Prefix “CA” isn’t your Netflix password: CAAS Advisory on Proper Uses

Chartered Accountants Association Surat (CAAS) has issued an advisory regarding the responsible use of the “CA” prefix by professionals. Reports suggest that some members are using the designation indiscriminately on social media, e-commerce platforms, and other non-professional spaces. While the “CA” title commands respect due to the rigorous training and ethical standards required, its usage should align with professional ethics, specifically Clause (2) of Part IV of the First Schedule to the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949, and ICAI’s advisory dated 22-10-2022. This open letter serves as a reminder to use the “CA” prefix primarily for attestation work and avoid its misuse in personal capacities, such as on e-commerce sites (eBay, Amazon, OLX, IndiaMart), dating platforms, social media marketplaces, trading platforms, gaming and betting sites, personal blogs, entertainment websites, and non-professional social media handles. CAAS urges members to exercise discretion in maintaining the integrity and dignity of the profession so that society continues to hold Chartered Accountants in high regard.

Chartered Accountants Association, Surat

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Ref: CAAS/Representations/2024-25/04

Date: 18-03-2025

To,

The Members,

Chartered Accountants Association Surat,

Dear Professional Brother/Sister,

Subject: Professional Discretion in the use of Prefix “CA”

It has come to the notice of our Association mail* through social, media and other E- Commerce Websites, that the use of Prefix “CA” is being done without application of mind by our own professional, brothers and sisters.

While the designation “CA” carries enormous respect and dignity amongst the masses due to the rigorous training, sacrifice and restraint a person shows at the time of becoming a CA. Today the words “CA” has become synonym of a Gentleman. Having said that, the prefix “CA” should be used with due professional discretion in line with the Professional Ethics more particularly in terms of Cause (2) of Part-IV of First Schedule to The Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 and advisory issued by ICAI dt. 22-10-2022, which can be read here:

https://www.icai.org/post/use-of-designation-chartered-accountant-or-prefix-ca-by-members

This open Letter is a reminder to all the professional, brothers and sisters to primarily use the words “CA” only in the attestation work and not at other places. Below is the illustrative list where members (whether in Practice, Industry or Entrepreneurship) should never misuse the words “CA”:

•  E-Commerce Websites Like E-Bay, ALibaba, Amazon, OLX, IndiaMart where members sell their merchandise in personal, capacity
• Dating Websites where members engage themselves in personal capacity
• ocial Media Market Place where member sell goods or services not related to profession
• Trading Platforms (For Currency, Commodity, Equity, Derivatives, etc)
• Online gaming, gambling, or betting platforms.
• Personal blogs or logs that cover non-professional topics or personal life
•  Entertainment and recreational, websites not associated with professional, activity.
• Personal, social, media handles for casual, non-professional, interactions.

We hope, members would take due care in use of the designation, so that the society at Large continues to view and consider the profession with even more respect and dignity.

Regards,

For Chartered Accountants Association, Surat.

President | Secretary