ICAI Tightens Norms: New Eligibility Rules For Industrial Training Organisations

The ICAI has announced significant changes to the eligibility norms for organisations seeking empanelment to provide industrial training to Chartered Accountancy students. Under Regulation 51 (2) (b), the revised framework aims to strengthen institutional capacity and ensure better exposure for articled assistants.  

Organisations can now be empanelled if they meet at least one financial threshold: minimum fixed assets of Rs 10 crore, or turnover of Rs 50 crore, or paid-up share capital of Rs 1 crore with net worth of Rs 5 crore. Additionally, they must employ at least two full-time Chartered Accountants with a minimum of three years’ continuous membership.  

The empanelment will remain valid for five years, subject to renewal. ICAI has also reiterated trainee eligibility conditions, capped the number of industrial trainees per Associate and Fellow members, and prescribed a training period of 9 to 12 months.  

Key Highlights  

• Financial thresholds include Rs 10 crore fixed assets or Rs 50 crore turnover  
• Organisations must employ two Chartered Accountants with three years’ membership  
• Industrial training period set between 9 to 12 months  
• Empanelment validity fixed at five years, renewable thereafter  
• Limits imposed on number of trainees per Associate and Fellow members  

Final Takeaway  
ICAI’s revised framework reflects its commitment to improving the quality of industrial training. By enforcing stricter eligibility norms and accountability measures, the institute aims to provide CA students with structured, impactful industry exposure that strengthens their professional readiness.  

Sources: ICAI Announcement, Hindustan Times, AUBSP