ICAI gives students option to ‘opt out’ from CA July 2020 examination due to COVID-19 pandemic

After observing the current situation, ICAI has given students 'opt-out option' from the upcoming CA July 2020 examinations. Read here to know more. 

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has decided to give students an 'opt-out' choice after getting requests from the candidates and, observing the current situation of COVID-19 across the country. Candidates who do not want to appear for CA July 2020 examinations starting from July 29 onwards can send the declaration to 'opt-out' and, they'll be exempted for this session. The candidates can appear for the examination in the next session i.e. November 2020 to be scheduled by the exam authority. ICAI is ensuring that all the norms advised against the spread COVID-19 virus will be exercised during the exams at all the test centres. 

Candidates who opt-out or do not appear for CA July 2020 examinations will be automatically considered as cancelled/ exempted and, it will not be taken into account for this year. They can apply for the next session of CA examinations i.e. in November as a fresh candidate, however, need not pay the examination fees if paid for May session. However, if candidates have paid the application fee for one group of CA May-July 2020 cycle, and opts to appear for an additional group in November 2020 cycle then applicable fees for additional group needs to be paid. 

Moreover, candidates, who are willing to appear for CA July 2020 examinations can change their examination centres can do so between June 17 and 20, 2020. The window to change in exam centre of CA July 2020 examinations will be available on the official website only. 

The official notification read, "During last few days, we have received a mixed expression of opinions, views and requests from students, both relating to holding exams as per the schedule issued by The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India commencing from 29th July 2020 or not holding exams in the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic situation.

Some students expressed concerns and anxiety on the likelihood of spurt in COVID-19, availability of examination centre, students/centre in containment zone, social distancing and sanitization, availability of transport and accommodation facilities, loss of examination fee already paid and carry forward of exemption in case the student is not able to appear in the July 2020 examination. However, a large number of students showed their strong desire to appear in the examination as per the announced schedule.

ICAI is committed to serving even if one student wishes to appear in examination scheduled from 29th July 2020, still considering the prevailing COVID-19 situation and in the interest of mitigating the anxiety and hardships of students, it has been decided to provide an OPT-OUT option to students."

Moreover, candidates appearing for IPC Old course will get an exemption from appearing in CA November 2020 examinations as well if opted. 

The Opt-out declaration form will be available from June 17 onwards and, candidates can fill and submit it before June 20, 2020.

Read More: 

• ICAI 2020 exam dates as revised
• ICAI 2020 admit card 
• ICAI 2020 exam centres in India and Abroad