Corporate Mitra Scheme 2026: Complete Guidelines, Eligibility, Fees and Training Details

The Corporate Mitra scheme was announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget for 2026-27. Recently, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs has issued detailed operational guidelines for the scheme. Let’s go a little deeper into the key highlights of these guidelines.

What is the Corporate Mitra Scheme?

The Corporate Mitra Scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2026-27. It is a training program that prepares young graduates to help Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with business and legal compliance work.

Participants will complete:

• 6 months of online learning
• 6 months of practical on-the-job training

After successfully completing both, they will receive a Corporate Mitra Certificate.

Why was this scheme introduced?

MSMEs are very important for India’s economy because they create jobs and promote business growth.

Many small businesses need help with GST, Accounting, Company law compliance, Financial guidance, Cost accounting and Secretarial work.

Corporate Mitras will provide these services at an affordable cost, especially in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, where professional services are less available.

Main Objectives

The scheme aims to:

• Train skilled Corporate Mitras to support MSMEs.
• Make it easier for MSMEs to follow government rules.
• Improve employment opportunities for graduates.
• Provide standardized training and certification so businesses can trust Corporate Mitras.

Number of Candidates

Initially, the scheme will train 2,000 candidates; out of these, 200 seats are reserved for candidates from the North-East Region.

Who Can Apply?
Age: Maximum 30 years on the date of application.
Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen.

Educational Qualification

Applicants should be:

• A graduate from a recognized university, or
• A student in the final year of graduation.

(Final-year students will receive the certificate only after completing graduation.)

Course Duration

Total duration: 12 months

1. Academic Course (6 Months)

It includes 144 hours of online learning and 6 hours of webinars or classroom sessions

Total learning time = 150 hours

2. On-the-Job Training (6 Months)

Candidates will work in professional firms to gain practical experience.

Registration Fee is Rs 3,000 + GST

This fee includes:

• Academic course
• First assessment
• Certification

If a candidate has to appear again for the assessment, then the fee is Rs 1,000 + GST
50% Fee Discount

The fee is reduced by 50% for:

• Women candidates
• Candidates from the North-East states
• Candidates from Himalayan states (Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand)
• Candidates from Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep
• Course Subjects

The online course covers topics such as the following:

1. GST
2. Accounting
3. Financial guidance
4. Cost accounting
5. Company law compliance
6. Secretarial services
7. Corporate governance
8. How Will Candidates Be Evaluated?

Marks will be given as follows:

10% – Module-wise assessments
50% – Final examination after the academic course
40% – Performance during on-the-job training

To receive the certificate, candidates must:

• Score at least 50% overall, and
• Successfully complete the on-the-job training.
• Assessment and Certificate
• Tests will be conducted after every module.
• A final test will be held after completing the academic course.
• The course will be available in English and Hindi.

After passing all requirements, candidates will receive a Corporate Mitra Certificate.

This certificate allows them to work as MSME compliance facilitators.

Who Will Conduct the Scheme?

The scheme will be jointly implemented by:

1. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
2. The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)
3. The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI)

The entire program will be managed through the SWAYAM Plus Portal.

Registration Process

Interested candidates must:

Step 1: Register on the SWAYAM Plus Portal.
Step 2: Upload the required documents.
Step 3: Pay the registration fee online.
Step 4: Begin the online self-paced course.

Selection Process

Admission will be on a First Come, First Served basis.
Initially, 2,000 eligible candidates will be selected.

Choosing On-the-Job Training

After completing the academic course, candidates can choose a training firm based on city/location,
qualification requirements and personal preference

Training can be done in professional firms or LLPs recognized by ICAI, ICSI and ICMAI.

Stipend

Professional firms providing training must pay candidates at least the minimum stipend prescribed by ICAI, ICSI, or ICMAI.

Best Performance Awards

The three professional institutes will recognize and reward:

• Outstanding Corporate Mitra candidates
• Best firms providing training
• Grievance Redressal

If candidates or firms face any issues, they can submit complaints through the online portal.

The portal will provide complaint tracking, status updates, timely resolution and monitoring of the Scheme.

The scheme will be supervised by:

1. Steering Committee

A committee formed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), other government departments, and the three professional institutes.

It will oversee scheme implementation, policy changes, eligibility criteria and communication strategy

2. Coordination Committee

A committee of ICAI, ICSI, and ICMAI that will:

• Coordinate course development
• Monitor progress
• Help arrange on-the-job training
• Awareness and Support

To help candidates understand the scheme, the portal will provide FAQs, user manuals, instructional videos, information brochures and other guidance materials.