ICAI weighs certification for CA intermediate students

oposals from stakeholders for providing recognition to candidates who have already qualified the intermediate level but have not cleared the final examination. We are examining the proposal," he said.  He was speaking on the sidelines of the 'All India Conference on Corporate Governance' organised by the ICAI-Eastern India Regional Council (EIRC)  Rahul Roy, director, Ernst & Young and former president, ICAI said, "There is tremendous demand for Indian CAs, both from within and outside the country. On the other hand, only 6,000-7,500 student qualify the CA examination every year. If students, who have already qualified CA-intermediate examination, could be given a degree, similar to 'accounting technician degree', as given in some countries, it will be a win-win scenario."  According to Roy, annual demand for qualified accountants from business process outsourcing companies was around 15,000, while Indian companies were demanding around 7,000-8,000 accountants.  Owing to superior quality of Indian accountants, the country could also supply around 8,000-10,000 accountants abroad every year, noted Roy.  Compared to the demand, the supply is minuscule.  "There are very talented intermediate-qualified accountants in the country who are denied of this huge opportunity due to lack of recognition," he noted.  There is also a proposal of having a separate code of conduct, laid down by the institute, for this new breed of accountants.  Roy pointed out that there can also be 'continuing professional education'(CPE) for these intermediate-qualified candidates in line with the CPE programme for qualified CA under ICAI.  "This will help the candidates to continuously upgrade their skills," he noted.  On a different note, ICAI is also examining the option of introducing dress-code for its members.  "We are mooting the idea of introducing dress code for our members, when they attend business meeting, board meeting and other official occasions. Though initially, it will remain optional, we may make the norm mandatory in future," Manoharan said.