Delivery format
Virtual classroom
10 Weeks
Course duration
50 hours
Learning Hours
23 Sep 2026
Next tentative batch
For more details on the programme, reach out to
Programme overview
Companies Act 2013 (Section 149) has mandated listed public companies to have 1/3rd of total directors as independent directors. Independent directors are essential to bring transparency and objectivity in decision making. They provide an unbiased perspective and help in maintaining the balance of power between the management and shareholders. Companies are looking for visionary leaders to fill the independent director positions for their boards.
Independent Director Certification Programme – An overview
Get an insight into corporate governance and board directorship with Ritesh Tiwari, Partner, Lead - Board Leadership Center, KPMG in India.
The most sought-after profiles have:
This is a compelling opportunity for experienced professionals to get an independent director position on boards of listed companies.
KPMG in India has designed the Independent Director Certification Programme that will help participants gain knowledge on all aspects of board membership and prepare them to effectively carry out their roles and responsibilities as independent director.
Who is this programme for?
This programme is best suited for senior professionals with 20+ years of leadership experience.
Snapshot of participant profiles from our first cohort:
Programme highlights
Note: Participants must register and undergo the mandatory assessment by IICA. This programme will not prepare participants for these assessment.
Additional benefits
Note: Executive search partners may change without prior notice.
Key programme takeaways
Course outline
Module 1: Introduction to being a board member
Module 2: Governance frameworks and Independent Director’s position
Module 3: Finding your place in a board committee
Module 4: Professional discipline, compliance, and ethics
Module 5: Interpreting financial statements
Module 6: Basics of risk and governance
Module 7: Select regulatory focus areas
Module 8: Stakeholder management and investor relations
Module 9: Human capital and diversity
Module 10: Board effectiveness and evaluation
Module 11: Anti-bribery, fraud, and corruption
Module 12: Mergers and acquisitions
Module 13: ESG
Module 14: Cyber security
Module 15: Digital strategy and transformation using emerging technologies
Module 16: Getting your first directorship
Module 17: Continuous professional development
Meet the faculty
Certificate from KPMG in India
Follow our easy application process to enroll for the Independent Director Certification Programme.
Programme Success Stories
1 / 7
“It is a privilege to learn from the vast and rich experience of Ritesh - he makes the session so engaging, he is extremely kind in giving his valuable time and doing an additional session just to take care of all the questions being asked by the cohort. He ensures nothing is felt rushed up. The content, the flow, the perspectives shared all through, are extremely rich and showcase excellence.
The content as well as the knowledge of both the facilitators was par excellence. Really liking the pre-reads, case studies and post reads on the LMS. Also would like to call out that the answering of all queries on the chat by Ritesh was very insightful and made the session super-engaging, Thank you to the entire KPMG team. ”
2 / 7
“ One of the best session I have gone through. Although I couldn't join in online session but going through recording felt that this was so enriching and presented in such an elaborate manner. The questions response and new insights gave a whole new perspective to me. ”
3 / 7
“Good session, with good case studies and a good teacher ”
4 / 7
“ Thanks to the entire KPMG ID leadership,faculties and learning team for hosting such an amazing network event. It was such an incredible experience to meet in-person with those who were our virtual weekend extended family :). Cherishing every session with the KPMG team. ”
5 / 7
“Amazing networking event hosted by the entire KPMG ID leadership Vijay Gogoi, Ritesh Tiwari, Varun Kapoor and the entire team…It is indeed an incredible experience to meet in-person with everyone, spend quality time, know each other a little better & great speaker sessions. ”
6 / 7
“An incredible experience, with an insightful panel discussion and boardroom simulation exercise. Great conversations and perspectives; thank you Vijay Gogoi and the entire KPMG team! ”
7 / 7
“Thanks to entire KPMG IDCP Team for hosting the networking event. It has been amazing learning experience which was blended with highly informative sessions and wonderful opportunity to meet the whole Team in person, to meet and know from the eminent guest speakers and our cohort batchmates. ”
