Why the Govt not Pushing for the GST Practitioner Exam?
With GST disputes rising and the Appellate Tribunal active, why is the GST Practitioner exam still not being held when more trained practitioners are clearly needed?
It has been more than five years since the GST Practitioner (GSTP) exam was last held. Since then, there has been no update, no timeline, and no clear answer from the government. The GST AppellateTribunal is now active and GST is becoming more complex; then why is the government still not restarting the GST Practitioner exam?
Another question is accountability. Who is responsible for this delay? NACIN, CBIC, the GST Council, or the Finance Ministry? No authority has publicly explained why the exam has remained inactive for so long. Without clarity on responsibility, the issue continues to drift.
There is also a clear fairness issue. Older practitioners under the pre-GST regime were given multiple chances to qualify during the transition period. New graduates, on the other hand, have not been given even a single chance. Is it fair that an entire generation of aspirants is left without a pathway to enter the profession?
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The GST Appellate Tribunal has created new opportunities. GST practitioners are allowed to represent taxpayers before the tribunal. This opens the door for a new group of GST-focused professionals who understand both compliance and disputes. So why hasn’t the exam been restarted to prepare people for this role?
For small and medium businesses, this gap matters. Most small companies cannot afford expensive lawyers or large firms. A large group of trained GST practitioners would give them affordable and practical support in GST disputes. It would also help reduce pressure on courts and tribunals.
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There are also thousands of young graduates waiting. They have the education and interest, but no exam to complete the process. How long should they wait without clarity?
Is the exam not being held because of administrative challenges? Or has it simply slipped out of focus while the government concentrates on automation and enforcement?
At present, the government has neither cancelled the exam nor restarted it. This silence has created confusion for both aspirants and businesses. A clear decision on the future of the GST Practitioner exam is awaited and would bring so much clarity to aspirants.
Also Read:No GST Practitioner Exam Since 2019: Thousands Affected as They Lose GSTAT Practice Opportunities
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