English proficiency test and general economics will be part of syllabus for the common proficiency test (CPT), the first of three examinations of Chartered Accountant Course.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has proposed the changes in syllabus for CPT and it will be introduced in 2016, said Babu Abraham Kallivayalil, chairman, Continuous Professional Education Committee of ICAI.

Babu was delivering presidential address at 'Jnana Deevige', a national conference of ICAI, on Friday. "We have proposed changes in syllabus for the CPT of CA course by introducing English proficiency test and general economics tests in it. Proficiency of English plays major role in chartered accountants' profession. All over the world, there is much demand for chartered accountants. However, we found lack of reasonable level of English proficiency even in toppers of CA course. Hence, the curriculum will have lot of changes to make chartered accountants proficient in English and general economics," he said adding that the first foundation course involving the changed syllabus will be held in November 2016.

"We have proposed to rename CPT as foundation course, which will have four question papers of 100 marks each. English proficiency, general economics and logic will be one of the four papers. General knowledge of economics and English grammar will be focused in the descriptive paper," he said.

The central council of the ICAI has approved changes in the syllabus and it was sent to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs for approval, Babu said adding, "Once the ministry approves it, we will place the new syllabus for public comments for 45 days before it is being gazetted."