The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has proposed the introduction of commerce as a subject for students from Classes V to X in Maharashtra, aiming to strengthen financial literacy and build a strong academic foundation before students choose their streams after Class X.
The proposal has been submitted to the state’s school education department and is currently under review. Officials from the Maharashtra State Council of Educational Research and Training (MSCERT) said that ICAI will be required to submit a detailed curriculum plan, which will then be evaluated before a final decision is taken. At present, students can opt for commerce only after completing Class X.
Ketan Saiya, chairman of the Western India Regional Council (WIRC) of ICAI, stated that the response from government officials has been encouraging. “Senior officials have advised forming a committee of expert chartered accountants to draft the course content. This shows the possibility of commerce becoming part of the revised school curriculum,” he said. Saiya also mentioned that no similar proposal has been made to any other state yet, and if implemented successfully in Maharashtra, the initiative could serve as a national model.
In addition to proposing curriculum changes, ICAI announced a ₹500-crore scholarship fund to support students pursuing the chartered accountancy course, particularly those from economically weaker families. Students whose parents earn below ₹5 lakh annually are eligible, and the scholarship carries no conditions.
During a visit to several institutions in Pune, ICAI representatives highlighted ongoing efforts to bridge gaps between academic learning and professional expectations. Saiya said that specialised online modules have been introduced to help students adapt to emerging challenges in the CA field. Despite rising competition and rapid technological changes, he stressed that the demand for chartered accountants continues to outpace supply.
