Corporate Mitra Scheme is an initiative announced in the Union Budget 2026-27 by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India that creates trained and certified paraprofessionals called Corporate Mitras to provide affordable compliance support to MSMEs across India, primarily in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Course fee is Rs. 3,000 + GST.
Corporate Mitra Scheme Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Corporate Mitra Scheme |
| Implementing Ministry | Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India |
| Professional Institutes | ICAI, ICSI, ICoAI, and IIT Madras (MoU signed 25 June 2026) |
| Target Beneficiaries | Indian national graduates and final year students up to 30 years |
| Age Limit | Up to 30 years on the date of application |
| Minimum Qualification | Graduated from any recognised university – any stream |
| Total Course Duration | 12 months |
| Academic Course | 6 months – 144 hours online + 6 hours webinar or physical |
| On-the-Job Training | 6 months – at professional firms or LLPs |
| Stipend During Training | Minimum stipend as per ICAI/ICSI/ICoAI norms |
| Course Fee | Rs. 3,000 + applicable GST |
| Fee Concession | 50% for women, North-East, Himalayan regions, Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep |
| Subsequent Assessment Fee | Rs. 1,000 + applicable GST |
| Minimum Passing Percentage | 50% |
| Evaluation | Module assessments 10% – Final assessment 50% – On-job training 40% |
| Certification | Corporate Mitra Certificate – issued by ICAI, ICSI, ICoAI |
| Medium of Instruction | English and Hindi |
| First Round Intake | 2,000 candidates, including 200 from the North East Region |
| Selection Basis | First-come, first-served |
| Focus Area | Tier-II and Tier-III cities |
| Application Portal | swayamplus.gov.in |
| Official Portal | mca.gov.in |
| Contact Email | icaicorporatemitra@icai.in |
Introduction of Corporate Mitra Scheme: A Brief Insight
India has over 7.47 crore MSMEs employing more than 32.82 crore people – the second largest employer after agriculture. Yet most of these small businesses struggle daily with regulatory compliance, GST filings, accounting, and secretarial requirements. Hiring a CA or consultant is expensive and often not viable for small enterprises in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. This compliance gap slows down MSME growth and increases their cost of doing business. To solve this problem, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Corporate Mitra Scheme in the Union Budget 2026-27 on 1 February 2026.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs implements the scheme in collaboration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICoAI), and IIT Madras, which formalised the collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding on 25 June 2026. The scheme creates a dedicated cadre of trained and certified paraprofessionals called Corporate Mitras who provide affordable compliance support to MSMEs, particularly in Tier-II and Tier-III cities across India.
The scheme is open to Indian nationals up to 30 years of age who are graduates or final year graduation students from any stream. Selected candidates undergo a 12-month programme – 6 months of online academic course (144 hours) on the Swayam Plus Portal followed by 6 months of on-the-job training at professional firms with a minimum stipend. Course fee is Rs. 3,000 + GST with a 50% concession for women candidates and candidates from North-Eastern regions, Himalayan regions, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep.
Only 2,000 candidates will be enrolled in the first round – including 200 from the North East Region – on a first-come, first-served basis. Successful candidates receive a Corporate Mitra Certificate issued jointly by ICAI, ICSI, and ICoAI, qualifying them to function as MSME compliance facilitators. Evaluation covers module-wise assessments (10%), final assessment (50%), and on-the-job training assessment (40%) – minimum 50% required to pass. Academic modules are available in both English and Hindi.
Graduates who want to explore other central government skill and employment programmes can check the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, which provides free NSQF-linked skill training and certification to youth across India in multiple industry sectors. MSMEs looking for financial support to grow their business can explore the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, which provides collateral-free loans up to Rs. 10 lakh through empanelled banks for setting up or expanding small businesses across India.
