Pune: ICAI Announces Rs 500-Crore Scholarship Fund, Urges Commerce Education From Class 5 in Maharashtra Schools
Pune, 19th November 2025: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has urged the Maharashtra government to introduce commerce as a subject in the school curriculum from Classes 5 to 10. Western India Regional Council (WIRC) chairman CA Ketan Saiya said on Wednesday that the proposal has received “a positive response” from School Education Minister Dada Bhuse, the education secretary, and MSCERT director Rahul Rekhawar.
Saiya said ICAI has recommended the inclusion of dedicated commerce lessons in school textbooks. “Senior officials have suggested forming a committee of expert chartered accountants to draft the course content. This indicates that commerce could find space in the revised school curriculum,” he said.
He also announced that ICAI has created a ₹500-crore scholarship fund for students pursuing the Chartered Accountancy course, especially those from economically weaker sections. “Students whose parents’ annual income is below ₹5 lakh are eligible. The scholarship is offered without any conditions,” he added.
A delegation of WIRC office-bearers visited several institutions in Pune on Wednesday and later addressed the media at the ICAI Pune branch in Bibwewadi. Those present included WIRC vice-chairman CA Piyush Chandak, secretary CA Jeenal Savla, treasurer CA (Dr.) Fenil Shah, Pune branch chairman CA Sachin Miniyar, Regional Council members CA Abhishek Dhamne, CA Rekha Dhamankar, CA Rajesh Agarwal, and Pune branch office-bearers CA Pranav Apte, CA Nilesh Yeolekar, CA Neha Phadke, CA Sarika Dindokar, CA Pritesh Munot, and CA Nandkumar Jadhav.
Speaking about the CA curriculum, Saiya said specialised online modules are being conducted to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional expectations. “Technology and competition are the two major challenges before the profession. The demand for chartered accountants continues to exceed supply, and more students should consider the course for higher education,” he said.
Pune branch chairman CA Sachin Miniyar said internships are provided to ensure practical exposure, and campus selections are organised through educational institutions. “Although the course is rigorous, students now have three opportunities every year to appear for examinations. The curriculum is revised periodically to keep it industry-oriented and student-centric,” he said.
During the visit, WIRC office-bearers were felicitated with the Puneri pagdi and Ganesh idols.
