ICAI Announces President and Vice-President Appointments for 2026-27 Council Year

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India has declared the appointment of its top leadership positions for the upcoming term. The 26th Council convened to select the office bearers who will guide the professional body through 2026-27. CA. Prasanna Kumar D assumed the position of President, while CA. Mangesh Pandurang Kinare took charge as Vice-President, both appointments becoming effective from February 12, 2026.

This transition in leadership was formally communicated by the Public Relations Committee on February 12, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the governance structure of India's premier accountancy institution.

Background of ICAI

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India represents a cornerstone institution in India's professional landscape. Constituted under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949, it functions as a statutory entity brought into existence through parliamentary legislation. The primary mandate entrusted to this body encompasses the regulation and advancement of the Chartered Accountancy profession throughout the nation.

Operating under the oversight of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, ICAI has evolved into the world's most extensive professional accountancy organization. The Institute's membership and student enrollment exceed 15 lakh individuals, establishing its position as a global leader in accounting education and professional development.

The institutional framework extends across India through 5 Regional Councils complemented by 185 branches, ensuring comprehensive coverage throughout the country. Beyond national borders, ICAI maintains an impressive international footprint with 54 overseas chapters and 31 representative offices distributed across 85 cities in 47 countries worldwide, facilitating global professional engagement and knowledge exchange.

Profile of CA. Prasanna Kumar D - 74th President

CA. Prasanna Kumar D assumes the distinguished position as the 74th President of ICAI for 2026-27. His qualification as a Chartered Accountant dates back to 1984, and his Fellowship with ICAI underscores more than forty years of substantial professional engagement and contribution to the accountancy field.

Early Professional Engagement

His involvement with institutional development commenced through student-focused activities with SICASA, demonstrating an early commitment to professional growth and community building. This foundation led to his appointment as Chairman of the Visakhapatnam Branch of ICAI during 2001-02, where he concentrated efforts on strengthening professional collaboration and developing organizational capacity at local levels.

Regional Leadership Contributions

Between 2007 and 2016, he dedicated his expertise to the Southern India Regional Council (SIRC), culminating in his role as Chairman during 2013-14. This tenure witnessed enhanced regional outreach programs, comprehensive professional development frameworks, and increased member engagement across southern states.

Central Council Tenure

His service on the Central Council spans two consecutive terms (24th and 25th Councils), with continued membership in the current 26th Council. Throughout these periods, he has assumed chairmanship of multiple critical committees, driving initiatives centered on institutional fortification, governance excellence, and member welfare enhancement.

Government Representation

His expertise has been recognized through appointment as ICAI's representative on the Regional Direct Tax Advisory Committee, Hyderabad for three consecutive periods: 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26. These responsibilities involved providing substantive recommendations for improving operational processes in government auditing mechanisms.

Vice-Presidential Achievements

During his term as Vice-President in 2025-26, CA. Prasanna Kumar D oversaw remarkable progress in the Chartered Accountants Benevolent Fund (CABF). The fund achieved exceptional performance metrics, accumulating contributions totaling ₹6.09 crore while disbursing ₹2.24 crore in financial assistance to families within the professional community requiring support, demonstrating robust institutional solidarity.

Regulatory and Policy Appointments

His portfolio of appointments in 2025-26 reflects the breadth of his expertise across multiple regulatory domains: