New Assessment Criteria in ICAI’s CA Final Integrated Business Solutions Exam Pattern

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has introduced significant changes to the assessment criteria for the CA final paper 6: Integrated Business Solutions. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of these changes and explore the implications for students.

Open Book and Case Study Format for the CA Final

One of the notable changes is the shift to an open book and case study-based format for the CA final paper 6. This change aligns with the New Scheme of Education and Training introduced by ICAI. Students are now required to approach the examination with a different strategy, considering the open-book nature of the assessment.

Duration and Assessment Breakdown

Despite the transition to an open-book format, the exam duration remains unchanged at four hours. However, the manner of assessment has been adjusted, with 40% of the evaluation conducted through Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and the remaining 60% through descriptive questions in each case study, each carrying 25 marks.

ICAI, in an official statement, emphasized, “The Council has decided that the duration of the examination of this paper would continue to be four hours and the manner of assessment of this paper would also be 40% by way of MCQs and 60% in the form of Descriptive Questions in each case study of 25 marks.”

Case Study Requirement

Students will encounter five case studies, each carrying 25 marks. However, the twist lies in the fact that they must attempt only four out of the five case studies. This introduces an element of choice for the students, allowing them to showcase their proficiency in areas of their preference.

ICAI’s Ongoing Curriculum Reforms

It’s worth noting that the changes in the CA final paper 6 assessment criteria are part of ICAI’s broader curriculum reforms. In June of the previous year, ICAI introduced new courses covering prosecution, psychology, philosophy, and artificial intelligence in the curriculum for 2024. These changes are aimed at enhancing the international acceptability of the CA qualification.

Conclusion

As students prepare for the CA final paper 6 under the New Scheme of Education and Training, adapting to the open book and case study-based assessment criteria is crucial. Understanding the breakdown of the evaluation, the duration, and the flexibility in case study selection will be key to success in this revamped examination format. Stay tuned for more updates and insights into ICAI’s evolving curriculum and examination patterns.