1 The main objectives of the training programme include the following: (a) Acquisition of adequate theoretical knowledge: The objectives of the theoretical education meant for the Chartered Accountancy course are – • to impart necessary technical knowledge in relevant fields; • to build up necessary comprehension and analytical skills; and • to inculcate a professional and ethical approach. The primary responsibility of imparting theoretical education rests with the Board of Studies through distance learning mode. Various aspects of theoretical education imparted by Board of Studies include: • Supply of study materials; • Supply of other academic inputs in the form of Revisionary Test Papers, Suggested Answers, Compilation of Suggested Answers of the previous examinations conducted by the Institute, Compilation of question papers set at the previous examinations conducted by the Institute; • Academic updates and supplementary study materials; • Students’ Newsletter; • Case studies; • Virtual classes; • Audio cassettes and Video-CDs; • Self-development Booklet Series; • Guidance through e-mails at uidance@icai.org and individual guidance at BOS Noida and various Decentralized Offices; • Organising oral coaching classes through Accredited Institutes; • Organising crash course in select centres • Lecture CDs covering lectures of various subject experts; • E-Learning. It is also incumbent upon the MIT/Principal to ensure on a day-to-day basis that trainees acquire and assimilate adequate theoretical knowledge with a view to providing strong foundation for building up of a professional chartered accountant. Such a theoretical knowledge can be supplemented by the firm directly by organising group meetings, interfirm/ intra-firm, etc. (b) Developing skills in applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations: A professional accountant is not only required to acquire the necessary theoretical knowledge but also to possess the necessary skill to apply that knowledge to practical problems encountered by him. Practical training, encompassing a sufficient range and depth of work experience, enables a trainee to acquire knowledge and skill by participation in activities performed by professional accountants. The ability to develop solutions to practical problems through application of theoretical knowledge is acquired by the trainees in the course of their practical training. Thus, a training programme must blend theoretical knowledge and practical training. (c) Inculcating a disciplined attitude: Practical training scheme also has the effect of disciplining and conditioning the mind of the trainee so that he gets attuned to the work environment and learns the virtues of patience and methodical work. The sincerity, integrity, objectivity and hard work of individual members of the Institute contribute to the position and prestige of the whole profession. (d) Imbibing due professional orientation: Practical training imparted by a firm of chartered accountants must aim to endow due professional orientation amongst trainees. Apart from virtues of independence and integrity, trainees must imbibe professional orientation towards clients and social consciousness. Ability to communicate and articulate effectively with the client must also be developed as a part of the training programme. (e) Developing ethical values: Practical training also helps the trainees to develop professional competence and related skills as also to acquire certain ethical values and norms expected of professional accountants. Since the trainee, on completion of practical training and on passing the required examination, will become a member of the Institute, it is imperative that he must be acquainted with the role of Chartered Accountants and the Code of Ethics.