CA Subjects List: Every Paper Across Foundation, Inter and Final at a Glance
Quick answer: CA has sixteen papers total across three levels, four in Foundation, six in Intermediate, and six in Final. Below is the full list, level by level, with a short note on each paper so you know what it actually involves.
CA Foundation Subjects List (4 Papers, 400 Marks)
- Paper 1: Accounting. Journal entries, ledgers, and basic financial statements. Subjective.
- Paper 2: Business Laws. Contract law and business organization basics. Subjective.
- Paper 3: Quantitative Aptitude. Maths, statistics, logical reasoning. Objective, with negative marking.
- Paper 4: Business Economics. Core economic principles applied to business. Objective, with negative marking.
CA Intermediate Subjects List (6 Papers, 600 Marks)
Group I
- Paper 1: Advanced Accounting
- Paper 2: Corporate and Other Laws
- Paper 3: Taxation
Group II
- Paper 4: Cost and Management Accounting
- Paper 5: Auditing and Ethics
- Paper 6: Financial Management and Strategic Management
Note: All six papers follow a 70:30 split between descriptive answers and case study-based MCQs, with no negative marking.
CA Final Subjects List (6 Papers, 600 Marks)
Group I
- Paper 1: Financial Reporting
- Paper 2: Advanced Financial Management
- Paper 3: Advanced Auditing, Assurance and Professional Ethics
Group II
- Paper 4: Direct Tax Laws and International Taxation
- Paper 5: Indirect Tax Laws
- Paper 6: Integrated Business Solutions
Note: Every paper at this level is fully descriptive, with no objective section and no negative marking.
How Should You Use This List Practically?
Print or save this list before you start planning your study calendar. Mark off each paper as you complete a first full read through, separate from marking it as revised. Cross-check paper names periodically against the current syllabus, since ICAI occasionally renames or restructures specific papers between scheme updates.
Does the Subjects List Change Based on Attempt Session?
The subject names and grouping generally stay fixed within a scheme, but content weightage inside each paper can shift between the January, May, and September sessions for Foundation and Intermediate, and between May and November for Final.
Is This List the Same for Direct Entry Students?
Students entering through the direct entry route, typically commerce graduates with 55% marks or other graduates with 60%, skip Foundation and begin directly at the Intermediate subjects list above.
How Many Total Papers Will You Take Across the Full CA Journey?
Sixteen papers if you go through Foundation, or twelve if you enter through the direct entry route.
Which Papers Tend to Need the Most Test Series Practice?
The foundation's quantitative aptitude paper rewards speed under negative marking. The intermediate taxation paper combines computation with descriptive explanation. Final's integrated business solutions paper blends three subject areas into one scenario, so it benefits from mixed practice.
How Should You Cross-Check This List Against Your Study Material?
Before relying on any textbook or test series content, confirm that the paper names and structure match what appears in the current syllabus for your specific attempt.
Where Should You Go From Here?
Once you have this list memorized, the next step is pairing each paper with a proper testing plan. A CA test series built around this exact paper structure saves you from guessing which subjects need more mock practice than others.
