Key Upcoming Exams (Dec 2025-2026 Cycle)

• CFA Level 1 & 2 (May 2026): Registrations open Aug 12, 2025 - Feb 12, 2026; early deadlines Oct 2025. No entrance test—eligibility via bachelor's or work experience.​

• CUET UG 2026 (BCom Honors/Finance): Apps Dec 2025-Jan 2026; exam May-Jun 2026 for DU, BHU finance courses.​

• CUET PG 2026 (MCom/MFinance): Apps Dec 2025-Feb 2026; exam Mar 2026.​

• NPAT 2026 (NMIMS BCom/BBA Finance): Apps Dec 2025-Mar 2026; exam Jan-May 2026 phases.

• SET 2026 (Symbiosis BBA/BCom Finance): Apps Jan-Apr 2026; exam Apr-May.

Professional Accounting & Finance Certifications

These exams are conducted by professional bodies throughout the year. 

• Chartered Accountancy (CA) Exams (ICAI):
  • January 2026 Session (Exams ongoing/upcoming in Dec 2025/Jan 2026):
    • Final Group 1 & 2: January 5 - 16, 2026.
    • Intermediate Group 1 & 2: January 6 - 17, 2026.
  • May 2026 Session (Registration currently open):
    • Final Group 1 & 2: May 2 - 12, 2026.
    • Intermediate Group 1 & 2: May 3 - 13, 2026.
    • Foundation: May 14, 16, 18, 20, 2026.
• Cost and Management Accountancy (CMA) Exams (ICMAI):
  • December 2025 Session (Exams ongoing):
    • Intermediate & Final: December 10 - 17, 2025.
  • June 2026 Session:
    • Last date to enroll in the course: January 31, 2026.
    • Exams expected to be held in the second week of June 2026.
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Exams (CFA Institute):
  • February 2026 (Levels 1 & 3): Exam window Feb 2 - 8, 2026 (Registration closed).
  • May 2026 (Levels 1 & 2): Exam window May 12 - 23, 2026. Standard registration deadline is February 12, 2026.
  • August 2026 (Levels 1, 2, & 3): Exam window Aug 13 - 29, 2026. Standard registration deadline is May 6, 2026.
  • November 2026 (Levels 1 & 2): Exam window Nov 11 - 22, 2026. Registration opens February 11, 2026. 

MBA Finance Entrance Exams

These national-level exams are used for admission to postgraduate finance programs. 

• Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) 2026:
  • Exam Date: January 4, 2026.
• Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026:
  • Exam Date: January 25, 2026 (tentative).
  • Registration is expected to be available from late December 2025 or early January 2026.
• AIMS Test for Management Admissions (ATMA) 2026:
  • Registration for various sessions is ongoing through early 2026.
  • Exam dates are available multiple times a year (e.g., February 2026 session).
• Maharashtra MBA CET (MAH CET) 2026:
  • Registration is expected to open in late December 2025.
  • Exam Dates: April 6, 7, 8, and May 9, 2026. 

Public Sector Bank & Regulatory Body Exams

These exams are for recruitment into finance and accounts roles in banks and regulatory bodies. 

• SEBI Grade A 2026:
  • Preliminary Exam Date: January 10, 2026.
• Oriental Insurance Company Limited (OICL) AO 2026:
  • Preliminary Exam Date: January 10, 2026.
• Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC) PO 2026:
  • Exam Date: January 11, 2026.
• Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF) Certification Exams:
  • Exams like the Diploma in Treasury Investment & Risk Management and Certified Banking Compliance Professional have sessions in January 2026.