ICAI Allows Permanent Exemptions for CA Final Candidates: Key Guidelines for May 2025 Exam
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has introduced a significant update for CA Final candidates regarding permanent exemptions in papers. This change provides a crucial opportunity for candidates who earned exemptions in May 2023 but were set to lose them after the November 2024 exam. Now, they can apply to make these exemptions permanent, ensuring their validity for future attempts.
Key Highlights of the Announcement
1. One-Time Opportunity to Apply
Candidates can apply for permanent exemptions only once, during the specified period from March 1, 2025, to March 20, 2025. Applications must be submitted through the ICAI SSP dashboard. If candidates do not opt for this within the given timeline, their exemptions will lapse permanently and cannot be restored.
2. Mandatory Full Group Exemptions
For candidates who have secured exemptions in multiple papers within the same group (e.g., Papers 1 & 2 of Group I), ICAI mandates that they either opt for both exemptions or let both lapse. Partial exemption selection is not permitted.
3. Scoring Requirement for Group Clearance
Once an exemption is made permanent, candidates must secure at least 50% marks in the remaining papers of that group to successfully clear the group in future exams.
4. No Modification or Correction Window
ICAI has made it clear that once the deadline for submission (March 20, 2025) passes, no further changes or modifications will be allowed. Candidates must carefully evaluate their decision before submitting the request.
5. Automatic Exemptions for Self-Paced Modules
Candidates who had exemptions in Paper 4 or Paper 5 in May 2022, November 2022, May 2023, or November 2023 will automatically receive permanent exemption from appearing in Self-Paced Module Set A & B.
6. Exemption Marks Capping
If a candidate opts to make an exemption permanent, the marks will be capped at 50 marks. Any excess marks secured beyond this limit will not be counted towards the 50% aggregate requirement in that group or other groups.
How to Apply for Permanent Exemptions
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Log in to the ICAI SSP portal during the designated application period.
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Navigate to the exemption application section.
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Select the papers for which you want to make exemptions permanent.
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Carefully review and confirm your application before submitting.
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Note that once submitted, modifications will not be allowed.
Conclusion
This announcement from ICAI provides a major relief to candidates who risked losing their exemptions. However, since the process is irreversible and affects future attempts, candidates should carefully assess their options before applying.
For more details and official notifications, candidates should refer to the ICAI website or consult with their mentors.
