NEW DELHI: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) on Friday inaugurated the two-day AI Innovation Summit (AIS) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, bringing together over 4,000 delegates from India and abroad to discuss the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in accounting, auditing, taxation and governance.During the inaugural session, ICAI launched the AICA Level 3 advanced AI certification programme for chartered accountants and signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with AI startup Sarvam AI to collaborate on AI training, capacity building, research and professional development. Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurated the summit.ICAI launches AICA Level 3, partners with Sarvam AIThe newly launched AICA Level 3 programme is designed for ICAI members who have completed the Level 2 certification. The institute also released a publication titled AI Essentials for Chartered Accountants, a practice guide aimed at helping professionals understand and adopt artificial intelligence.The MoU with Sarvam AI will focus on AI skilling, professional development, joint research, seminars, workshops and the development of AI-centric learning resources for chartered accountants.Union minister highlights AI prioritiesAddressing the gathering, Shekhawat 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 also outlined eight priorities for the AI-driven future, including data integrity, eliminating algorithm bias, strengthening cybersecurity, addressing deepfake-related financial risks, ensuring machine accountability, promoting continuous reskilling, enabling agile regulations and advancing climate finance and ESG.
ICAI launches AICA Level 3 and signs Sarvam AI MoU at AI Innovation Summit 2026
Summit focuses on AI and emerging technologiesICAI President CA Prasanna Kumar D 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.”According to ICAI, the summit features more than 50 speakers and over 50 AI innovation showcases, with discussions covering generative AI, digital finance, data analytics, cybersecurity, blockchain, automation, ESG and the future of financial reporting and assurance.ICAI Vice-President CA Mangesh Kinare said, “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.”The two-day summit has drawn government officials, policymakers, regulators, technology leaders, academicians, startup founders, researchers, students and accounting professionals from India and overseas.
