01 Official ICAI Notification Overview
On 23rd September 2026, the Examination Department of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India issued an Important Announcement signed by CA. Anand Kumar Chaturvedi, Joint Secretary (Examinations).
The notification confirms that the next Information Systems Audit (ISA) Course Assessment Test (ISA – AT) under the 3.0 Syllabus will be conducted on Saturday, 28th November 2026 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (IST) in Computer Based Test (CBT) Mode.
Authority: Examination Division, The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, New Delhi
Registration Window: 8th October 2026 (Thursday) to 21st October 2026 (Wednesday)
Official Portal: https://isaat.icai.org
02 Critical Deadlines & Important Dates
Candidates must strictly adhere to the examination calendar. Unlike general CA exams that occasionally provide a late fee grace period, the ISA-AT portal typically closes sharply on the specified last date. Mark these dates on your calendar immediately:
isaat.icai.org. Candidates can log in, pick their exam city, and pay the exam fee.isaat.icai.org.icai.nic.in. Passing candidates earn the prestigious DISA (ICAI) designation.03 Eligibility Criteria & Pre-requisites
The ISA Assessment Test is not open to general students or non-members. You must satisfy all of the following conditions before applying on isaat.icai.org:
| Criteria | Requirement | Status Verification |
|---|---|---|
| Membership Status | Active Member of ICAI (Chartered Accountant) | Checked automatically via ICAI SSP / Member Record |
| Course Enrolment | Registered for Information Systems Audit (ISA) Course | DAAB Enrolment number must be active |
| Professional Training (PT) | Completed mandatory classroom / virtual batches (100% attendance) | PT Completion certificate reflected on DAAB portal |
| Eligibility Test (ET) | Passed the ISA Eligibility Test with minimum qualifying marks | Must have passed ET conducted by DAAB prior to applying |
| Re-appearance | Candidates who previously appeared in ISA-AT but did not qualify | Eligible by paying the re-examination fee of ₹2,000 |
04 Why November 2026 is Crucial: The DISA 4.0 Transition Window
This November 2026 examination carries immense strategic significance. The Digital Accounting and Assurance Board (DAAB) has recently launched the new DISA 4.0 curriculum (starting with Batch 001 in Hyderabad) and officially announced that further batches under DISA 3.0 are discontinued.
Here is what the official ICAI transition framework dictates for existing ISA 3.0 candidates:
| Candidate Category | Transition Policy | Fee Applicable | Implication if You Fail to Clear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Existing DISA 3.0 Candidates (ET Cleared, AT Pending) | Transition window of 6 attempts (2 years) from launch of DISA 4.0 to qualify under ISA 3.0 | No additional fee (Only ₹2,000 AT exam fee) | After the 2-year window lapses, you will be forced to migrate to ISA 4.0 and appear for examinations under the new curriculum. |
| DISA 3.0 Candidates Migrating to 4.0 voluntarily | Attend 8-day practical bridge classes, clear ET & AT in new 4.0 syllabus | ₹ 10,000 Bridge Fee | Adds 8 full physical days of training and study of new modules (IAM, DevSecOps, VA/PT, BCM). |
| Fresh Candidates in ISA 4.0 | 15 hrs e-learning + 2 days immersion + 8 days classroom | ₹ 25,000 Fresh Fee | Full new curriculum pathway. |
05 CBT Examination Pattern & Passing Standard
The ISA Assessment Test is conducted entirely in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode at authorized digital test centres. Familiarizing yourself with the format is vital for speed and time management:
Key Characteristics of the CBT System
- On-Screen Timer: An interactive digital countdown timer runs in the top corner of your CBT terminal.
- Question Palette: You can mark questions for review, skip questions, and jump between questions instantly using the interactive color-coded status panel (Green = Answered, Red = Unanswered, Purple = Marked for Review).
- Auto-Submission: The examination console automatically saves and submits your responses at exactly 01:00 PM IST.
- No Negative Marking: Because there is zero negative marking, never leave any question unattempted. If you are uncertain between two options, apply elimination techniques and pick your most logical assessment.
06 56 Examination Cities Across 24 States/UTs
The November 2026 ISA-AT will be conducted across 56 examination cities throughout India, subject to a sufficient number of candidates offering themselves from each centre. Use the live search box below to quickly locate your city or state:
*Note from Council: The Council reserves the right to withdraw any centre at any stage without assigning any reason if candidate enrolment is insufficient.
07 Step-by-Step Online Registration on isaat.icai.org
The online application portal opens on Thursday, 8th October 2026. Follow this step-by-step procedure to complete your examination form seamlessly without encountering transaction errors:
Access the Official ISA-AT Portal
Visit https://isaat.icai.org on a desktop/laptop using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Do not use mobile browsers to avoid layout and payment gateway issues.
