The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), through its Digital Accounting and Assurance Board (DAAB), launched the inaugural two batches of the Data Protection Compliance & Audit Certification (DPCAC) at the ICAI Centre of Excellence (CoE), Hyderabad.

The programme received an overwhelming response from members, with over 100 registrations from 16 states in its very first offering. In view of the strong participation, two batches were commenced simultaneously, reflecting the growing professional demand in the domain of data protection, governance and digital assurance.

The DPCAC course has been conceptualised in light of the implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, which has introduced a structured compliance framework governing the processing of digital personal data in India. The certification aims to build professional capacity in data protection compliance, governance structures, consent management, technical safeguards and audit methodologies.

On this milestone, CA. Prasanna Kumar D, President, ICAI, emphasised the importance of capacity building in emerging domains such as data protection and digital governance. He said, "DPCAC is a forward-looking initiative designed to build capacity in compliance, digital governance and emerging practice areas such as data protection audits and Virtual DPO services. Through a blend of legal insight and practical application, this certification will strengthen professional competence, enhance stakeholder trust and reinforce the profession's role in nation-building".

Speaking on the occasion, CA. Mangesh Pandurang Kinare, Vice-President, ICAI, stated, "The launch of DPCAC marks an important step in strengthening the profession's preparedness for emerging regulatory frameworks. Data governance is no longer optional; it is integral to organisational accountability. Chartered Accountants are uniquely positioned to provide assurance and advisory services in this evolving landscape, and this programme equips members with the competencies required to lead in this domain".

The three-day programme includes structured modules, application-based use cases and a capstone project, along with assessment mechanisms designed to ensure conceptual clarity and practical competence. With the launch of this course, ICAI reaffirms its commitment to equipping members with future-ready skills aligned with India's rapidly evolving digital and regulatory ecosystem.

Further, ICAI is also developing a comprehensive Information Systems Audit Standards (ISAS) to strengthen audit processes within India's rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. As the first accounting body globally to introduce such standards, ICAI aims to empower Chartered Accountants to deliver world-class digital assurance. The ISAS framework covers IT governance, risk management, internal controls, cybersecurity and digital data protection and notably introduces dedicated auditing standards on cybersecurity and digital data.

These initiative underscores the evolving role of Chartered Accountants in the digital economy. The profession today extends far beyond traditional financial reporting and number-based assurance. Through DPCAC, ICAI reinforces that Chartered Accountants are strategic governance advisors, capable of leading organisations in areas of digital compliance, risk management and regulatory assurance.

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 over 15 Lakh Members and Students, today ICAI is the largest professional accountancy body in the world. ICAI has a wide network of 5 Regional Councils and 186 Branches within India and a global presence with 54 Overseas Chapters and 31 Representative Offices spanning 85 cities across 47 Countries worldwide.