All about Exemptions in CA Exams!

In this article, we seek to demystify the various doubxts regarding exemptions available in CA exams.

Conditions for getting an exemption

A candidate must appear in all subjects of a particular group to be eligible to get an exemption in a subject of that group. If an exam form is filled for all subjects but a candidate is absent in any paper of the group, he/she will not be eligible to get an exemption. If a candidate did not write a particular subject (say Paper 2 in May 2017) because of an exemption available (having secured 65 marks in November 2016 in Paper 2), he/she will not get any exemption in Group I-May 2017 attempt. Each group is treated separately and the exemption in one group does not affect the exemption in another.

Marks Requirement

The candidate must secure at least 60 marks in one or more subjects to get an exemption in a particular group. There is no restriction on the number of subjects in which an exemption can be claimed; other than the condition of appearing in all subjects of a group. If a candidate scores 60 or more in three subjects but scores only 39 in fourth subject, he/she is eligible for exemption in all three subjects.

How to claim an exemption?

The exemption is automatic and will be found indicated in the statement of marks issued by the Institute. When the candidate fills the exam form for the next attempt, the details of exemption must be indicated.

Validity of exemption

An exemption is valid for three immediate succeeding exams. If a candidate scores 60 in a particular subject in May 2017, the exemption will be available in Nov-17, May-18, and Nov-18 exams. The exemption will not be carried forward beyond three attempts in any case.

Can I surrender an exemption?

An exemption is automatic and can be surrendered only by submitting a written application to the Joint Secretary (Examination) along with an affidavit in the prescribed form. The letter must reach ICAI on or before the last date of submission of exam forms. The letter must be sent separately and should not be submitted along with the exam form. The surrender of exemption will be effective only when confirmed by the Institute. The surrender will be in total for all subjects. Once an exemption is surrendered, the same will not be reinstated. So, one must be careful before choosing to surrender the exemption.

If a student wants to get a rank in the CA examinations, he/she must appear in all papers of both groups. Hence, any exemption received earlier must be surrendered to be eligible to get a rank.

Example

'A' attempted both groups of CA final in May 2017 and secured 65 in Paper 2 but failed in both the groups.

• Each group will be treated separately for exemption purpose
• The exemption in Paper 2 will be valid till November 2018 exams.
• A will not get any further exemption in Group 1 till November 2018 exams. The only option to get another exemption is to surrender the exemption.
• A can get exemption in Group II if the marks secured are 60 or more.
• A will not be eligible to secure a Rank till November 2018 exams unless he/she surrenders the exemption.