ICAI has set up a new Committee for Review of Education and Training (CRET) to review the existing CA syllabus, training structure, soft skills and examination system. The committee plans to complete its recommendations by December, after which the proposals will be released for public feedback.ICAI Chairman Prasanna Kumar D said the changes are being planned as the accounting profession is changing rapidly with technology becoming central to both work and practice.“We have set up CRET. We are working on reviewing the entire curriculum, including which syllabus and subjects need to be changed, the training (thesis ship),” Kumar said in an interview with PTI.At this time, subjects such as AI, data analytics, ESG, and sustainability are not officially part of the CA curriculum. However, ICAI now believes that future chartered accountants need these skills to remain relevant in the profession.“For engineers, AI is a different subject; for us, AI is not a subject, but without AI, chartered accountants cannot survive. AI is a must, both in employment and in practice,” Kumar said.For students, the proposed changes could mean a shift away from a curriculum that focuses primarily on traditional accounting and auditing. The revised syllabus is expected to include more technology-driven learning and practical industry requirements as companies increase their reliance on automation, digital systems, and non-financial reporting.The review committee will also consider topics such as dissertation training, communication skills, and evaluation systems. This means that future CA students may see changes not only in their subjects, but also in the way they train and conduct their exams.In recent years, the accounting sector has seen an increased demand for professionals with knowledge of forensic auditing, ESG disclosure, and digital financial systems. ICAI said the curriculum review is aimed at enabling students to meet these evolving requirements.The institute had previously introduced a new education and training system in 2023. The latest review is expected to build on these reforms further.The updated curriculum could be implemented from 2028, Kumar said.
