Question : Problems of CA Students

(a) the measures taken by the Government to resolve the issues faced by Chartered Accountancy (CA) students highlighted during the recent protests;
(b) Whether the Government or ICAI will consider amending Regulation 39(4) of the Chartered Accountants Act in order to include the provision for re-evaluation of answer papers, if so, the details thereof;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the measures being taken by the Government to bring transparency in the manner of declaration of results, marking scheme followed by ICAI, and for removing doubts of the students regarding the regulation of passing percentage?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE AND (SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR)
CORPORATE AFFAIRS (???? ?????? ???? ?????)
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(a) ICAI conducts examinations in accordance with the Chartered Accountants Regulations, 1988 (as amended from time to time). Taking Cognizance of the recent protests by CA Students, this Ministry conducted meetings with the Senior Officers of the ICAI including those associated with the process of examination and directed them to look into grievances of the Students.

(b)to (d) Consequent upon meeting of the Ministry with representatives of ICAI on 26th September 2019, ICAI constituted a High Level Independent Committee, comprising the following members to look into the Examination processes/Regulations governing CA Examinations including Regulation 39(4) of the Chartered Accountants Regulations, 1988 and suggest changes wherever required in the ICAI Examination System:-

• Dr. P. C. Jain, Government Nominee, Convenor
• Justice (CA) Anil R. Dave, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India
• CA Ved Jain, Past President, ICAI
• CA Amarjit Chopra, Past President, ICAI
• CA (Dr.) Girish Ahuja, Renowned Educationist

The High Level Committee met on 7th October 2019 and held deliberation. It decided to invite suggestions from students and other stakeholders on examination processes and changes, including regulatory changes, if any, required therein. Accordingly, an on-line form was hosted on the website of ICAI and stakeholders were requested to submit their suggestions on CA examination system on or before 10th November 2019. The suggestions so received are being compiled by ICAI and will be placed before the aforesaid High Level Committee for its consideration at its forthcoming meeting.

Issues such as bringing more transparency in the manner of declaration of results, disclosure of marking scheme followed by ICAI and removal of doubts regarding ICAI regulating the pass percentage are under deliberation by the High Level Independent Committee. On receipt of recommendations of High Level Committee, the same would be taken up for consideration by the Examination Committee/Council of ICAI.

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