ICAI CA Results 2025: Celebrating Toppers, Analyzing Pass Percentages, and What It Means for Aspiring Chartered Accountants and Indian Employers

The clock strikes 2 p.m. on November 3, and a wave of anticipation sweeps across India’s coaching hubs—from bustling Kota classrooms to Mumbai’s high-rise study centers—as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) declares the CA September 2025 results for Foundation, Intermediate, and Final levels. For over 2.5 lakh candidates who braved the rigorous September exams, this moment is more than numbers on a scorecard; it’s a gateway to one of India’s most prestigious professions. With pass percentages reflecting the course’s unyielding standards—14.78% at Foundation, 10.06% for Intermediate both groups, and 16.23% for Final both groups—the results underscore the CA journey’s challenges and triumphs. As toppers like Mukund Agiwal (CA Final AIR 1 with a perfect 100%) bask in glory, this edition unpacks the outcomes, verification processes, and their ripple effects on candidates eyeing dream jobs at Deloitte or KPMG, and employers scouting for India’s next financial wizards.

The CA Exam Landscape: A Rigorous Path to Expertise

The Chartered Accountancy course, governed by ICAI under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949, is a three-tier ladder: Foundation (entry-level for Class 12 graduates), Intermediate (post-Foundation, divided into two groups), and Final (advanced, with mandatory 30 months of articleship). Exams occur thrice yearly under the new scheme—January, May/June, and September—allowing faster progression but no compromise on depth. Subjects span accounting standards, audit, taxation, and ethics, demanding conceptual mastery over rote learning.

For September 2025:

  • Foundation: Held September 13–20 across 544 centers; 98,827 appeared.
  • Intermediate: Groups I & II on September 4–15 across 499 centers; 1,59,779 registered.
  • Final: Groups I & II on September 3–14 across 458 centers; 81,852 admitted.

Results, hosted on icai.nic.in and caresults.icai.org, require roll and registration numbers for access. Digital marksheets are available immediately, with merit lists for top three All India Rank (AIR) holders released alongside. Verification/revaluation windows opened November 4–December 3 (₹100–₹500 per paper), processing requests within a month.

Spotlight on Toppers: Stories of Dedication and Excellence

ICAI’s merit lists celebrate not just scores but perseverance. In a nod to India’s diverse talent pool, toppers hail from Madhya Pradesh to Tamil Nadu, embodying the profession’s nationwide appeal.

CA Final September 2025 Toppers

RankNameCity/StateScore/Marks
1Mukund AgiwalDhamnod, MP100% (600/600)
2Tejas Mundada(Not specified)
3Bakul Gupta(Not specified)

Mukund’s flawless performance sets a benchmark, qualifying him for ICAI membership and immediate practice rights post-articleship.

CA Intermediate September 2025 Toppers

RankNameCity/StateScore/Marks
1Neha KhanwaniJaipur, Rajasthan505/600
2Kriti Sharma(Not specified)503/600
3Akshat Birendra Nautiyal(Not specified)500/600

Group I pass rate: 9.43% (8,780/93,074); Group II: 27.14% (18,938/69,768); Both: 10.06% (3,663/36,398).

CA Foundation September 2025 Toppers

RankNameCity/StateScore/Marks
1L RajalakshmiChennai, Tamil Nadu90% (360/400)
2Prem AgarwalSurat, Gujarat
3Neel Rajesh ShahMumbai, Maharashtra

Overall pass rate: 14.78% (14,609/98,827), with 13.80% for females and 15.74% for males.

These achievers, often balancing articleship with studies, inspire peers. ICAI President CA. Charanjot Singh Nanda congratulated them: “Your success is the result of hard work, determination, and unwavering dedication.”

Pass Percentages: A Snapshot of Trends and Challenges

The September 2025 results mirror the CA course’s selectivity, with pass rates hovering in single to low double digits—ensuring only the most prepared qualify. Compared to May 2025 (Foundation: 15.09%; Intermediate both: 13.22%; Final both: 18.75%), September shows slight dips, attributed to the new scheme’s integrated modules and practical focus.

LevelAppearedPassedPass %
Foundation (Overall)98,82714,60914.78%
Intermediate Group I93,0748,7809.43%
Intermediate Group II69,76818,93827.14%
Intermediate Both Groups36,3983,66310.06%
Final Group I51,95512,81124.66%
Final Group II32,2738,15125.26%
Final Both Groups16,8002,72716.23%

To pass, candidates need 40% per paper and 50% aggregate per group. Over 11,466 new CAs emerged from Finals, bolstering India’s 3 lakh+ CA workforce amid rising demand for audit and compliance experts.

What the Results Mean for Candidates: From Elation to Next Steps

For the 14,609 Foundation qualifiers, doors open to Intermediate registration (next cycle: January 2026, applications by November 16 without late fee). Intermediate passers advance to Finals, while 11,466 Final clearers can apply for membership, unlocking roles in Big Four firms or startups.

Unsuccessful candidates—over 90%—aren’t sidelined. ICAI’s Self-Paced Online Modules (SPOM) and revision classes (starting November 29 for January 2026) aid reattempts. Verification ensures accuracy, with appeals to the Examination Committee if needed. Many view low pass rates as a motivator: “It’s tough, but it builds resilience,” shares a Jaipur Intermediate topper.

Post-results, campus placements kick off—ICAI’s portal connects qualifiers to firms like EY and PwC, where starting salaries average ₹8–12 lakh annually.

The Employer Perspective: Fresh CAs as Growth Catalysts

In India’s booming economy—projected 7% GDP growth in 2025—employers view CA results as a talent pipeline. With GST complexities and IFRS adoption, firms need skilled auditors and advisors. “Qualified CAs bring precision and ethics, vital for our expansion,” notes a Deloitte India spokesperson.

The 11,466 new CAs address a shortage: ICAI estimates demand for 1 lakh annually against 20,000 qualifiers. Sectors like fintech (Paytm, Razorpay) and consulting (McKinsey) prioritize toppers for leadership tracks. Low pass rates ensure quality—employers report 20–30% higher retention among rigorously trained CAs.

For SMEs, these graduates mean affordable compliance support, fostering entrepreneurship. ICAI’s ethics module equips them for global standards, making Indian CAs hot exports to UAE and Singapore hubs.

Navigating the Road Ahead: Tips for Resilience and Success

Whether celebrating or strategizing, candidates should:

  • Download scorecards immediately from icai.nic.in.
  • Enroll in January 2026 exams (deadlines: November 16–19).
  • Leverage ICAI’s BOS Knowledge Portal for free resources.
  • Join peer groups for mock tests—success rates rise 15–20% with structured prep.

As ICAI evolves with digital exams and sustainability focus, these results reaffirm CA’s role in India’s financial fabric. For toppers, it’s launchpad; for others, a chapter in a marathon. In the words of ICAI Vice President CA. Prasanna Kumar D., “Excellence is a journey—keep pushing.”

Also read:Varun Chakravarthy — India’s “mystery” leg-spinner and his rising role in white-ball cricket

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