ICAI is reviewing the Chartered Accountancy Scheme of Education and Training, and it has also proposed higher minimum stipends for articled assistants. Neither change is final yet, and both consultation windows have closed.
ICAI Review and Stipend Proposal at a Glance
Here is where each item stands as of 21 October 2026.
| Item | What ICAI did | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Review of the education and training scheme | Invited feedback on 31 July 2026. The deadline was 18 August and was extended to 31 August 2026. | Review under way, no changes announced |
| Articled assistant stipend | Published a draft amendment to Regulation 48 in the Gazette on 25 June 2026. Comments were open until 5 August 2026. | Draft, not yet in force |
ICAI Review of the CA Scheme of Education and Training
ICAI has started a comprehensive review of the scheme. Its aim is to keep the CA course contemporary, globally benchmarked, professionally relevant and future ready.
The review is run by the Group on Academics of CRET, under the Board of Studies (Academic). ICAI invited members, students, industry professionals and academicians to share feedback.
What the Feedback Form Covered
The online questionnaire had one section for each part of the CA journey. Each person could submit only one response.
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| Respondent profile | Your background and stakeholder category |
| Part A | Academics |
| Part B | Practical training |
| Part C | Examination |
| Part D | IT and soft skills training |
| Part E | Open-ended reflections |
What We Do Not Know Yet
ICAI has not published any proposed changes from the review. It has not said when the findings or a new scheme will come.
The current scheme continues as it is. We will update this page when ICAI announces anything.
Proposed Articled Assistant Stipend Rates
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has given in-principle approval to new stipend rates. They are for articled assistants doing two years of practical training under the New Scheme.
ICAI published the draft Chartered Accountants (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 in the Gazette of India on 25 June 2026. It amends Regulation 48 and sets the minimum monthly stipend by the population of your place of service.
| Place of service | First year | Second year |
|---|---|---|
| City or town with 20 lakh people or more | ₹5,000 | ₹6,000 |
| 5 lakh or more but under 20 lakh people | ₹4,000 | ₹5,000 |
| Under 5 lakh people | ₹3,000 | ₹4,000 |
How This Compares With the Older Table
The Regulation 48 table on ICAI’s website, last updated in November 2017, listed ₹2,000 in the first year and ₹2,500 in the second year for cities of 20 lakh and above. Smaller cities were lower still.
Against that table, the draft is higher in every band. The middle band also changes from 4 lakh to 5 lakh people.
Study sites differ on whether the 2023 amendment changed the earlier rates. Check the stipend in your own articleship letter before you compare.
Who Keeps the Old Rates
A student who registered as an articled assistant for three years, on or before the 2023 amendment came into force, will be paid at the rates in force before this amendment.
When Will It Apply
The new rates apply only from the date of final publication in the Official Gazette. ICAI Council will first consider the objections and suggestions it received.
ICAI has not said how the new rates will apply to training already in progress. Wait for the final notification before you ask your principal for a change.
What Students Should Do Now
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| You are planning articleship | Note the city band of your firm, since the stipend depends on it |
| You are an articled assistant now | Keep paying and receiving stipend as per your current terms until ICAI notifies the final rules |
| You are choosing between firms | Compare the whole offer, not only the stipend. See our guide on Big 4 versus mid tier and small firms |
| You want the latest rules | Follow the ICAI announcements page for the final notification |
Another Student Update: One-Time Adv. ITT and MCS Facility
On 2 August 2026, ICAI allowed a one-time virtual route for the Advanced ITT and MCS courses. It is for people who passed CA Final before the New Scheme began on 1 July 2023 and could not apply for membership because these courses were pending.
Registration opened on 1 August 2026 and closes on 30 June 2027, through the ICAI Digital Learning Hub. For queries, write to helpdeskadvitt@icai.in for Advanced ITT or helpdeskgmcs@icai.in for MCS.
Read More on CA Course Changes
For syllabus-side updates, read our guide on expected ICAI syllabus changes. We will publish a fresh post when ICAI announces results of this review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has ICAI changed the CA course after the review?
No. As of 21 October 2026 ICAI has not announced any change from the review.
Can I still give feedback on the scheme?
The last date was 31 August 2026. Check the CRET feedback portal on cretfeedback.icai.org for its current status.
What is the proposed stipend in a city with 20 lakh people or more?
₹5,000 per month in the first year and ₹6,000 per month in the second year.
Is the new stipend in force?
No. It is a draft and applies only after ICAI notifies the final regulation in the Official Gazette.
Does the draft cover three year articleship?
No. The rates are for two years of practical training under the New Scheme. Students registered for three years before the 2023 amendment keep the earlier rates.
Where can I read the draft regulation?
It is in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, dated 25 June 2026, and ICAI has hosted a copy on its website.
Source: ICAI Board of Studies announcement of 6 July 2026, ICAI announcement of 31 July 2026 and the draft Gazette notification.
