The Digital Accounting and Assurance Board (DAAB) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has announced the transition of its Post Qualification Course on Information Systems Audit (DISA) from DISA 3.0 to DISA 4.0. The upgraded programme is designed to equip ICAI members with stronger practical skills in areas such as information systems audit, cybersecurity, technology risks and emerging digital technologies.
What to Expect Under DISA 4.0
The revised DISA 4.0 programme will include 15 hours of self-paced e-learning, 12 hours of live immersion sessions spread over two days, and eight days of physical practical training. The new programme is expected to be introduced shortly, after which fresh batches under DISA 3.0 will no longer be conducted.
The updated curriculum will cover a wide range of technology and audit-related subjects, including Information Systems Audit, Cybersecurity Audit, IT Governance, Risk Management, Application Controls, Identity and Access Management, Network Security, IT Operations, Third-Party Risk, Incident Response, Business Resilience and Compliance.
Transition Arrangements for Existing DISA 3.0 Candidates
ICAI has introduced specific transition provisions for candidates who are already enrolled in DISA 3.0.
New candidates will be enrolled directly into DISA 4.0. The proposed fee for the complete revised programme is ₹25,000.
Candidates under DISA 3.0 who have cleared the Eligibility Test but are yet to pass the Final Assessment Test will be allowed to continue under the existing framework for a transition period of six attempts or two years from the launch of DISA 4.0, whichever applies under the announced framework. No additional fee will be charged during this transition period. Once the transition period ends, candidates will have to shift to DISA 4.0.
Those who have completed their DISA 3.0 classes but are yet to clear the Eligibility Test and Assessment Test will have two options. They may migrate to DISA 4.0 by completing eight-day bridge classes, for a proposed fee of ₹10,000, or they may continue with DISA 3.0 and complete the requirements within two years without paying any additional fee.
Members who have already qualified DISA 3.0 will also have the opportunity to further update their skills through the DISA+ Refresher Course. The refresher programme will be optional and is proposed to carry a fee of ₹20,000.
Registration and Examination Schedule
ICAI has clarified that further details relating to registration, batch schedules, examinations and other operational aspects will be communicated separately.
Members and candidates currently pursuing DISA have been advised to review the transition provisions and accordingly decide whether to complete DISA 3.0 under the existing framework or move to the upgraded DISA 4.0 programme.
The announcement by ICAI’s Digital Accounting and Assurance Board (DAAB) marks the next phase in the evolution of the DISA qualification, with greater emphasis on practical IT audit capabilities, cybersecurity, technology risk management and the changing requirements of the digital business environment. CASansaar