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

ICAI President CA Charanjot Singh Nanda, in an exclusive conversation with Shiksha, explains how ICAI is reshaping CA education through technology integration, AI-driven learning tools like CA GPT, and more…

As the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) declared the May 2025 CA exam results, over 14,000 candidates qualified as Chartered Accountants. The CA Final pass percentage stood at 18.75% for both groups combined, while Intermediate results saw a pass rate of just 13.22% for both groups. Rajan Kabra, from Mumbai, topped the CA Final with an impressive 516 marks out of 600 (86%). These numbers reflect the high academic rigor and rising expectations from the CA profession.

ICAI President CA Charanjot Singh Nanda, in an exclusive conversation with Shiksha, explains how ICAI is reshaping CA education through technology integration, AI-driven learning tools like CA GPT, updated curriculum modules, and enhanced industry exposure to equip students for a global and digital future.

Q: How is ICAI integrating technology in CA Education, also share initiatives focused on students towards preparing future-ready professionals?

ICAI President: With an aim at shaping Chartered Accountants as complete Business Managers equipped with a well-rounded personality, ICAI is actively integrating technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, into its CA Education curriculum and student initiatives. In addition to this, there are two mandatory courses viz: Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (ICITSS) and Advanced Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (AICITSS) in the Chartered Accountancy Scheme. Each course is of four weeks duration. This proactive approach aims to equip future Chartered Accountants with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital and data-driven global economy.

Level I - Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (ICITSS)

The objective of the first-level course is to familiarize the students with the diversified field of the Accountancy profession, to make them tech-savvy, and to develop their communication and presentation skills and foster values such as integrity and transparency so as to groom them as professionals in the future.

Level II - Advanced Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (AICITSS)

A student is required to complete AICITSS after the end of the practical training period but before appearing in the Final level examination. The objective of the course is to develop practical skills in auditing ERP environments by focusing on understanding their complexities through IT and Data Analysis. This involves utilizing a range of audit tools, including Python, KNIME, Power BI, ZOHO, Oracle Fusion, and MS Dynamics.

In addition to structured training programs, ICAI has recently introduced CA GPT, an AI-powered platform designed to assist students in their learning journey. CA GPT serves as a knowledge companion, offering instant clarifications on complex topics, helping with conceptual understanding, and providing personalized learning support.

Further, ICAI is supporting students in several other ways to build a holistic skill set to excel in this globally competitive world:

1. a) Digital Smart Boards: ICAI has installed Digital Smart Boards across various branches, enabling interactive and technology-driven learning experiences. These smart classes are equipped with the latest educational tools to facilitate a more engaging and effective learning environment.
2. b) Practical Exposure: During Articleship training, students get practical hands-on experience in using audit software, data analytics tools, and exposure to automated processes. Overseas industrial and study tours are also being planned.

These initiatives reflect ICAI's commitment to preparing future-ready professionals who can navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape and meet the dynamic needs of the global business environment.

Q: What steps is ICAI taking to ensure CA education aligns with industry demands and evolving financial regulations?

ICAI President: ICAI continuously undertakes various initiatives to ensure that CA education remains aligned with evolving industry demands and dynamic financial regulations. Some key steps include:

Curriculum Upgradation: Regular revisions of the CA curriculum to incorporate emerging areas such as AI, Ind AS, Multi-disciplinary Case Studies, Sustainability Reporting, Digital Ecosystem and Controls, Forensic Accounting etc.

Global Alignment: Benchmarking the curriculum with international standards to enhance the global competitiveness of CA professionals.

Regulatory Updates: Issuing regular study material updates and publications to reflect changes in accounting standards, tax laws, and other financial regulations.

Soft Skills Development: Focusing on leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills through dedicated training programs. The General Management and Communication Skills (GMCS) Course is mandatory, which focuses on developing presentation skills, communication, leadership and ethical conduct.

Practical Training Enhancements: Strengthening the Articleship framework to provide uninterrupted exposure.

Capacity Building: Organizing webinars on various technical and soft skills topics and online classes.

