The city branch of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has been making giant strides as an increasing number of students in the region are making Chartered Accountancy their career option.

Set up in 1971 with 25 members, the Vijayawada branch of ICAI has come a long way with 700 members and 20,000 students at present.

Besides conducting continuous professional education (CPE) classes for CAs to keep them updated about the latest changes in the policies and laws, it organises training classes for CA students and helps them in their admission process and examinations. It acts as a bridge between the students and ICAI’s South India Region Council (SIRC) based in Chennai.

“ICAI is known for its high standards and being its branch in Vijayawada, we conduct CPE courses which are mandatory for practising CAs by inviting experts on specific subjects from all over the country. Besides catering to the practising CAs, we impart quality training to students and help them emerge successful in CA course,” said ICAI Vijayawada branch chairman S Akkaiah Naidu.

ICAI Vijayawada branch has become the biggest branch in the state post bifurcation.

Though the institute was established more than 40 years ago, its activity increased only in the past eight years owing to the huge increase in the number of students preferring CA course.

Till date, the institute has conducted orientation classes for 10,850 students. It has conducted Information Technology Training (ITT) for 14,720 students. It has also organised a coaching programme in general management and Communication Skills (GMCS) for 3,000 students. These courses are mandatory.

Naidu says that due to good facilities available at the institute, many students from far off places come here for training.

The institute, which shifted into a new building in 2009, is equipped with a conference hall, a seminar hall and two computer labs, each with a capacity of 40 systems. The institute earns about 6 crores just by holding training classes every year. With more students approaching the institute, the branch is now planning to shift to spacious premises.

“With the number of students enrolling for CA course all set to increase due to bright prospects it offers, we feel more responsible and upbeat. Being the members of this fraternity, it is our responsibility to maintain the high standards set by ICAI and help new students entering the profession. CA course will retain its charm forever as the average annual salary offered to freshers is `7 lakh. We want to do our bit by sticking to high standards,” summed up Naidu.

ICAI Lines Up Activities for CAs Day Today

Vijayawada: Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) Vijyawada branch will celebrate CAs Day Tuesday. The institute has planned various activities. A ‘Go Green’ rally would be taken at 7.30 am from the ICAI Bhavan, Alibaug Street, Governorpet till the sub-collector office and back to the ICAI Bhavan. A blood donation camp would be also be organised on the institute’s premises at 11.30 am. Later, food items and clothes will be distributed at select old age homes and orphanages. A felicitation programme for its members, cultural programmes and family get-togethers will be held at Fortune Murali Park in the evening, informed branch chairman S Akkaiah Naidu in a release Monday.