The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), through the Board of Studies (BoS), organized two-day International Conference of CA Students in Kolkata on 22nd and 23rd June 2024. The event witnessed the participation of more than 3600 students from across the globe, setting a record attendance at the International Conference of CA Students.

The conference united accountancy students from India and abroad, allowing them to engage with peers from diverse countries. Participants presented their research and insights through papers on a broad spectrum of subjects. The theme of the conference, "Drishti se Srishti", emphasized innovative viewpoints aimed at expanding the horizons of students within the accounting community.

The event was inaugurated by CA. Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal, President, ICAI, along with CA. Charanjot Singh Nanda, Vice-President of ICAI, CA. (Dr.) Debashis Mitra, Past President, ICAI, Advocate Vijay Kumar Jhalani, Government Nominee, CA. (Dr.) Rajkumar S. Adukia, Chairman, BoS and CA. Sridhar Muppala, Vice Chairman, BoS in the presence of Management Committee Members of EIRC. Prof. Santa Dutta (De), Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta, was a distinguished guest at the conference.

Over the course of two days, participants engaged in a series of enlightening sessions and discussions. A key feature of the event was a thought-provoking panel discussion focusing on "Why Passing the CA Exam is the First Priority & How to Do It," where practical insights and strategies for exam success were shared. Technical sessions covering areas such as taxation, auditing, Artificial Intelligence, CAs Beyond Accountancy and the Digital Metamorphosis were also on the agenda, providing participants with the latest knowledge and tools necessary for success in their accounting careers.

Addressing the media, CA. Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal, President, ICAI said, “The International Conference of CA Students in Kolkata made history with over 3,600 participants. This event not only marked a record-breaking attendance but also showcased our commitment towards fostering innovative perspectives and expanding horizons in the accounting fraternity. Students are the backbone of our profession and ICAI is committed to provide world-class education, training and professional development opportunities to create global professionals. Initiatives such as holding CA Intermediate & Foundation Course exams thrice yearly, incorporating advanced technologies like AI, Data Science, and Blockchain in the curriculum, launching a Digital Learning Campus with Self-Paced Online Modules (SPOM), and programs enhancing communication and soft skills, ensure more opportunities and holistic development of the students”

CA. Charanjot Singh Nanda, Vice President, ICAI said, “The overwhelming participation of students at this conference is a clear testament to the growing interest in this noble profession. ICAI has been a beacon of integrity and leadership in accountancy, setting high standards. The New CA Curriculum coupled with rigorous training and focus on ethical practices, ICAI empowers its students with the skills and integrity essential for shaping robust financial systems. Today, Chartered Accountants are recognized as world leaders in finance and accounting and play a critical role in shaping financial landscapes, driving economic growth, and fostering financial stability.

CA. (Dr.) Rajkumar Satyanarayan Adukia, Chairman, Board of Studies said, “The International Conference of CA Students represented a significant opportunity for accounting students and professionals to engage with industry experts, gain valuable insights, and expand their professional horizons. We are very happy to host this event in Kolkata, a city whose seven alphabets represent its unique essence: K for Knowledge, O for Optimism, L for Literary, K for King-size, A for Artistic, T for Talented, and A for Authentic. The diverse sessions and esteemed speakers underscored our dedication to advancing education and professional development within the accounting fraternity.”

The International Conference of CA Students organised by the Board of Studies and hosted by EIRC and EICASA of ICAI was an enriching experience for accounting students and professionals alike. With a diverse range of sessions covering key industry topics and featuring esteemed speakers, the conference aimed to foster learning, networking, and innovation within the accounting fraternity. Attendees were encouraged to register promptly and take advantage of this unique opportunity to gain valuable insights and expand their horizons in the field of accountancy.

About ICAI

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is a statutory body set up by an Act of Parliament under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 for the regulation and development of the profession of Chartered Accountancy in India. The Institute functions under the administrative supervision of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. With more than 9 lakh students and over 4 lakh members, today ICAI is the largest professional accountancy body in the world. ICAI has a wide network of 5 Regional Councils and 176 Branches within India and a global presence with 50 Overseas Chapters and 31 Representative Offices spanning 81 cities across 47 Countries worldwide.