In 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi articulated a bold vision: to see four Indian accounting firms join the ranks of the global elite, creating a ‘Big Eight’ in the professional services world. Fast forward to June 2025, and the wheels are in motion.
The PMO recently held a strategic meeting, bringing together key stakeholders, including Principal Secretary Shaktikanta Das and members of the Economic Advisory Council, to chart a roadmap for this ambitious goal. The agenda? To empower Indian Chartered Accountancy (CA) firms to scale, merge, and compete on a global stage.
Why now? The Indian arms of the existing Big Four have seen explosive growth, with combined revenues reaching ₹38,800 crore in FY24 and projections exceeding ₹45,000 crore in FY25. A significant portion of this growth stems from government contracts, highlighting the deep integration of these firms into India’s economic fabric.
Yet, despite having over 400,000 CAs and more than 100,000 CA firms, India lacks a homegrown entity of comparable scale. The challenges are manifold: regulatory constraints, limited adoption of technology, and a fragmented industry dominated by sole proprietorships.
Enter PaperLite.
At PaperLite, we’ve always believed in the potential of Indian CA firms. Our platform is designed to address the very challenges that hinder growth:
- Standardization: Our reusable templates for services like GST Filing and ITR ensure consistency and efficiency.
- Automation: By automating clerical tasks, we free up valuable time, allowing firms to focus on strategic growth.
- Scalability: With features like the Activity Board and Document Management, firms can manage increasing workloads without compromising on quality.
- Insightful Analytics: Our Reports Module provides actionable insights, helping firms make informed decisions.
The government’s initiative aligns seamlessly with our mission. As India endeavors to create its own Big Four, platforms like PaperLite will play a pivotal role in equipping firms with the tools they need to scale and succeed.
The journey ahead is challenging, but with the right support and infrastructure, Indian CA firms can not only match but surpass global standards.