- Karnal’s trailblazer secures AIR 1 with stellar 81%, redefining excellence in the Chartered Accountancy arena
- Ahmedabad’s Harsh Sonara (AIR 9) and Namish Shah (AIR 27) emerge as symbols of grit, discipline and academic brilliance
- ICAI’s stringent standards yield just 10.97% national pass rate, underscoring the exam’s global reputation for rigor
- City’s academic community celebrates toppers as torchbearers inspiring the next generation of finance leaders
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, MAR 2
In a powerful story of perseverance, precision, and purpose, Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has declared the CA Final January 2026 results, with Diksha Goyal of Karnal securing All India Rank 1—an achievement that stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring Chartered Accountants across the country.
Scoring an exceptional 486 out of 600 marks (81%), Diksha’s remarkable performance in one of the world’s most demanding professional examinations reflects unwavering dedication and intellectual excellence. Her rise from a small-town background to the pinnacle of national success reinforces the transformative power of discipline and ambition.
Ahmedabad’s achievers place the city firmly on India’s merit map
Adding to the national celebration, Ahmedabad’s brightest minds delivered an outstanding showing, with two students securing coveted positions on the All India merit list.
Harsh Himanshubhai Sonara, who secured All India Rank 9, attributed his success to disciplined preparation and conceptual clarity. Reflecting on his journey, he said his focus was on consistency, revision, and understanding practical application rather than rote learning—an approach that helped him navigate the exam’s intense complexity. Furthermore, he kept away from the social media.
Namish Gautam Shah, who secured All India Rank 27, emphasised perseverance and structured preparation as the cornerstone of his achievement. He highlighted that staying focused through the demanding preparation cycle and maintaining confidence were crucial to overcoming one of the toughest professional examinations in the world.
Their achievements have elevated Ahmedabad’s stature as a centre of academic excellence in the Chartered Accountancy domain.
ICAI leadership hails Ahmedabad’s performance and national achievers
CA Rinkesh Shah, Chairman of ICAI’s Ahmedabad Branch of the Western India Regional Council (WIRC), said, “At the Ahmedabad center, a total of 635 students appeared for both groups together, out of which 88 students passed, resulting in a pass percentage of 13.86%. In Group 1, 872 students appeared and 178 students cleared the exam, with a pass percentage of 20.41%. In Group 2, 406 students appeared and 18 students passed, making the pass percentage 4.43%. For comparison, Ahmedabad’s pass percentage was 23.18% in September 2025 and 19.35% in May 2025.”
He added, “The achievement of Ahmedabad’s rank holders- Harsh Himanshubhai Sonara and Namish Gautam Shah- has created a joyful atmosphere in the academic community.”
National pass percentage reflects ICAI’s uncompromising standards
CA Purushottam Khandelwal, ICAI Central Council Member, said, “At the national level, 22,293 students appeared for both groups across India, and 2,446 students passed, resulting in an overall pass percentage of 10.97%. Diksha Goyal from Karnal secures All India Rank 1. With the January 2026 results, the country has added 7,590 newly qualified Chartered Accountants. Generally, over 12,000 used to become Cas. This reduction in pass perentage is attributed to tough and stringent examination system.”
The CA Final examination is globally recognised for its rigor, evaluating candidates’ mastery in financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and strategic financial management.
With the declaration of results, successful candidates are now eligible to apply for ICAI membership—the final milestone toward becoming licensed Chartered Accountants and entering India’s elite professional financial community.
Inspiring the next generation of financial leaders
Diksha Goyal’s historic achievement, combined with Ahmedabad’s stellar performers, stands as a powerful reminder that excellence is built through resilience, focus, and unwavering belief.
Their journeys serve as inspiration to millions of aspirants who see Chartered Accountancy not merely as a qualification—but as a gateway to shaping the financial future of India and the world.
