This short, simple guide gives you a clear CA Foundation Study Plan for the Jan 2026 exams. If you are thinking of joining a CA Foundation Coaching or studying on your own, this plan will help. It is made for students in India. Indeed, it keeps things calm and practical. The ICAI has opened registration for Jan 2026 (apply early — dates matter).

Quick facts you must know (read first)

• The ICAI has official guidance and notes for the January 2026 exams. Check them before you plan.
• The CA Foundation has four papers under the new scheme. Know the paper names and marks.
• Passing rule: 40% in each paper and 50% overall (so aim higher to be safe).
• The exams start in early January 2026 (note the exact date on ICAI site).

How long to study? (overall timeline)

Start now if you can. With Jan 2026, most students study for 4–5 months well. That is enough if you are consistent. Begin with building base in each subject. Then practice and revise. Moreover, aim to finish first round of study 6–8 weeks before the exam. This leaves time for mocks and polish.

Month-by-month CA Foundation Study Plan

Months 1–2 — Build the base

• Spend 2–3 hours daily at first. Increase later.
• Read theory slowly. Don’t try to memorise. Understand one topic at a time.
• Paper 1 (Accounting): Start with basics — journal, ledger, trial balance. Do small sums daily.
• Paper 2 (Business Laws): Learn definitions and simple case rules. Write short notes.
• Paper 3 (Quantitative Aptitude): Practice basic math, business math, and logical reasoning. Do short problems every day.
• Paper 4 (Business Economics): Learn basic economic terms and short notes on business and market topics.

Months 3–4 — Practice and problem solving

• Do chapter-wise questions. Finish your text material.
• Solve ICAI model questions and past papers. Make a list of weak topics.
• Start timed practice for objective parts. Time management matters.
• Take one full mock every 10–12 days. Mark mistakes and fix them.

Last 1–2 months — Revise and test

• No new topics. Only revision. Memorise key definitions, formulas, and case laws.
• Take 2 full mocks per week in the last month. Review them carefully.
• Keep one day rest per week to avoid burn-out. Indeed, rest helps memory.

Daily routine (simple schedule)

• Morning (1–2 hours): Hard topics. Your brain is fresh.
• Afternoon (1 hour): Practice problems or objective practice.
• Evening (1–2 hours): Revision of what you read that day.
• Night (30–45 mins): Light reading — quick notes or formula sheet.

This keeps study steady. Moreover, short focused bursts beat long tired hours.

Subject-wise quick tips

Accounting (Paper 1)

• Learn the flow: transaction → journal → ledger → final accounts.
• Practice 8–10 questions per chapter. Write neatly. Time yourself.

Business Laws (Paper 2)

• Make short notes of sections and case names.
• Remember key words and exceptions.

Quantitative Aptitude (Paper 3)

• Build speed with daily drills. Practice business math and data interpretation.
• Logical reasoning needs short regular practice. Do puzzles if you like them.

Business Economics (Paper 4)

• Learn simple definitions and demand-supply graphs.
• Make one-page notes for each chapter for quick last-minute revision.

Best materials to use (what really helps)

• ICAI study material and guidance notes. They match the exam.
• ICAI model test papers and past papers. Practice these well.
• Short handwritten notes for quick revision. Make them yourself. This helps memory.
• One good coaching test series (if you join ca foundation coaching) is helpful for discipline and timed mocks.

Mock tests and practice — your score booster

• Start mocks after you finish a first round.
• Treat every mock as a real exam. Sit with a timer. Do not use phone.
• Mark mistakes and keep a “fix list.” Revisit weak topics every week.
• Indeed, analysis of mocks will tell you where to improve.

Last 15 days strategy

• Only revise notes and solved papers. No new topics.
• Do 3–4 full mocks in exam-like conditions. Review them deeply.
• Make a short formula + cases sheet. Read it twice a day.
• Sleep well. Eat simple food. Calm mind gives better recall.

Exam day tips

• Reach the centre early. Carry required documents.
• Read questions first. Plan time for each section.
• Attempt easy questions first. Then come back to tough ones.
• Stay steady. Breathe. You have prepared.

Short FAQ (fast answers)

Q: How many hours a day?
A: Start with 3–4 hours. Raise to 6–8 as exams near.

Q: Is coaching needed?
A: Not always. Coaching helps for structure and mocks. Self-study works if you are disciplined.

Q: What books to follow?
A: ICAI study material first. Then practice books or coaching material for more questions.

Q: How to beat exam fear?
A: Small daily wins. Mocks. Rest. Talk to friends or your mentor. You will be fine.

Final words

Follow this CA Foundation Study Plan step by step. Be steady. Do small things every day. Moreover, use ICAI guidance and model papers as your main source. Indeed, registration and dates are live now — check ICAI and apply before the deadline.

Good luck. Believe in your work. If you join a CA Foundation Coaching or study at home, keep a calm mind. You can clear this — one page at a time.

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