A historic achievement has emerged in the field of Chartered Accountancy, as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) announced the results of the September edition of Intermediate examinations on October 30. The top three positions were secured by female candidates, highlighting the increasing representation and success of women in a traditionally male-dominated profession.
Of 23,482 candidates who appeared for the exam, 1,330 passed, with Parami Umesh Parekh from Mumbai emerging as the All India First rank holder, scoring an impressive 484 marks, or 80.67%. Following her, Tanya Gupta from Chennai claimed the All India Second rank with 459 marks (76.50%), while New Delhi's Vidhi Jain secured the All India Third rank with 441 marks (73.50%). The outstanding performances of these women reflect their hard work and determination, setting a powerful example for aspiring Chartered Accountants.
Dhiraj Khandelwal, a Central Council Member of ICAI, expressed pride in the female toppers and emphasized the significant shift occurring within the profession. In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), he remarked, "This time, all three top rankers are women. It’s a powerful sign of how the profession is shifting." Khandelwal noted that women currently comprise about 30% of ICAI’s membership, which is projected to rise to 50% in the next five years, indicating a substantial change in the profession's landscape.
The increase in female representation is striking; in 2008, there were only about 8,000 female members, which surged to 80,000 by 2018 and has now exceeded 125,000. Khandelwal highlighted that this trend signifies accountancy's growing appeal among women, reflecting evolving opportunities and changing professional perceptions. As more women embrace this career path, they are reshaping the future of Chartered Accountancy and inspiring the next generation of female professionals.