{"id":31066,"date":"2026-01-24T12:59:43","date_gmt":"2026-01-24T07:29:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carajput.com\/blog\/?p=31066"},"modified":"2026-08-30T16:31:53","modified_gmt":"2026-08-30T11:01:53","slug":"icai-announcement-draft-bank-branch-auditors-panel-2025-26","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carajput.com\/blog\/icai-announcement-draft-bank-branch-auditors-panel-2025-26\/","title":{"rendered":"ICAI Announcement: Draft Bank Branch Auditors\u2019 Panel 2025\u201326"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_58 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Page Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6ab204db7ee69\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6ab204db7ee69\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/carajput.com\/blog\/icai-announcement-draft-bank-branch-auditors-panel-2025-26\/#ICAI_PDC_Announcement_Draft_Bank_Branch_Auditors_Panel_MEF_2025%E2%80%9326\" title=\"ICAI PDC Announcement: Draft Bank Branch Auditors\u2019 Panel (MEF) 2025\u201326\">ICAI PDC Announcement: Draft Bank Branch Auditors\u2019 Panel (MEF) 2025\u201326<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/carajput.com\/blog\/icai-announcement-draft-bank-branch-auditors-panel-2025-26\/#MEF_2026-27_Submission_Deadline_Extended_to_09_September_2026\" title=\"MEF 2026-27 Submission Deadline Extended to 09 September 2026\">MEF 2026-27 Submission Deadline Extended to 09 September 2026<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/carajput.com\/blog\/icai-announcement-draft-bank-branch-auditors-panel-2025-26\/#Why_is_MEF_Important\" title=\"Why is MEF Important?\">Why is MEF Important?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/carajput.com\/blog\/icai-announcement-draft-bank-branch-auditors-panel-2025-26\/#MEF_Queries_and_Complaint_Resolution\" title=\"MEF Queries and Complaint Resolution\">MEF Queries and Complaint Resolution<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/carajput.com\/blog\/icai-announcement-draft-bank-branch-auditors-panel-2025-26\/#ICAI_MEF-related_queries_and_complaints\" title=\"ICAI MEF-related queries and complaints:\u00a0\">ICAI MEF-related queries and complaints:\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-24879\" src=\"https:\/\/carajput.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Ca-da.-1.jpg\" alt=\"ICAI has unveiled a new logo\" width=\"864\" height=\"864\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carajput.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Ca-da.-1.jpg 554w, https:\/\/carajput.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Ca-da.-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/carajput.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Ca-da.-1-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ICAI_PDC_Announcement_Draft_Bank_Branch_Auditors_Panel_MEF_2025%E2%80%9326\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><strong>ICAI PDC Announcement: Draft Bank Branch Auditors\u2019 Panel (MEF) 2025\u201326<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>The Professional Development Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India has officially released the Draft Bank Branch Auditors\u2019 Panel for the year 2025\u201326, as per an announcement dated 23 January 2026.\u00a0 Where It Is Hosted: The draft panel has been hosted on the official MEF portal at www.meficai.org.<\/p>\n<div>The Professional Development Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India has released the draft panel for the appointment or reappointment of statutory auditors for State Co\u2011operative Banks (StCCBs) and Central Co\u2011operative Banks (CCBs) for the financial year 2025\u201326. This Draft Panel has been prepared using the MEF 2024\u201325 panel as the base, in accordance with the guidelines issued on January 15, 2024.<\/div>\n<div>\n<div>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><strong>Access to Draft Panel: <\/strong><\/span>Applicants can check their categorization (Category A\/B\/C) based on the applicable RBI\u2011aligned guidelines by visiting the official MEF portal: http:\/\/meficai.org\u00a0 Key Highlights: The panel has been prepared as per RBI norms dated 6 March 2023.\u00a0 Applicants can view details using MEF No., FRN, or MRN.\u00a0 The panel displays MEF No., FRN No.,\u00a0Applicant Name,\u00a0Unique Code Number,\u00a0Category,\u00a0District,\u00a0Reason for ineligibility (if any), and Reason for change in category (where applicable).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Availability Window: The Draft Panel will remain available until Friday, 30 January 2026.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"MEF_2026-27_Submission_Deadline_Extended_to_09_September_2026\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><strong>MEF 2026-27 Submission Deadline Extended to 09 September 2026<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-32979\" src=\"https:\/\/carajput.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1787988250194-1.jpg\" alt=\"MEF 2026-27 Submission Deadline Extended to 09 September 2026\" width=\"720\" height=\"580\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carajput.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1787988250194-1.jpg 720w, https:\/\/carajput.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1787988250194-1-300x242.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>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<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>In a significant relief to practicing chartered accountants and audit firms, ICAI has extended the last date for submission of the Multipurpose Empanelment Form (MEF) from 29 August 2026 to 09 September 2026.<\/li>\n<li>The extension provides applicants with an opportunity to review, update, and submit accurate information required for empanelment, which is crucial for consideration of various professional assignments including bank branch audits and other audit-related engagements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_MEF_Important\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><strong>Why is MEF Important?<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Previous Last Date: 29 August 2026<\/li>\n<li>Revised Last Date: 09 September 2026<\/li>\n<li>Extension Granted By: ICAI<\/li>\n<li>Applicability: MEF 2026-27 Applicants<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"MEF_Queries_and_Complaint_Resolution\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><strong>MEF Queries and Complaint Resolution<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>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 &#8220;MEF Complaints Portal&#8221; available on the official MEF website. MEF Portal: https:\/\/meficai.org\/<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Applicants are advised to use the dedicated portal for technical issues during filing, corrections and clarification requests, and status-related queries. And submission-related complaints.<\/li>\n<li>Official Notification: The official ICAI announcement regarding the extension can be accessed here: https:\/\/www.icai.org\/post\/mef280826<\/li>\n<li>Final Advisory: Chartered accountants and CA firms should not wait until the final date and are advised to complete their MEF submission well in advance of 09 September 2026. Early submission helps avoid last-minute technical issues and ensures sufficient time to verify the details furnished in the form.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ICAI_MEF-related_queries_and_complaints\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><strong>ICAI MEF-related <\/strong><\/span><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><strong>queries and complaints:\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Applicants&#8217; CA firm may submit concerns via the MEF Complaint Portal: h<strong>ttps:\/\/app.meficai.org\/complaints. <\/strong>Contact numbers for assistance (as per the official announcement):<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Ms. Priya Duggal \/ Ms. Garima Khurana: 92055 59866<\/li>\n<li>Mr. Manish Bhardwaj: 92055 59865<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>After reviewing and addressing all queries and complaints received through the portal, ICAI will forward the final panel to the RBI for their consideration<\/p>\n<p>Rajput Jain &amp; Associates recommends all eligible professionals review their MEF information carefully and utilize the extended timeline effectively to ensure successful empanelment for MEF 2026-27.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ICAI PDC Announcement: Draft Bank Branch Auditors\u2019 Panel (MEF) 2025\u201326 The Professional Development Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India has officially released the Draft Bank Branch Auditors\u2019 Panel for the year 2025\u201326, as per an announcement dated 23 January 2026.\u00a0 Where It Is Hosted: The draft panel has been hosted on the &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10103],"tags":[10414],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/carajput.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31066"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/carajput.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/carajput.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carajput.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carajput.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31066"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/carajput.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31066\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32980,"href":"https:\/\/carajput.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31066\/revisions\/32980"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/carajput.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31066"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carajput.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31066"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carajput.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31066"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}