ICAI Articleship Rules: A Complete Guide for Aspiring Chartered Accountants

Introduction

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is the apex body responsible for regulating the profession of Chartered Accountancy in India. One of the most crucial stages in the journey to becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) is the Articleship Training, a mandatory practical training component that equips students with hands-on experience in the field of accountancy, audit, taxation, and more.

The ICAI has set forth a detailed framework of rules and guidelines that govern how Articleship is to be pursued. This blog post aims to demystify the ICAI Articleship rules by explaining the eligibility, registration process, working hours, leaves, transfer conditions, stipend norms, and other key components. Whether you're a CA student preparing for your Articleship or a principal looking to understand compliance, this guide provides everything you need in a structured format.

What is Articleship?

Articleship is a three-year practical training program that every CA student must undergo after clearing the CA Intermediate Examination (either both groups or one group under certain conditions). It provides exposure to real-world work under the supervision of a practicing Chartered Accountant, ensuring that the student applies theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.

Eligibility Criteria

When Can a Student Start Articleship?

To be eligible to commence Articleship:

• The student must have cleared both groups or Group I of the CA Intermediate exam.

• The student must have completed Orientation Course and Information Technology Training (ITT).

• A Form 102 (Deed of Articles) and Form 103 (Registration) must be submitted within 30 days of commencement.

Key ICAI Articleship Rules

Working Hours and Duration

Leave Rules

Leaves include:

• Exam leaves

• Sick leaves

• Casual leaves
  Exceeding the leave quota leads to extension of the Articleship period.

Important Forms for Articleship

List of Mandatory ICAI Forms

All forms must be signed by the student and the principal and submitted online via the Self-Service Portal (SSP).

Transfer Rules During Articleship

ICAI Guidelines for Articleship Transfer

Transfers are allowed only during the first year of Articleship without any restriction. After the first year, a transfer can be taken only under specific circumstances:

Permissible Reasons for Transfer (after first year):

• Medical grounds (self or family)

• Relocation of parents or guardian

• Change in principal’s CA firm status (e.g., retirement or closure)

• Industrial training opportunity

• Transfer due to marriage (in case of female students)

The student must:

• Submit a request letter with documentary proof

• Fill and submit Form 109

• Get consent from both the current and prospective principal

Stipend Rules

As per ICAI, every CA student undergoing Articleship is entitled to receive a monthly stipend from the principal. The stipend rates vary depending on the city category and year of training.

Minimum Monthly Stipend Prescribed by ICAI

Industrial Training

CA students in the last 12 to 18 months of their Articleship can opt for Industrial Training in a company or organization approved by ICAI. This training gives exposure to corporate culture and large-scale finance and audit operations.

Key Points about Industrial Training:

• Requires prior approval from ICAI

• Form 104 is to be submitted

• Minimum duration is 9 months; maximum is 18 months

• Usually conducted in the final phase of Articleship

Duties of an Articled Assistant

Here’s a summary of responsibilities assigned to CA Articleship trainees:

List of Articleship Responsibilities

1. Assist in preparing audit reports and verifying financial statements.

2. Work on income tax and GST return filing.

3. Handle accounting entries and bank reconciliations.

4. Engage in internal audit assignments.

5. Perform vouching and verification during statutory audits.

6. Attend client meetings under supervision.

7. Prepare working papers and documentation for assessments.

8. Assist in company law compliances like ROC filings.

Do's and Don'ts During Articleship

DO's:

• Maintain a daily diary/logbook of work done

• Be punctual and maintain professional behavior

• Seek feedback from seniors

• Attend ICAI seminars and workshops

• Ask questions to learn more about the assignments

DON'Ts:

• Take leaves without proper approval

• Engage in part-time jobs or other employment

• Misrepresent work done or work timings

• Violate ICAI’s Code of Conduct

Conclusion

The ICAI Articleship is not just a formality—it's the cornerstone of a Chartered Accountant's practical training. Understanding the rules and expectations associated with this training ensures that CA students can make the most of this phase and avoid compliance issues that may delay their final qualification.

From eligibility and registration to transfer policies and stipend norms, ICAI has crafted a detailed Articleship framework. Following these rules not only ensures professional discipline but also helps students transition from academic learning to real-world financial expertise.

For the best experience, students are encouraged to join firms that offer diverse exposure, maintain a learning attitude, and take full advantage of the structured Articleship pathway created by ICAI.