For the students of commerce and aspiring accountants in India, becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) is not just a dream—it’s a well-defined course of action by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). With the CA 2026 exam approaching, one frequently asked question that students have is:
“When is the right time to start preparing for the CA 2026 exams?”
In this guide, we will answer this question in detail, make you realize the optimal preparation schedule, and provide useful tips on how to create a robust, result-driven study plan.
Why Starting Early Matters for CA Preparation
The CA exam consists of Foundation, Intermediate, and Final level and is notorious for its difficult syllabus, long subjects, and conceptual depth. By starting early, you gain the unfair advantage of:
- Building a base
- Practicing with ease
- Managing stress
- Consistent exam performance
No matter if you’re a Class 11 student, Class 12 student, or a commerce graduate, the sooner you start, the better chance you have of passing the exams on your first attempt.
What Is the Ideal Time to Start CA 2026 Preparation?
For Class 10 and 11 Students
If you are already set on becoming a CA, Class 11 is a solid starting point. Although you technically cannot register for the CA Foundation before Class 10, there is certainly value in pursuing knowledge from a course on accountancy, mathematics, and business studies.
Pro Tip: Get into foundation’s foundation training or bridging courses like CICA Kota’s (for students from Class 11 and above).
For Class 12 Students
This is the most popular option. After passing Class 10, you can register for CA Foundation and after you pass Class 12, you then can attempt the CA Foundation Exam in 2026.
So if you’re a Class 12 student during the academic session of 2024–2025, your attempt at CA Foundation will be either in May or November of 2026. Begin your preparation by mid-2024 so that you have 18–24 months of good preparation.
For Graduates (Direct Entry Route)
If you are studying or have already studied a Commerce degree with the prescribed percentage (usually 55% or above), you can directly join the CA Intermediate level. In that scenario, preparation should be initiated immediately after graduation or in the last year.
CA Course Structure at a Glance
Before planning your timeline, let’s briefly understand the CA course journey:
| Level | Eligibility | Duration |
| CA Foundation | After 12th | ~6 months |
| CA Intermediate | After Foundation or Graduation | ~8–12 months |
| Articleship | After Intermediate Group 1 | 2 years (revised from 3 years) |
| CA Final | After Intermediate + Articleship | ~6–12 months |
This entire journey typically spans 4–5 years.
Daily, Weekly & Monthly Preparation Strategy for CA 2026
We will divide the study plan into three timeframes so that there is comprehensive coverage:
1. Daily Study Plan
Having a solid daily plan is vital. Here’s an example of a plan you can follow
- Morning (6:30am to 9:00am): Do some hard or theory subjects such as Law or Audit
- Afternoon (12:00pm to 2:00pm): Do the practical based subjects such as Accounts or Tax
- Evening (5:00pm to 7:00pm): Revise the morning or afternoon sessions
- Night (9:00pm to 10:00pm): Do MCQs or complete a mock test
Stick to the Pomodoro Technique or 90-minute deep focus sessions for optimal retention.
2. Weekly Strategy
Your weekly goals should balance new topics, revision, and practice:
- Cover 4–5 topics per subject weekly
- Allocate one day for weekly revision
- Take 1–2 short mock tests every week
- Schedule time for conceptual clarity, not just memorization
Weekly reflection is key. Review what you’ve understood and where you’re struggling.
3. Monthly Milestones
Map your progress monthly:
- Month 1–3: Complete 30% of the syllabus with detailed notes
- Month 4–6: Finish 60% of the syllabus + start practicing ICAI MCQs
- Month 7–9: Finish the full syllabus + start full syllabus revision
- Month 10–12: Focus on mock tests, previous year papers, and weak areas
Set specific monthly targets using ICAI modules, RTPs (Revision Test Papers), and MTPs (Mock Test Papers).
How to Use ICAI Resources Effectively
Many students ignore the official ICAI materials and depend solely on coaching notes, which is a major mistake.
Here’s how to best utilize them:
- Study Material: Treat this as your Bible. Read each concept thoroughly.
- RTPs & MTPs: Practice these extensively for every subject.
- Past Papers: Solve at least 5 previous attempts to understand question trends.
- ICAI BOS App: Use ICAI’s mobile app for lectures, notes, and quizzes.
Opt to combine ICAI material with expert guidance from institutes such as CICA Kota that provide offline as well as online assistance.
When to Join Coaching for CA 2026?
For CA Foundation
- Best time: As soon as Class 10 or during Class 11
- For students of Class 12: Prepare 6–9 months in advance before your CA Foundation exam
For CA Intermediate
- If joining after Foundation: Prepare right after clearing Foundation
- If Direct Entry: Prepare at least 12 months before the Intermediate exam
Coaching institutes like CICA provide focused foundation and intermediate-level courses depending on varied study backgrounds.
Practical Tips for Success
- Create a realistic timetable and follow it religiously
- Break large topics into manageable chunks
- Allocate more time to difficult and high-weightage chapters
- Join peer study groups or forums for collaborative learning
- Take care of your mental and physical health
Why Choose CICA Kota for CA 2026 Preparation?
CICA (Commerce Institute of Competitive Accountancy), Kota, Rajasthan, is a renowned name for CA and ACCA coaching. Here’s why they stand out:
- Prepare a realistic schedule and stick to it like a ritual
- Divide lengthy subjects into small pieces
- Spend extra time on tough and high-weightage chapters
- Participate in peer study groups or forums for group learning
- Take good care of your mental and physical well-being
If you’re looking to join offline or live CA coaching in Kota, CICA is among the best in India for serious aspirants.
Conclusion
While there isn’t a “perfect” time to begin preparing for CA 2026, the earlier, the better. Whether you’re entering Class 11, struggling through Class 12, or just finishing your degree, consistency, planning, and economy of learning is what matters.
By being aware of the syllabus of the CA course, pushing yourself through your preparation into stages, using ICAI aids, and making use of the guidance of an professional organization like CICA Kota, you can go through levels easily.
Get started today with a clear mind, work out, and do your utmost. Your CA goal is a step-by-step process that you can achieve.
FAQs About CA 2026 Preparation
Q-1. Is Class 11 too early to start CA preparation?
Ans- Not at all! Starting in Class 11 helps develop fundamental concepts in accounts and business, placing you ahead by the time you are at the Foundation level.
Q-2. How much time is enough to prepare for CA Foundation?
Ans- A focused 6 to 8 months is enough if you have a planned approach with ICAI study materials and coaching guidance.
Q-3. Can I clear CA in the first attempt?
Ans- Definitely! Most students complete all the levels in their first attempt with proper planning, regularity, and guidance.
Q-4. Is coaching necessary for CA exams?
Ans- Though not compulsory, coaching from institutes such as CICA Kota will keep you away from pitfalls, motivate you to continue, and prepare strategically.
Q-5. Should I focus on one level at a time or plan ahead for the full course?
Ans- Pay attention to what level you’re currently studying but know the whole structure and the timeline. That assists in longer-term planning better.