Authenticate Using ICAI Credentials
Log in with your 6-digit ICAI Membership Number and Date of Birth / SSP credentials. First-time users on this portal must complete one-time registration by entering their Member details and creating a secure password.
Verify Course & Eligibility Records
The system will pre-populate your ISA registration number, Professional Training (PT) completion batch details, and Eligibility Test (ET) passing record. Double-check all personal details (spelling of name, mobile, email address).
Select Your Preferred Examination Centre
Choose your test State and City from the drop-down list of 56 cities. Select a city where you have easy local transit, as reporting at the CBT centre starts early in the morning (08:15 AM).
Check Photo & Signature Uploads
If your passport-size photo and signature are already synced from your ICAI SSP profile, verify their clarity. If not visible or blank, upload scanned files as per ICAI dimensions (JPG format, under 100 KB).
Pay the Examination Fee (₹ 2,000/-)
Remit the non-refundable exam fee of ₹ 2,000/- online. Accepted payment modes include VISA, MasterCard, Maestro, RuPay Debit/Credit Cards, Net Banking, and BHIM UPI.
Download & Preserve Application PDF
Upon successful payment, download and print the generated PDF application form containing your Transaction ID and Control Number. Keep this PDF safe; you will need your Control Number to download your Admit Card.
08 The ProKhata ISA 3.0 Preparation Strategy: 700 Topics, 2-Step Formula & 7-Day Sprint
The November 2026 Assessment Test is conducted strictly under the ISA 3.0 Syllabus (Modules 1 to 6). A common pitfall among candidates is trying to digest ICAI's 1,200+ pages of dense background material line-by-line while juggling active practice, audits, and deadlines.
Furthermore, because ICAI collects both the question booklet and OMR sheet at the examination centre, past actual question papers are never made public. Relying on outdated ISA 2.0 question banks creates dangerous confusion.
To solve this, CA Rajat Agrawal at ProKhata surveyed thousands of CA members following previous ISA-AT exams, identified the 700 most important recurring topics across all 6 ISA 3.0 modules, and compiled a high-yield question bank of 2,900 exam-oriented MCQs.
Condense 1,200 Pages into 100 Pages
Eliminate textbook fatigue by mastering the conceptual core before jumping into questions:
- 📖 100-Page Colourful Chart Book: Covers all 6 ISA 3.0 modules in crisp mind maps, comparative tables, and flowcharts.
- 🎥 Google Drive Video Lectures (Hindi): 39 hours of comprehensive coverage directly based on the 100-page Chart Book.
- 🌍 English Rapid Revision Videos: 30 hours of 5–6 minute micro-lessons explaining key points for all 700 topics.
- 📱 Mobile Learning on the Go: Stream via Google Drive (at 1.25x/1.5x speed) or the ProKhata Mobile App during daily commutes.
700 Topics • 2,900 Exam-Pattern Questions
The ISA-AT is a pure CBT test of 200 marks. Concept clarity only converts to 120+ marks when tested through structured levels:
- 🎯 Topic-Wise Quizzes: Short conceptual notes precede each topic quiz so you revise key definitions before answering.
- ⚖️ Module-Wise Dual Level Practice: Each module is divided into Basic Level (fundamental check) and Advanced Level (MTP) (real exam scenarios).
- 💡 Explanatory Answer Toggle: Enable the "Correct Answer" switch to view detailed explanations and root logic.
- ⏱️ Full-Length CBT Mock Tests: 200 questions, 4 hours timed simulations replicating the real exam palette and pressure.
