ICAI confirms relief for 2 lakh CA students as exams continue across India and abroad. Only the Kathmandu centre faces postponement amid Nepal protests.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has announced the postponement of CA exams scheduled for September 9 and 10 at its Kathmandu, Nepal Centre. The affected papers include CA Intermediate Group 1, Paper 1 (September 9) and CA Final Group 1, Paper 1 (September 10). Fresh dates will be released once the situation in the city stabilizes.
ICAI President explained that such steps are only taken when local conditions make it unsafe or unfeasible to hold exams. “Wherever there are disturbances, we defer the exam. Once the atmosphere becomes peaceful, we are very keen to conduct our exam within the earliest possible time frame,” he assured.
ICAI Confirms Postponement Only for Kathmandu Centre
According to ICAI’s official notification, the affected papers are:
- CA Intermediate Group 1, Paper 1 scheduled for September 9
- CA Final Group 1, Paper 1 scheduled for September 10
Both exams will be rescheduled once the situation in Nepal stabilises. Importantly, ICAI clarified that the postponement applies only to Kathmandu, while all other exam centres in India and abroad continue with their schedules without disruption. Students outside Nepal have been instructed to strictly follow the timings mentioned on their admit cards. These dynamics are added because of the recent protests carried out by students.
This clarity has reassured over 2 lakh CA aspirants across India and international centres, who were initially worried about a possible wider postponement.
Nepal’s ‘Gen Z Protests’ Behind the Disruption
The decision comes against the backdrop of widespread protests in Nepal after the government temporarily banned 26 social media platforms. What began as outrage over the ban quickly turned into a larger youth-led movement against corruption, nepotism, and inequality. The unrest escalated into violent clashes, including arson at government buildings, eventually leading to the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on September 9, along with several ministers and MPs.
This is the second ICAI exam disruption in September. Earlier, CA papers scheduled in Punjab on September 2 and 3 had to be postponed due to severe flooding in the region. While exams resumed in Punjab from September 6, revised dates for the missed papers — along with Kathmandu’s postponed exams — are still awaited.
ICAI President Reassures Students Amid Anxiety
Speaking about the development, ICAI President said the institute always prioritises student safety and fairness in conducting exams. “Wherever there are disturbances, we defer the exam. Once the atmosphere becomes peaceful, we are very keen to conduct our exam within the earliest possible time frame,” he stated.
For the hundreds of CA students in Kathmandu, however, the wait for revised dates has added to exam stress. Many aspirants, who had travelled from smaller towns in Nepal to the capital city, are now stranded and anxious about their preparation momentum.
Nepal Protests Disrupt ICAI Exams
The ongoing protests in Nepal, also called the ‘Gen Z Protests’, erupted after the government banned popular platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). While officials cited regulatory reasons, the ban triggered anger among the youth who rely on these platforms not only for entertainment but also for education, networking, and activism.
The demonstrations quickly escalated beyond digital rights. Protesters raised issues of corruption, unemployment, and inequality. Violent incidents, including arson at government buildings and vehicles, worsened the atmosphere. On September 9, under mounting pressure, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned along with several cabinet ministers and MPs — intensifying the political uncertainty.
Against this backdrop, ICAI decided it was not feasible to conduct high-stakes exams in Kathmandu.
Also read: https://indianexpress.com/article/education/study-abroad/canada-student-visa-2025-no-benefits-stability-canada-study-permit-falls-indian-families-weigh-costs-pr-alternatives-10235641
https://thenewstudent.com/the-impact-of-social-media-on-peer-pressure-in-adolescents/