Graduates, students, and anyone looking for more employment, skill development, and youth welfare schemes available under the Central Government can explore all available programmes on our List of Central Government Schemes page.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, provides the following benefits to selected candidates under the Corporate Mitra Scheme:
Academic and Certification Benefits
- 12-month structured programme – 6 months academic course plus 6 months on-the-job training
- Academic modules available in English and Hindi
- Corporate Mitra Certificate issued by ICAI, ICSI, and ICoAI upon successful completion – enables the holder to function as an MSME compliance facilitator
- Mentorship from experienced professionals at ICAI, ICSI, ICoAI, and IIT Madras
On-the-Job Training Benefits
- Practical exposure in professional firms and LLPs recognised by ICAI, ICSI, or ICoAI
- Freedom to choose an on-the-job training firm by preference of city and qualification
- Minimum prescribed stipend paid by the professional firm during on-the-job training as per ICAI/ICSI/ICoAI norms
Fee Concession
- 50% fee concession for women candidates
- 50% fee concession for candidates from North-Eastern regions – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura
- 50% fee concession for candidates from the Himalayan regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand
- 50% fee concession for candidates from Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep
Employment and Recognition
- High placement opportunities in MSMEs across India, particularly in Tier-II and Tier-III cities
- ICAI, ICSI, and ICoAI will recognise and award the best-performing candidates and firms engaged in on-the-job training
- Access to the grievance redressal system on the Swayam Plus portal with real-time tracking
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has defined the following eligibility conditions for the Corporate Mitra Scheme:
- Must be an Indian National
- Age must be up to 30 years on the date of application submission
- Must be a Graduate from any recognised university – no specific stream or subject required
- Students currently in their final year of graduation are also eligible, the Corporate Mitra Certificate will be issued only after successful completion of graduation
Who Is Not Eligible
- Applicants above 30 years of age
- Non-Indian nationals
- Applicants who have not completed or are not currently enrolled in graduation requirements
Documents Required to be Attached
Candidates must upload the following documents while registering for the Corporate Mitra Scheme on the Swayam Plus Portal at swayamplus.gov.in. The course fee of Rs. 3,000 + applicable GST must also be paid online at the time of registration:
- Educational qualification proof – graduation degree certificate or proof of final year enrollment
- Age proof confirming age is up to 30 years on the date of application
- Nationality proof confirming Indian citizenship
- Aadhaar Card or other valid identity proof
- Photograph of the applicant
- Documents supporting 50% fee concession, if applicable and proof of being a woman candidate, domicile certificate for North-Eastern regions, Himalayan regions, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, or Lakshadweep
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
Corporate Mitra Scheme accepts registrations online only through the Swayam Plus Portal at swayamplus.gov.in. Selection is on a first-come, first-served basis – only 2,000 candidates will be enrolled in the first round, including 200 from the North East Region. Apply early to secure your seat.
Step 1: Visit mca.gov.in or the websites of ICAI, ICSI, or ICoAI for scheme information and the registration link. You will be redirected to the Swayam Plus Portal at swayamplus.gov.in to complete your registration.
Step 2: Register on the Swayam Plus Portal by uploading all required documents, graduation certificate or final year enrollment proof, age proof, identity proof, photograph, and domicile certificate if claiming 50% fee concession.
Step 3: Pay the course fee of Rs. 3,000 + applicable GST online during registration. Women candidates and candidates from North-Eastern regions, Himalayan regions, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep pay Rs. 1,500 + applicable GST after the 50% concession.
Step 4: After successful registration, access the online self-paced academic course on the Swayam Plus Portal. Complete 144 hours of structured online learning plus 6 hours of webinar or physical sessions over 6 months. Academic modules are available in both English and Hindi.
Step 5: After each academic module, appear for the module-wise assessment test. After completing all modules, appear for the final assessment test. A minimum passing percentage of 50% is required. If you fail the assessment, appear again by paying Rs. 1,000 + applicable GST for subsequent attempts.
Step 6: After completing the academic course, select your preferred on-the-job training firm or LLP from the list available on the Swayam Plus Portal. You can choose based on your preferred city and qualifications. The selected professional firm will pay you a minimum stipend as per ICAI/ICSI/ICoAI norms during the 6-month training period.
Step 7: After successfully completing 6 months of on-the-job training and being assessed by the professional firm, receive your Corporate Mitra Certificate issued with the Corporate Mitra logo. This certificate qualifies you to function as an MSME compliance facilitator across India – particularly in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
For operational guidelines, FAQs, user manuals, and instructional videos, visit swayamplus.gov.in or mca.gov.in. For queries, contact the Secretariat, Corporate Mitra, ICAI Bhawan, Noida at icaicorporatemitra@icai.in.
