Can Pakistani Students Take the CPA USA Exam in India?

The recent announcement by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) that CPA exams are being conducted in India, not only offers immense relief to students, but it also expands the accessibility of the certification to a broader range of international candidates, including those from Pakistan. Before the pandemic, students had to travel to the United States or other countries for the CPA exams, a decision that has now been permanently changed by these governing bodies.

CPA USA Exams in India: The Pandemic's Pivot

During the early days of the pandemic, AICPA and NASBA decided to temporarily conduct CPA exams in India to ensure the continuity of the testing process while minimizing travel risks. The positive feedback from students and the successful implementation of these exams led to the decision to maintain this option even post-pandemic. Starting in June 2020 and extending through December of the same year, CPA exams were administered in multiple Indian cities, with plans to continue doing so, providing a convenient and safe testing environment.

Test Centers in India

The exams are now being conducted at eight Prometric test centers across India. These centers include:

Eligibility and Accessibility

While the main test center locations are in India, the options for taking the CPA exams are not limited to local residents. Citizens or long-term residents from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and the United States can also sit for these exams in India. For Indian citizens or long-term residents residing outside India, the available locations for exams include Bahrain, Lebanon, Kuwait, the UAE, Egypt, and Jordan. In Europe, eligible candidates may take the exams in England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, and other suitable European countries.

The Impact on International CPA Aspirants

Till 2019, CPA exams were not held in India. This decision to include India in their list of testing locations not only addresses the immediate needs of students but also lays the groundwork for a more inclusive global testing environment. The recognition of the diverse needs of CPA aspirants, including those from Pakistan, reflects a shift towards a more flexible and accessible certification process.

The extension of the CPA exam testing center to India is a significant development in the field of global accounting certification. It brings a level of convenience and safety that was previously unavailable to many international applicants. This move is particularly meaningful in the wake of the pandemic, where travel restrictions and health concerns posed significant challenges.

Conclusion

The decision to conduct CPA USA exams in India is a valuable step in making the certification more accessible to a wider audience. It offers a solution to the travel challenges faced by international candidates, including Pakistani students, while ensuring the integrity and reliability of the certification process. As the CPA USA continues to adapt to the evolving needs of the global accounting community, it is likely that we will see further expansions and improvements in the testing ecosystem.