Is the CA Exam Hard to Pass in 2025? Pass Rates & Score Details Explained
The CA pass percentage is not just a number—it reflects the true challenge and evolving nature of the Chartered Accountancy (CA) exams in India. For 2025 aspirants, understanding these statistics is crucial for setting realistic expectations and refining strategy. Group-wise and session-wise results from ICAI reveal vital exam difficulty trends, highlight regional performance, and influence the decision to attempt single or both groups together. This detailed guide analyses the latest CA Final, CA Intermediate, and Foundation pass rates, offering a practical view for commerce students.
CA Pass Percentage Formula and Group Calculation
The CA pass percentage is the ratio of candidates passing to candidates appearing, published separately for Group I, Group II, and for those who attempt both groups together. Each candidate must score at least 40% in every subject and a 50% aggregate in a group to pass. ICAI calculates the percentage immediately after result release, making it a key metric for performance analysis.
| Session | Group | Appeared | Passed | Pass % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2025* | Group I | 66,943 | 14,979 | 22.38% |
| Group II | 46,173 | 12,204 | 26.43% | |
| Both | 29,286 | 5,490 | 18.75% | |
| Nov 2024 | Group I | 65,294 | 6,176 | 9.46% |
| Group II | 62,679 | 13,520 | 21.56% | |
| Both | 32,907 | 3,090 | 9.42% |
*Estimated based on past trend and official notifications up to July 2025.
CA 2025 Registration Timeline and Result Cycle
The CA exam registration and result cycle directly affect your choice of attempt. ICAI generally opens registration for May/June sessions by November and for November/December sessions by June, with results expected six weeks after the exam. Always sync prep with the official calendar and allot time for result analysis.
- May 2025 Exams: Registration closes 1st week of January 2025
- Result Release (CA Final): 6 July 2025
- Nov 2025 Exams: Register by end of July 2025
- Result Analysis Update: Within 7 days of each session's result
CA Pass Percentage: 10-Year Trend Analysis
Over the last decade, the CA Final pass percentage has fluctuated significantly—ranging from around 4–27% per group. This reflects changes in the exam pattern, question toughness, and ICAI evaluation guidelines. Notably, passing both groups in one attempt remains the most challenging feat, with rates often under 20%.
| Year | Group I | Group II | Both Groups |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* | 22.38% | 26.43% | 18.75% |
| 2024 | 9.46% | 21.56% | 9.42% |
| 2023 | 27.35% | 36.35% | 19.88% |
| 2022 | 11.91% | 31.43% | 8.33% |
| 2021 | 21.39% | 18.61% | 11.09% |
| 2020 | 21.99% | 21.94% | 12.59% |
| 2019 | 22.3% | 30.52% | 15.31% |
| 2018 | 11.3% | 13.53% | 1.42% |
| 2017 | 20.23% | 17.36% | 11.97% |
*2025 data projected; refer to ICAI website for the latest statistics.
Regional and Group-Wise CA Qualification Trends
Recent years show regional variation in pass percentage—states like Kerala and Nepal sometimes record slightly higher or lower rates compared to the all-India average. However, overall selection remains rigorous everywhere, making consistent preparation essential regardless of location. Group II often sees a marginally higher pass rate than Group I, possibly due to question trends and candidate backgrounds.
Subjectwise and Difficulty-Level Analysis in CA Exams
Difficulty spikes often arise in subjects like Advanced Auditing and Financial Reporting in the CA Final. Typically, Paper-4 and Paper-7 record lower clearance rates. Trends show that increased competition and syllabus changes periodically impact the overall CA exam statistics. For a detailed strategy based on subjects, explore the CA Subject Wise Marks Guide.
Implications of CA Pass Percentage for Aspirants
A low but steady pass percentage indicates the elite and competitive nature of this qualification. Students should use these data points to set realistic goals, choose preparation plans wisely, and decide whether to attempt one or both groups per session. Clearing both groups together, despite lower pass rates, offers time and career advantages—such as earlier articleship eligibility and fewer overlaps.
