Articleship is divided into two phases: the first phase is for 18 months and the second phase is for 15 months. The first phase can be started after passing the Intermediate examination and registering for the Final course. The second phase can be started after completing the first phase and passing the Advanced Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (AICITSS).
On completion of the articleship training, the students are required to submit a certificate in Form 108 to ICAI, which is a proof of their service rendered under a principal (a member of ICAI who engages an articled assistant). Form 108 contains the details of the work done by the articled assistant during the articleship period, such as the name and address of the principal, the date of commencement and completion of articleship, the number of leaves taken, the nature and extent of work done, etc.
How to fill and submit Form 108?
Form 108 can be downloaded from the ICAI website [here]. It has to be filled in by both the articled assistant and the principal. The following steps have to be followed to fill and submit Form 108:
The articled assistant has to enter his/her personal details, such as name, registration number, address, email id, etc.
The articled assistant has to enter the details of his/her principal, such as name, membership number, address, email id, etc.
The articled assistant has to enter the date of commencement and completion of articleship, and the number of leaves taken during the articleship period.
The articled assistant has to enter the details of the work done by him/her during the articleship period, such as audit, taxation, accounting, management consultancy, etc. The articled assistant has to specify the nature and extent of work done in each area, such as statutory audit, internal audit, income tax return filing, GST return filing, etc.
The articled assistant has to declare that he/she has completed the articleship training as per the regulations of ICAI and that he/she has not engaged in any other occupation or course of study during the articleship period.
The principal has to certify that he/she has supervised and guided the articled assistant during the articleship period and that he/she has verified the details furnished by the articled assistant in Form 108.
The articled assistant and the principal have to sign Form 108 at their respective places.
The articled assistant has to submit a copy of Form 108 duly filled in and signed by both him/her and the principal to ICAI within 30 days of completion of articleship. The original copy has to be retained by the articled assistant for future reference.
What are the consequences of late submission or non-submission of Form 108?
Form 108 is a mandatory document for obtaining membership of ICAI. If an articled assistant fails to submit Form 108 within 30 days of completion of articleship, he/she will have to pay a condonation fee as per the following rates:
DelayFees
Upto 30 daysRs. 100/-
Between 31 days - 180 daysRs. 300/-
Beyond 181 daysRs. 1000/-
The condonation fee has to be paid by a demand draft drawn in favour of "The Secretary, The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India", payable at Chennai, Kanpur, Mumbai, Delhi or Kolkata (as per the regional office).
If an articled assistant does not submit Form 108 at all, he/she will not be eligible for membership of ICAI and will not be able to use the designation of CA.
Where to submit Form 108?
Form 108 has to be submitted to the regional office of ICAI under which the articled assistant is registered. The addresses of the regional offices are as follows:
Western India Regional Council: ICAI Tower, Plot No. C-40, G Block, Opp. MCA Ground, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), Mumbai â 400 051.
Southern India Regional Council: ICAI Bhawan, 122, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai â 600 034.
Eastern India Regional Council: ICAI Bhawan, 7, Anandilal Poddar Sarani (Russell Street), Kolkata â 700 071.
Central India Regional Council: ICAI Bhawan, Post Box No. 314, 16/77-B, Civil Lines (Behind Reserve Bank of India), Kanpur â 208 001.
Northern India Regional Council: ICAI Bhawan, 52-54, Institutional Area, Vishwas Nagar, Shahdara, Delhi â 110 032.
Conclusion
Form 108 is an important document that certifies the completion of articleship training by an articled assistant. It has to be filled in and submitted to ICAI within the prescribed time limit and with the required fee. Form 108 is a prerequisite for obtaining membership of ICAI and becoming a Chartered Accountant.
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