ICAI Research Grants: Apply for ₹10 Lakh Funding | Eligibility & Process

Research Committee of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI): The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) offers research grants of up to ₹10 lakh per study through its Research Committee, with applications open year-round. Eligible applicants include ICAI members with at least 10 years of experience or PhD scholars with published research.

Key research areas include GST rationalization, TDS simplification, startup ecosystems, and digital transaction accounting. The selection process involves initial scrutiny, shortlisting, and final approval by the Research Committee. Research projects must be completed within six months, leading to publications, policy discussions, and capacity-building initiatives. Intellectual property rights remain with ICAI, ensuring due acknowledgment to researchers. Applications can be submitted via email at research.project@icai.in.

ICAI Research Grants 2025

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has established a Research Committee to promote and support research in key areas related to the profession. As part of this initiative, ICAI offers a maximum permissible grant of Rs. 10 Lakhs per study, and applications for research grants are open throughout the year.

Research Areas

AUBSP highlights that ICAI has identified several crucial research areas for applicants to explore. These include:

• Bank Branch Audits and NPAs – Analyzing the impact of non-audited bank branches on Non-Performing Assets (NPAs).
• Rationalization of GST Rates – Studying the economic impact and streamlining of Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates.
• Simplification of TDS Provisions – Making Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) provisions easier to understand and implement.
• Obsolete Laws – Identifying outdated laws that are still in force but no longer relevant.
• Tax-to-GDP Ratio – Examining taxation in relation to economic growth.
• Development of North-Eastern States – Researching ways to enhance financial and economic development in the region.
• Start-up Ecosystem – Comparative analysis of start-up environments in India and globally.
• Liquidation Accounting – Understanding the impact of liquidation processes on financial statements.
• Accounting for Digital Transactions – Addressing accounting challenges in the era of digital payments.
• Other Innovative Topics – Subject to approval by the Shortlisting Committee.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the ICAI research grant, applicants must be either ICAI members with at least 10 years of post-qualification experience in professional practice or employment with a reputed organization, or experienced research scholars with a PhD or faculty members from a recognized university or institute of high repute. Additionally, applicants should have published at least one research paper in a referred journal.

However, individuals with less experience may also be considered based on merit. This ensures that only capable and research-oriented professionals contribute to the advancement of the profession through innovative studies.

How to Apply for ICAI Research Grants 2025

To apply for a research grant, candidates must submit:

• A detailed research proposal.
• A time and financial budget.
• A copy of at least one published research paper.
• The proposal should be emailed to research.project@icai.in.

Selection Process for ICAI Research Grants 2025

AUBSP explains the multi-stage selection process, which includes:

• Initial Scrutiny – The Research Committee Secretariat reviews all applications.
• Shortlisting – The Shortlisting Committee selects meritorious proposals.
• Presentation – Selected applicants may be invited for a presentation.
• Final Approval – The Research Committee provides final approval for selected proposals.

Duration and Expected Output

The research must be completed within six months unless a longer period is justified. The anticipated outcomes include:

• Research Reports or Publications.
• Policy-oriented seminars and workshops.
• Capacity building for ICAI members and beneficiaries.

Note that any copyrights, patents, or intellectual property resulting from the research will be owned by ICAI, though due credit will be given to the researcher.

For further details, visit ICAI Research Committee or contact:

Email: research.project@icai.in
Phone: 011-30110435
Address: Secretary, Research Committee, ICAI Bhawan, Post Box No. 7100, Indraprastha Marg, New Delhi – 110002

AUBSP encourages interested researchers to seize this opportunity and contribute to the profession through innovative and impactful research.