What to Carry on CA Exam Day? Complete Checklist

By IIC Lakshya

30 Jan 2026

ACCA

What to Carry on CA Exam Day? Complete Checklist

If you are a candidate preparing for the Chartered Accountant (CA) Exam, this is a must-read for you. In this article, you get to learn about the essentials that you must carry on the CA exam day, what are the things that are prohibited, along with the dress code and exam hall conduct. Learn about the rules and appearance guidelines for the CA exam.

Exam Essentials - Must Carry Requirements

For any significant exam, candidates must have a list of things that they must carry. These items are mandatory for them to appear for the exam. Having a checklist will help them ensure that they can appear for the exam. Read about the CA exam dates 2026 to become more aware of the details. The following are the essential documents that must be carried for verification:

Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) admit card
Valid photo identity proof like PAN card, Passport or Aadhaar card
Blue or black ballpoint pens and pencil (if permitted)
ICAI-approved model calculator

Items Prohibited in the Exam Hall

There are several items that are prohibited in the CA exam hall. Candidates might face disqualification if any violations are made to the strict rules of the ICAI for prohibited items. Carrying any of these items will lead to risks and candidates will be penalised for using unfair means.

Read the CA Final elective subjects explained so that you can prepare with a better overview & tips. The following items are strictly prohibited, and no candidates are allowed to enter the hall with them inside the hall:

Bluetooth devices
Earphones
Smart watches
Mobile phones
Other electronic gadgets
Books
Loose papers
Written materials and resources
Notes
Wallet
bags

Reporting Time & Entry Rules

It is one of the most significant aspects of the CA examination afterall reaching before time, completing the verification, and entering the hall is significant. Carrying the admit card is a must when going to the examination hall and entering the gates at least 30 minutes before the reporting time. You must learn about important financial exams in June 2026, which will help you prepare for the examinations.

Every candidate has an allotted seat that they must occupy once they are allowed to enter.
The invigilators then instruct all candidates regarding the exam; hence, all candidates must keep their admit car and ID handy.

Dress Code & Appearance Guidelines

All candidates must follow the dress code that has been established by the ICAI. For the exam day, candidates are required to wear minimal and simple clothing without any double-layering or pockets. Additionally, no jackets, hoodies, or heavy clothing are allowed.

Candidates must not wear heavy boots or shoes as they may not be permitted in the exam hall. Try to wear simple footwear like sandals or slippers. Below is a list of metal accessories that are not allowed in the exam hall:

Hair clips
Jewellery
Belts
Watches

Exam Hall Rules & Conduct

For a significantly important exam like CA, there are strict exam hall rules and conduct regulations. Every candidate who is appearing for the exam must follow these rules and maintain decorum inside and outside the hall. Learn how to crack CA final in first attempt as it reflects on the strategies for 2026.

All candidates must remain silent during the exam
Candidates must not communicate with each other
They can ask questions to the invigilators in case of any doubt by raising their hands
Candidates must follow all instructions given by the invigilators
Any kind of failure or misconduct by the candidates might result in the cancellation of their registration

Time Management

Managing time is one of the crucial steps in your journey towards the CA exam and scoring well in it. You should use the time in the beginning to properly read the question paper and identify the answers that you already know. Read the CA course for working professionals so that you can learn about key challenges and solutions. It will help you decide on which of the questions you will be attempting.

Candidates must allocate time for each question based on their difficulty and marks weighting
If you cannot solve one question, move on to the next and come back if time permits
Ensure all questions are answered while keeping track of time

Answer Sheet & Question Paper Instructions

When given the answer sheets, all candidates must fill the required details carefully like the paper code, question paper number, and roll number. Any kind of mistakes in these details might lead to evaluation issues. Read about the CA Intermediate course fees so that you can prepare better. Furthermore, there is a prescribed space for rough work, and all candidates must use it.

Please remember that there is a prescribed pen color with which you must write.
When using a supplementary answer sheet, you must ask for permission and sign from the invigilator.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

In an exam, there are some common mistakes that candidates often make. Forgetting their ID card or admit card is the first common error. At times, candidates also carry calculators that are not approved by the ICAI, which leads to confiscation of the item or other serious consequences. Below are some other common mistakes that candidates make that lead to loss of confidence and unnecessary panic:

Writing wrong question number sequences
Missing out on the compulsory questions
Reaching the exam center later than the allotted time of attendance
Ignoring the instructions provided by the invigilator

Wrapping Up!

In conclusion, the above checklist is one of the best ways to guide you to prepare for the CA exam. If you are a candidate, you must confirm that you have an admit card, an approved calculator, valid ID proof, and stationery. Additionally, you must have a calm and confident mindset while attending the exam. Candidates also must reach well ahead of time, so that there is no delay while entering the exam hall.

Frequently Asked Questions on CA Exam Day Checklist

Are mobile phones allowed inside the CA exam center?

All mobile phones are strictly prohibited inside the CA exam center. Carrying phones, electronic gadgets, or smart watches might lead to issues in your appearance for the exam. Use of these in the exam hall is considered the use of unfair means. Additionally, the personal belongings of the candidates kept outside the exam hall are not the responsibility of the ICAI institute.

Is there a dress code for CA Foundation, Inter, and Final exams?

ICAI, as an institute, maintains that all candidates appearing for the exam must not wear any clothes that might be a resource for malpractice. Uniformity is also a significant aspect in their dress code; hence, all candidates must wear light clothes with minimal pockets and avoid any hoodies or jackets. Jewellery, belts, hair clips, and watches must not be worn.

What documents are mandatory on CA exam day?

There are some significant documents that are mandatory for candidates to carry on the exam day in 2026. The following are the documents:

Printed CA exam foundation, inter or final exam admit card
Original valid photo ID proof such as Passport, Voter ID, Pan card, Driving License or Aadhar card
Passport-size photographs
Black or blue ballpoint pens

Which calculators are allowed in the CA exam?

The ICAI has an approved list of calculators uploaded on its official website. Before every exam, they have a notification up regarding the latest models of calculators that are allowed in the CA exams. Candidates must check that list and use one of those to practice before the exam, so that it becomes easier. Programmable calculators, scientific calculators, and other calculators with advanced features are not allowed.

Is CA harder than IAS?

Both the Chartered Accountancy (CA) and Indian Administrative Service (IAS) exams are difficult in their own way. The IAS (UPSC) exams have a much lower success rate because of immense competition and the demand for general knowledge. While the CA exams are difficult due to the need for specialization in the finance and accounting syllabi.