As Artificial Intelligence (AI), ESG reporting, data analytics and global compliance frameworks reshape the accountancy profession, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is preparing for a major overhaul of Chartered Accountancy education and training.
In this edition of the Reform Dialogue Series, CA Prasanna Kumar D, President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), speaks to ETEducation on the growing demand for Chartered Accountants, changing student aspirations, AI integration in the CA curriculum, overseas placements, and the newly constituted Committee for Review of Education and Training (CRET), which is expected to redefine the future of CA education in India.
Q. India is witnessing strong demand for Chartered Accountants across industries, yet the number of students entering and completing the CA pipeline is not growing at the same pace. How serious is this talent gap from an education and workforce perspective?
CA Prasanna Kumar D: The demand for Chartered Accountants has remained stable and strong. In the recent placement cycle, organisations expressed demand for nearly 9,000 Chartered Accountants, while the number of newly qualified candidates available through the campus process remained lower than industry demand.
However, this should not be interpreted as a lack of talent. The number of qualified CAs varies depending on examination performance and pass percentages in a particular attempt. In some years, 20,000 to 30,000 candidates qualify, while in others the number is lower. The profession continues to attract a large number of students. Every year around 1.35 lakh to 1.40 lakh students register for the Foundation course, which reflects the continued aspiration among commerce students to pursue Chartered Accountancy.
Q. Traditionally, Chartered Accountancy was considered one of India’s most aspirational professional courses. Are today’s students evaluating career choices differently compared to previous generations?
CA Prasanna Kumar D: Students today have far more career alternatives compared to previous generations. Earlier, many commerce students would focus almost entirely on CA, but today they have options ranging from MBA programmes and global certifications to fintech and consulting careers. The CA programme is academically rigorous and requires sustained commitment. Many students who do not clear the Foundation examination in the first attempt often move towards other professional pathways because they feel they may be losing time.
At the same time, serious and committed students eventually succeed. Students should view Chartered Accountancy as a long-term professional journey that rewards consistency, commitment and patience.
Q. Industry leaders increasingly emphasise employability, practical exposure, and future-ready skills. How is ICAI rethinking curriculum, internships, and training to prepare students for an AI-driven and technology-led economy?
CA Prasanna Kumar D: AI is not being treated merely as a standalone subject. Instead, technology integration, including AI and data analytics, will become part of the overall learning framework. Recently, ICAI constituted the Committee for Review of Education and Training (CRET). Traditionally, curriculum reviews happened once in 10 years, but now we have shifted to a five-year review cycle because of the rapid pace of technological and professional changes globally.
CRET will comprehensively review the curriculum, practical training, examination systems, communication and soft skills, and technology integration across all levels, Foundation, Intermediate and Final. The major focus areas will include AI, data analytics and emerging technologies. We want Chartered Accountants to become techno-savvy professionals.
Today, data analytics has become extremely important for Chartered Accountants in both employment and practice. Earlier, professionals depended on fixed tools and software, but AI now enables professionals to develop customised analytical solutions and improve efficiency.
The committee is expected to submit its recommendations by December 2026. As part of this transition, ICAI is already conducting AI capacity-building initiatives for students. We launched a two-day AI workshop called AURA to make students future-ready. Since August 2025, around 4,200 students have been trained through 128 physical batches, while over 8,200 students have registered for online AI workshops launched in February 2026.
We have also introduced a dedicated CA Students GPT platform supporting all three examination levels with access to syllabus material, study resources and previous years’ papers.
Q. India’s startup and digital economy is creating new opportunities in governance, compliance, valuation, and financial strategy. Are these emerging sectors changing how young people view Chartered Accountancy as a career?
CA Prasanna Kumar D: Emerging sectors such as Global Capability Centres (GCCs), consulting, technology-enabled audit functions and multinational back-office operations are creating strong opportunities for Chartered Accountants.
While startups may not directly absorb a large number of fresh CAs initially, growing enterprises eventually create significant demand for finance, governance and compliance professionals. As businesses become more technology-driven and globally integrated, the role of Chartered Accountants is evolving beyond traditional accounting and audit functions.
Q. Students today are increasingly prioritising global exposure and international career opportunities while choosing professions. How is the CA ecosystem evolving to meet these expectations?
CA Prasanna Kumar D: Global opportunities for Indian Chartered Accountants are expanding significantly. ICAI has been exploring overseas opportunities, particularly in the Middle East region, where several Indian Chartered Accountants are already working. We are now planning overseas campus placement initiatives beginning with the Middle East. Preliminary discussions have already been held with companies and recruitment agencies there.
At present, ICAI is conducting its 64th Campus Placement Programme across 29 centres in India for newly qualified Chartered Accountants who cleared the January 2026 CA Final examination. More than 101 organisations have registered for the programme, collectively offering over 9,000 vacancies at larger centres. This reflects sustained industry demand and strong employer confidence in CA talent.
Students pursuing articleship in overseas jurisdictions also gain exposure to international audit practices, regulatory systems and business environments.
Q. Finally, with AI, globalisation and changing career expectations reshaping the profession, what message would you like to give to students considering Chartered Accountancy, and what major changes can they expect in CA education and training in the coming years?
CA Prasanna Kumar D: Chartered Accountancy continues to remain one of the strongest professional career pathways for serious and committed students. Students and parents should understand that the profession is evolving rapidly alongside technology and global business requirements. The future Chartered Accountant will not only require strong accounting and auditing knowledge, but also technological capabilities, analytical thinking and global exposure.
The overall focus is to ensure future Chartered Accountants are technically strong, digitally equipped and internationally aligned.
