The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has issued draft Chartered Accountants (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, proposing a revision in the minimum stipend payable to articled assistants across the country. The draft notification was published in the Gazette of India on 25 June 2026 and has been released for public consultation before being finalized.
The proposed amendments seek to revise Regulation 48 of the Chartered Accountants Regulations, 1988, which governs the minimum monthly stipend payable during articleship training. The move is expected to provide financial relief to thousands of CA students undergoing practical training.
Proposed Revised Articleship Stipend Structure
Under the draft regulations, ICAI has proposed the following minimum monthly stipend rates for articled assistants based on the population of the city or town where the articleship is being pursued:
| City/Town Category | First Year of Training | Second Year of Training |
|---|---|---|
| Population of 20 lakh and above | ₹5,000 | ₹6,000 |
| Population above 5 lakh but below 20 lakh | ₹4,000 | ₹5,000 |
| Population below 5 lakh | ₹3,000 | ₹4,000 |
The revised structure reflects ICAI's effort to align stipend levels with current economic conditions and the increasing cost of living faced by CA students.
Protection for Existing Articleship Students
A notable feature of the draft amendment is the insertion of a proviso protecting candidates who were registered as articled assistants for a three-year period on or before the commencement of the Chartered Accountants (Amendment) Regulations, 2023. Such students will continue to receive the minimum monthly stipend at the rates that were applicable before the proposed amendment.
This provision aims to ensure a smooth transition and avoid any ambiguity regarding stipend entitlements for students already undergoing training under the earlier regulatory framework.
Stakeholders Invited to Submit Suggestions
ICAI has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders regarding the proposed amendments. Interested persons may submit their comments to the Secretary, ICAI, within 30 days from the date the Gazette notification is made available to the public. Any representations received within the stipulated period will be considered by the ICAI Council before finalizing the regulations.
When Will the Changes Take Effect?
The draft regulations clarify that the amendments will come into force from the date of their final publication in the Official Gazette. Therefore, the revised stipend structure will become effective only after ICAI completes the consultation process and issues the final notification.
Impact on CA Students
If notified in its current form, the amendment would increase the minimum stipend payable to articled assistants across all city categories. The proposal is likely to be welcomed by CA aspirants, many of whom have long advocated for higher stipends to better support them during the demanding articleship period.
The draft notification represents another important step by ICAI toward strengthening practical training standards while addressing the financial concerns of students pursuing the Chartered Accountancy profession.
Official copy of the notification is as follows
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