An In-Depth Analysis of ICAI CA Final Pass Percentages

The Chartered Accountancy (CA) Final Examination, conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), is renowned for its rigor and the pivotal role it plays in shaping the careers of aspiring accountants. 

The pass percentage for the November 2024 CA Final exam was 16.8% for Group I, 21.36% for Group II, and 13.44% for both groups. 

To pass the CA Final exam, students must meet two essential criteria. First, they need to secure a minimum of 40% marks in each individual paper. This ensures that candidates have a basic understanding of all subjects, without excelling in one area while neglecting others. Second, students must achieve an overall aggregate of at least 50% marks across all papers in a group. This combined requirement ensures a balanced and comprehensive level of proficiency, reflecting the high standards expected from future Chartered Accountants.

This article delves into various facets of the CA Final pass percentages, including historical trends, state-wise data, insights into top ranks, reasons behind the low pass rates, and a focus on the May 2024 examination results.

CA Final Pass Percentage Over the Last 10 Years

Analyzing the pass percentages over the past decade offers valuable insights into the examination’s difficulty and the performance trends of candidates. 

Here’s a table showing the CA Final pass percentages for the last five years:

These figures indicate fluctuations based on changes in the exam pattern, preparation levels, and evaluation criteria.

The fluctuations in pass percentages can be attributed to various factors, including changes in examination patterns, syllabus updates, and the overall preparedness of candidates.

CA Passing Percentage State-Wise

While ICAI does not officially publish state-wise pass percentages, anecdotal evidence suggests that certain states consistently produce a higher number of successful candidates. Factors contributing to this trend may include:

• Quality of Coaching Institutes: States with well-established coaching centers often see better results due to structured guidance.
• Educational Infrastructure: Access to quality educational resources and libraries can enhance preparation.
• Peer Support Networks: A strong community of aspirants can provide motivation and collaborative learning opportunities.

However, without official data, these observations remain speculative.

Marks of 50th Rank in CA Final

ICAI typically publishes the top three ranks’ details, including their marks and percentages. For instance, in the May 2024 examination:

• All India Rank 1: Shivam Mishra secured 500 marks out of 600, translating to 83.33%.
• All India Rank 2: Varsha Arora obtained 480 marks, equating to 80.00%.
• All India Rank 3: Both Kiran Rajendra Singh Manral and Ghilman Saalim Ansari scored 477 marks, approximately 79.50%.

Details beyond the top three ranks, such as the marks for the 50th rank, are not publicly disclosed by ICAI.

Why CA Pass Percentage Is Low

The consistently low pass percentages in the CA Final Examination can be attributed to several factors:

1. Comprehensive Syllabus: The curriculum covers a vast array of topics, requiring in-depth understanding and application.
2. High Evaluation Standards: ICAI maintains stringent marking schemes to ensure only competent candidates qualify.
3. Dynamic Industry Requirements: The profession demands up-to-date knowledge, necessitating continuous learning and adaptation.
4. Stress and Time Management: Balancing extensive study hours with personal life can be challenging, leading to burnout.
5. First-Attempt Pressure: The desire to clear the exam on the first attempt can add to the stress, affecting performance.

Passing Percentage of CA Final May 2024

The May 2024 examination witnessed a notable increase in pass percentages compared to previous attempts:

• Group I: Out of 74,887 candidates, 20,479 passed, resulting in a pass percentage of 27.35%.
• Group II: 58,891 candidates appeared, with 21,408 passing, leading to a pass percentage of 36.35%.
• Both Groups: Of the 35,819 candidates who appeared for both groups, 7,122 were successful, marking a pass percentage of 19.88%.

This upward trend may be due to various factors, including better preparation strategies, access to quality study materials, and possibly changes in the examination pattern or evaluation process.

CA Passing Percentage in First Attempt

Clearing the CA Final Examination on the first attempt is a commendable achievement, given the exam’s difficulty. Historically, the first-attempt pass percentage has been relatively low, often ranging between 10% to 20%. This statistic underscores the examination’s rigor and the level of dedication required to succeed.

CA Final Pass Percentage Over the Last 20 Years

While detailed data for the entire 20-year span is limited, the available information indicates that pass percentages have varied significantly. Factors influencing these variations include:

• Changes in Examination Structure: Modifications in the exam format or syllabus can impact pass rates.
• Economic Factors: Economic downturns or booms can influence the number of candidates appearing and their performance.
• Educational Trends: The emergence of new coaching methodologies and digital learning platforms may affect preparation quality.

Read More: Mock Test Papers Series I & Series II For CA Final Students Appearing In May 2025 Examinations