ICAI postpones CA exams in Kathmandu amid ongoing protests

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India has postponed two scheduled examinations in Kathmandu due to ongoing unrest in Nepal.

The CA Intermediate Group 1, Paper 1 set for September 9 and the CA Final Group 1, Paper 1 scheduled for Sept 10 will not take place on those dates at the Kathmandu center. ICAI said revised dates will be announced once conditions allow.

Explaining the move, the ICAI president said, “Wherever there are disturbances, we defer the exam. Once the atmosphere becomes peaceful, we are very keen to conduct our exam in the possible time frame.”

He confirmed that new dates for candidates in Kathmandu would be declared as soon as feasible.

The postponement follows widespread protests in Nepal triggered by the government’s temporary ban on 26 social media platforms under new regulations.

The ban, which angered young users and highlighted dissatisfaction over corruption and inequality, has led to escalating demonstrations.

Violence has been reported in some areas, and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on Sept 9, along with several ministers and members of parliament.

This is the second disruption to ICAI exams this month. Earlier, papers scheduled in Punjab on Sept 2 and 3 had been deferred due to severe flooding.

Those examinations resumed on Sept 6, though candidates are still awaiting revised dates for the postponed papers.

ICAI clarified that the current decision applies only to the Kathmandu center.

All other exam centers in India and abroad are functioning as per schedule, and students outside Kathmandu have been advised to appear as indicated on their admit cards.