Big Update for CA Students: ICAI Launches Mandatory E-Diary for Articleship Training

In a significant move aimed at strengthening transparency and improving the quality of practical training, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has launched a new digital platform called E-Diary for CA students. The institute has made the use of this E-Diary system mandatory during Articleship training, effective from January 1, 2026.

The announcement was made through an official notification issued on January 8, 2026, detailing the functioning, objectives, and benefits of the platform.

What Is ICAI E-Diary?

The ICAI E-Diary is a digital practical training diary designed for CA Article Trainees, Principals, and ICAI authorities. Developed by the Board of Studies, Student Services Directorate, and ICAI Members, the platform aims to ensure uniform training standards, improve monitoring, and bring complete transparency to the Articleship process.

How Does the ICAI E-Diary Work?

The institute has outlined five key features of the E-Diary system:

• Daily attendance and task records of Article Trainees will be maintained online. Details of stipend payments must also be uploaded and updated within the first 15 days of training.
• Trainees are required to submit work details every 15 days. All mandatory fields must be completed for successful submission.
• The Principal will review, comment on, and approve the entries directly on the platform.
• Students can access past entries at any time, modify them as per the Principal’s guidance, and track approval status online.
• The E-Diary can be accessed using SSP (Self Service Portal) credentials and is linked with Form 109 (termination, if applicable) and ICAI training guidelines for record verification.

Benefits of ICAI E-Diary for CA Students

ICAI President CA Charanjot Singh Nanda stated that the E-Diary serves as a digitally approved and authenticated record of a CA trainee’s practical experience. He emphasized that the platform will help students showcase their expertise while significantly reducing paperwork and administrative delays.

Key Advantages Highlighted by ICAI:

• Ensures uniform quality of Articleship training across the country.
• Enables regular performance monitoring, helping students identify learning gaps and skill development areas.
• Provides digital proof of stipend payments, leave tracking, and timely completion of all Articleship formalities without manual paperwork.
• Saves time, enhances transparency, and helps identify new training opportunities for students.

User Manual Released

To facilitate smooth adoption, ICAI has also released a detailed E-Diary User Manual, offering step-by-step guidance on how to use the platform effectively.

Why This Matters

Articleship training is a mandatory and integral part of the Chartered Accountancy course, providing students with essential practical exposure. With the introduction of the E-Diary, ICAI aims to modernize the training process, ensure accountability, and create a reliable digital record of every CA student’s professional journey.