These efforts aim to equip aspiring Chartered Accountants with the technical knowledge, practical insights and professional competencies needed to excel in the dynamic global business environment.

Q: What steps is ICAI taking to incorporate emerging fields like forensic accounting, sustainability reporting and AI in CA Education?

ICAI President: The dynamic global economy has created new employment opportunities for Chartered Accountants in areas such as 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 the requisite skills to effectively undertake these contemporary roles, 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). This is a technology-enabled learning and assessment initiative.

In addition to structured training programs, 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.

Further, ICAI has been actively 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.

These initiatives reflect ICAI's commitment to preparing future-ready professionals who can navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape and meet the dynamic needs of the global business environment.

Q: How does ICAI plan to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical industry applications?

ICAI President: Practical Training is the bedrock on which ICAI’s distinction as a globally respected professional institution has been strongly built. This helps aspiring CAs apply the concepts learned in theoretical education to real-time scenarios, thus honing their analytical and application skills as well as their oral and written communication skills.

The uninterrupted and seamless two-year practical training, which begins only after successfully clearing both groups of the Intermediate examination, ensures complete focus of the aspiring CA on practical training and acquiring the requisite professional skills. This hands-on experience and holistic skill-building approach is pivotal in preparing CAs to navigate complex financial landscapes—a key requirement in today’s global marketplace.

Practical training offers a holistic learning experience, enabling aspiring Chartered Accountants to bridge the gap between theory and practice. By applying classroom concepts to real-world business scenarios, students gain a deep, hands-on understanding of the industry. This not only strengthens their preparation for examinations but also empowers them to confidently navigate the complexities of today’s dynamic business environment.

Q: How is ICAI fostering global exposure and networking opportunities for CA students?

ICAI President: ICAI is committed to providing CA students with ample opportunities for global exposure and networking. Some of our key initiatives include:

1. a) International Conferences: ICAI organizes international conferences for CA students, bringing together participants from across the globe. These conferences provide a platform for students to present their research, engage in discussions, and network with peers and professionals from different countries.
2. b) Webinars and Workshops: ICAI conducts webinars and workshops providing students with insights into global practices and trends.
3. c) Overseas Industrial and Study Tours: ICAI will be initiating overseas industrial and study tours.

Through these initiatives, ICAI is dedicated to preparing CA students to become future-ready professionals with a global perspective.

Q: What measures are being taken to help prepare CA students for examinations?

ICAI President: ICAI adopts a comprehensive approach to support CA students in their examination preparation. Key measures include:

Structured Study Material: Providing updated and detailed study material aligned with the applicable syllabus and industry standards.

Online Learning Resources: Offering e-learning modules, recorded lectures, and virtual coaching classes through the ICAI BOS Knowledge Portal. The ICAI Digital Learning Hub portal is a central repository for both professional and academic learning material.

Live Learning Classes (LLC): ICAI conducts free-of-cost Live Learning Classes that provide quality lectures by renowned faculty, relayed in the morning and evening beyond office hours to avoid interrupting students’ Articleship training schedule.

Doubt-Solving Support: Providing query resolution through online platforms, over the phone, in person via BOS and regional student counseling programs.

Booklets on Case Scenarios and Model Test Papers: These booklets enhance application-oriented learning and analytical skills.

Mock Test Papers & Revision Test Papers: Regular mock tests and revision papers help students assess their preparation and improve time management.

Webinars & Mentorship Programs: Interactive webinars and sessions with subject matter experts provide guidance on exam patterns, concepts, and answering techniques, along with ‘Dos and Don’ts’ before, during, and after the examination.

ICAI CA GPT: The AI-powered CA GPT assists students at all levels in generating AI-driven responses to past exam questions, subject-wise queries, and checklists. The tool is trained on ICAI’s syllabus and past exam trends to enhance clarity.

Suggested Answers: After each exam cycle, ICAI publishes suggested answers to the previous attempt's question papers to help students understand the expected quality of responses and improve presentation.

These initiatives collectively aim to foster holistic preparation, equipping students with the knowledge, confidence, and skills required to excel in the CA examinations.