IIT Madras, CAG launch foundation-level certification course on digital systems audit

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) have launched a new certification programme on the Audit of Digital Systems (CADS). This is a foundation-level programme developed to train professionals in auditing digital government and enterprise systems.

The press note says, “This is a first-of-its-kind certification programme curated by any Supreme Audit Institution to build capacity in auditing digital government and enterprise systems.” CADS is jointly developed by CAG, IIT Madras and IITM Pravartak experts.

The curriculum is aligned with the National Credit Framework (NCrF) and National Education Policy (NEP). Learners will also receive academic credits upon completing the programme, which are recognised after.

The programme was launched by K Sanjay Murthy, CAG Comptroller and Auditor General, at the IIT Madras campus on August 27, 2026. V Kamakoti, IIT Madras Director and other stakeholders were also present at the launch.

Addressing the launch event, Sanjay Murthy said, “As government becomes increasingly digital, our audit must be capable of giving assurances on the robustness of the systems. CADS will, in time, be a mandatory requirement for officers auditing digital systems.”

CADS to offer three-level pathway in digital audit

The IIT Madras foundation-level course will be available for people who have completed or are currently pursuing an undergraduate degree. The duration of the certificate course is four months and will be delivered in a fully online mode through the IITM Pravartak Learning Management System on SWAYAM Plus.

However, examinations will be conducted through proctored computer-based tests held in person. The course covers Public Audit along with five key areas: Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, Digital Public Platforms and Privacy, and Artificial Intelligence.

After the foundation level, students will move to proficient and expert certifications, which will help build skills for solving complex digital audit assignments. The course will have online lessons with case studies, self-assessment exercises, and practical audits based on industry requirements. Murthy at the launch also distributed course completion certificates to CAG officials who had already completed an IIT Madras programme on Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity.

With respect to NEP 2020, V Kamakoti said, “The launch of Certification on Audit of Digital Systems (CADS) is one more step in this direction which should enhance efficient governance of digital systems. Technology adaptation is impacting all walks of life and hence it is imperative to build capacity towards audit of these digital domains to ensure transparency and accountability.”