- Attempt both groups if well-prepared—higher risk, faster result
- Target single group for better chance, especially if balancing work/study
- Understand trends to adjust study methods and attempt cycles
Summary Table: Must-Know CA Pass Rate Essentials
| Detail | Value/Info |
|---|---|
| Minimum marks to pass (per subject) | 40% |
| Aggregate to pass (per group) | 50% |
| Latest both-group pass % (CA Final, 2025 est.) | 18.75% |
| Result frequency | Twice a year (May/Nov) |
| Eligibility for articleship | After clearing any group (as per ICAI norms) |
Aspirants should track the most recent CA pass percentage to align study goals and time management. Each session brings its own challenge, but understanding exam clearing rates gives a real advantage. With persistent effort and strategic preparation, success in the CA qualification is achievable for well-informed candidates.
FAQs on CA Pass Percentage, Passing Marks & Top Scores for 2025
1. What is the pass rate of CA?
CA pass rate refers to the percentage of candidates who successfully clear a particular level of the Chartered Accountancy examination. For CA Final in the most recent 2024 sessions, the pass percentage has ranged between 8% and 27%, depending on the group and attempt. This means a relatively small proportion of candidates pass in each cycle, making the exam one of the more challenging professional qualifications in India.
2. Is it difficult to pass CA?
Yes, passing CA is considered highly challenging due to its comprehensive syllabus, conceptual depth, and professional-level application. The consistently low pass percentages (typically 8-27%) reflect this difficulty. Success requires strong fundamentals, disciplined study, and smart attempt strategies including time management and conceptual clarity across all subjects.
3. What is the passing score for the CA final?
To pass CA Final in any group, candidates must score at least 40% marks in each subject and at least 50% aggregate marks in all subjects of that group. Both conditions must be met simultaneously for a qualifying result.
4. What is the highest percentage in CA final?
The highest percentage in the CA Final exam typically ranges between 75% and 80%, but it is extremely rare. Toppers generally score between 70-75%. Exact topper marks for each session are published by ICAI after result declaration.
5. What is CA pass percentage 2024?
The CA pass percentage for 2024 varies by attempt and group. For the latest session, pass percentage for CA Final Group I was approximately 9–14%*, for Group II around 18–27%*, and for “both groups together” around 8–12%*. Exact percentages are published by ICAI after each result cycle.
6. How is CA pass percentage calculated?
The CA pass percentage is calculated as:
(Number of candidates passed ÷ Number of candidates appeared) x 100.
Results are disclosed separately for each group and for students who attempt both groups together.
7. Does CA pass percentage vary by region, such as Kerala or Nepal?
No, official CA pass percentages are not published by ICAI region-wise. However, local coaching reports may highlight variations by region (e.g. Kerala, Nepal), but the national statistics are standard for all candidates. Success in different states usually reflects coaching quality and student preparation, not any difference in ICAI evaluation.
8. What is the pass percentage for CA Inter and Foundation?
For CA Intermediate (CA Inter), recent pass percentages (2024) are around 13-15% for Group I and 17-20% for Group II. For CA Foundation, pass percentages can range between 24-35% depending on the attempt. These figures vary yearly and session-wise.
9. What are the minimum passing marks in CA exams?
Minimum passing marks for any CA exam group are 40% in each individual subject and 50% aggregate in that group. If either condition is not met (for example, scoring less than 40 in any paper), the candidate is considered to have failed that group.
10. How many students pass both CA Final groups together?
Each year, around 8–12% of candidates who appear for both CA Final groups in a single attempt pass both successfully, according to the most recent ICAI result data (2024 session). This reflects the comprehensive expertise required to clear both groups at once.
11. What is the trend in CA pass percentage over the last 10 years?
Over the last decade, the CA pass percentage has generally fluctuated between 5% and 20% for each group and attempt. Some years saw slightly higher batches due to syllabus changes or exceptional circumstances, but the overall trend remains selective and competitive.
12. What happens if I fail one group but pass another in CA Final?
If you clear one group of CA Final but fail the other, your score in the passed group remains valid. You only need to reappear for the failed group in subsequent attempts, provided you meet eligibility and time window conditions set by ICAI.
