CPA Exam Dates India 2026 | Core, Discipline & Scores
CPA Exam Dates India 2026: Core Testing, Discipline Windows, Score Release and Prometric Booking
CPA exam dates in 2026 are easier to plan if you separate Core sections from Discipline sections. Core sections, AUD, FAR and REG, follow continuous testing, while Discipline sections, BAR, ISC and TCP, are tested only during specific quarterly windows.
This India-focused guide explains the 2026 CPA score release dates, Discipline testing windows, Prometric booking steps, NTS timing, India international administration fee, and a practical study calendar for candidates using Surgent CPA Review through Eduyush.
Quick Answer: What Are the CPA Exam Dates in India for 2026?
Indian CPA candidates can schedule Core sections, AUD, FAR and REG, throughout the year because Core sections are available under continuous testing. Discipline sections, BAR, ISC and TCP, are administered in the first month of each quarter: January 1-31, April 1-30, July 1-31 and October 1-31, with target score releases on March 13, June 16, September 11 and December 15 respectively AICPA CPA Exam score release.
For India, you must first become eligible through a participating U.S. jurisdiction, receive your Notice to Schedule, pay the India international administration fee for each section, and then schedule the exam through Prometric NASBA International Administration.
If you are still deciding the sequence, read the Eduyush guide on the best order to take CPA exams. If you are still checking eligibility or no-SSN state selection, start with how to become a CPA from India.
CPA Core Score Release Dates 2026: AUD, FAR and REG
AICPA states that CPA Core Exam scores are released throughout the year on a rolling basis and that continuous testing allows candidates to schedule Core sections at any time of the year AICPA CPA Exam score release. The table below shows the 2026 target score release schedule for Core sections.
| If AICPA receives your Core exam file by | Target score release date | India planning note |
|---|---|---|
| January 23 | February 10 | Useful for candidates who studied during December holidays. |
| February 14 | February 24 | Good for candidates trying to finish before March year-end pressure. |
| March 9 | March 17 | Useful if you need a quick result before planning April studies. |
| March 31 | April 9 | Works for candidates using March as a final revision month. |
| April 23 | May 7 | Useful for candidates avoiding Indian financial year-end workload. |
| May 16 | May 27 | Good for working professionals before June quarter deadlines. |
| June 8 | June 16 | Helpful if you want a result before mid-year planning. |
| June 30 | July 10 | Works for candidates who studied through May and June. |
| July 23 | August 7 | Useful for candidates targeting the July Discipline window separately. |
| August 15 | August 25 | Good mid-quarter attempt for full-time working candidates. |
| September 7 | September 15 | Useful before Q4 work pressure begins. |
| September 30 | October 9 | Works if you need a result before the October Discipline window ends. |
| October 23 | November 10 | Good for candidates preparing after Indian audit and tax deadlines. |
| November 15 | November 24 | Useful for candidates finishing a section before year-end work. |
| December 8 | December 16 | Good for candidates who want a result before holiday planning. |
| December 31 | January 12, 2027 | Works if you are willing to carry the result into the new year. |
CPA Discipline Testing Windows 2026: BAR, ISC and TCP
AICPA states that Discipline sections are administered in the first month of each quarter, unlike Core sections that are available through continuous testing AICPA CPA Exam score release. This is why your BAR, ISC or TCP plan needs more care than your Core section plan.
| Discipline section testing dates | Target score release date | Best use case for Indian candidates |
|---|---|---|
| January 1-31, 2026 | March 13, 2026 | Best if you completed FAR, AUD or REG preparation before the year began and want to start 2026 with a Discipline attempt. |
| April 1-30, 2026 | June 16, 2026 | Useful if March is your revision month and you can avoid Indian year-end work pressure. |
| July 1-31, 2026 | September 11, 2026 | Good for candidates who prepared during May and June and want a mid-year Discipline attempt. |
| October 1-31, 2026 | December 15, 2026 | Good for candidates who want to complete a Discipline section before the calendar year closes. |
How to Book the CPA Exam from India
NASBA states that candidates testing outside the U.S. must first establish eligibility through a jurisdiction participating in international administration, receive a Notice to Schedule, and then use the NTS to apply to take the exam internationally NASBA International Administration.
| Step | What Indian candidates should do | Common mistake to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Choose your jurisdiction | Select a U.S. jurisdiction that works for your education, SSN position and international testing plan. | Choosing a state only because a friend used it, without checking your credits and documentation. |
| 2. Apply and get eligibility | Submit transcripts, evaluation, application and required fees based on the jurisdiction process. | Buying exam prep or booking travel before eligibility is clear. |
| 3. Receive NTS | Use the Notice to Schedule to move into exam scheduling. | Letting the NTS validity period expire without booking. |
| 4. Pay India international administration fee | NASBA lists the India international administration fee at $460 per section for AUD, BAR, ISC, TCP, FAR and REG NASBA International Administration. | Budgeting with the lower general international fee instead of the India-specific fee. |
| 5. Wait before Prometric scheduling | NASBA says candidates must wait at least 24 hours after international registration is complete before scheduling through Prometric NASBA International Administration. | Trying to schedule immediately and assuming the system is broken. |
| 6. Schedule with Prometric | Choose your CPA section, India location, date and time based on availability. | Waiting until the last week and losing your preferred city or time slot. |
CPA Exam Date Planning Examples for Indian Candidates
Use CPA dates to build your plan backwards. Do not choose a date first and then hope your study catches up. The examples below show how different Indian candidates can use the 2026 windows.
