ICAI to refurbish CA CPT Pattern to make it slightly tough

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is planning to rework on its exam pattern. The purpose behind this revamping in pattern is to make the entry level to this course a bit tougher than earlier. Presently, students can join the course right after their 10+2 by appearing in entrance exam or after completing their graduation. A Commerce student can opt for the course by securing 55% marks in aggregate while for the students from other discipline, this criteria is 60%.

ICAI has organized a new committee for restructuring of education and training (CRET) in this regard. In a two-day deliberate meeting at Agra, committee has emphasised on raising the entry bar mainly through entrance exam mode. It can also change the norms for the compulsory practical training.

According to Tarun Ghia, who is a member of CRET, the opinions of various stakeholders have been taken to make the entrance examination difficult so that only deserving aspirants get in. At present, the pattern of Common Proficiency Test (CPT) is comparatively easier, as a result, a large number of students get passed in entry level. The problem occurs when for most of them it is hard to clear the Chartered Accountancy course later and they end up wasting time, energy and money for nothing.

In addition, it is also discussed that the students will now have to take up 3 years’ mandatory articleship practical training after clearing the first stage of the program. The syllabus is now divided into two phases i.e. IPCC and final course. The first phase of the course is Integrated Professional Competency Course (IPCC) that has eight subjects alienated into two groups which is followed by the final course.