Thinking About the ICAI’s DISA Exam? 5 Surprising Details You Can’t Afford to Miss

For Chartered Accountants looking to upskill and stay ahead in a technologically driven world, the Diploma in Information System Audit (DISA), also known as the Information Systems Audit (ISA) qualification, is a natural and valuable next step. When the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) releases an exam announcement, it’s easy to focus on just the date and the fee.

However, the journey to becoming a certified systems auditor is more complex than it appears on the surface. Buried within official announcements and supplementary materials are crucial details that can impact your timeline, budget, and overall strategy. This article breaks down the five most surprising and impactful takeaways from recent materials that every aspiring DISA candidate needs to know.

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The 5 Key Takeaways

1. It’s a Multi-Stage Journey, Not Just a Single Exam

Many professionals mistakenly believe that obtaining the ISA/DISA qualification is a matter of simply studying for and passing a single test. The reality is a structured, multi-step process that requires significant time and commitment long before you even register for the final exam.

The complete pathway to qualification involves the following six distinct stages:

1. Register: You must first register for the ISA 3.0 Course.
2. E-Learning: Complete the required e-learning modules provided by the institute.
3. E-Learning Test: After completing the online modules, you must pass the associated e-learning test.
4. Professional Training (PT): Attend the mandatory Professional Training classes, ensuring you meet the minimum 90% attendance requirement.
5. Eligibility Test (ET): After completing the PT, you must pass the Eligibility Test.
6. Assessment Test (AT): Only after successfully clearing the ET can you sit for the final Assessment Test to earn the qualification.

The best way to approach this is to treat your DISA qualification like a professional project. It has distinct milestones, critical dependencies (you cannot attempt the ET without successfully completing the PT), and firm deadlines. This mindset shift from a single exam to a multi-stage project is the first step toward effective planning and success.

2. You Must Pass Two Different Tests: The ET and the AT

Within the six-stage journey outlined above, a common point of confusion is the distinction between the two primary examinations in the DISA process: the Eligibility Test (ET) and the Assessment Test (AT). They are not interchangeable and serve different purposes in your certification journey.

The Eligibility Test (ET) is a prerequisite you must pass after completing your Professional Training with a minimum score of 60%. Your first attempt at the ET is free, but any subsequent attempts will cost ₹500. This test is held four times a year, giving you multiple opportunities to become eligible to register for the final Assessment Test.

The Assessment Test (AT) is the final hurdle. It is the official exam that grants you the qualification upon passing. The fee for the AT is ₹2000, and it is conducted three times a year. To pass, you must achieve a score of at least 60% of the total 200 marks. Knowing the difference between the ET and AT is critical for mapping out your study plan and avoiding last-minute surprises.

3. A Critical Contradiction: Is the Final Exam Online or Offline?

When preparing for a major exam, knowing the format is fundamental.

The official ICAI announcement is clear and direct.

According to the official ICAI “IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT” dated 5th December 2025, the ISA-AT on 7th February 2026 will be held “through Computer Based Test (CBT) Mode only“in physically visiting the exam centers.

4. The Calendar is Crucial: Pay Close Attention to Dates

The ICAI operates on a strict schedule, and the application windows for its exams are notoriously short and unforgiving. Missing a deadline doesn’t just mean a small delay; it means waiting for the next exam cycle, which could be several months away.

To illustrate, let’s look at the timeline for the February 2026 Assessment Test:

• Application Opens: 15th December 2025
• Application Closes: 28th December 2025
• Exam Date: 7th February 2026

This provides a window of just 14 days to complete the application process. It is essential to mark these dates on your calendar and act promptly to avoid forfeiting your chance to appear for the exam.

5. Understand the Full Financial Investment

While the official exam fees are straightforward, they represent only a fraction of the potential total investment in earning your DISA qualification. A comprehensive budget should account for both mandatory fees and supplementary study resources.

The official costs are clearly defined: ₹2000 for each Assessment Test (AT) attempt and ₹500 for any Eligibility Test (ET) attempt after your first one.

However, prokhata.com provide “Video Lectures & Question Bank” course costs between ₹6,165 and ₹8,215. While discounts are sometimes available, such as a 40% coupon (“RAJAT40”). Think of this not as an expense, but as an investment in your success. The cost of quality prep materials is a strategic hedge against the financial and time-related costs of retaking the ₹2,000 AT, making it a critical part of your overall ROI calculation.

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Conclusion

The path to securing the DISA qualification is an incredibly rewarding one, opening doors to new opportunities in the field of systems audit and assurance. However, success requires more than just technical knowledge; it demands careful planning and a clear understanding of the entire process. By paying close attention to the multi-stage journey, the distinction between the ET and AT, the official exam mode, critical deadlines, and the full financial picture, you can navigate the process efficiently and confidently.

Now that you see the full picture, what is your first step towards becoming a certified Techno Auditor?