Imagine a CA Student checking the ICAI result after months of preparation and discovering a result that does not match with the expected performance. Perhaps the student is short by just 2-3 marks or the marks in a particular subject seems low. What happens next? Is there a way to check whether all answers were evaluated correctly?

This blog explains the available options under ICAI rules, how to apply for marks verification, what discrepancies can be reported and what steps can be taken after receiving evaluated answer copies.

What exactly is verification of marks and what does ICAI check?

The term verification is a clerical checking. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) mainly identifies:

• Is the total of your marks added correctly?
• Was any question or a sub-part left unanswered.
• Were marks transferred correctly from the answer book to the actual result?

Verification vs Certified Copy: Which one should I apply for?

Which option should CA Students Choose?

• Scored 1-5 marks below the passing marks? A Certified copy can help students to understand where they have lost marks and identify possible errors in the evaluation process.
• Want to check only for calculation or totaling mistakes? Marks verification is a cheaper option, but it does not provide a copy of the answer sheet.
• Planning to appear again? A certified copy can help to identify weak areas, presentation mistakes and answers that need improvement before the next attempt.

Not sure how a properly checked answer sheet looks?

Can my marks go down after verification?

After applying for verification, one question often worries CA students is “What if ICAI finds an error and my marks will reduce instead of increasing?.

• Marks may increase, decrease or stay the same.
• If marks change, ICAI refunds the verification fee.
• Passing marks after verification means your result is updated, Failing after verification means the original result stays.
• If you expected higher marks but received  a low score, then applying for a certified copy can help you to understand where you lost marks. 

What is the last date and how do I apply for verification or certified copy?

Deadline: Students can apply within one month of the result declaration. 

Where: ICAI Self-Service Portal (SSP)

1. Log in to the SSP with your credentials.
2. Open the verification/certified copy option for the correct exam session.
3. Select only the papers you want.
4. Fee is charged per paper.
5. The Payment will be done in online mode.
6. Download and save the payment confirmation. 

Ready to Apply for CA Exam Marks Verification

How long does ICAI take to share the verification result?

After applying for marks verification, students get worried about “How many days will I have to wait for ICAI to update my verification result?”

• Usually it takes 4 to 8 weeks, The timeline varies according to the exam cycle.
• Certified copies are generally shared within 30 days, usually in digital form.

Is it worth spending money on verification at all?

After getting fewer marks than expected, the first thought that comes into the student's mind is "Should I spend ₹50 per paper for verification? What if nothing changes even after applying?"

• If you are within a few marks of passing or exemption, ₹50 or ₹100 per paper is a small comparison for a full extra attempt.
• Yes, if a student strongly feels a question was missed or totally wrong.
• Maybe not, if you are 15+ marks away, so students must need to prepare hard for the next attempt.

Should I wait for verification before filling my next exam form?

Students must fill the form on time if they are preparing for the next attempt. This is so because:

• Exam forms do not wait for the verification outcomes.
• If your marks get improved and you get a pass, you can plan accordingly, if not, you will already be registered.
• Must prepare well for your upcoming attempt according to your daily study plan.

Ready for the next attempt?

What mistakes should I avoid while applying?

Students must remember the given below following points to avoid mistakes:

• Selecting the wrong exam session or wrong paper.
• Applying after the one-month of window opening.
• Relying on old fee information (₹100 / ₹500).
• Not saving the payment confirmation.
• Stopping the preparation or waiting for the applied verification result.

Confused? Post Your Doubt

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Ques: What is marks verification in CA Exams?

Ans: It is a checking of your answer book for missing, unvalued or wrong totalling of marks.

Ques: Who can apply for verification?

Ans: Any candidate who appeared in the CA Foundation, Intermediate or Final Examination can apply.

Ques: Do I get a refund if my marks change?

Ans: Yes, ICAI refunds the verification fee automatically if marks are changed after verification.

Ques: What is the difference between verification and a certified copy?

Ans: Verification is a process of clerical checking and a certified copy lets you see how marks were awarded.

Ques: Can I apply for more than one paper?

Ans: Yes, the fee is charged per paper, so you can apply according to your doubts.

Ques: Do I get my money back if my marks don’t change?

Ans: The refund is given only when the marks change after verification.

Ques: Can I apply after the last date?

Ans: No, ICAI does not accept late applications.

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