The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has announced recruitment for 129 Branch In-Charge positions across its five Regional Councils in 2026. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the exam pattern, ICAI Branch In Charge Syllabus 2026, and selection process for candidates applying under the Branch Human Resource Scheme (BHRS).
The ICAI Branch In-Charge Syllabus 2026 is designed to test candidates on administrative, communication, and basic professional skills required for branch operations. The Computer-Based Test (CBT) includes English Comprehension, E-mail Writing, MS Excel, MS Word, General Awareness, and Basic Accounting. English evaluates reading and understanding ability, while email writing checks formal communication skills. MS Excel and Word test practical computer proficiency. General Awareness covers current affairs and organizational knowledge. Basic Accounting focuses on fundamental accounting concepts and principles. The exam is objective-based with descriptive elements (email writing), followed by an interview stage for final selection
ICAI Branch In Charge Recruitment Overview
The ICAI Branch In-Charge Recruitment 2026 offers a permanent position for graduates with relevant work experience. The online application window opened till19 July 2026.
Regional Vacancy Distribution
| Regional Council | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Central India (CIRC) | 42 |
| Western India (WIRC) | 31 |
| Southern India (SIRC) | 29 |
| Northern India (NIRC) | 20 |
| Eastern India (EIRC) | 7 |
| Total | 129 |
ICAI Branch In Charge Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification:
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Graduate from a recognized University, Deemed University, or institution approved by AICTE/UGC
Age Limit:
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27 to 40 years as on 30 June 2026
Work Experience:
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Category I, II, III Branches: Minimum 5 years of post-qualification experience
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Category IV, V, VI Branches: Minimum 3 years of post-qualification experience
Application Fee:
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₹250 (non-refundable) for all categories
ICAI Branch In Charge Selection Process
The selection process consists of two stages:
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Computer-Based Test (CBT) – Written examination
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Personal Interview – For candidates who qualify the CBT
Final merit is prepared by combining marks from both the CBT and interview .
ICAI Branch In-Charge Exam Pattern 2026
The Computer-Based Test is designed to evaluate candidates on communication skills, computer proficiency, general awareness, and basic accounting concepts .
CBT Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Language | English |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) + Descriptive |
| Total Marks | 425 |
| Duration | 180 Minutes (3 Hours) |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | 170 |
Subject-Wise Breakdown
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English Comprehension | 25 | 100 |
| E-Mail Writing | 2 | 50 |
| Intermediate MS Excel | 20 | 80 |
| Intermediate MS Word | 18 | 72 |
| General Awareness | 12 | 48 |
| Basic Accounting | 30 | 75 |
| Total | 107 | 425 |
Key Points About the Exam Pattern
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English Comprehension: Tests reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and understanding of written English
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E-Mail Writing: Descriptive questions assessing professional email composition skills
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MS Excel: Intermediate-level proficiency including formulas, functions, data analysis tools
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MS Word: Intermediate-level skills including formatting, document creation, and editing
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General Awareness: Current affairs and general knowledge relevant to the role
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Basic Accounting: Fundamental accounting principles, terms, and concepts
Skill Sets Required
Candidates should possess the following competencies:
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills
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Proficiency in spoken and written English
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Proficiency in MS Office and relevant computer applications
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Effective managerial, administrative, and organizational abilities
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Strong relationship management and conflict resolution skills
ICAI Branch In-Charge Syllabus 2026 (CBT Exam)
| Section / Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Key Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Comprehension | 25 | 100 | Reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, sentence correction |
| E-Mail Writing | 2 | 50 | Formal email drafting, official communication skills |
| MS Excel (Intermediate Level) | 20 | 80 | Formulas, functions, data analysis, charts, spreadsheets |
| MS Word (Intermediate Level) | 18 | 72 | Document formatting, editing, tables, templates |
| General Awareness | 12 | 48 | Current affairs, business awareness, basic GK |
| Basic Accounting | 30 | 75 | Accounting principles, journal entries, financial basics |
| Total | 107 | 425 | — |
Related CA Syllabus Updates
While the Branch In-Charge recruitment follows a distinct exam pattern, it’s worth noting that ICAI is actively reviewing its CA curriculum. The institute has formed the Curriculum Review and Evaluation Team (CRET) to examine the entire CA syllabus, with a focus on incorporating:
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Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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Data Analytics
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ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)
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Sustainability topics
ICAI President Prasanna Kumar D has emphasized that AI will become essential for CA professionals to survive in both jobs and practice . The CRET committee is expected to complete its recommendations by December 2026.
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