OBJECTIVE OF THE NEW SCHEME:

The new scheme has emphasized on –

• Instituting a uniform entry level test – the Common Proficiency Test compulsory for all the students joining IPCC/ATC.
• After passing 10th standard examination a student can register for IPCC/ATC with the Board of Studies and prepare for entry level test while pursuing 10+2 level study;
• To encourage young talented students having aptitude for accounting education to make an early entry to the profession;
• Introduction of orientation programme and 100 Hours ITT during 9 months of study course & before appearing in the IPCE/ATE.
• Balanced approach towards theory and training by way of emphasizing commencement of the training after passing Group I of IPCC/ATC curriculum;
• Complementing theoretical education by appropriate modules of practical training;
• Providing quality classroom education through efficient accredited institutions;
• Providing lecutures through Gyan Darshan Channel in colloboration of IGNOU.
• Linking an upgraded Information Technology Training;
• Facilitating additional courses of study during articleship training;
• Globalizing chartered accountancy education through organisation of education and training abroad;
• To help students in acquiring professional ethical values and attitudes; and
• To inculcate analytical ability among the students through case studies.

INTEGRATED PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE COURSE: HIGHLIGHTS

• Improved knowledge of accountancy linked to accounting standards to build strong foundation for developing knowledge of Financial Reporting at the Final stage;
• Inculcating ethical values through a module of Business Ethics;
• Updated knowledge of business communication through modules of developing soft skill, leadership style, group dynamics and developing knowledge of business meetings and legal documents;
• Building knowledge of business strategies, business environment and corporate governance;
• Introducing Service Tax and VAT as special module with the purpose of strengthening knowledge of indirect tax;
• Upgraded module of Information Technology linked to the 100 hours Information Technology Training;
• Upgraded modules of Audit and Assurance, Cost Accounting and Financial Management;
• Imparting basic knowledge of e-filing under the company law leading to development of advanced knowledge of e-governance at the final stage.

ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATION/ REQUIREMENT TO ENTROL FOR ATC/ IPCC:

1. A candidate is eligible for enrolment to any of the level(s) of the Integrated Professional Competence Course (IPCC) on passing the Common Proficiency Test and Senior Secondary Examination (10+2 examination) conducted by an examining body constituted by law in India or an examination recognised by the Central Government as equivalent thereto.
2. A candidate who has already passed Entrance Examination or Foundation Examination or Professional Education (Examination-I) shall be eligible for enrolment to Integrated Professional Competence Course subject to complying with relevant conditions.
3. A candidate who was already registered for erstwhile Intermediate Examination or of Professional Education (Course-II) or Professional Competence Examination cum articleship shall be eligible for enrolment/conversion to Integrated Professional Competence Course subject to complying with relevant conditions.
   
   

Subjects covered in IPCC
Six subjects and Seven Papers of study in IPCC are –

1. Whether a student of Professional competence Course can apply for conversion to Integrated Professional Competence Course?
   Yes. A student of PCC can apply for conversion to IPCC in the prescribed form [can be downloaded from www.icai.org] alongwith prescribed fee [both groups Rs. 6000/- and group I Rs. 5000/-]. Students can obtain the prospectus of IPCC for Rs. 100/- from any nearest Branch office of the Institute.
   
   For example, a student of PCC for being eligible to appear in IPCC in November, 2009, the conversion application form needs to be submitted / received in the office of the Institute on or before 31st January, 2009. Similarly for the May, 2010 examination, the conversion form should be received in the Institute on or before 31st July, 2009.
2. Whether a student of PCC will have to undergo nine months of study course on conversion to IPCC?
   Yes. Irrespective of the period served as articled assistant under PCC scheme of education, a student will have to undergo a study course for a period not less than nine months and complete ITT course and study course within the nine months period in order to be eligible to appear in either group or both groups of IPCC.
   
   It is stated that nine months period will be counted w.e.f. date of conversion / registration to IPCC. It is clarified that any period served under PCC will not be counted for the purpose of nine months study course of IPCC. 
3. When will the Articleship commence under new scheme of IPCC Education, training and examination?The student will be eligible for registration for articleship after passing Group I of IPCC and the period of Articleship will be three years for fresh students registered under IPCC effective from 03rd December, 2010 while the period of Articleship will continue to be 3 ½ years for students converted from PCC to IPCC.
4. Whether any period of Articleship completed by a student under PCC scheme of education, training and examination will be counted under new scheme of IPCC?
   Yes. The period of Articleship will remain 3 ½ years and the period so served as an articled assistant under PCC scheme of education, examination and training, will be reckoned for the purpose of completing 3 ½ years of Articleship under IPCC.
5. Whether the articled assistant needs to take termination before joining IPCC?
   No. An articled assistant will have the option to either continue with the article training as per articled deed already executed or take termination at the time of joining IPCC.
6. Whether the period of Articleship will be reduced from 3½ years under PCC to 3 years under IPCC upon conversion?
   No. The period of Articleship shall remain 3 ½ years even after conversion from PCC to IPCC.
7. When will the attempt become due for appearing in Final examination under IPCC scheme of education after conversion from PCC?
   A student of final examination through PCE route can appear in the final examination only after completion of 3 ½ years of Articleship. Whereas a student of PCE converting to IPCC will be eligible to appear in final examination during the last six months of training and will be required to be in service as on the first day of the month of examination.
8. What is the difference between PCC and IPCC?
   The following table will clarify the difference between the existing Professional Competence Course and the newly launched Integrated Professional Competence Course