India's CAG and IIT Madras Launch Key Digital Audit Course for AI Era

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, in a significant move for digital accountability, has partnered with IIT Madras to launch a new online certification program: the Certification on Audit of Digital Systems (CADS). Unveiled on August 27, 2026, on the SWAYAM Plus platform, this four-month course aims to equip professionals with crucial skills to audit complex digital platforms, AI systems, and data-driven government services, marking a proactive step towards stronger digital governance in India. The initiative comes as India's government and private sectors increasingly rely on advanced digital infrastructure, making robust audit mechanisms vital for transparency and accountability. With mandatory cybersecurity audits for critical digital ecosystems taking effect from 2025, the CADS program directly addresses a growing national need for skilled auditors capable of assessing modern technology. CAG K. Sanjay Murthy emphasized that this capability is central to the department's constitutional mandate, hinting that CADS will eventually become a mandatory requirement for officers auditing digital systems. Currently offered at a Foundation level, the program is designed as a three-tier pathway, allowing learners to advance to Proficient and Expert certifications. It covers critical areas like Public Audit, Cybersecurity, and AI, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020 and National Credit Framework to provide recognized academic credits. This program, open to Indian undergraduates and working professionals, with plans for global expansion, highlights India's commitment to building a digitally secure and accountable future.