ICAI Postpones CA Exams in Kathmandu Amid Nepal Unrest

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has postponed the Chartered Accountants (CA) examinations scheduled for September 9–15, 2025, at its Kathmandu, Nepal, examination centre due to widespread protests and unrest in the region. The decision, announced through official notifications starting September 8, 2025, prioritizes the safety of students amidst violent demonstrations in Nepal’s capital, triggered by a government ban on 26 major social media platforms. Meanwhile, ICAI has clarified that CA examinations at all other centres in India and abroad are proceeding as per the original schedule announced on May 30, 2025. This article explores the reasons behind the postponement, the context of the unrest, and the implications for CA aspirants.

Background: Unrest in Nepal and Its Impact

The unrest in Nepal began on September 8, 2025, following the government’s decision to impose a temporary ban on 26 popular social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and X, citing tax evasion and cybersecurity concerns. This move sparked widespread outrage, particularly among the youth, who viewed it as a restriction on free speech. The protests, dubbed 'Gen Z protests' due to the significant involvement of individuals aged 13–28, rapidly escalated into violent clashes across cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj. Reports indicate at least 19 fatalities, including Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, wife of former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, who succumbed to burn injuries after protesters set fire to government sites. Over 500 injuries have been reported, with demonstrations involving arson and confrontations with security forces, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

The volatile situation in Kathmandu, marked by curfews and disruptions, made it unsafe and unfeasible to conduct examinations. ICAI, prioritizing student safety, issued an official notification (No. 13-CA (EXAM)/SEPTEMBER/2025/IV) on September 8, 2025, postponing the CA Intermediate Group 1, Paper 1 (scheduled for September 9) and CA Final Group 1, Paper 1 (scheduled for September 10). Subsequently, the institute extended the postponement to include all CA Final and Intermediate exams scheduled from September 11 to 15, 2025, in Kathmandu, as the unrest continued unabated.

Details of the Postponement

The postponement affects the following examinations at the Kathmandu centre:

CA Intermediate Group 1, Paper 1 (originally scheduled for September 9, 2025)

CA Final Group 1, Paper 1 (originally scheduled for September 10, 2025)

CA Final and Intermediate exams (originally scheduled for September 11–15, 2025)

ICAI has assured students that revised dates for these exams will be announced once the situation in Nepal stabilizes. The institute’s official statement emphasized that the postponement is limited to Kathmandu, with no changes to the examination schedule at other centres in India or abroad. The original schedule, announced on May 30, 2025, remains in effect for all other locations, ensuring that the majority of CA aspirants can proceed with their exams as planned.

The affected papers are critical components of the CA Intermediate and Final examinations, which are highly competitive and pivotal for students pursuing a career in chartered accountancy. ICAI’s decision to defer these exams reflects a cautious approach, prioritizing safety over adherence to the original timeline.

Official Statements and Rationale

ICAI’s President, CA Charanjot Singh Nanda, emphasized that the institute’s decisions are guided by safety and feasibility. 'Wherever disturbances occur, we defer the exam. As soon as the atmosphere is peaceful, we aim to conduct it within the earliest possible timeframe,' he stated, as reported by The Indian Express. This approach aligns with ICAI’s earlier response to disruptions, such as the postponement of CA exams in Punjab on September 2 and 3, 2025, due to severe flooding, which were later rescheduled to start from September 6.

The institute has advised candidates to stay updated through its official website, www.icai.org, where revised dates for the Kathmandu exams will be announced. ICAI’s transparent communication, including multiple announcements (dated May 30, September 2, September 5, and September 8, 2025), ensures that students are informed and can prepare accordingly.

Context: Nepal’s Gen Z Protests

The unrest in Nepal, which prompted the postponement, is rooted in public dissatisfaction with the government’s social media ban, compounded by broader issues of corruption, nepotism, and inequality. The protests, led predominantly by Nepal’s youth, gained momentum after the government’s crackdown on social media platforms, which was perceived as an attempt to suppress dissent. The demonstrations turned violent, with reports of arson at government sites and clashes with security forces. The resignation of Prime Minister Oli and the loss of lives have further intensified the crisis, creating an environment unsuitable for conducting high-stakes examinations like the CA exams.

