Scoring 60 or more marks in a paper but still not clearing the group is one of the most confusing outcomes in CA Inter. The exemption rule decides what happens next, and most students misunderstand it.
What Is the CA Inter Exemption Rule
If you score 60 or more marks in any paper while appearing in all papers of that group, ICAI grants you an exemption in that paper. You do not need to reappear in that specific paper for your next attempts.
This applies only when you appear for the full group in that attempt. Skipping a paper does not make you eligible for exemption in it.
How Long Does an Exemption Last
An exemption is valid for the next three consecutive attempts only. If you clear the group within those three attempts, the exemption becomes irrelevant.
If you still have not cleared the group after three attempts, the exemption automatically lapses and you must reappear in that paper again with fresh marks.
What You Still Need to Clear With an Exemption
An exemption does not mean the paper is fully out of the picture. Your actual marks in that paper still count toward your group aggregate for as long as the exemption is valid.
You still need at least 40 percent in every other paper of the group and 50 percent aggregate across the group to pass. Exemption only removes the need to write that one paper again.
Permanent Exemption Through the SSP Portal
ICAI occasionally opens a Permanent Exemption Window on the SSP portal for students whose exemptions are about to lapse after three attempts. This is a one time opportunity, not a standing option.
If you opt in, the exempted paper gets capped at exactly 50 marks for all future aggregate calculations, even if you scored higher originally.
You must also score at least 50 percent in each remaining paper of that group individually.
If both papers of a group are eligible in the same window, ICAI requires an all or nothing choice. You cannot make one permanent and let the other lapse.
Should You Rely on Exemption or Clear the Paper Again
Relying on exemption works well when the exempted paper is your strongest subject and your real problem lies elsewhere in the group. It buys you time to focus fully on the weaker paper.
It works against you if your overall aggregate is borderline, since the exemption freezes your score at the original marks and you lose any chance of raising it further.
For Corporate and Other Laws specifically, this decision matters a lot since Law can be a genuine 70 plus scoring paper if prepared well.
Practicing consistently with real question papers is the best way to know whether to bank on exemption or attempt Law fresh. Our CA Inter MTP collection covers every recent attempt for exactly this purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CA Inter exemption rule?
If you score 60 or more marks in a paper while attempting the full group, ICAI exempts you from reappearing in that specific paper for your next three attempts.
How long does a CA Inter exemption last?
An exemption is valid for three consecutive attempts. If unused within that period, it lapses automatically and you must attempt the paper again.
Can I make my CA Inter exemption permanent?
Yes, but only during ICAI’s Permanent Exemption Window on the SSP portal, and only as a one time, all or nothing choice per group with the paper capped at 50 marks.
Do I still need to pass other papers if I have an exemption?
Yes. You still need at least 40 percent in every other paper and 50 percent aggregate across the group for that attempt.
