The CA Intermediate pass % is a crucial measure of the exam's complexity and level of competition for prospective CAs. The CA Intermediate exam, administered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), is regarded as one of the most difficult phases of the CA path.
The CA Intermediate pass rate for students who passed both categories was 8.47% in the May 2026 attempt. These figures demonstrate the strict evaluation criteria that ICAI adheres to and clarify why passing the Intermediate level necessitates a solid conceptual grasp and regular preparation.
This article examines the most recent CA Intermediate pass percentage, attempt-wise statistics, and the actual implications of these figures for test-takers.
The competitive nature of the Intermediate level examination is evident from the ICAI releasing the CA Intermediate May 2026 results with only 8.47% of candidates passing appearing in both groups. The following are the performance statistics for each group:
| GROUP | NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO APPEARED | NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO PASSED | OVERALL 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% |
Candidates who appeared in the Chartered Accountants (Intermediate Examination) May 2026 can check their results published by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) recently. The new data indicates that the students in both Group II and Group I had a tough pass, with Group II having a 16.11% pass rate and Group I a 10.25% pass rate.
The candidates appearing for both groups had a highly competitive environment to face the examination, as only 8.47% managed to pass through both groups in one go. These numbers further solidify the image of the CA Intermediate exam as one of the most challenging stages of the Chartered Accountant (CA) journey.
Thousands of students passed individual groups and advanced one step towards becoming Chartered Accountants, even with the tough scrutiny. The results show that success in the Intermediate level is achieved through building good conceptual understanding, regular practice, appropriate revision techniques, and dedicated preparation.
The results from the May 2026 exams are a reminder to aspirants to adopt a focused approach to their study plans and exam preparation for the upcoming CA Intermediate exams. Though the pass percentage seems to be tough, it also demonstrates the high professional standards put in practice by ICAI. Each of the candidates who have made a success of CA Intermediate has made it a reality by being able to complete the course with dedication, persistence and the right guidance.
Key Highlights:
The May 2026 CA Intermediate exam papers once again bring the point home that the exam is not for the faint hearted but is definitely not impossible to pass. With consistent preparation, planning and knowledge of concepts, students have a much better chance of success. For the future aspirants, these statistics should not be considered as an obstacle but an inspiration to work smarter and be ever ready to achieve the goal of becoming a Chartered Accountant.
This part of the Chartered Accountancy course has remained competitive over time, as evidenced by the CA Intermediate pass percentage trend from 2022 to 2026. Because of its advanced curriculum and strict evaluation criteria, the CA Intermediate test, administered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), usually has lower success rates than the Foundation level. Aspirants can better understand how exam difficulty, preparation techniques, and overall applicant performance affect the success percentage in several attempts by analyzing these annual trends.
The CA Intermediate January 2026 exam results were released by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), which showed that 9.39% of applicants in both categories passed. The strict evaluation procedure and extensive preparation needed to pass both groups on a single try are reflected in the comparatively low success rate.
| Group | No. of Students Appeared | No. of Students Passed | Overall Pass Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group I | 105,526 | 14,733 | 13.96% |
| Group II | 69,477 | 10,798 | 15.54% |
| Both Groups | 41,798 | 3,924 | 9.39% |
| Group | No. of Students Appeared | No. of Students Passed | Overall Pass Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group I | 93,074 | 8,780 | 9.43% |
| Group II | 69,768 | 18,938 | 27.14% |
| Both Groups | 36,398 | 3,663 | 10.06% |
| Group | No. of Students Appeared | No. of Students Passed | Overall Pass Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group I | 97,034 | 14,232 | 14.67% |
| Group II | 72,069 | 15,502 | 21.51% |
| Both Groups | 38,029 | 5,028 | 13.22% |
| Group | No. of Students Appeared | No. of Students Passed | Overall Pass Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group I | 108,187 | 15,332 | 14.17% |
| Group II | 80,368 | 17,813 | 22.16% |
| Both Groups | 48,261 | 6,781 | 14.05% |
| Group | No. of Students Appeared | No. of Students Passed | Overall Pass Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group I | 69,227 | 10,505 | 15.17% |
| Group II | 50,760 | 8,117 | 15.99% |
| Both Groups | 23,482 | 1,330 | 5.66% |
| Group | No. of Students Appeared | No. of Students Passed | Overall Pass Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group I | 111,774 | 31,978 | 27.15% |
| Group II | 71,145 | 13,008 | 18.28% |
| Both Groups | 59,956 | 11,041 | 18.42% |
| Group | No. of Students Appeared | No. of Students Passed | Overall Pass Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group I | 117,304 | 19,686 | 16.78% |
| Group II | 93,638 | 17,957 | 19.18% |
| Both Groups | 53,459 | 5,204 | 9.73% |
| Group | No. of Students Appeared | No. of Students Passed | Overall Pass Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group I | 100,781 | 19,103 | 18.95% |
| Group II | 81,956 | 19,208 | 23.44% |
| Both Groups | 39,195 | 4,014 | 10.24% |
| Group | No. of Students Appeared | No. of Students Passed | Overall Pass Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group I | 100,265 | 21,244 | 21.19% |
| Group II | 79,292 | 19,380 | 24.44% |
| Both Groups | 37,428 | 4,759 | 12.72% |
| Group | No. of Students Appeared | No. of Students Passed | Overall Pass Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group I | 80,605 | 10,717 | 13.30% |
| Group II | 63,777 | 7,943 | 12.45% |
| Both Groups | 24,475 | 1,337 | 5.46% |
Let’s be honest. Numbers only tell part of the story. If you want the real insights, you have to read between the lines.
Yes, Group II has higher pass rates more often than not. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. What it does suggest is that students are usually better prepared for it, or the papers are slightly more scoring (think FM).
Whether it’s Accounts, Costing, or Law-Group I papers demand both conceptual clarity and practice. It’s not enough to just “know” the content. You have to be able to apply it fast and accurately.
No sugarcoating this-clearing both groups in one go is a real achievement. When you see numbers like 13.22% or 5.66%, it puts into perspective what kind of effort that requires. It’s not impossible, but it takes strong planning and a calm exam temperament.
The CA Intermediate pass percentage doesn’t define your intelligence. It simply reflects how
competitive
and
layered this course is. The bar is high-not to scare you, but to prepare you for the level of
precision
and
knowledge that the profession demands.
But guess what? Every person who cleared this exam also looked at a 13% pass rate once. They weren’t
sure
either. They just stuck with it.
So if the numbers made you nervous-good. It means you care. Now, turn that into fuel. You still have
time. And
the next attempt? It could be your number in that “passed” column.