CA Foundation · Cutoff
CA Foundation cutoff: expected score and rank bands
No official CA Foundation cutoff is published on Shishya yet — the score bands below are indicative, not official. Official cutoffs are published at icai.org.
AI-curated from historic cutoff patterns. Indicative, not official. Always verify with the latest official notification.
Category-wise expected cutoff (indicative)
| 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?
Score → rank → outcome bands (indicative)
Exceptional — All-India top rankers
90–100%
- All-India Rank 1-10 highly probable
- ICAI President's medal contender (Rank 1)
- Cash awards and merit certificates from ICAI
- Exemptions in all papers for 2 subsequent attempts
- Recognition at national ICAI convocations
- Fast-track potential to complete CA in minimum timeline (4.5 years)
Outstanding — merit contender
80–89%
- High probability of All-India merit rank (typically top 50-100)
- Multiple paper exemptions for next 2 attempts
- Eligible for ICAI merit awards and certificates
- Strong foundation for fast-track CA completion
- May receive recognition at regional/branch level
Excellent performance — top tier
70–79%
- Likely to receive individual paper exemptions (valid 2 attempts)
- Strong candidate for All-India merit ranking
- Excellent preparation level for Intermediate
- May be eligible for ICAI merit scholarships
- Can confidently attempt both Intermediate groups simultaneously
Above average — strong performer
60–69%
- Strong conceptual clarity demonstrated
- Well-prepared for CA Intermediate both groups
- May consider attempting both Intermediate groups together
- Good foundation for articleship training
- Eligible for exemptions if scoring 60+ in individual papers
Comfortable pass — average range
50–59%
- Solid Foundation clearance
- Good base for CA Intermediate preparation
- Can proceed with standard Intermediate coaching
- Represents typical successful candidate performance
- Should focus on building speed and accuracy for next level
Just qualified — marginal pass
40–49%
- Cleared Foundation exam (40% overall + 40% each paper required)
- Eligible to register for CA Intermediate
- Consider strengthening core concepts before moving forward
- May need additional coaching for Intermediate level
- Typical of 30-35% candidates who appear
Did not qualify
0–39%
- Below 40% pass threshold
- Need to retake the exam
- Focus on Paper 1 (Accounting) and Paper 2 (Law) fundamentals
- Strengthen conceptual understanding before next attempt
CA Foundation on Shishya
There are no CA Foundation practice questions on Shishya yet.
The CA Foundation page has the facts and dates Shishya holds, and the AI tutor answers CA Foundation questions free.
Open the CA Foundation page →