CA Exam: Last-Minute Exam Centre Shuffle Sparks Uproar Among CA Students

Students have expressed frustration and concern over the sudden change, highlighting the logistical challenges and added stress it imposes on them.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) finds itself at the center of controversy as last-minute exam center changes ahead of the Intermediate Examination MAY 2024 have left CA students in distress. The unexpected shuffle, particularly at one exam center in Andhra Pradesh, has ignited a wave of uproar among students just days before their scheduled exams.

According to a notice shared by CA ClubIndia, a Network for finance and tax professionals: “The venue for CA Intermediate exams scheduled from May 3rd to May 17th, 2024, at Adikavi Nannaya University M.S.N. Campus Achempeta junction, ADB road, Thirnmapuram east Godavari, Kakinada 533005, Andhra Pradesh, has been abruptly shifted to V. S. Lakshrni Women's Degree & PG College.”

Students have expressed frustration and concern over the sudden change, highlighting the logistical challenges and added stress it imposes on them. Despite ICAI's directive for candidates to note the new venue and appear for the exams accordingly, many students are grappling with the implications of these last-minute adjustments.

Adding to the turmoil is the ongoing demand from CA students for the postponement of the CA Intermediate and CA Final exams due to scheduling conflicts with the Lok Sabha Elections. Students have actively petitioned the Prime Minister's Office and approached the Delhi High Court, urging intervention to delay the exams.

With exams slated to commence from May 2nd and continue until May 17th, directly overlapping with the democratic process from May 19th to June 4th, students stress the significance of ensuring both academic fairness and civic engagement. The scheduling clash poses a dilemma for students who find themselves torn between fulfilling their academic commitments and exercising their constitutional right to vote.

Despite widespread appeals for reconsideration, ICAI proceeded with announcing revised exam dates on March 19th, maintaining the original schedule from May 2nd to May 17th, 2024. However, discontent among students persists, with many feeling that their concerns about mental well-being and democratic participation have been disregarded.

In response to mounting pressure, senior members of ICAI have voiced support for the students' demands for exam postponement. Financial and Tax Advisor Renuka Jain emphasized the crucial role of Chartered Accountants in electing good leaders, urging the Prime Minister and ICAI to consider the students' plight. Another member, Anurag Garg, acknowledged the logistical challenges but advocated for a one-week postponement to accommodate students' civic responsibilities.

Amidst nationwide concerns raised by students regarding the overlap between exams and elections, the debate intensifies over the infringement upon students' constitutional right to vote. As the standoff between CA students and ICAI persists, the broader implications of academic fairness, civic engagement, and institutional responsiveness come to the fore, underscoring the delicate balance between educational imperatives and democratic principles.

Read more:

• CA Students Voice Travel Challenges Amidst Exam Clash with Lok Sabha Elections
• CA admit card May 2024 for Final and Inter exams releasesd, download here