude | Offline | 100 | Objective (MCQs) |
| Paper 4 | Business Economics | Offline | 100 | Objective (MCQs) |
Passing Criteria: 40% in each paper and 50% aggregate.
Step 1: Create a Realistic Study Timetable
A good timetable ensures that you cover the syllabus, practice MCQs, and revise multiple times.
Suggested Timeline for CA Foundation 2026
12 Months Before Exam (March–June 2025)
- Read ICAI material + coaching notes thoroughly
- Finish Accounting & Law basics
- Build strong command on Maths & Statistics fundamentals
- Study Business Economics concepts chapter by chapter
6–9 Months Before Exam (July–Sept 2025)
- Complete first full syllabus coverage
- Attempt chapter-wise MCQs
- Write short notes & formula sheets
3–5 Months Before Exam (Oct–Dec 2025)
- Start mock test series (at least 10–15 full papers)
- Revise high-weightage topics
- Identify weak areas from test feedback
Last 1–2 Months (Jan–Feb 2026)
- Focus only on revision + mock tests
- Memorize important case laws, formulas, and definitions
- Practice writing answers within time limit
Step 2: Subject-Wise Study Plan
Paper 1: Principles & Practice of Accounting
- Focus on Journal entries, Ledger, Trial Balance, Final Accounts
- Practice at least 50+ questions per chapter
- Shortcut tip: Always practice with calculator to increase speed
Paper 2: Business Laws
- Understand Contract Act, Sale of Goods Act, Partnership Act
- Focus on case laws and practical applications
- Memorize important sections and their applications
Paper 3: Business Mathematics, LR & Statistics
- Maths: Focus on Ratio, Proportion, Equations, Logarithms, Sequences
- LR: Practice seating arrangements, blood relations, direction tests daily
- Stats: Focus on Mean, Median, Mode, Dispersion, Correlation, Probability
Paper 4: Business Economics
- Revise microeconomics (demand, supply, elasticity, cost of production)
- Study macroeconomics (public finance, money market, economic reforms)
- For BCK: Memorize business environment, policies, corporate world updates
Step 3: Use the Right Resources
Essential Study Materials
- ICAI Study Material & RTPs (most important)
- Mock Test Series (Surya IQ Academy offers exam-oriented mocks)
Reference Books
- Accounting: Padhuka Publications by G Sekhar/ P.C. Tulsian/ Taxmann's
- Law: Padhuka Publications by G Sekhar /Munish Bhandari (Handbook)/Taxmann's
- Maths/Stats: Padhuka Publications by G Sekhar/ Taxmanns
- Economics: Padhuka Publications by G Sekhar / Taxmann's
Step 4: Revision Strategy
- Revise at least 3 times before the exam
- Maintain formula & definition sheets for last-day revision
- Solve past 5–10 attempts' papers
- Follow Pomodoro technique (25–5 minutes study-break cycles) to avoid burnout
Step 5: Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Depending only on coaching notes, ignoring ICAI material
- Not practicing enough MCQs for Paper 3 & 4
- Studying randomly without timetable
- Leaving revision for the last 15 days
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How many hours should I study daily for CA Foundation 2026?
At least 6–8 hours in early months, 10–12 hours closer to exams.
Q2. Can I clear CA Foundation in first attempt?
Yes, with proper strategy, 3 revisions, and mock tests, you can clear in one go.
Q3. Is self-study enough for CA Foundation?
For many students, yes. But for difficult subjects like Law & Accounting, guided coaching or a mock test series adds huge value.
Q4. Which subject is toughest in CA Foundation?
Most students find Maths/Stats (Paper 3) and Law (Paper 2) challenging due to conceptual depth.
Conclusion
Cracking CA Foundation 2026 is possible if you start early, follow a timetable, and revise consistently. Remember: success depends more on discipline than intelligence. Combine ICAI material with smart strategies and regular mock tests to secure a good score in your very first attempt.
Start your journey today with Surya IQ Academy's Mock Test Series designed as per ICAI standards.
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