Official ISA 3.0 Module Syllabus & Exam Weightage Analysis
Here is the exact syllabus blueprint of the 6 Modules of ISA 3.0 (as prescribed by ICAI DAAB) and their targeted exam weightage:
| Module No. | ISA 3.0 Module Name | Exam Weight | Core Syllabus Topics to Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Module 1 | Information Systems Audit Process | 15% – 20% | Concepts of IS Audit, Auditing in computerized environment, IT Risk hierarchy, Risk-based Auditing, Audit Universe, Materiality, Internal controls vs IS Controls, Audit Charter, SIA Standards (Compendium of IS Audit Standards), CAATs, Audit Evidence, Documentation & Reporting. |
| Module 2 | Governance and Management of Enterprise IT (GEIT) | 15% – 20% | IT Governance frameworks, COBIT 5 (5 Principles, 7 Enablers, Governance vs Management), IT Strategy Committee vs IT Steering Committee roles, RACI matrix, Information Security Governance, IT Policies, Procedures & Standards, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM). |
| Module 3 | System Development, Acquisition, Maintenance & Implementation | 15% – 20% | SDLC methodologies (Waterfall, Agile, Prototyping), Feasibility analysis & Business Case, Software acquisition vs in-house build, Project Management controls, Testing methodologies (Unit, Integration, System, UAT, Regression), Data migration, Change management, Post-Implementation Review (PIR). |
| Module 4 | Information Systems Operations and Management | 20% – 25% | IS Operations, ITIL framework / Service Management, SLAs, Incident & Problem management, Job scheduling, Business Continuity Planning (BCP) life cycle & BIA, Disaster Recovery Planning (DRP), RTO vs RPO, Backup strategies & Alternate sites (Cold, Warm, Hot, Mirrored sites). |
| Module 5 | Protection of Information Assets | 20% – 25% | Physical & environmental security, Logical access controls (Identification, Authentication, Authorization, Biometrics, MFA), Access models (DAC, MAC, RBAC), Cryptography (Symmetric vs Asymmetric, Hashing, Digital Signatures, PKI), Firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPN, Endpoint & Malware controls. |
| Module 6 | Emerging Technologies | 10% – 15% | Cloud Computing models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS; Public, Private, Hybrid), Virtualization, Mobile Computing & BYOD security, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML), Blockchain, IT Act 2000 & 2008 Amendments (Sections 43, 66, 67, 72), Cyber Appellate Tribunal, Digital Evidence (Sec 65B). |
Watch CA Rajat Agrawal's Official Video Strategies
Before commencing your study plan, watch these essential video masterclasses by CA Rajat Agrawal detailing the exact preparation framework and time management techniques:
ISA 3.0 Study Material | Complete Preparation Strategy
Comprehensive walkthrough of the ISA 3.0 module weightage, 700 recurring topics, how to navigate topic-wise quizzes, and how to utilize the 100-page Chart Book for first-attempt success.
Strategy to Clear ISA 3.0 in 1 Week
Specifically tailored for busy practicing CAs who have limited time before the exam. Details the high-speed sprint to revise high-yielding modules, solve advanced question banks, and pass comfortably.
Choose Your Preparation Pathway: 60-Day Balanced Track vs 7-Day Power Sprint
Select the preparation route that fits your current practice workload:
60-Day / 30-Day Balanced Mastery Plan
The ProKhata 7-Day Power Sprint
09 Exam Day Checklist & Admit Card Rules
On 28th November, strict examination rules apply at all CBT test locations. Ensure you follow these protocols:
| Item / Requirement | Specification | Rules & Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Admit Card | Printed copy of Hall Ticket from isaat.icai.org |
Mandatory. Entry denied without physical printout. |
| Photo ID Proof | ICAI Member ID Card OR Driving License / Aadhaar / Passport / PAN | Original Government/ICAI ID only. Digital copies on phones not allowed. |
| Reporting Time | 08:15 AM IST | Test starts promptly at 09:00 AM. Biometric registration & terminal allocation takes time. |
| Prohibited Items | Mobile phones, smartwatches, smart glasses, programmable calculators, notes | Must be deposited in the outer token room at your own risk. |
| Rough Sheet | Provided at the test terminal by the invigilator | Must be handed back to the invigilator before leaving the lab. |
10 ProKhata DISA 3.0 Ecosystem, ₹10,000+ Free Bonuses & CA Reviews
Thousands of Chartered Accountants have successfully cracked their ISA Assessment Test on their first attempt using the specialized resources on ProKhata (Courses After CA). Whether you prefer studying in Hindi or English, ProKhata provides an end-to-end learning suite tailored specifically for practicing professionals.
Information Systems Audit (ISA 3.0) – Video Lectures & Question Bank
Master all 6 modules with chapter-wise video lectures by CA Rajat Agrawal, topic-wise question bank with conceptual explanations, and full-length CBT mock tests. Available with 6 Months or 9 Months validity.
🎁 Included FREE With Enrollment (Worth ₹10,000+):
700 Topics Question Bank
Topic-wise & module-wise online quizzes with 2,900 questions reflecting real exam patterns and explanations.
100-Page Chart Book (Printable)
Entire 6 modules condensed into just 100 pages of colourful mind maps, comparison tables, and quick summaries.
English Rapid Revision Videos
30 hours of concise 5–6 minute micro-lessons covering all key points from quizzes for rapid last-minute revision.
What CA Members Say: Real Success Stories & Marks Scored
Real feedback from Chartered Accountants across India who cleared their ISA-AT through ProKhata (view more on the ProKhata Review Wall):
CA Priti Gupta
All India Rank 2 • July 2026 AT“160 Marks. AIR 2. A preparation journey powered by Prokhata. The conceptual videos, chart book and module-wise questions gave me the exact clarity needed to score top marks in India.”