What Work Does a Corporate Mitra Do – Services They Can Offer to MSMEs
After receiving the Corporate Mitra Certificate, a certified Corporate Mitra can provide the following services to MSMEs – primarily in Tier-II and Tier-III cities:
- GST registration, filing, and compliance guidance
- Accounting and bookkeeping support
- Financial guidance and planning assistance
- Cost accounting and management support
- Regulatory compliance assistance
- Secretarial services and corporate governance support
- Assistance with government scheme applications and documentation
- Support in meeting statutory and legal compliance requirements
Important Links Available
- Ministry of Corporate Affairs Official Portal – Corporate Mitra Scheme Guidelines
- Swayam Plus Portal – Register for Corporate Mitra Scheme
- Corporate Mitra Scheme – MyGov Official Page
- Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
- Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)
- Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICoAI)
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
- Ministry: Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India
- Secretariat: Corporate Mitra Secretariat, ICAI Bhawan, Noida
- Email: icaicorporatemitra@icai.in
- Coordination Committee Secretariat: Delhi/NCR
For grievance redressal, scheme queries, and application status tracking, visit swayamplus.gov.in. For scheme guidelines and official notifications, visit mca.gov.in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the Corporate Mitra Scheme?
Ans. The Corporate Mitra Scheme is an initiative announced in the Union Budget 2026-27 by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. It aims to create a cadre of trained and certified paraprofessionals called Corporate Mitras who support MSMEs with regulatory compliance, GST, accounting, financial guidance, cost accounting, and secretarial services, particularly in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
Q. Who announced the Corporate Mitra Scheme?
Ans. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Corporate Mitra Scheme while presenting the Union Budget 2026-27 on 1 February 2026. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs implements the scheme in collaboration with ICAI, ICSI, ICoAI, and IIT Madras.
Q. Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
Ans. Indian nationals who are up to 30 years of age and are graduates from any recognised university can apply. Students studying in the final year of graduation are also eligible. However, the Corporate Mitra Certificate will be issued only after they complete their graduation.
Q. What is the course fee for the Corporate Mitra Scheme?
Ans. The course fee is Rs. 3,000 plus applicable GST. Women candidates and applicants from the North-Eastern states, Himalayan regions, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep receive a 50% fee concession. They need to pay only Rs. 1,500 plus applicable GST.
Q. What is the total duration of the Corporate Mitra programme?
Ans. The programme runs for 12 months. It includes six months of academic learning with 144 hours of online classes and six hours of webinar or physical sessions, followed by six months of on-the-job training at recognised professional firms or LLPs.
Q. Will candidates receive a stipend during the training period?
Ans. Yes. Candidates receive a minimum stipend during the six-month on-the-job training period. The stipend is paid by the professional firm or LLP according to the norms prescribed by ICAI, ICSI, or ICoAI.
Q. What certificate is awarded after completing the programme?
Ans. Candidates who complete the academic course, pass the assessment, and finish the on-the-job training receive the Corporate Mitra Certificate issued by ICAI, ICSI, and ICoAI.
Q. How are candidates evaluated under the scheme?
Ans. Candidates are evaluated through three components. Module assessments carry 10% weightage, the final assessment carries 50% weightage, and the on-the-job training assessment carries 40% weightage. A minimum overall score of 50% is required to qualify.
Q. What happens if a candidate fails the assessment?
Ans. Candidates who do not qualify can appear for the assessment again by paying Rs. 1,000 plus applicable GST for each additional attempt.
Q. How can candidates choose their on-the-job training firm?
Ans. Candidates can select a recognised professional firm or LLP listed on the Swayam Plus Portal according to their preferred city and educational background.
Q. How many candidates will be selected in the first batch?
Ans. The first batch will admit only 2,000 candidates, including 200 candidates from the North East Region. Admissions are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q. Is the course available in regional languages?
Ans. No. At present, the academic content is available only in English and Hindi.
Q. Is the Corporate Mitra Scheme the same as internship or skill development programmes?
Ans. No. The Corporate Mitra Scheme is an independent certification and training programme introduced by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. It is different from other internships or skill development schemes offered by the Central or State Governments.
Q. Which organisations are implementing the Corporate Mitra Scheme?
Ans. The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in collaboration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICoAI), and IIT Madras.
Q. Is the Corporate Mitra Scheme a government job?
Ans. No. The Corporate Mitra Scheme is a certification and training programme. It does not provide direct government employment or guarantee a government job after completion.
Q. Is placement guaranteed after completing the programme?
Ans. No. The Government has not announced any guaranteed placement under the scheme. However, the training and certification are designed to improve employment opportunities and enable candidates to support MSMEs with compliance-related services.
Q. How can I apply for the Corporate Mitra Scheme?
Ans. Visit mca.gov.in or the websites of ICAI, ICSI, or ICoAI to access the registration link. You will be redirected to the Swayam Plus Portal, where you can register, upload the required documents, and pay the course fee online.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.