ICAI to revamp CA curriculum with AI, data analytics and forensic auditing

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is preparing to overhaul its Chartered Accountancy (CA) curriculum to equip future accountants with skills in artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, sustainability, environmental, social and governance (ESG) and forensic auditing.

The move comes as technology rapidly reshapes accounting, auditing and financial decision-making, increasing the need for newly qualified CAs to have practical exposure to digital tools and emerging technologies before entering the profession.

ICAI president Prasanna D Kumar said the institute has already introduced several technology-focused programmes for students and members and is now looking at changes to the formal CA education structure.

“We have professionals who have given time to build these new courses. They have been working in the industry for years and understand the gaps,” Kumar said.

To undertake the broader review, ICAI has constituted the Committee for Review of Education and Training (CRET). The committee will examine the existing CA education and training framework, including the syllabus, practical training, soft skills, communication training and examination methods.

The CRET is expected to complete its work by December. Its recommendations will then be placed in the public domain for feedback and discussion.

ICAI introduced the New Scheme of Education and Training in 2023. While the institute has launched separate programmes in areas such as AI, data analytics, ESG, sustainability and forensic auditing, these areas are not currently integrated as standalone components of the formal CA curriculum.

ICAI expands AI training for CA students

ICAI has already begun building an AI-focused learning ecosystem for its students and members.

One such initiative is the Artificial Intelligence Understanding for Rising Achievers (AURA) programme for CA students. The institute is now preparing to launch AURA 2.0, an advanced programme for students who have completed AURA 1.0.

The new programme will focus on practical applications of AI in finance, audit and taxation.

“The course will proactively integrate tech skills, automation and data tools into CA training,” Kumar said.

The institute has also introduced the AI Certificate Course for Chartered Accountants (AICA) for its members.

Level 1, launched at the AI Innovation Summit in 2024, covers foundational AI concepts and tools through a three-day physical programme. ICAI has conducted more than 850 batches, training over 45,000 members.

Level 2, launched in 2025, focuses on advanced applications and practical use cases through a five-day blended programme. More than 80 batches have been conducted, training over 1,500 members. The 100th batch is scheduled to be held in Pune in October 2026.

ICAI is also upgrading its Digital Information Systems Assurance (DISA) 3.0 programme to DISA 4.0, with the new version expected in October. Its Digital Accounting and Assurance Board (DAAB) is introducing programmes covering digital forensics, data protection and cybersecurity audit.

Demand for CAs remains strong

Despite the rapid adoption of AI across professional services, ICAI officials said demand for chartered accountants remains strong.

During the institute's recently concluded placement process, nearly 8,000 vacancies were available, while 5,834 candidates appeared for the placement process, according to a senior ICAI official.

The institute is simultaneously expanding training in specialised areas such as forensic investigation, data protection and cybersecurity.

ICAI also trains government and regulatory agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in areas related to financial fraud and forensic investigation.

The broader objective, Kumar said, is to help CA students and members adapt to changing professional requirements as technology becomes increasingly embedded in accounting, auditing and financial services.

ICAI works on international CA programme

Alongside the domestic curriculum review, ICAI is also developing an international version of its CA curriculum as it seeks to expand the global reach of the Indian qualification.

Under the proposed framework, the international curriculum would largely mirror the Indian CA course, with adaptations mainly in taxation and law to reflect the statutes and regulatory requirements of individual countries.

ICAI is working with the Mauritius Institute of Professional Accountants (MIPA) to tailor the CA curriculum to Mauritius' regulatory and professional requirements. Similar collaborations are being explored with Nepal and countries across Africa, according to a senior ICAI member.

ICAI also has an agreement with the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants, with a more comprehensive agreement expected to follow, another official said.

Students qualifying through the international curriculum will receive the ICAI Chartered Accountancy qualification. The programme will be conducted and offered by ICAI in the respective country.

According to the institute, the international programme will follow a common curriculum for Indian and overseas students, except for country-specific taxation and law papers. The remaining subjects will cover globally relevant standards and topics and will remain common to both domestic and international students.

The proposed changes mark a broader shift in CA education, with ICAI seeking to combine the core principles of accountancy with technology, digital assurance and emerging areas of professional practice.