ICAI President Nanda: Expect More Dynamic Changes in CA Exams under NEP

Image Source: The Hindu

In a significant development for the Chartered Accountancy (CA) community, ICAI President Charanjot Singh Nanda has indicated that further exam adjustments may be introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP) curriculum. This announcement comes as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) continues to evolve its examination and training framework to keep pace with educational reforms and industry requirements. The ICAI is currently conducting CA exams thrice a year, a major change aiming to improve flexibility and student success. President Nanda’s statement highlights ongoing efforts to align the CA curriculum with the NEP and embrace emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) for future readiness.

Key Highlights

ICAI has shifted the CA examination cycle to thrice annually for all levels—Foundation, Intermediate, and Final—to increase opportunities for candidates.
Further curriculum and exam modifications are anticipated under the National Education Policy framework to enhance relevance and multidisciplinary learning.
Artificial Intelligence and digital skills training are integrated into the CA program to future-proof the profession.
ICAI emphasizes ethical use of AI and continuous professional education to maintain high standards.
Global reciprocity agreements with accounting bodies in the UK, Canada, Australia, and the US facilitate international opportunities.
Moderation in exams is strictly applied to ensure fairness in case of unforeseen difficulties.
ICAI aims to produce strategic business advisors, ethical leaders, and industry-ready accountants beyond mere compliance experts.

Aligning CA Education with NEP

President Nanda emphasized that the NEP’s multidisciplinary approach, emphasis on flexibility, and digital integration are guiding ICAI’s curriculum reforms. The goal is to not only prepare CAs for national standards but also enable their global relevance. ICAI’s new education and training scheme reflects NEP principles by combining rigorous technical knowledge with strategic business and ethical training. This transformation intends to equip CAs to handle evolving business requirements, including AI-driven financial analysis and international financial reporting.

ICAI’s Training Initiatives on AI and Technology

Recognizing AI’s growing role in finance and accounting, ICAI has integrated AI training into its CA curriculum. The Aura program offers Artificial Intelligence skill development for Intermediate and Final level students, conducted both in India and internationally. The ICAI also published guidelines for the ethical use of AI, ensuring members balance technological advantages with professional integrity. President Nanda described AI as a tool to enhance efficiency rather than replace original intelligence, reaffirming the profession’s human-centric core.

Examination Reforms and Student Flexibility

Another landmark change is the transformation of exam frequency. Until recently, the CA Final exams were held twice a year, limiting attempts and prolonging careers for aspirants. As of 2025, the CA Final, Intermediate, and Foundation exams are all conducted three times annually (January, May, and September). This new schedule allows students greater flexibility to plan attempts, facilitates faster progress, and aims to reduce stress and unnecessary delays. Additionally, the Post Qualification Course in Information Systems Audit now also offers thrice-yearly assessments.

Fairness in Exam Moderation

President Nanda clarified ICAI’s stance on moderation: it is only applied upward uniformly when unforeseen issues such as a difficult question paper or errors occur, ensuring fairness across all candidates. This is not a tool for selective advantage but a measure to maintain examination integrity and equal opportunity.

Global Reciprocity and Career Opportunities

ICAI actively promotes global recognition for Indian chartered accountants. The CA qualification, supported by rigorous training and examination, is fully comprehensive. Reciprocity agreements allow ICAI members to acquire credentials from related bodies like ICAEW (UK), CPA Canada, CPA Australia, and CPA US with additional exams. These agreements facilitate international mobility for CAs, enabling them to serve clients and industries worldwide while respecting local audit rights.

Challenges and Industry Response

While ICAI reforms aim to strengthen the profession and student experience, some concerns have been voiced by the accounting community regarding exam frequency, training quality, and market absorption of new CAs. Critics worry about potential dilution of exclusivity and the need to balance training rigor with increased attempts. ICAI assures maintaining stringent standards and emphasizing lifelong learning through Continuing Professional Education (CPE) for all members.

Looking Ahead

ICAI’s commitment to aligning CA education with NEP and emerging industry trends signals a progressive future for the profession. Prospective and current students can expect more dynamic learning modules, flexible examination options, and a focus on integrating technology and ethics. As ICAI adapts, it strives to produce capable, future-ready chartered accountants who contribute to national and global economic growth.

This news is based on the latest statements by ICAI President Charanjot Singh Nanda as of September 14, 2025, reported by Indian Express.

Source: Indian Express