ICAI Proposes Higher Minimum Stipend for CA Articles
ICAI Proposes Higher Minimum Stipend for CA Articles Under Draft Amendment Regulations, 2026
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has released the draft Chartered Accountants (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, inviting comments and suggestions from stakeholders before the proposed changes are finalized.
The draft has been published in the Official Gazette in accordance with the provisions of the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949. Stakeholders have 30 days from the date the Gazette is made available to the public to submit their objections or recommendations. All representations received within the prescribed period will be examined by the ICAI Council before the regulations are finalized.
Key Proposal: Increase in Minimum Stipend for Articles
One of the most significant proposals in the draft amendment is the revision of the minimum monthly stipend payable to articled assistants. The revised stipend structure varies according to the population of the city or town where the article training is undertaken.
Proposed Minimum Monthly Stipend
| Place of Training | First Year | Second Year |
|---|---|---|
| Cities/Towns with a population of 20 lakh or more | ₹5,000 | ₹6,000 |
| Cities/Towns with a population of 5 lakh or more but below 20 lakh | ₹4,000 | ₹5,000 |
| Cities/Towns with a population of less than 5 lakh | ₹3,000 | ₹4,000 |
The revised stipend rates are proposed to replace the existing table under Regulation 48(1) of the Chartered Accountants Regulations, 1988.
Protection for Existing Three-Year Articles
The draft regulations also include a transitional provision for articled assistants who were registered under the three-year articleship scheme on or before the commencement of the Chartered Accountants (Amendment) Regulations, 2023.
For such students, principals will continue to pay the minimum stipend as per the rates that were applicable before the 2023 amendment, ensuring that their stipend entitlement remains governed by the earlier provisions.
Effective Date: The proposed amendment is not yet in force. It will become effective only after its final publication in the Official Gazette following consideration of the public feedback received during the consultation period.
Stakeholders Invited to Submit Feedback
ICAI has encouraged students, members, firms, and other interested stakeholders to submit their comments or objections within the prescribed 30-day period. The feedback will be reviewed by the Council before the amendment regulations are finalized.
Conclusion
The proposed revision reflects ICAI’s effort to update the minimum stipend structure for articled assistants in line with changing economic conditions. Since the notification is presently in the draft stage, the revised stipend rates will become legally applicable only after the amendment is finalized and officially notified.
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