ICAI Announces Upgrade from DISA 3.0 to DISA 4.0
ICAI Announces Upgrade from DISA 3.0 to DISA 4.0
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), through its Digital Accounting and Assurance Board, has announced the upcoming transition of the Post Qualification Course on Information Systems Audit (DISA) from DISA 3.0 to DISA 4.0.
The new version is aimed at providing members with stronger practical exposure and hands-on skills in emerging areas of technology, audit, cybersecurity and IT risk management.
Key Areas Covered under DISA 4.0
The upgraded course will focus on areas including:
- Information Systems Audit
- Cybersecurity Audit
- IT Governance
- Risk Management
- Application Controls
- Identity and Access Management
- Network Security
- IT Operations
- Third-Party Risk Management
- Incident Response
- Business Resilience
- Compliance
Structure of DISA 4.0
The revised programme will broadly consist of:
| Component | Duration |
|---|---|
| Self-paced e-Learning | 15 hours |
| Live Immersion Sessions | 2 days / 12 hours |
| Physical Practical Training | 8 days |
The launch of DISA 4.0 is expected shortly. New batches under DISA 3.0 will no longer be conducted.
Transition Arrangements for Existing Candidates
ICAI has provided different transition options depending upon the candidate’s current stage in DISA 3.0.
1. Fresh Candidates
New candidates will have to enrol directly under DISA 4.0.
Fee: ₹25,000
The programme will include 15 hours of e-learning, 12 hours of live immersion sessions and 8 days of physical practical training.
2. Existing DISA 3.0 Candidates Who Have Cleared the Eligibility Test
Candidates who have passed the Eligibility Test but have not yet cleared the final Assessment Test will receive a transition window of six attempts, or two years, starting from the launch of DISA 4.0.
They can complete the remaining requirements under the existing DISA 3.0 framework during this period.
Additional fee: Nil
Once the transition period expires, candidates will be required to shift to DISA 4.0.
3. Candidates Who Have Completed DISA 3.0 Classes but Have ET/AT Pending
Such candidates will have two alternatives:
Option 1 – Upgrade to DISA 4.0:
Attend the prescribed 8-day bridge classes, pay an upgrade fee of ₹10,000, and thereafter take the Eligibility Test and Assessment Test under the revised DISA 4.0 syllabus.
Option 2 – Complete DISA 3.0:
Candidates may continue with DISA 3.0 and complete the remaining requirements within two years, without any additional fee.
4. Members Already Qualified under DISA 3.0
Members who have successfully completed DISA 3.0 may opt for the DISA+ Refresher Course for further skill enhancement.
Fee: ₹20,000
The refresher programme is optional and is intended to help qualified members update and strengthen their knowledge and practical capabilities.
Further Details
ICAI will separately announce the detailed information relating to registration, batch schedules, examinations and other operational aspects of DISA 4.0.
Existing candidates should review the applicable transition option and plan their remaining DISA requirements accordingly.
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