The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has launched the Corporate Mitra Course, a new training programme designed to create trained professionals who can help small businesses manage their legal and regulatory responsibilities. Nearly 2,879 learners have enrolled in the first batch of this course, which began recently. The three major accounting and finance professional bodies in India—the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICoAI)—are running the programme together.
How the course works and what it offers
The Corporate Mitra Course runs for 12 months in two phases. During the first six months, participants receive around 150 hours of structured lessons delivered as recorded video lectures. The second half involves six months of hands-on training working in professional offices of members from the three institutes. This practical experience gives learners direct exposure to real business situations.
The course curriculum covers a broad understanding of how small and medium enterprises operate and what support they need. The digital learning platform provides recorded lectures by experts, study materials, practice assessments, frequently asked questions and spaces for learners to discuss topics with peers.
The Government of India announced the Corporate Mitra initiative in the Union Budget for 2026-27. The scheme aims to build a group of certified paraprofessionals who can assist Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with compliance matters and business management. The programme has received technological and academic support from IIT Madras, IIT Madras Pravartak and SWAYAM Plus.
What this means for you
If you run a small business or are planning to start one, Corporate Mitra-trained professionals will offer you affordable expert guidance on following regulations and managing your enterprise better. For those seeking employment or career development, this course provides a formal certification path in business compliance and MSME support. The initiative is meant to reduce the fear and complexity many entrepreneurs feel when dealing with legal requirements, and to make professional assistance accessible at reasonable cost.