Gaurav R
Mangalore, Karnataka“I took Prokhata classes for ISA 3.0 by Rajat sir. I followed his lectures, chart book and questions. The question bank helped me a lot, especially the mock tests which gave me confidence in the exam. Cleared AT in July 2026 in my first attempt by scoring 150!”
Arijit Mitra
Kolkata, West Bengal“The videos are super clear, easy to understand, and actually make studying fun. The module-wise tests and full mock exams were the real heroes — I took them multiple times, and they massively boosted my confidence.”
CA Naman Manocha
Dehradun, Uttarakhand“Full coverage of course in shorter period. Short notes are awesome and MCQs in Prokhata help the most to practice. Cleared in 1st attempt.”
Aditya Dhoot
Latur, Maharashtra“Just followed as told by Rajat sir, studied the last week before exam. Gone through video lectures for conceptual clarity and then relevant module advanced question bank. Completed advanced question bank resultantly boosted my confidence before AT!”
Venkatesh Nadimpalli
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh“The ISA study material is a complete and concise summary of the ICAI modules. The module-wise question bank gave me confidence... I found that many of the questions in the exam were covered in the Prokhata MCQs.”
Prachi Chhaparwal
Udaipur, Rajasthan“Joining your classes just one month before the exam was truly the best decision of my preparation journey. The questions were so relevant that many appeared directly in the exam!”
CA CS Parvesh Dhawan
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh“I enrolled 10 years ago and abandoned because of technical content. One fine day searched on YouTube, subscribed to ProKhata and cleared in 1st attempt that course which I abandoned 10 years ago. Video lectures, topic MCQs, and the 100-page Chart Book made it possible!”
11 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will the November 2026 ISA-AT exam be conducted?
The exam is scheduled for Saturday, 28th November 2026 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (IST) in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode only.
What are the exact dates for online registration?
The online application portal at https://isaat.icai.org will open on 8th October 2026 (Thursday) and close on 21st October 2026 (Wednesday).
What is the examination fee for the Assessment Test?
The examination fee is ₹ 2,000/- (Rupees Two Thousand only), payable online via Credit Card (VISA/Master/Maestro), RuPay Card, Net Banking, or BHIM UPI.
Is this Assessment Test based on ISA 3.0 or the new ISA 4.0 syllabus?
This Assessment Test is strictly based on the ISA 3.0 Syllabus (Modules 1 through 6). Existing candidates who registered and underwent training under ISA 3.0 will write this test.
What is the passing criteria and is there negative marking?
The exam is for 200 marks. To qualify, you must score an aggregate of at least 60% (120 marks out of 200). There is NO negative marking for incorrect answers.
What happens if I don't clear under ISA 3.0? How many attempts remain?
Under ICAI's transition framework, candidates who passed the Eligibility Test (ET) under ISA 3.0 are granted a transition window of 6 attempts (or 2 years) from the launch of DISA 4.0. If you do not qualify within this window, you must pay ₹10,000 to attend 8-day practical bridge classes and clear exams under the new ISA 4.0 syllabus.
When can I download my Admit Card?
Admit cards are generally uploaded 10 to 14 days prior to the exam date (expected around mid-November 2026) on isaat.icai.org. No physical admit cards are dispatched by post.
Can I change my examination centre after submitting the online application?
Normally, ICAI does not permit changing test cities once the application form is submitted and payment is confirmed. Please select your examination city carefully during registration.
What documents must I carry to the CBT examination centre?
You must carry: (1) A clear printed copy of your Admit Card / Hall Ticket, and (2) An original Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Driving License, Passport, Voter ID) or your ICAI Member Identity Card.
What if my payment was debited from my bank but the application status shows pending?
In case of payment deduction without acknowledgment generation, wait for 24 to 48 hours for bank reconciliation. If the issue persists, check your bank statement and email ICAI Examination Division (prashant.bakshi@icai.in) with your transaction reference number and Member ID.
12 Official ICAI Examination Helpdesk & Contacts
If you experience technical issues while filling the online form or have questions regarding your eligibility or centre allotment, reach out to the designated officials at ICAI:
ICAI Examination Department (Post Qualification Courses)
ICAI Bhawan, Post Box No. 7112, Indraprastha Marg, New Delhi – 110 002
Ready to Take the Next Step Toward DISA Certification?
Registrations for the November 2026 ISA-AT open on 8th October 2026. Don't let your ISA 3.0 eligibility lapse into the mandatory 4.0 migration window.
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