ICMAI Seeks CMAs Suggestions on Advertisement & Promotional Norms to Enhance Global Competitiveness
The proposed framework is slated to provide CMAs with greater professional visibility while preserving ethical standards
The proposed framework is slated to provide CMAs with greater professional visibility while preserving ethical standards.
The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) has invited public comments and suggestions on the Guidelines for Advertisement, 2025 for Members in Practice, as part of the institute’s efforts to strengthen the global competitiveness of Cost and Management Accountants (CMAs) while maintaining established standards of ethics.
The move comes at a time when the Government is engaged in discussions to build a broader consensus around the concept of Multi-Disciplinary Partnerships (MDPs). It is in line with these deliberations that proposals to permit Indian professionals to undertake advertising and promotional activities to enable them to effectively compete with international professional firms are being floated.
Key Features of the Draft Guidelines
The Draft Council Guidelines for Advertisement, 2025, which has been issued under clause [7] of Part I of the First Schedule to the Cost Accountants Act, 1959, lays down a comprehensive framework governing advertising and promotional activities by CMAs and CMA firms.
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The draft permits CMAs to undertake professional advertising through websites, social media platforms, professional write-ups, seminars, conferences, media appearances and sponsorship of events, subject to strict safeguards. The draft emphasises on the dissemination of truthful, non-misleading communication only, and prohibits exaggerated claims, testimonials, fee advertising, guarantees of results or claims of professional superiority.
The guidelines also prescribe detailed norms for the use of firm logos and the ICMAI logo, regulate associations with aggregators and third-party platforms, mandate website disclaimers, and restrict solicitation-based promotional practices. Any violation of the guidelines would constitute professional misconduct under the Cost Accountants Act, 1959.
The Council approved the Exposure Draft of the Guidelines for Advertisement, 2025 for public consultation following its 364th meeting held on 8th and 17th December 2025.
Stakeholders have been invited to submit their comments and suggestions within 15 days from the date of release of the draft.
The final guidelines will be formulated after examining the feedback received during this consultation period.
How to Submit Suggestions?
ICMAI has requested stakeholders to submit clause-wise suggestions in the prescribed format via email at technical@icmai.in
The Institute has emphasised that stakeholder feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the final framework and aligning the CMA profession with global best practices.
The complete Draft Council Guidelines for Advertisement, 2025 has been attached to this story for readers to examine in detail before submitting their comments.
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