Overview
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has reinforced its commitment to artificial intelligence-led transformation with the inauguration of the AI Innovation Summit (AIS) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Bringing together more than 4,000 delegates from India and abroad, the two-day summit focuses on how AI is reshaping accounting, auditing, taxation, governance and financial decision-making. A major highlight of the event was ICAI's strategic partnership with Sarvam AI , one of India's leading indigenous AI startups, aimed at strengthening AI training, professional development and research. ICAI also launched the advanced AICA Level 3 Certification Programme , further expanding its AI upskilling initiatives for Chartered Accountants as India moves towards a technology-driven economy.
Official copy of the notification is as follows
- 4,000+ Global Delegates Converge at ICAI's AI Innovation Summit 2026 in New Delhi
- Launch AI Certificate Course Level 3 for upskilling Members and contribute towards Nation Building
- ICAI Signed MoU with Sarvam AI for AI skilling, training and Professional Development
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) inaugurated its flagship AI Innovation Summit (AIS) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 26 June 2026. The two-day summit aims to lead global innovation, leverage emerging technologies and equip professionals with the emerging skills required in the evolving digital landscape.
The Summit was inaugurated by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat , Hon’ble Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Government of India, as the Chief Guest, in the presence of CA. Prasanna Kumar D, President, ICAI , and CA. Mangesh P. Kinare, Vice President, ICAI . Also present were CA. Charanjot Singh Nanda , Chairman, AI Committee and Immediate Past President, ICAI; CA. Umesh Ramnarayan Sharma , Vice Chairman, AI Committee; Central and Regional Council Members; and CA. (Dr.) Jai Kumar Batra, Secretary, ICAI.
The theme of the AIS 2026 "Transforming Accounting, Audit, Tax, and Governance" , will showcase how AI is revolutionizing financial ecosystems, enabling smarter decision-making, enhancing compliance, driving efficiency and unlocking new strategic possibilities.
On this occasion, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat , Hon’ble Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, lauded ICAI's proactive efforts for taking initiatives to upkill its members and students and said "The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India has built a profession founded on financial trust, with Chartered Accountants playing a pivotal role in the nation's transformation. ICAI is leading the global transformation and has the potential to emerge as the world's 'Institute of Global Trust' by spearheading the development of AI assurance standards. Trust is the soul of the economic system and Chartered Accountants are the custodians of that trust. You do not just certify a company's balance sheet; you validate and safeguard investor confidence and uphold the economic trust of the nation".
He further outlined eight key priorities for the AI-driven future, emphasizing on the need for data integrity, eliminating algorithm bias, strengthening cyber security, addressing deepfake financial risks, ensuring machine accountability, promoting continuous re-skilling, enabling agile regulations, and advancing climate finance and ESG as the cornerstones of a trusted and future-ready digital economy.
During the inauguration, ICAI also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sarvam AI , one of India's newest unicorn AI companies developing indigenous AI technology for India. This collaboration will focus on AI training, capacity building, professional development, conduct joint research organise seminars, workshops and the development of AI-centric learning resources.
AIS 2026 also marked another significant milestone with the launch of AICA Level 3, an advanced certification programme designed exclusively for members who have successfully completed AICA Level 2. The programme represents a major step towards strengthening professional competencies and equipping Chartered Accountants to lead in the era of Artificial Intelligence. Building on the success of its six AI-focused publications, ICAI also launched a publication "AI Essentials for Chartered Accountants", a practice Guide for Understanding Artificial Intelligence during the programme.
Addressing the gathering, CA. Prasanna Kumar D President, ICAI , said, "Innovation is redefining every facet of the accounting profession, and Chartered Accountants must lead this transformation with confidence, competence and integrity. Through AIS 2026, ICAI is creating a collaborative ecosystem where technology, governance, and professional excellence converge to empower our members to become architects of India's digital economy and trusted partners in the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Leading from the front, ICAI has trained over 50,000 members in Artificial Intelligence and developed more than 150 GPT-based tools to empower members and streamline professional practice".
The Summit brings together 4,000+ delegates from India and across the world, including government officials, policymakers, regulators, technology leaders, chartered accountants, academicians, startup founders, researchers, students, and professionals. It will feature 50+ distinguished speakers and 50+ AI innovation showcases, highlighting transformative applications of AI and emerging technologies across sectors.
CA. Mangesh Kinare, Vice-President, ICAI , remarked, "The future belongs to professionals who continuously adapt, innovate and create value. AIS 2026 reflects ICAI's unwavering commitment to fostering technological excellence and equipping Chartered Accountants with the capabilities needed to navigate emerging opportunities in an evolving business landscape".
Over two days, AIS 2026 will bring together leading experts from government, industry, academia, global technology firms and the accounting profession for insightful discussions, technical sessions, live demonstrations, and interactive engagements. The Summit will explore key themes including Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, Digital Finance, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, ESG, Blockchain, Automation, and the future of financial reporting and assurance, equipping Chartered Accountants with the knowledge and skills to excel in a technology-driven global economy.
As India accelerates its digital transformation, the AI Innovation Summit (AIS) 2026 reaffirms ICAI's leadership in advancing innovation-driven professional excellence and preparing the Chartered Accountancy profession to meet the opportunities and challenges of the future with agility, ethics, and global competence.
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