CA Foundation · Cutoff
CA Foundation cutoff 2026: expected score and rank bands
What score qualifies for CA Foundation
The official cutoff comes with the result: 31 Oct (expected). Answer key: not announced yet. Until then, here is an indicative cutoff estimate and where Shishya students scored on mocks.
How was the paper?
Be among the first to rate this paper
Every date carries its source tier. Expected dates are estimates, not announcements.
Alert me when the answer key or result is out
Notification, admit card, exam date, answer key, result — one email when something real happens. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
AI-curated from historic cutoff patterns. Indicative, not official. Always verify with the latest official notification.
Indicative cutoff (estimate, not official)
| Category | Expected cutoff (indicative) |
|---|---|
| General | 40-42% (160-168 marks out of 400) |
| EWS | 40-42% (160-168 marks out of 400) |
| OBC | 40-42% (160-168 marks out of 400) |
| SC | 40-42% (160-168 marks out of 400) |
| ST | 40-42% (160-168 marks out of 400) |
| PwD | 40-42% (160-168 marks out of 400) |
- No category-based reservation: CA Foundation follows a uniform pass standard across all categories; ICAI does not apply reservation-based cutoff differentiation. All candidates must score minimum 40% aggregate with at least 40% in each paper (out of 100 per paper, 400 total).
- Cutoff stability: The qualifying threshold remains consistent at 40% aggregate. Performance-based distinctions (60%+ for merit) determine rankings, not category quotas.
- Year-to-year factors: While pass marks stay fixed, paper difficulty and examiner leniency can shift actual pass rates between 30-45%, but the statutory minimum of 40% aggregate + 40% per-paper remains unchanged.
What does your score in CA Foundation (ICAI) actually get you? These bands map a mock or exam percentage to the rank window and the outcomes that score range has typically achieved.
Not sure if your score is safe for your category?
CA Foundation is done. What next?→Score → rank → outcome bands
Elite — All-India rank likely
90–100%
- Probable All-India Top 50 rank (ICAI publishes top ranks)
- Branch topper recognition highly likely
- Fast-track potential: CA completion in 4-4.5 years from Foundation
- Premium Big 4 articleship guaranteed with stipend ₹15,000-25,000/month
- Excellent prospects for CFO track, investment banking, or international firms
- May receive ICAI President's medal or merit awards
Top tier performance
80–89%
- All-India rank contender (typically top 3-5%)
- May receive branch merit certificate from ICAI
- Excellent foundation for accelerated CA completion
- Prime candidate for premium articleship firms
- Strong profile for international CA qualifications (ACCA, CPA) later
High achiever range
70–79%
- Excellent grasp of Foundation curriculum
- Strong candidate for branch-level merit rankings
- Likely to excel in CA Intermediate with consistent effort
- Consider specialization planning (Audit, Tax, Finance)
- Competitive for Big 4 articleship positions (EY, Deloitte, PwC, KPMG)
Above average performance
60–69%
- Strong conceptual understanding demonstrated
- Well-positioned for CA Intermediate success
- Consider attempting both Intermediate groups together
- Good candidates for campus placement programs later
- May qualify for merit scholarships from ICAI branches
Comfortable pass
50–59%
- Cleared CA Foundation with decent margin
- Solid foundation for CA Intermediate preparation
- Register for Intermediate (both groups recommended)
- Focus on maintaining consistency in article training
- Typical timeline: 2-3 years to clear Intermediate from here
Marginal pass range
40–49%
- Eligible to proceed to CA Intermediate registration
- Borderline performance may indicate conceptual gaps
- Recommend strengthening fundamentals before Intermediate
- Consider additional practice in Accounting and Law
- 4-year articleship track begins after Intermediate registration
Below passing threshold
0–39%
- Did not meet 40% minimum requirement
- Need to retake all papers scoring below 40%
- Focus on conceptual clarity in weak subjects
- Consider structured coaching or revision courses
Where would your score land?
Take a free CA Foundation mock: instant score, this exact rank mapping, and your weak topics identified. No coaching fees.