Hyderabad, 29th September 2026: The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI), a statutory body established under the Cost Accountants Act, 1959, organised a one-day Advanced Skill Training Programme (ASTP) in Hyderabad to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice.
The programme, organised by the ICMAI Hyderabad Chapter, focused on equipping professionals and students with practical, workplace-oriented skills. CMA Chittaranjan Chattopadhyay, President, ICMAI, presented ASTP certificates to the participants, at the valedictory programme held today at FTCCI, Lakdikapul. CMA Dr. K.CH.A.V.S.N. Murthy, Central Council Member, ICMAI; CMA D. Venkata Ram Babu, Chairman, ICMAI Hyderabad Chapter; and CMA Kirti Gupta, Secretary, ICMAI Hyderabad Chapter, graced the occasion.
ASTP strengthens the transition of newly qualified CMAs from academic achievement to professional readiness. The programme complements technical knowledge with practical capabilities, focusing on communication, analytical thinking, presentation skills, problem-solving, corporate etiquette, adaptability and professional confidence. It also aligns with ICMAI’s Campus Placement Programme, helping young CMAs prepare for industry expectations and evolving workplace demands.
Speaking on the occasion CMA Chittaranjan Chattopadhyay said, “The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) is a statutory body established under the Cost and Works Accountants Act, 1959, by an Act of Parliament. With over 130 chapters across India, 10 overseas centres and four Regional Councils, ICMAI is the world’s largest professional body of Cost and Management Accountants, with around 1 lakh qualified professionals and over 7 lakh students pursuing the CMA course. The Hyderabad Chapter of ICMAI, conducted a 12-day Advanced Skill Training Programme (ASTP) to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice, particularly for newly qualified CMAs, professionals and students. The programme focused on developing practical, workplace-oriented skills including communication, analytical thinking, presentation, problem-solving, corporate etiquette, adaptability and professional confidence. ASTP strengthens the transition from academic achievement to professional readiness, enabling CMAs to become industry-ready, technology-ready and future-ready, with the ability to apply their knowledge to real-world business challenges. As part of its long-term commitment to the nation and the profession, ICMAI has adopted Vision 2047, developed in consultation with IIM Ahmedabad, as a strategic roadmap for the growth, transformation and global positioning of the CMA profession. The Institute is also supporting the MSME sector through its Corporate Mitra Scheme. Through initiatives such as ASTP, Vision 2047 and Corporate Mitra, ICMAI continues to strengthen professional capacity while contributing to Viksit Bharat 2047.”
CMA Dr. K.CH.A.V.S.N. Murthy, Central Council Member, ICMAI; said, “With around 5 lakh students currently pursuing the CMA course, ICMAI is committed to aligning its profession with Vision 2047 through both short- and long-term initiatives. Under the Corporate Mitra Scheme, launched by the Finance Minister, Cost Accountants are partnering with the Government to support MSMEs through a one-stop professional solution. Through initiatives such as the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme, ICMAI is creating career opportunities while contributing to national development. Cost Accountants play a vital role across banking, insurance and manufacturing, covering functions ranging from budgeting, cost management and production planning to cost control, variance analysis and corrective action. As part of today’s programme, certificates are being awarded to 400 candidates who completed a 12-day Advanced Skill Training Programme. The training covered soft skills, mock interviews, costing, budgeting, accounting and other workplace-oriented competencies, delivered by experts from industry. In collaboration with FTCCI, industry professionals were brought in to provide practical training, preparing these candidates for employment and professional success.”
CMA D. Venkata Ram Babu, Chairman, ICMAI Hyderabad Chapter; said, “As part of Viksit Bharat 2047, ICMAI launched the Advanced Skill Training Programme to bridge the gap between classroom education and employment. While students gain academic knowledge, they often lack exposure to workplace expectations and job readiness. This programme transforms students into market-ready professionals, building industry confidence and preparing them to contribute effectively to organisations and the nation. The programme trained around 425 students in three batches over 26 days, covering practical and professional skills. Today, certificates are being awarded to the successful participants. Conducted by the ICMAI Hyderabad Chapter under the guidance of Institute President Mr. Chattopadhyay, Central Council Member Mr. Murthy and other leaders, the programme was supported by Secretary Keerthi Gupta and the dedicated chapter team. Such initiatives will continue to prepare the next generation of CMAs for a future-ready India.”