From AI integration to global exposure, we’re transforming CA education: ICAI President CA Charanjot Singh Nanda

ICAI President explains how ICAI is reshaping CA education through technology integration, AI-driven learning tools like CA GPT...

Institute of Chartered Accountants of India President CA Charanjot Singh Nanda, in an exclusive conversation with Shiksha, explains how ICAI is reshaping CA education.

Q: How is ICAI integrating technology in CA Education?

ICAI President: ICAI is integrating technology including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies into its CA Education curriculum. In addition to this, there are two mandatory courses, Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (ICITSS) and Advanced Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (AICITSS). Each course is of four weeks duration. 

ICAI has recently introduced CA GPT, an AI-powered platform made to help students in their learning journey, offering clarifications on complex topics, helping them with concept understanding, and providing personalized learning support.

Q: Tell us what ICAI is doing to incorporate emerging fields like forensic accounting, sustainability reporting?

ICAI President: New employment opportunities for Chartered Accountants have come in areas like Forensic Accounting, Valuation, Sustainability Reporting, Entrepreneurship, and Risk Management, apart from the conventional domains of Financial Reporting, Finance and Auditing.

To equip aspiring Chartered Accountants with requisite skills subjects like Entrepreneurship and Start-ups, Digital Ecosystem, Strategic Cost and Performance Management, Forensic Accounting, Risk Management, Sustainability Reporting, Valuation, International Taxation, FOREX and Treasury management and Financial Services and Capital Markets, which have global relevance, have been incorporated as Self-Paced Online Modules (SPOM).

ICAI has also launched the ICAI CA GPT for Students, a dedicated AI-powered tool designed to assist CA students at all levels—Foundation, Intermediate, and Final. This tool enables students to generate AI-driven responses to past exam questions, subject-wise queries, checklists, guidelines, and other preparatory materials. The AI model is specifically trained on ICAI’s syllabus, past examination trends, and best practices to enhance learning and conceptual clarity.

ICAI is also developing AI-based research tools to assist in data analysis, fraud detection, and automation of compliance. AI-driven learning modules and digital resources are being introduced to make CA education more interactive and application-oriented.

Q: How is ICAI bridging gap between theoretical learning and practical industry applications?

ICAI President: Practical Training is important as it helps aspiring CAs apply concepts learned in theoretical education to real-time scenarios. This helps them acquire analytical and application skills and improves their communication skills.

Two year practical training, which starts after clearing both groups of Intermediate examination, ensures focus of aspiring CA on practical training and gaining professional skills.

Q: How is ICAI providing global exposure for CA students?

ICAI President: These conferences provide a platform for students to present their research paper, engage in discussions, and network.

b) Webinars and Workshops: ICAI conducts webinars and workshops providing students with insights into global practices and trends.

c) Overseas Industrial and Study Tours: ICAI will be starting international study tours. 

Q: What are you doing to help prepare CA students for exams?

ICAI President: ICAI adopts a complete approach to support CA students in their exam preparation. We provide updated and detailed study material aligned with syllabus and industry standards. We are also offering e-learning modules, recorded lectures, and virtual coaching classes through ICAI BOS Knowledge Portal. ICAI Digital Learning Hub portal is a central repository for both professional and academic learning material.