Introduction
The CA Foundation exam for May 2026 is just around the corner. Whether you've just registered or are already a few months into your preparation, having a structured study plan is the single most important factor that separates toppers from those who struggle. In this guide, CA Adarsh Joshi — faculty for Business Laws & Corporate & Other Laws — walks you through a complete, realistic study plan for the May 2026 attempt.
Understanding the CA Foundation Syllabus (New Scheme)
CA Foundation under the new ICAI scheme has 4 papers:
- Paper 1: Accounting (100 marks, subjective)
- Paper 2: Business Laws (100 marks, subjective)
- Paper 3: Quantitative Aptitude (100 marks, objective)
- Paper 4: Business Economics (100 marks, objective)
You need a minimum of 40% in each paper and 50% aggregate to pass.
Month-by-Month Study Plan (January – April 2026)
January 2026 – Build Your Foundation
- Complete Accounting Chapters 1–6 (Basic concepts, Journal, Ledger)
- Start Business Laws: Indian Contract Act
- Quantitative Aptitude: Ratio, Proportion, Indices
- Business Economics: Introduction & Basic Concepts
- Daily target: 6–7 hours of study
February 2026 – Go Deeper
- Accounting: Partnership Accounts, Company Accounts
- Business Laws: Sale of Goods Act, Negotiable Instruments Act
- Quantitative Aptitude: Algebra, Calculus basics
- Business Economics: Theory of Demand & Supply
- Start solving ICAI Study Material questions chapter-wise
March 2026 – Intensive Practice
- Complete all pending chapters across all 4 subjects
- Solve past 5 years' question papers
- Attempt at least 2 full mock tests
- Identify weak areas and revisit them
April 2026 – Revision & Mock Tests
- Rapid revision of all subjects using short notes
- Attempt ICAI Mock Test Papers (MTPs) and RTPs
- Focus on high-weightage topics
- Maintain a formula/concept sheet for quick reference
Subject-Wise Tips
Accounting
Practice is everything. Solve at least 10 problems per chapter. Don't skip adjustments in Final Accounts — they carry heavy marks.
Business Laws
Understand the logic behind each Act rather than rote memorising. Use case studies to remember provisions. Focus on the Indian Contract Act, Sale of Goods Act, and the Companies Act basics.
Quantitative Aptitude
This is an objective paper — speed and accuracy matter. Practice mental math and learn shortcut techniques for Permutation & Combination and Statistics.
Business Economics
Read ICAI Study Material thoroughly. Graphs and diagrams are important — draw them during revision. Focus on National Income, Money & Banking, and Indian Economy topics.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping ICAI Study Material in favour of only coaching notes
- Not attempting mock tests under timed conditions
- Leaving any paper completely unprepared
- Ignoring the objective papers (Papers 3 & 4) thinking they are easy
- Starting revision too late (less than 3 weeks before the exam)
Recommended Resources
At Shikshadwar, we offer CA Foundation books, test series, and study material specifically designed for the May 2026 and September 2026 attempts. Our test series includes chapter-wise tests, full mock tests, and detailed solutions — everything you need to practice effectively.
👉 Explore our CA Foundation study material and test series to supercharge your preparation.
Final Words
Consistency beats intensity. A student who studies 6 focused hours daily for 4 months will always outperform someone who crams for 14 hours in the last 2 weeks. Start today, follow the plan, and trust the process. You've got this!
— CA Adarsh Joshi, Faculty – Business Laws & Corporate & Other Laws
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