The Code of Ethics, 2026 has expanded the scope of “Management Consultancy and Other Services” under Section 2(2)(iv) of the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 by including the following services: • Forensic Accounting and Investigation • Research Analyst recognized by a regulator • Assessment and evaluation of Social Impact, CSR Impact, Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting, and the like • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Consultancy in areas of services which can be rendered by a Chartered Accountant in practice

Yes, as per the Code of Ethics, 2026 members may upload audio, video and podcasts of educational nature and are permitted to mention the designation “Chartered Accountant” and the contact details i.e., physical address, phone number and email id as well as the name of the firm, wherein the member is a partner/proprietor.

Yes, the Code of Ethics, 2026 expressly permits Chartered Accountants in practice to conduct training courses, seminars, webcasts/webinars. Further, invitations may now be sent to the staff of other Chartered Accountants, clients and others to attend the same. However, undue prominence should not be given to the name of the Chartered Accountant in any booklet or document issued in connection therewith.

The name of the client and nature of assignments can be mentioned in “write-up” subject to following: - •For Non-Exclusive Services: Names of clients and nature of assignments may be mentioned, subject to permission of Client. •For Exclusive Services: Only client names may be mentioned subject to permission of Client.

The Volume-I, Code of Ethics, 2026 has repealed separate guidelines for directory. The “directory” now finds mention in the definition of “Writeup” in the Council Guidelines for Advertisement, 2008. Accordingly, the member in practice is permitted to have his name published in the directory as per the Council General Guidelines for Advertisement, 2008 appearing in Volume-I, Code of Ethics, 2026.

It is not permissible for members and their firms to list themselves with online Application based service provider Aggregators for services which are exclusively reserved for Chartered Accountants. However, there is no restriction on listing for non-exclusive Services. Members may also list themselves on the listing platforms of the Government or Regulator for providing any professional services e.g., GeM portal. Members are encouraged to use the “CA Connect” listing portal on the platform of the Institute.

A Chartered Accountant in practice is allowed to accept teaching assignment in university, affiliated colleges, educational institution, coaching organization, private tutorship, with general/specific permission, provided the direct teaching hours devoted to such activities taken together do not exceed 35 hours a week (earlier 25 hours a week) for entitlement of attest function with effect from 1.4.2026.

Yes, as per the Website Guidelines, appearing in Volume-I of Code of Ethics, 2026, the Chartered Accountant in practice are allowed to mention the following on the firm’s website or the website of a Network or Alliance of firms registered with the ICAI: •Peer Review status; •Audit Quality Maturity Model (AQMM) level, as reviewed by a Peer Reviewer/AQMM Reviewer; and •Affiliation with a Network registered with the Institute.

The term ‘Public Interest Entity’ is defined in Volume-II of Code of Ethics, 2026 as: (a) A listed entity; or (b) An entity, one of whose main functions is to take deposits from the public; or (c) An entity: (i) Defined by regulation or legislation as a public interest entity; or (ii) Having borrowings of `500 crores of rupees or more (to be assessed at both the beginning and end of the year). For purpose of this definition, it may be noted that Banks and Insurance Companies are to be considered as Public Interest Entities. Other entities might also be considered by the Firms to be public interest entities, as set out in paragraph 400.13 and 400.14.

Clause (5) of Part II of the Second Schedule to the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949, provides that a member of the Institute, whether in practice or not, shall be deemed to be guilty of professional misconduct if he acts as an auditor of a company in contravention of the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013.

The objective of this Clause is to uphold the sanctity of the audit process and the statutory obligations attached to the role of an auditor as mentioned under the Companies Act, 2013. Members are therefore required to exercise the highest degree of adherence to statutory requirements while discharging their audit responsibilities.

As per the Volume-II of Code of Ethics, 2026, the provisions relating to NOCLAR (Non-Compliance with Laws and Regulations) for members in practice, is applicable to all listed companies and its “material subsidiaries. Further, the earlier applicability criterion, of Audit engagements of entities, the shares of which are listed on recognized stock exchange(s) in India and have net worth of Rs. 250 crores or more has been removed.

Volume III of the Code of Ethics, 2026, deals with Ethics Standards for Sustainability Assurance, including independence standards. These standards are converged with the International Ethics Standards for Sustainability Assurance, including International Independence Standards, issued by IESBA. The standards prescribe requirements for sustainability assurance providers while performing sustainability assurance engagements. It also includes provisions relating to independence in such engagements. If there are circumstances where laws or regulations preclude a sustainability assurance provider from complying with certain provisions in this Part, those laws and regulations prevail, and the practitioner shall comply with all other provisions. If provisions which are more stringent or additional to those prescribed in this part have been stipulated vide any industry/Sector specific provisions, the said provisions shall be applicable with regard to such industry/Sector.