Although the Nepal government lifted the social media ban, protests continued, disrupting normal activities in Kathmandu. This marks a significant challenge for educational institutions operating in the region, as safety concerns take precedence over academic schedules.

Implications for CA Aspirants

The postponement has varied implications for students and the broader CA examination process:

For Kathmandu-Based Students

Disruption in Preparation: Students in Kathmandu face uncertainty regarding new exam dates, which may disrupt their study schedules and increase anxiety. ICAI’s advice to continue preparation safely, as noted by PW Live, underscores the need for resilience amid these challenges.

Logistical Challenges: The ongoing unrest may limit access to study resources, coaching centres, or examination updates, particularly for students in areas affected by curfews or internet restrictions.

Delayed Career Progression: The CA exams are a critical step toward professional certification. Delays could impact students’ timelines for completing the qualification and entering the workforce.

For Students in India and Other Centres

Unaffected Schedules: Students appearing at centres in India and other countries (e.g., Dubai, Abu Dhabi) face no disruptions, as ICAI has ensured that the original schedule remains intact. This maintains fairness for the majority of candidates, with exams proceeding as planned on September 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, 2025.

Increased Pressure on Kathmandu Students: The contrast between Kathmandu’s postponement and the continuation of exams elsewhere may create a sense of inequity, though ICAI’s safety-driven decision mitigates this concern.

Broader Implications

Precedent for Crisis Management: ICAI’s response sets a precedent for handling exam disruptions in crisis situations, balancing safety with the need to maintain academic integrity. The institute’s earlier handling of Punjab’s flooding-related postponements demonstrates a consistent approach.

Highlighting Regional Challenges: The postponement underscores the challenges of conducting standardized exams in regions prone to political or social unrest, prompting discussions on contingency planning for future cycles.

Next Steps for Affected Students

ICAI has advised students in Kathmandu to:

Regularly check the official ICAI website (www.icai.org) for updates on revised exam dates.

Continue their preparation to ensure readiness once the new schedule is announced.

Contact ICAI’s examination department for clarifications, using helplines or email addresses provided in official notifications.

Students at other centres should proceed with their exams as scheduled, ensuring they carry their admit cards and arrive at the designated reporting times. The institute’s clear communication aims to minimize confusion and support candidates during this period.

Broader Context: Challenges in Exam Administration

The postponement in Kathmandu is the second major disruption to ICAI’s September 2025 exam cycle, following the earlier deferment of exams in Punjab due to flooding. These incidents highlight the challenges of administering high-stakes professional exams across diverse regions with varying local conditions. ICAI’s ability to adapt by postponing exams in affected areas while maintaining schedules elsewhere demonstrates a balanced approach to crisis management. However, it also raises questions about the resilience of examination systems in the face of unforeseen disruptions, whether natural (e.g., floods) or socio-political (e.g., protests).

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s emphasis on flexible and inclusive education systems may influence future reforms in professional exam administration, potentially incorporating remote proctoring or alternative assessment methods to mitigate such disruptions. For now, ICAI’s focus remains on ensuring safety and fairness for all candidates.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India’s decision to postpone CA examinations in Kathmandu from September 9–15, 2025, reflects a prudent response to the ongoing unrest in Nepal, prioritizing student safety amid violent protests. By limiting the postponement to Kathmandu and ensuring that exams in India and other global centres proceed as planned, ICAI maintains fairness and continuity for the majority of candidates. The institute’s commitment to rescheduling exams once conditions stabilize, coupled with transparent communication, reassures students and stakeholders. As Nepal navigates its socio-political crisis, ICAI’s adaptive approach serves as a model for managing educational disruptions, ensuring that the pursuit of professional excellence continues despite challenging circumstances.

Sources:

India Today

Times of India

The Indian Express

Free Press Journal

Zee News

CAclubindia

The Daily Jagran

Global Education News

Jagran Josh

News18