ICAI has constituted a new Committee on Education and Training (CRET) to review the existing CA syllabus, training structure, soft skills and examination system. The committee is expected to finalize its recommendations by December, after which the proposals will be opened for public comment.ICAI president Prasanna Kumar D said the changes are being planned as the accounting profession is changing rapidly and technology is becoming central to both jobs and practice.Kumar said in an interview with PTI, “We have formed CRET. It is working to review the entire syllabus like which syllabus and subject needs to be changed and training (articleship) required”.Currently, subjects like AI, data analytics, ESG and sustainability are not formally part of the CA curriculum. However, ICAI now believes that chartered accountants of the future will need these skills to remain relevant in the profession.“For an engineer, AI is a separate subject but for us, AI is not a subject but without AI, no chartered accountant can survive. Be it on the job or in practice, AI is essential,” said Kumar.For students, the proposed changes could mean shifting the curriculum away from focusing primarily on traditional accounting and auditing. The revised curriculum is expected to include more technology-based learning and practical industry needs as companies increasingly rely on automation, digital systems and non-financial reporting.The review committee will also review the articleship training, communication skills and assessment system. This means future CA students may see changes not only in subjects but also in the way training and exams are conducted.In recent years, the accountancy sector has seen an increase in demand for professionals with knowledge of forensic auditing, ESG disclosures and digital financial systems. ICAI said the curriculum review aims to prepare students for these evolving demands.The institute had earlier introduced a new education and training scheme in 2023. The latest review is expected to further build on these reforms.According to Kumar, the updated syllabus is likely to be implemented from 2028.
