Corporate Mitra Scheme 2026: Complete Guide

Corporate Mitra Scheme 2026: Complete Guide to Eligibility, Course, Fees, Training & Certification

1. Introduction

The Corporate Mitra Scheme, announced in the Union Budget 2026–27, is an initiative designed to strengthen India’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by developing a network of trained paraprofessionals known as Corporate Mitras.

Under this programme, eligible candidates will complete:

• A 6-month academic programme consisting of approximately 150 hours of structured online learning, followed by
• A 6-month On-the-Job Training (OJT) programme that provides practical exposure to real business environments and enhances employment prospects.

2. Purpose of the Scheme

MSMEs play a vital role in India’s economic development by generating employment, encouraging entrepreneurship, and supporting inclusive growth. The Corporate Mitra Scheme seeks to create a pool of qualified professionals who can assist these enterprises in meeting their day-to-day compliance and business support requirements.

Corporate Mitras will provide affordable assistance in areas such as:

• Regulatory compliance
• GST compliance
• Accounting and bookkeeping
• Financial guidance
• Cost accounting support
• Secretarial services
• Corporate governance

The scheme particularly aims to extend professional services to enterprises located in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, making quality advisory services more accessible across the country.

3. Objectives

The key objectives of the Corporate Mitra Scheme are:

• Develop a skilled and certified pool of paraprofessionals for MSME support.
• Improve ease of doing business through structured professional assistance.
• Enhance employment opportunities by preparing graduates for industry requirements.
• Standardize training, certification, and professional practices to ensure quality advisory services.

4. Initial Intake

The first phase of the scheme will accommodate 2,000 candidates, including 200 participants from the North Eastern Region, to create a nationwide network of trained Corporate Mitras.

5. Scope

The Corporate Mitra Scheme operates independently and is separate from existing internship programmes, apprenticeship schemes, or student skill-development initiatives implemented by the Central Government, State Governments, or Union Territories.

6. Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy the following conditions:

Age

• Maximum age: 30 years as on the date of application.

Nationality

• Must be an Indian citizen.

Educational Qualification

Applicants should be either:

• Graduates from a recognized university; or
• Students in the final year of graduation.

Final-year students will receive the Corporate Mitra Certificate only after successfully completing their graduation.

7. Course Duration

The programme spans 12 months, comprising:

Academic Learning (6 Months)

• 144 hours of structured online learning.
• 6 hours of webinars or classroom-based sessions.

On-the-Job Training (6 Months)

Practical training will be undertaken with eligible professional firms to provide hands-on industry experience.

8. Course Fee

The registration fee is:

• ₹3,000 plus applicable GST

The fee includes:

• Academic programme
• First assessment attempt
• Certification

No additional charges are payable for the first assessment.

Candidates appearing again for the assessment must pay:

• ₹1,000 plus applicable GST per attempt.

Fee Concession

A 50% reduction in the registration fee is available to:

• Women candidates
• Applicants from North Eastern States
• Applicants from Himalayan States (Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand)
• Applicants from the Union Territories of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep

9. Academic Curriculum

The six-month academic programme will follow the syllabus prescribed in Annexure A and will be delivered entirely through an online learning platform.

10. Evaluation Process

The overall evaluation consists of:

To qualify for certification, candidates must:

• Secure at least 50% overall marks, and
• Successfully complete the prescribed On-the-Job Training.

11. Assessments and Certification

An assessment will be conducted after each academic module, followed by a comprehensive final examination after completion of the academic course.

The study material and assessments will be available in both English and Hindi.

Candidates who successfully complete both the academic programme and On-the-Job Training will receive the Corporate Mitra Certificate carrying the official scheme logo. The certification authorizes them to function as MSME compliance facilitators.

12. Implementation

The scheme will be implemented jointly by:

• The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
• The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)
• The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI)

The SWAYAM Plus Portal will serve as the centralized platform for registration, learning, assessments, training coordination, and overall administration of the scheme.

13. Registration Process

Information regarding the scheme will be published on the websites of:

• Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)
• ICAI
• ICSI
• ICMAI
• SWAYAM Plus

Interested candidates will register through the SWAYAM Plus Portal by submitting the required documents and paying the prescribed registration fee.

14. Selection Procedure

Eligible candidates will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.

During the initial phase:

• 2,000 candidates will be selected.
• 200 seats will be reserved for eligible applicants from the North Eastern Region.

After completing the academic programme, candidates may choose an On-the-Job Training organization from the list of approved firms available on the portal, based on preferred location and qualifications.

15. On-the-Job Training

Training may be undertaken with any eligible professional firm or LLP recognized as a member in practice by ICAI, ICSI, or ICMAI.

Approved firms will be listed on the SWAYAM Plus Portal.

Participating firms will pay trainees a stipend in accordance with the applicable norms prescribed by the respective professional institute.

16. Operational Guidelines

Detailed operational instructions covering registration, academic learning, assessments, and training procedures will be made available on the SWAYAM Plus Portal.

17. Recognition

Outstanding candidates and participating professional firms/LLPs demonstrating excellence in the implementation of the scheme may be recognized and honoured by ICAI, ICSI, and ICMAI.

18. Grievance Redressal

A dedicated online grievance management system will be available through the portal, enabling candidates and participating firms to:

• Submit grievances and queries.
• Track the status of complaints.
• Receive timely resolutions through an online monitoring mechanism.

19. Steering Committee

A high-level Steering Committee constituted by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs will oversee the design, implementation, monitoring, and overall administration of the scheme.

The committee will include representatives from:

• Ministry of Corporate Affairs
• Relevant Government Ministries/Departments
• ICAI
• ICSI
• ICMAI

The committee may revise operational guidelines, eligibility requirements, selection procedures, and communication strategies whenever necessary.

20. Coordination Committee

A Coordination Committee comprising representatives from the three professional institutes will facilitate:

• Development of course content
• Monitoring programme progress
• Resolution of operational issues
• Coordination of On-the-Job Training activities

The committee’s secretariat will function from the Delhi-NCR region.

21. Coordination with Governments

Where required, coordination will be undertaken with State Governments and other public authorities to ensure smooth implementation of the scheme.

22. Awareness and Capacity Building

To encourage participation, extensive awareness campaigns and capacity-building initiatives will be conducted.

Supporting resources available through the MCA, SWAYAM Plus, and the professional institutes will include:

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• User manuals
• Instructional videos
• Information booklets
• Other guidance materials to assist candidates and participating organizations.

Source

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