New 4 yr CA curriculum launched

New Delhi, Sep 21 (UNI) An updated curriculum of Chartered Accountancy that keeps pace with globalisation and a changing business scenario was formally launched here today.

Company Affairs Secretary Anurag Goel formally launched the New Scheme of Education and Training at a function organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).

Besides changes effected in the curriculum, which will be immediately incorporated the duration of the course has been shorn by a year to making it a four-year course.

A new objective type test - common proficiency test (CPT) - will replace the existing professional education (course-I). The first CPT examination will be held on November 12 this year, it was announced.

In order to reduce the long duration of CA education and training, the test will be held every February, May, August and November. A new subject, Strategic Management, has been added to the syllabus.

According to ICAI president T N Manoharan, "The curriculum has been conceptualised and devised by keeping in mind various demands on accountancy and audit professionals at the international level.'' A high-powered Committee on Review of Education and Training (CRET) was constituted in May 2003 by the Council of the Institute to ensure professional competency of the chartered accountancy course.

The Council, which accepted the recommendations made by CRET, consequently proposed amendments in the Chartered Accountants Regulations, 1988.

The previous scheme of Education and Training was introduced in October 2001.

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