CA, CS, ICWA Degree Equivalent To Post-Graduation Degrees: UGC

Harleen Kaur Grewal

New Delhi, March 16, 2021: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has stated that the degrees of Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS) and Cost and Works Accountant (ICWA) will be treated as equivalent to post-graduation. The UGC has recognized CA, CS, and ICWA as equivalent to post-graduation degrees.

In the official order, the UGC said, “UGC received requests from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), Institute of Company Secretary of India (ICSI) and Institute of Cost Accountants of India that the CA granted by them, CS and ICWA degrees should be given the same recognition as post-graduation.”

The UGC further stated in its order, ‘A committee was set up by the UGC to consider the requests. The commission has recognized CA, CS, and ICWA degrees at par with PG degrees, considering the recommendations of the committee.

Welcoming the decision, the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) said, “Based on the memorandum submitted by the institute, the UGC has recognized the qualification of CA as equivalent to a postgraduate degree. This will give the CA profession worldwide recognition. This will give the members of the institute the opportunity to do PhD in commerce and allied subjects. They will be able to move better towards higher education.”