Ministry of Corporate Affairs (‘MCA’) has vide its notifications dated August 19, 2021, made amendment in Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014 and Companies (Creation and Maintenance of databank of Independent Directors) Rules, 2019.

Based on the above amendments, Advocates, Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries and Cost Accountants, in practice for at least ten years, are exempted from passing the online proficiency self-assessment test that is required to be appointed as Independent Director.