Page Contents
The Professional Development Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India has officially released the Draft Bank Branch Auditors’ Panel for the year 2025–26, as per an announcement dated 23 January 2026. Where It Is Hosted: The draft panel has been hosted on the official MEF portal at www.meficai.org.
Access to Draft Panel: Applicants can check their categorization (Category A/B/C) based on the applicable RBI‑aligned guidelines by visiting the official MEF portal: http://meficai.org Key Highlights: The panel has been prepared as per RBI norms dated 6 March 2023. Applicants can view details using MEF No., FRN, or MRN. The panel displays MEF No., FRN No., Applicant Name, Unique Code Number, Category, District, Reason for ineligibility (if any), and Reason for change in category (where applicable).
Availability Window: The Draft Panel will remain available until Friday, 30 January 2026.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has provided additional time for chartered accountants and CA firms to complete their Multipurpose Empanelment Form (MEF) submission for the financial year 2026-27. ICAI Extends MEF 2026-27 Last Date
The Multipurpose Empanelment Form (MEF) serves as a comprehensive database of chartered accountants and CA firms maintained by the ICAI. Information furnished through MEF is utilized by various authorities and institutions for allocation of professional assignments.
Timely and accurate filing of MEF helps maintain an updated professional profile, enhances eligibility for audit and assurance assignments, and ensures consideration for bank branch audit allocations. And comply with ICAI empanelment requirements. Key Update at a Glance
ICAI has also clarified that applicants facing any difficulties seeking clarification or wishing to lodge a complaint regarding MEF 2026-27 may contact the Professional Development Committee (PDC) through the “MEF Complaints Portal” available on the official MEF website. MEF Portal: https://meficai.org/
Applicants’ CA firm may submit concerns via the MEF Complaint Portal: https://app.meficai.org/complaints. Contact numbers for assistance (as per the official announcement):
After reviewing and addressing all queries and complaints received through the portal, ICAI will forward the final panel to the RBI for their consideration
Rajput Jain & Associates recommends all eligible professionals review their MEF information carefully and utilize the extended timeline effectively to ensure successful empanelment for MEF 2026-27.
GST Council Proposes Major Measures to Simplify Compliance The GST Council has recommended a series of reforms aimed at reducing… Read More
XBRL Applicability under the Companies Act, 2013 – Detailed Explanation XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) is a globally accepted electronic… Read More
MSME New Feature Alert: PAN to MSME Search in Bridze MSME Compliance Suite The PAN to MSME Search feature in… Read More
key recommendations of the 57th GST Council Meeting held on 8 October 2026. The 57th GST Council recommendations indicate a… Read More
GST on Charitable and Religious Trusts: Exemptions, Rulings and Compliance Explained Do charitable trusts pay GST? The short answer Yes.… Read More
GST Multi-State Registration Made Simer: One Master TRN for Multiple States Expanding a business into new States has always come… Read More