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 more than 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 AI advanced certification program 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 program is designed for ICAI members who have completed Level 2 certification. The institute has also released a publication titled AI Essentials for Chartered Accountants, a practical guide aimed at helping professionals understand and adopt artificial intelligence.The MoU with Sarvam AI focuses on AI expertise, professional development, joint research, seminars, workshops and the development of AI-centric learning resources for accountants.Union minister highlights AI prioritiesAddressing the meeting, Shekhawat said, “The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India has built a profession founded on financial trust, with Chartered Accountants playing a crucial 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 leading the development of AI. trust.” You don’t just certify a company’s balance sheet; validate and save investor confidence and maintain the nation’s economic confidence.”He also outlined eight priorities for the AI-driven future, including data integrity, eliminating algorithm bias, strengthening cybersecurity, tackling deepfake financial risks, ensuring machine accountability, promoting continuous retraining, enabling agile regulations and advancing climate finance and ESG.
ICAI launches AICA Level 3 and signs MoU Sarvam AI at AI Innovation Summit 2026
Summit focuses on AI and emerging technologiesICAI President CA Prasanna Kumar D said, “Innovation is redefining every aspect of the accountancy 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 enable 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 more than 50,000 members in Artificial Intelligence and developed more than 150 GPT-based tools to empower members and simplify professional practice.”According to ICAI, the summit will feature more than 50 speakers and more than 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 adapt, innovate and create value continuously. AIS 2026 reflects ICAI’s unwavering commitment to foster technological excellence and equip Chartered Accountants with the skills needed to navigate emerging opportunities in an evolving business landscape.”The two-day summit attracted government officials, policy makers, regulators, technology leaders, academics, startup founders, researchers, students and accounting professionals from India and overseas.
