ICAI Extends Phase IV Peer Review Mandate
- Blog|News|Account & Audit|
- < 1 minute
- By Taxmann
- |
- Last Updated on 3 January, 2026

1. Introduction
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has extended the applicability of Phase IV of the Peer Review mandate, providing additional time for Practice Units to comply with the peer review requirements before undertaking specified audit engagements.
2. Applicability Of Peer Review Mandate
Under the Peer Review framework, Practice Units proposing to audit branches of Public Sector Banks and firms having three or more partners rendering attestation services are required to hold a valid Peer Review Certificate prior to accepting statutory audit assignments.
3. Phase IV Peer Review Timeline
Phase IV of the Peer Review mandate was scheduled to become applicable from 1 January 2026. However, considering practical challenges and representations from members, the ICAI Council has decided to extend the applicability period.
4. Extended Deadline And Relief Granted
The ICAI Council has now extended the Phase IV Peer Review mandate up to 31 December 2026. This extension provides significant relief to eligible Practice Units, allowing additional time to complete the peer review process without affecting their eligibility for statutory audits.
5. Conclusion
The extension of Phase IV of the Peer Review mandate offers a welcome compliance window for Practice Units. Firms should utilise this extended timeline to complete the peer review process and ensure uninterrupted eligibility for statutory and bank branch audit assignments.
Click Here To Read The Full Story
Disclaimer: The content/information published on the website is only for general information of the user and shall not be construed as legal advice. While the Taxmann has exercised reasonable efforts to ensure the veracity of information/content published, Taxmann shall be under no liability in any manner whatsoever for incorrect information, if any.

Taxmann Publications has a dedicated in-house Research & Editorial Team. This team consists of a team of Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries, and Lawyers. This team works under the guidance and supervision of editor-in-chief Mr Rakesh Bhargava.
The Research and Editorial Team is responsible for developing reliable and accurate content for the readers. The team follows the six-sigma approach to achieve the benchmark of zero error in its publications and research platforms. The team ensures that the following publication guidelines are thoroughly followed while developing the content:
- The statutory material is obtained only from the authorized and reliable sources
- All the latest developments in the judicial and legislative fields are covered
- Prepare the analytical write-ups on current, controversial, and important issues to help the readers to understand the concept and its implications
- Every content published by Taxmann is complete, accurate and lucid
- All evidence-based statements are supported with proper reference to Section, Circular No., Notification No. or citations
- The golden rules of grammar, style and consistency are thoroughly followed
- Font and size that’s easy to read and remain consistent across all imprint and digital publications are applied

CA | CS | CMA