ICAI Prescribes Minimum Fee Structure for CPE Programmes for Chartered Accountants

In a bid to ensure uniformity and financial sustainability of continuing professional education (CPE) programmes, ICAI has prescribed a minimum fee structure for all CPE events organized through its Program‑Organizing Units (POUs). The directive mandates a floor of ₹100 per participant even for short‑duration events, effectively eliminating free programmes by POUs, unless annual membership registration covers the cost. The move is intended to discourage the practice of “free CPEs” which may threaten quality or viability, and to promote responsible cost recovery. The guideline emphasizes that POUs must recover both direct and indirect expenses, and nominal fees should not deter participation. The measure also aligns with prior CPE guidelines requiring self‑financing of programmes. This ensures that CPE events remain sustainable, professionally managed, and less reliant on subsidies, thereby raising overall quality and accountability in the education delivered to chartered accountants.