New Data Protection Certification Draws Strong Nationwide Response as ICAI Opens Programme at Hyderabad Centre of Excellence

CA Prasanna Kumar D, President of ICAI, and CA Mangesh Pandurang Kinare, Vice President of ICAI, said the DPCAC initiative aims to build professional expertise in data governance, compliance and digital assurance under India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act.

Hyderabad, March 05, 2026: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India launched the inaugural batches of its Data Protection Compliance and Audit Certification programme at the ICAI Centre of Excellence in Hyderabad through the Digital Accounting and Assurance Board.
The programme recorded strong participation in its first offering, with more than 100 members registering from 16 states across India. Due to the high level of interest, two batches of the certification programme commenced simultaneously.

The Data Protection Compliance and Audit Certification programme has been designed in response to the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, which establishes a structured regulatory framework for the processing and protection of digital personal data in India.
The certification focuses on developing professional capabilities in data protection compliance, governance frameworks, consent management practices, technical safeguards and audit methodologies.

CA Prasanna Kumar D, President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, said the programme represents a forward looking initiative to strengthen professional readiness in emerging areas of digital governance.
“DPCAC is a forward looking initiative designed to build capacity in compliance, digital governance and emerging practice areas such as data protection audits and Virtual DPO services. Through a blend of legal insight and practical application, this certification will strengthen professional competence, enhance stakeholder trust and reinforce the profession’s role in nation building,” said CA Prasanna Kumar D.

CA Mangesh Pandurang Kinare, Vice President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, said the certification marks an important step in preparing professionals for evolving regulatory frameworks related to data protection and governance.
“The launch of DPCAC marks an important step in strengthening the profession’s preparedness for emerging regulatory frameworks. Data governance is no longer optional; it is integral to organisational accountability. Chartered Accountants are uniquely positioned to provide assurance and advisory services in this evolving landscape, and this programme equips members with the competencies required to lead in this domain,” said CA Mangesh Pandurang Kinare.

The three day programme includes structured learning modules, application driven case studies and a capstone project designed to strengthen both conceptual understanding and practical application.
Alongside this initiative, ICAI is developing Information Systems Audit Standards to strengthen audit processes within India’s evolving digital ecosystem. The framework will cover areas such as information technology governance, risk management, internal controls, cybersecurity and digital data protection.
With these initiatives, ICAI continues to expand the role of Chartered Accountants beyond traditional financial reporting into areas of digital governance, regulatory assurance and technology driven risk management.

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