ICAI to go ahead with CA exams in November, no postponement despite student demands

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India on Friday confirmed that it will not postpone the 2020 CA examination any longer. The exams will be held from November 2, as decided previously, Atul Kumar Gupta, President, ICAI, told Edexlive over an email. He added that the students will be given necessary relief by extending (the date?) the last attempt.

However, the body's decision to conduct these examinations amid pandemic was criticised by a lot of students, who sought the examination's postponement until the number of COVID cases come down. "I have eight exams held on alternate days. It is quite risky to go to an exam centre that often. I am scared that I will get infected and will infect my mother," says TD Meghraj, an aspirant. "We want exams to be held in a safe environment," he says. The ICAI had previously cancelled the exams which were supposed to be held in May, citing COVID.

At the same time, it said that it has increased the number of exam centres from 550 to 915, considering the current situation. "ICAI will also implement adequate social distancing measures in the current scenario of Covid-19 to ensure the health and safety of our candidates. Adequate measures are being taken for the safety of all without compromising the high standards, sanctity and fairness in the conduct of the examination," says Gupta.