What To Do After Failing CA Exams: A Re-Registration Roadmap

ca exam re-registration

A failure in CA exams can be an upsetting experience but you should not quit your studies. Many successful CAs have faced failure at some point. It is all about healing and coming back stronger and smarter. You need not worry in case you do not hold a registration (expired or about to expire). Through this blog, you would be able to know the re-registration process in simple steps and some of the questions that are of great significance such as how to know the validity of registering, how to apply for revalidation and what to do next.

Step 1: Don t Panic-Take a Breath & Reflect

Failure is painful but not the end. Thousands of students face setbacks in the CA course, but what makes them successful is how they rise after a fall.

Start by asking yourself:

  • Did I manage time well?

  • Did I revise properly?

  • Was I strong on concepts or just theory?

This honest reflection helps you prepare better for the next attempt.

Step 2: Check Your Registration Validity

Before you reapply for exams, make sure your CA course registration is still valid. ICAI gives a limited validity period for each level.

Validity Periods:

  • CA Foundation gives you a 3-year time frame with 9 attempts.

  • CA Intermediate: 4 years.

  • CA Final: 5 years

In the case your registration is expired, then you will need to revalidate your registration before you are enabled to fill the exam form.

How To Check Registration Validity?

  1. Go to the ICAI SSP Portal login.

     

  2. Enter your User ID and Password.

     

  3. Click on the “Student Cycle” section.

     

  4. Select your course – Foundation, Inter, or Final.

     

  5. You’ll see the registration date and validity status.

     

So if you’re wondering, “How to check the validity of CA Foundation registration?” – this is the process.

Expired Registration? Time To Revalidate

If your CA Foundation, CA Inter or CA Final registration has expired, ICAI gives you an option to extend it.

This process is called the “revalidation of registration”.

Common Scenarios:

  • Expired registration in CA Inter? → Revalidate to appear in upcoming attempts.

  • CA Final registration validity period over? → You’ll need to revalidate before filling the exam form.

Step 3: How To Revalidate Registration Online?

Follow these steps for ICAI revalidation of registration online:

  1. Visit the ICAI SSP Portal.

  2. Login → Student Cycle → Revalidation option.

  3. Choose the correct course (Foundation / Inter / Final).

  4. Pay the fees online:

    • Foundation: ₹300

    • Intermediate: ₹400

    • Final: ₹500

  5. Submit the form and download the acknowledgment.

✅This is your extension of CA registration.

Step 4: Now Rebuild Your Plan

Once your registration is valid again:

  • Make a fresh study plan.

  • Focus on concepts, not just notes.

  • Join revision batches, especially for tricky subjects.

  • Keep an eye on the latest ICAI amendments.

  • Practice RTPs, MTPs, and PYQs religiously.

Final Words From a CA

The CA course is not only a course of exams but it also gives character, discipline and resilience. Failure is not the opposite of success, but that is part of the process.

So don’t be embarrassed. Re-register, refocus, and restart.

The CA dream is not over yet.
 All you need is the courage to try again—with better strategy this time.

FAQs

Frequently Asks Questions

How many attempts can we give in CA Foundation after registration?

After registering for the CA Foundation course, students are typically allowed nine attempts to pass the exam with in a three-year period. If the three-year validity period expires, students can revalidate their registration for a fee. 

Is skipping an attempt in CA counted?

Yes, skipping a CA exam attempt is generally counted as an attempt if you have filled out the examination form, even if you don’t appear for the exam. However, if you don’t fill out the exam form, it will not be counted as an attempt. 

When can I give a CA Intermediate exam after foundation?

Once you pass the CA Foundation exam, you can register for the CA Intermediate course. After registering, you need to complete 8 months of study before you can appear for the Intermediate exams.

For example, if you clear Foundation in January 2025 and register right away, you’ll become eligible for the Intermediate exams in September 2025 — after finishing your 8-month study period.