• CoE Kolkata inaugurated in Rajarhat, Kolkata will have specialized research centre
• The Centre will provide practical training and state-of-the-art facilities to conduct advanced research
Staff Reporter : Kolkata, 8th February 2025: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) inaugurated its third Centre of Excellence in Kolkata on Friday. Located in the serene expanse of Rajarhat, this state-of-the-art center spans 2.092 acres of lush green cover and is in close proximity to reputed Universities and Metro. The CoE will have a specialized research center with advanced facilities to facilitate research professional development and continuous learning.
The first phase of construction covers 65,000 sq. ft. built with an initial investment of ₹50 crore. Designed to foster cutting-edge research and skill enhancement, the CoE is equipped with advanced infrastructure to shape the future of accountancy and finance. The second phase will have a modern residential campus accommodating over 400 students, promote community living and facilitate immersive, on-site research, making it a one-of-a-kind knowledge hub for the profession.
On this occasion CA. Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal, President, ICAI, said, “ICAI is committed to position India as a global accounting and finance hub. Towards this vision, we have inaugurated the Centre of Excellence in Kolkata, our third CoE after Hyderabad and Jaipur. The Rajarhat campus will have a world-class infrastructure with modern facilities that would facilitate excellence in teaching, research, consulting and other professional activities. Equipped with world-class infrastructure, cutting-edge technology and a well-stocked digital library. This CoE will serve as a beacon of knowledge, innovation, and growth for our stakeholders.”
The research centre will conduct in-depth studies on critical topics such as budgets, certification practices by CAs, financial literacy and inclusion, policymaking, and the intersection of good governance with ease of doing business. Insights from these research initiatives will be shared with the Government, reinforcing ICAI’s commitment to being a trusted partner in national progress and development. These CoEs will also offer customised courses for professionals and Executive Programs for working executives.
CA. Charanjot Singh Nanda, Vice President, ICAI said, “The main objective behind having these Centre Of Excellence is to provide world-class academic training and introduce specialized courses in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Forensic Accounting, Sustainability Reporting, and more. These centres will serve as hubs for in-depth research on critical topics of national significance, driving innovation and thought leadership in the profession.”
In addition to this, ICAI has 2 Centres of Excellence (CoE’s) at Hyderabad and Jaipur and plans to open 8 more CoEs across the country in the next 3 years to develop an environment of Research, Innovation and Skill-building.
ICAI envisions taking a leadership role in research on the Tax-to-GDP ratio, recognizing its crucial impact on economic policy and growth. The financial sector plays a pivotal role in economic development, as businesses rely on expertise in accounting, taxation, and financial management to thrive. To equip future professionals with the skills needed to navigate industry challenges, ICAI offers comprehensive training in these fields.
In alignment with this vision, the Council has also approved the Policy Document for the Centre of Excellence (CoE), reinforcing its commitment to advancing research, education, and professional excellence. This Policy Document outlines the vision, mission, goals, objectives, governing structure, action plan and monitoring benchmark for ICAI – Centre of Excellence. It also encapsulates efforts to facilitate research, teaching and learning, training, dialogue with stakeholders, and other strategic planning to cultivate talent, conduct advanced research, and disseminate knowledge.
The CoE will serve as a transformative hub, benefiting not only ICAI members but also students, providing them with cutting-edge training and exposure and equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their academic and professional journeys, ultimately shaping them into key contributors to nation-building.
About ICAI
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is a statutory body set up by an Act of Parliament under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 for the regulation and development of the profession of Chartered Accountancy in India. The Institute functions under the administrative supervision of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. With around 9.85 lakh students and over 4 lakh members, today ICAI is the largest professional accountancy body in the world. ICAI has a wide network of 5 Regional Councils and 177 Branches within India and a global presence with 52 Overseas Chapters and 29 Representative Offices spanning 81 cities across 47 Countries worldwide.
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