In a remarkable step towards furthering the quality of Chartered Accountancy education, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has recently reaffirmed and expanded its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). This renewed collaboration between these distinguished institutions signifies a significant stride in the world of education, aligning seamlessly with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the curriculum standards set by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
The MoU signing ceremony was a gathering of prominent figures in the fields of education and accountancy. Dignitaries present included Prof. Nageshwar Rao, the Vice Chancellor of IGNOU, and CA Aniket Sunil Talati, President of ICAI, along with faculty members from IGNOU’s School of Management Studies (SOMS) and representatives from ICAI. The official signing of the MoU was executed by CA Jai Kumar Batra, Secretary of ICAI, and Dr. Alok Chaube, Registrar of IGNOU.
CA Dayaniwas Sharma, Chairman of the Board of Studies (BoS) at ICAI, commended the previous MoU’s success, revealing that over 48,522 BCOMAF (Bachelor of Commerce in Accountancy and Finance) and 8,650 MCOMFT (Master of Commerce in Finance and Taxation) students had already benefited from this collaboration. He expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing partnership, highlighting the tangible advantages it provides to students.
This renewed partnership extends opportunities for ICAI students to acquire academic qualifications without compromising on practical knowledge during their articleship. Both ICAI and IGNOU will continue their pivotal roles in delivering a balanced blend of academic and practical experiences, with their extensive reach and impact poised to meet the nation’s educational expectations.
Indira Gandhi National Open University, more commonly known as IGNOU, is a publicly funded research institution located in Maidan Garhi, New Delhi, India. Established in 1985 and named in honor of India’s former Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, IGNOU plays a pivotal role in expanding educational access. It was made possible through the enactment of the Indira Gandhi National Open University Act, 1985 (IGNOU Act 1985) by the Indian Parliament. IGNOU holds the distinction of being the world’s largest university in terms of enrollment, currently serving 3.5 million students, with a vast alumni network of 3.8 million.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) stands as a statutory institution established by the Parliament of India through the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949. Its primary mission is to regulate and foster the growth of the Chartered Accountancy profession within the nation. ICAI operates under the administrative oversight of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, and is recognized as the world’s largest professional organization for Chartered Accountants. With a rich tradition of contributing to the Indian economy’s welfare in the public interest, ICAI remains a cornerstone of the accounting profession.