ICAI rumoured to Allow Freedom to Advertise to CAs: Know Current Guidelines
This article provides an up-to-date overview of ICAI’s advertising rules and the potential shift towards permitting CAs to advertise. Members are advised to monitor ICAI communications for the task force’s findings and subsequent regulatory amendments
ICAI is reportedly considering a landmark shift in its long-standing prohibition on professional advertising, with President CA Charanjot Singh Nanda having constituted a task force to review the ban and explore granting Chartered Accountants (CAs) the freedom to advertise their services. This move, if approved, would represent a significant departure from the Institute’s...
ICAI is reportedly considering a landmark shift in its long-standing prohibition on professional advertising, with President CA Charanjot Singh Nanda having constituted a task force to review the ban and explore granting Chartered Accountants (CAs) the freedom to advertise their services. This move, if approved, would represent a significant departure from the Institute’s traditional stance under the CA Act, 1949, which has, for decades, barred CAs from soliciting clients through advertisements. The committee’s inaugural meeting is scheduled for July 2, 2025, marking the first tangible step towards potential regulatory reforms. Until any amendments are formally notified, the existing guidelines issued by the ICAI Council remain fully in force . Below is an overview of the current regulatory framework, the nature of the rumours, and what CAs can and cannot do under the present rules.
Historical Ban on Advertising under the CA Act, 1949
Under Clause (6) of Part I of the First Schedule to the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949, a CA in practice is deemed guilty of professional misconduct if they solicit clients or professional work directly or indirectly by circular, advertisement, personal communication, interview, or any other means . The rationale for this prohibition lies in the principle that a professional should command work by reputation rather than through promotional activities . Clause (7) further prohibits advertising professional attainments or services, or using any designation other than “Chartered Accountant” on professional documents, visiting cards, letterheads, or signboards, unless the designation is a legally recognised academic degree or membership title.
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Rumours of Reform: Task Force and Timeline
On June 30, 2025, FinanceINME reported that ICAI President CA Charanjot Singh Nanda has formed a group to evaluate whether CAs should be allowed to advertise their services, signalling an openness to modernise the profession’s public engagement norms. The committee, composed of senior members and ethical standards board representatives, will deliberate over potential amendments, balancing commercial interests with the need to uphold professional integrity. Their first session, slated for July 2, 2025, aims to establish a roadmap for consultation with stakeholders, including members, regulatory bodies, and consumer groups.
Current ICAI Guidelines on Advertising
Even as the task force reviews the ban, ICAI’s existing “Guidelines for Advertisement for Members in Practice” remain operative. Under these guidelines, any “write-up” used for promotional purposes must adhere strictly to prescribed content and format . Permissible elements include the CA’s name, membership number, professional address, contact details, areas of specialisation, and factual description of services rendered . Members may also include a passport-style photograph and the official CA logo, but must refrain from making comparative claims, testimonials, or exaggerated representations that could mislead the public . Font sizes are capped at 14 points, and no information beyond the specified items may be displayed .
Exemptions and Permitted Communications
Certain communications are exempt from the ban on solicitation. CAs may advertise solely for the purpose of recruiting staff within their own offices, and may place factual announcements—such as changes in partnership, address updates, or empanelment applications—in the press . Responses to tenders, inquiries, and professional work requests issued openly by organisations are allowed, provided the CA does not initiate unsolicited roving inquiries . Furthermore, publication of books, articles, and presentations is permitted so long as the content remains objective and non-promotional.
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Potential Implications for the Profession
If the task force recommends lifting the advertising ban, Indian CAs could leverage mass media, digital platforms, and social media to increase visibility and market reach, aligning with global practices observed in jurisdictions like Canada and the UK. However, any relaxation of rules will necessitate robust guidelines to prevent misleading promotions and preserve public trust in the profession. Stakeholders will closely watch the committee’s report, expected later this year, to assess the balance struck between commercial freedom and ethical safeguards.
Next Steps and Member Preparedness
As ICAI members await formal notification of any policy changes, they should familiarise themselves with the current advertising guidelines and ensure all promotional write-ups comply fully with ICAI Council directives.
The task force’s recommendations will be tabled at the next Council meeting, after which any approved amendments to the Chartered Accountants Act or accompanying regulations will be published in the official gazette. Until then, adherence to existing norms is mandatory, and any deviation may attract disciplinary action.
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