Foundation Level

Introduction

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal (ICAN) has a three-level structure for its Chartered Accountancy (CA) course. The first level is the Foundation level, which was previously known as Chartered Accountancy Professional-I (CAP-I). It serves as the entry point for students aspiring to become Chartered Accountants in Nepal.

The Foundation level is designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of accounting and other essential commercial subjects. It acts as a bridge, laying the groundwork for more advanced studies in the later stages of the CA program.

Duration of Foundation Level

The Foundation level is a six-month course.

Eligibility criteria for registration in Foundation Level

• Students should have at least appeared higher secondary examination (plus two (10+2), PCL, A level, CBSE, or equivalency).
• It is not mandate to pass the higher level examination to register in ICAN Foundation level. Students can apply for provisional registration while waiting for their results.
• It students have appeared other courses than prescribed by Nepal Examination Board (NEB), they shall obtain equivalency letter after the results are published.
• Marks requirements: 2.0 GPA or 40% or C grade or equivalent.
• Students from any stream like Management, Science, Humanities, Law, Art, Music, etc. can apply for registration.
• No entrance exams are mandated by ICAN for registration.
• Students who have already graduated or post graduated can also apply for registration if they have scored less than 50% or equivalent.

Provisional Registration

Students who have recently appeared 10+2 or equivalent examinations and are waiting for their results can apply for provisional registration in Foundation level. It is to be noted that this provisional registration will be converted into full registration only after the results are published and proof of essential documents are submitted within six months from the date of provisional registration and having complied with the eligibility criteria. The proof of such documents shall be uploaded through the student login portal in the website of ICAN. In case, the students are not able to submit required documents within stipulated timeframe or do not meet the eligibility criteria, it will result in the cancellation of provisional registration and the registration fees paid for provisional registration will not be refunded.

Registration Process

It is good news to all the CA Aspirants that registration for Foundation level is open throughout the year. Registration process shall be completed through online process only. It is to be noted that post COVID-19 outburst, ICAN has permitted its registration process only through online. Details and documents (‘png’ format of documents in prescribed form) required for registration are as under:

1. Your FULL NAME
2. Date of birth (AD)
3. Gender
4. Nationality
5. Father’s Name
6. Mother’s Name
7. Guardian’s Name
8. Citizenship No. / Passport / NID / Birth certificate
9. Permanent Address (Province, District, City, Ward)
10. Correspondence Address (Province, District, Address, Phone number, Email, Mobile number)
11. SEE / SLC Character Certificate plus Marks sheet (Also provide information of Passed Year, Board/University, Marks Obtained, % or Grade, Division)
12. +2 Character Certificate plus Marks sheet (Also provide information of Passed Year, Board/University, Marks Obtained, % or Grade, Division). If you have only appeared +2 and waiting for results, submit 11 Grade sheet / Mark sheet and 12 Exam admit card.

If graduated, Character certificate of graduation level plus Marks sheet (Also provide information of Passed Year, Board/University, Marks Obtained, % or Grade, Division).

13. Passport Size Photo
14. Signature
15. Citizenship
16. Prescribed Registration Fee (can be paid on installment basis)

Fee Structure

The total fee structure of ICAN for the Foundation Level Course is as under:

This fee can be paid fully at the time of registration or also on installment basis as under:

At the time of registration: NRs. 24,600

After three months of registration: NRs. 14,500.

Foundation Level Registration Deadlines

ICAN holds its Foundation level examinations twice a year, in December and June. The registration deadlines are set to ensure students have sufficient time to prepare for the exams.

For December Exams: The last date to register is 31^st May of the same year. This date generally corresponds to around mid Jestha in the Nepali calendar.

For June Exams: The last date to register is 30^th November of the preceding year. This date generally corresponds to around mid Mangsir in the Nepali calendar.

For example

• To appear for the Foundation exams in December 2025, a student would need to register by 31^st May, 2025.
• To appear for the Foundation exams in June 2026, a student would need to register by 30^th November, 2025.

Possible Time Extensions

It is important to note that ICAN may, at its discretion, extend the registration deadlines. Students are advised to keep a close eye on the official ICAN website or contact the institute directly for the latest updates on any such extensions.

A Special Point of Notice for Grade 12 Students

A crucial consideration for students who have just appeared for their Grade 12 exams is the tight registration window for the December exams.

Grade 12 exams in Nepal typically conclude around the first week of Jestha. The registration deadline for the December Foundation exams is 31^st May (around mid Jestha). This leaves a very short window of about one to two weeks for students to complete their registration after their Grade 12 exams are over. This limited time can easily lead to missed deadlines.

Given this time constraint, the provided advice is as follows:

• For Out-of-Valley Students: It is recommended that they contact the institute (ICAN) or visit nearby ICAN branch offices immediately after their Grade 12 exams are completed to get the process started.
• For Students within the Kathmandu Valley: It is recommended that they visit the ICAN premises for counseling and to expedite their registration process.

This urgency is due to the short gap between the conclusion of the Grade 12 exams and the registration deadline for the December Foundation exams, which can be easily overlooked.

Course Structure of the Foundation Level

In the foundation level, you have to study several subjects converted into four examination papers. It shall be noted that ‘subjects’ and ‘papers’ are different for the purpose of CA under ICAN. Though you may read different subjects, you will have to give exams in papers. The foundation level consists of four papers in a single group, each carrying 100 marks as under:

Eligibility Criteria for Foundation Level Examination

To be eligible to sit for the Foundation level exams, a student must meet the following three conditions:

Completion of Registration Period

A student must have completed a minimum of six months from the date of their registration. This waiting period is a prerequisite to ensure students have adequate time to prepare for the course material before attempting the exams.

Passing the Eligibility Examination/Pre-Test Examination

Students must pass an online Eligibility/Pre-Test conducted by ICAN.

• This pre-test is a mandatory requirement.
• It is an online test, meaning it can be taken from anywhere with a computer, laptop, or mobile device with a functioning camera and a high-speed internet connection.
• The test is designed to cover the entire syllabus.
• To pass, a student must secure a minimum of 40% marks in each subject. There is no aggregate passing requirement for the pre-test.
• Students can attempt the online pre-test multiple times without paying a fee for the first three attempts. Subsequent attempts may require a payment.

Adherence to Deadlines

A student must pass the eligibility test at least 2.5 months ahead of their chosen examination date or within 3 weeks before the opening of examination form. The eligibility to take the pre-test itself is valid for 3 years from the date of initial registration. If a student fails to pass the pre-test within this three-year period, their registration may be canceled, and they would have to re-register.

Simply, the pre-test must be completed within specific deadlines to be eligible for a particular exam session:

For December Exams: The eligibility test must be passed by the middle of September.

For June Exams: The eligibility test must be passed by the middle of March.