• 1000

Virtual classroom

Delivery format

8 Weeks

Course duration 

45+ hours

Learning hours

June 2024

Upcoming batch start date


For more details on the programme, reach out to 		 Vani Ganesh
vaniganesh@kpmg.com
+91 9650348307
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Programme overview


Companies Act 2013 (Section 149) has mandated listed public companies to have 1/3rd of total directors as independent directors.

In 2024, approximately 1200+ Independent Director positions will be vacant. 

Companies are looking for visionary leaders to fill the independent director positions for their boards.

The most sought-after profiles have:

  • Significant leadership experience
  • Strong career trajectory
  • Functional / industry expertise
  • Executive presence and positive influence
  • Strategic thinker
  • Established global network
  • Continuous learner

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 significant leadership experience.

  • Senior leaders: A senior professional with significant leadership experience in public, private, government, and nonprofit organisations.
  • Retired leaders: A retiring or retired leader exploring a position on company boards.
  • Family business: A senior professional and controlling shareholder of a family business.
  • Consultants: An independent consultant/advisor to the board.
  • Existing independent director: An existing independent director who wants to upgrade their knowledge and skills.
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Programme highlights

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  • Knowledge on all key aspects of board membership
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  • Delivered by KPMG in India partners, directors, and industry experts
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  • Experiential learning through case studies and simulations
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  • Networking event with industry leaders
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  • Interactions with experienced board members and executive search partners
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  • Certificate from KPMG in India
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  • Weekend classes covered over 
    8-weeks 
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  • 45+ hours of learning
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  • Live virtual instructor led sessions

Note: Participants must register and undergo the mandatory assessment by IICA. This programme will not prepare participants for these assessment.

Additional benefits

  • Lifetime membership to KPMG in India’s Board Leadership Centre (BLC) – a premier forum for board members comprising 2000+ board members.
  • Placement assistance from leading executive search partners - Michael Page and Sheffield Haworth.

Note: Executive search partners may change without prior notice.

Key programme takeaways

    Gain practical insights on all aspects of board membership

    Learn how to effectively respond to challenging board-room situations

    Develop a deeper perspective on key issues confronting boards today such as mergers and acquisitions, ESG, digital, and cybersecurity

    Expand your network with experienced board members and industry executives

    Understand what it takes to position yourself as an Independent Director

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: Family business governance
  • Module 13: Mergers and acquisitions
  • Module 14: ESG
  • Module 15: Cyber
  • Module 16: Digital strategy and transformation using emerging technologies
  • Module 17: Getting your first directorship
  • Module 18: Continuous professional development
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Meet the faculty

  • Ritesh Tiwari
    Partner and Lead - Board Leadership Center


    Expertise: Corporate governance and board matters

  • Karan Marwah
    Partner


    Expertise: Capital Markets

  • Suveer Khanna
    Partner


    Expertise: Forensics, Risk Advisory, Finance

  • Meenakshi Sharma
    Technical Director


    Expertise: Investor Relations, Governance

  • Namrata Rana
    Partner


    Expertise: ESG

  • Shivananda Shetty
    Partner


    Expertise: ESG

  • Nitin Shah
    Partner


    Expertise: Cyber Security

  • Subhro Bhattacharya
    Associate Partner


    Expertise: Finance & Accounting

  • Udit Sethi
    Partner


    Expertise: Digital

  • Sandeep Chatterjee
    Associate Partner


    Expertise: People and change

  • Venkatesh Sethuraman
    Industry Leader


    Expertise: M&A

Certificate from KPMG in India

Follow our easy application process to enroll for the Independent Director Certification Programme.

Step 1: Submit your resume

Step 2: Profile evaluation by KPMG in India’s panel. If shortlisted, you will be notified and called for a virtual interview

Step 3: Submit your Statement of purpose (SOP) post the interview

Step 4: If selected, you will be offered a seat in the programme



Programme Success Stories


  • “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. ”


  • “ 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. ”


  • “Good session, with good case studies and a good teacher ”


  • “ 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. ”


  • “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. ”


  • “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! ”


  • “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. ”

Additional details

Course Fee

  • INR2.75 lakh per participant plus GST
  • Non-refundable
  • EMI options available
  • Financing partner: Eduvanz

Course Schedule

  • Batches commencing from June 2024
  • For more details or to register for the programme, reach out Vani Ganesh