Navigating Exam Disruptions in Turbulent Times
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has taken a decisive step to prioritize student safety by postponing key CA examinations in Kathmandu, Nepal, amid escalating unrest. Scheduled for September 9 and 10, 2025, these exams—CA Intermediate Group 1 Paper 1 and CA Final Group 1 Paper 1—face delays due to widespread protests gripping the nation. This marks the second such disruption in September 2025, following earlier postponements in Punjab caused by severe flooding. As Nepal’s youth-led “Gen Z protests” intensify, ICAI assures swift rescheduling once stability returns, ensuring fairness for all aspirants.
Key Points:
- Postponement limited to Kathmandu center; exams proceed as planned elsewhere in India and abroad.
- Affected papers: CA Intermediate Group 1 Paper 1 (Sept 9) and CA Final Group 1 Paper 1 (Sept 10).
- Revised dates to be announced soon via official ICAI channels.
The Spark: Nepal’s Gen Z Protests and Social Media Ban
Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, has become a hotspot of unrest as thousands of young protesters—primarily Gen Z (ages 13-28)—take to the streets against government actions. The protests erupted last week after authorities imposed a temporary ban on 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). The government cited non-compliance with new registration regulations aimed at curbing hate speech, fake news, and fraud, but critics decried it as an overreach on free expression.
What began as outrage over the digital blackout quickly evolved into a broader movement against deep-seated issues like rampant corruption, nepotism, economic inequality, and youth unemployment. Viral videos contrasting politicians’ lavish lifestyles with everyday hardships fueled the fire. Despite the government lifting the ban on September 8, 2025, following deadly clashes, demonstrations persisted, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on September 9, along with several ministers. Curfews, army deployments, and attacks on government buildings underscore the volatility, making it unsafe for exams to proceed.
Key Points:
- Protests triggered by ban on 26 platforms; lifted after 19 deaths and hundreds injured in clashes.
- Gen Z demands: End corruption, improve job opportunities, and restore digital freedoms.
- Unrest claims 19 lives, including 17 in Kathmandu; sparked arson at parliament and key sites.
ICAI’s Response: Prioritizing Safety Over Schedule
ICAI President emphasized that postponements are a last resort, implemented only when ground conditions render exams unfeasible. “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,” the President stated. The official notification, issued on September 8, 2025, confirms the deferral applies solely to Kathmandu, sparing over 1.5 lakh candidates at other global centers like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Indian cities.
Students in Kathmandu are advised to monitor icai.org for updates on revised dates, expected soon after assessing the situation. Admit cards and other exam details remain unchanged for unaffected papers. This approach mirrors ICAI’s commitment to equity, ensuring no aspirant is disadvantaged by external crises.
Key Points:
- Decision based on safety; no changes for non-Kathmandu centers.
- Official notice: Announcement No. 13-CA (EXAM)/SEPTEMBER/2025/IV.
- Aspirants urged to check ICAI website regularly for rescheduling alerts.
Echoes of Disruption: Punjab Floods and CA Exam Postponements
This Kathmandu deferral is the latest in a series of challenges for CA aspirants this month. Earlier, on September 2-3, 2025, ICAI postponed CA Final and Intermediate exams in flood-ravaged Punjab districts—Amritsar, Bathinda, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Mandi Gobindgarh, Pathankot, Patiala, Sangrur—and Jammu City. Torrential rains, the worst since 1988, caused 30 deaths, displaced over 3.5 lakh people, and disrupted infrastructure, forcing closures of schools and transport.
While exams resumed from September 6 in Punjab, revised dates for the missed papers (September 3-4) are still pending, much like Kathmandu’s. These events highlight how natural disasters and political instability can impact high-stakes exams, but ICAI’s proactive measures—rescheduling without penalties—demonstrate resilience in India’s competitive education landscape.
Key Points:
- Punjab postponement affected 8 districts plus Jammu; due to floods killing 30+.
- Exams restarted September 6; revised dates for missed papers awaited.
- Total disruptions: Second in September 2025, underscoring need for flexible scheduling.
What This Means for CA Aspirants Worldwide
For the thousands pursuing the prestigious CA qualification, these postponements underscore the unpredictability of global events. ICAI’s exams, held twice yearly (May/June and November/December), attract over 3 lakh candidates annually, with international centers facilitating access for NRIs and overseas students. The September 2025 session, originally spanning September 3-15 for Final and Intermediate, remains largely intact outside affected areas.
Aspirants should focus on preparation while staying informed. Resources like ICAI’s self-study modules, mock tests, and helplines (via icai.org) can help maintain momentum. This resilience-building experience also prepares future accountants for real-world adaptability in a volatile economy.
Key Points:
- Global CA exams unaffected; focus on original admit card timings.
- Preparation tips: Use ICAI portal for study materials and updates.
- Broader impact: Highlights ICAI’s student-centric policies amid crises.
Looking Ahead: Stability and Swift Rescheduling
As Nepal grapples with political transitions—President Ram Chandra Paudel calling for dialogue—and recovery from protests, ICAI remains vigilant. Revised dates for Kathmandu (and pending Punjab papers) are anticipated within weeks, potentially aligning with the session’s tail end. Indian authorities have advised caution for travel to Nepal, urging citizens to stay indoors and follow local guidelines.
ICAI’s handling of these disruptions reaffirms its role as a pillar of professional education, balancing rigor with empathy. For CA hopefuls, this is a temporary hurdle in a journey toward financial expertise and career success.
