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CA Intermediate Result 2026: Group-Wise Analysis and Key Insights
Every CA Intermediate result day brings a mix of celebration and disappointment.
Some students move one step closer to becoming Chartered Accountants.
Others begin planning their next attempt.
That’s the reality of one of India’s most challenging professional examinations.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) declared the CA Intermediate May 2026 results on 24 June 2026, along with the official group-wise statistics. The numbers once again underline how competitive the examination continues to be.
If you’ve just received your result—or you’re preparing for the next attempt—understanding these statistics can provide useful perspective. They reveal more than pass percentages. They show exam trends, competition levels, and how students are performing across different groups.
Let’s take a closer look.
CA Intermediate Result Statistics 2026
The official ICAI statistics for the May 2026 CA Intermediate examination are as follows:
| Group | Candidates Appeared | Candidates Passed | Pass Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group I | 91,237 | 9,350 | 10.25% |
| Group II | 64,381 | 10,372 | 16.11% |
| Both Groups | 33,304 | 2,820 | 8.47% |
Source: ICAI official statistics released with the May 2026 results.
Quick Highlights
- Result Declaration Date: 24 June 2026
- Highest Pass Percentage: Group II (16.11%)
- Lowest Pass Percentage: Both Groups (8.47%)
- Group I remained highly competitive with only about one in ten candidates qualifying.
- Students attempting both groups together faced the toughest challenge.
Group-Wise Analysis
Group I
Group I recorded:
- Candidates Appeared: 91,237
- Candidates Passed: 9,350
- Pass Percentage: 10.25%
A pass percentage close to 10% highlights the demanding nature of Group I. Subjects in this group require conceptual clarity, consistent revision, and strong writing practice.
Many students find that simply studying harder isn’t enough. The quality of preparation often makes the difference.
Group II
Interestingly, Group II recorded a noticeably better result.
- Candidates Appeared: 64,381
- Candidates Passed: 10,372
- Pass Percentage: 16.11%
Although Group II had a higher success rate, it remains far from easy. A 16.11% pass percentage still means that the majority of candidates were unable to clear the examination.
Both Groups
Attempting both groups together is always ambitious.
For May 2026:
- Candidates Appeared: 33,304
- Candidates Passed: 2,820
- Pass Percentage: 8.47%
This indicates that fewer than one in eleven candidates cleared both groups in a single attempt. While challenging, clearing both groups together saves valuable time and helps students progress to Articleship and Final preparation sooner.
Comparing Group Performance
| Group | Difficulty (Based on Results) |
|---|---|
| Group I | High |
| Group II | Moderate to High |
| Both Groups | Very High |
Of course, pass percentage alone doesn’t determine difficulty. Student preparation levels, subject combinations, and exam strategy also influence these outcomes.
How Does May 2026 Compare with January 2026?
The January 2026 session recorded:
| Session | Group I | Group II | Both Groups |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | 13.96% | 15.54% | 9.39% |
| May 2026 | 10.25% | 16.11% | 8.47% |
Compared with January:
- Group I pass percentage declined.
- Group II improved slightly.
- Both Groups recorded a slightly lower success rate.
What Do These Numbers Tell Us?
Several observations stand out.
1. Competition Remains Extremely High
Thousands of students appear every session.
Only a relatively small percentage qualify.
That hasn’t changed.
2. Consistency Matters
Many successful candidates emphasize disciplined daily study over last-minute preparation.
There are no shortcuts in CA.
3. Conceptual Understanding Is Essential
The examination increasingly tests application rather than memorization.
Students who focus only on theory often struggle with practical questions.
4. Writing Practice Makes a Difference
Knowing the answer is one thing.
Presenting it effectively under time pressure is another.
Common Reasons Students Don’t Clear
Every attempt teaches something.
Some common challenges include:
- Incomplete syllabus coverage
- Weak conceptual understanding
- Poor time management during the exam
- Limited mock test practice
- Ignoring ICAI study material
- Inadequate revision
Many students discover that improving one or two of these areas significantly changes their results.
What Successful Candidates Usually Do Differently?
Although every topper has a unique strategy, certain habits appear consistently.
- Follow a realistic study schedule.
- Solve previous years’ question papers.
- Practice mock tests regularly.
- Revise multiple times.
- Focus on ICAI material before external resources.
- Analyze mistakes instead of repeating them.
Small improvements, repeated consistently, often produce better outcomes than dramatic changes.
What Should You Do If You Didn’t Clear?
It can feel disappointing.
That’s natural.
But remember something important.
Every CA who now signs audit reports has faced difficult examinations.
Many required multiple attempts.
Instead of focusing only on the result, ask:
- Which subjects need improvement?
- Was revision sufficient?
- Were mock tests attempted seriously?
- Was time management effective?
Treat the next attempt as an opportunity to improve—not simply repeat.
What Happens After Clearing CA Intermediate?
Candidates who successfully clear the examination can move ahead with the next stages of the Chartered Accountancy journey, including Articleship (subject to the applicable ICAI scheme and eligibility) and preparation for the CA Final examination. Always refer to the latest ICAI regulations for current requirements.