Example 1: CA working in financial reporting, choosing BAR
| Month | Action | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| January to March | Study FAR | FAR uses the candidate’s accounting and reporting base. |
| Late March or April | Attempt FAR | A March 31 file receipt targets April 9 release, while April 23 targets May 7 release according to AICPA’s Core table AICPA CPA Exam score release. |
| May to June | Study BAR | BAR builds on FAR-style reporting and analysis. |
| July | Attempt BAR | The July Discipline window targets September 11 release AICPA CPA Exam score release. |
Example 2: US tax associate, choosing TCP
| Month | Action | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| January to March | Study REG | REG is the natural Core section for tax-focused candidates. |
| April | Attempt REG or TCP based on readiness | REG can be booked as a Core section, while TCP is available in the April Discipline window. |
| May to June | Study the remaining tax section | Keeping REG and TCP close together helps reduce relearning. |
| July | Attempt TCP if not taken in April | The July Discipline window gives another TCP opportunity before year-end work pressure. |
Example 3: Audit or IT controls professional, choosing ISC
| Month | Action | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| February to April | Study AUD | AUD aligns with audit evidence, controls, risk and reporting language. |
| May | Attempt AUD | A May 16 file receipt targets May 27 release according to the AICPA Core table AICPA CPA Exam score release. |
| June | Study ISC | ISC builds on systems, controls, security and risk concepts. |
| July | Attempt ISC | The July Discipline window targets September 11 release. |
CPA Score Release Cautions Indian Candidates Should Know
The score release date is not simply the date you sit for the exam. NASBA explains that scores are targeted based on when AICPA receives the exam file from Prometric, and NASBA/CPA Examination Services cannot determine when Prometric sends that file to AICPA NASBA Score Information.
- Do not rely on the cut-off date: NASBA states that taking the exam on the cut-off date does not ensure your score will be released by that target date NASBA Score Information.
- Give yourself a buffer: If you need a score before booking the next section, sit a few days before the cut-off rather than on the cut-off day.
- Check CPA Portal: NASBA says score notices or performance reports are posted to the CPA Portal within 72 hours from when the advisory score is posted NASBA Score Information.
- Use failed-score feedback quickly: NASBA notes that the candidate performance report is available only for failed scores NASBA Score Information.
How to Use Surgent and AI to Plan Around CPA Exam Dates
CPA dates matter only if your study plan is realistic. For Indian working professionals, the best plan is usually not to finish all lectures first. It is to diagnose weaknesses, solve MCQs and simulations early, and use AI to convert wrong answers into concept clarity.
Eduyush offers Surgent CPA Review through Eduyush for Indian candidates who want adaptive CPA preparation instead of high-cost coaching. You can also compare learner types in the Eduyush best CPA review course India guide.
AI prompts for CPA exam date planning
I am an Indian CPA candidate working full-time. I can study [X] hours per week. Build a CPA exam calendar for FAR, AUD, REG and [BAR/ISC/TCP] using the 2026 score release and Discipline windows.I want to sit for [section] on [date]. Create a 10-week revision plan with MCQs, TBS practice, weak-area review and final mock exam milestones.Here is my weekly CPA study progress: [paste hours, topics, MCQ scores]. Tell me whether I should keep my exam date or postpone it.I missed my target score. Analyse my weak areas from this performance report and create a retake plan that fits the next CPA score release window.What to Read Next on Eduyush
Use these Eduyush CPA guides to build the full plan around dates, eligibility, fees, order, materials and review course choice.
- How to become a CPA from India: eligibility and state-selection route.
- CPA exam fees India: international testing fee, state cost and INR planning.
- Best order to take CPA exams: section sequence by Indian learner profile.
- Choosing your CPA Discipline: BAR vs ISC vs TCP by role and strength.
- CPA syllabus 2026: Core and Discipline topics explained.
- CPA study material and books: what to use for MCQs, TBSs and revision.
- Surgent CPA Review through Eduyush: adaptive CPA review option for Indian candidates.
Need help planning your CPA exam dates?
If you are studying from India, the best CPA date is the one that fits your eligibility, NTS, international booking fee, Prometric availability, work calendar and readiness level. Eduyush can help you use Surgent CPA Review and AI prompts to build a realistic section-by-section plan.
FAQs on CPA Exam Dates India 2026
When can I take CPA Core exams in 2026?
You can schedule CPA Core sections, AUD, FAR and REG, throughout the year because AICPA says Core sections are available under continuous testing AICPA CPA Exam score release.
When can I take CPA Discipline exams in 2026?
You can take BAR, ISC or TCP during the first month of each quarter in 2026: January 1-31, April 1-30, July 1-31 and October 1-31 AICPA CPA Exam score release.
Are CPA exam dates in India different from the U.S.?
The CPA score release schedule is based on AICPA and NASBA processes, but Indian candidates must also complete international administration and pay India-specific international fees before scheduling locally through Prometric NASBA International Administration.
How much is the CPA international administration fee for India?
NASBA lists the India international administration fee at $460 per section for AUD, BAR, ISC, TCP, FAR and REG NASBA International Administration. This is separate from domestic exam and state fees.
Can I schedule the CPA Exam immediately after paying the India fee?
No. NASBA says candidates must wait at least 24 hours after international registration is complete before scheduling their appointment at the testing center through Prometric NASBA International Administration.
Will my CPA score definitely release on the target date?
Not necessarily. NASBA says taking the exam on the cut-off date does not ensure your score will be released by that target date because release timing depends on when AICPA receives the exam file from Prometric NASBA Score Information.
Which CPA section should I book first in India?
The best first section depends on your background. Reporting candidates often start with FAR, audit candidates may start with AUD, and tax candidates may start with REG. Read the Eduyush guide on the best order to take CPA exams before booking.
Should I book my CPA exam before starting study?
Book only when your eligibility, NTS, India administration fee and readiness plan are clear. A date can create urgency, but booking too early can increase pressure and retake risk if your study plan is unrealistic.
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