The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) and IIT Madras have launched the Certification on Audit of Digital Systems (CADS), a programme designed to build skills in auditing technology-driven government systems.The programme is being offered through SWAYAM Plus and covers areas including public audit, information technology systems, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure and data privacy. The CADS framework has been jointly developed by the CAG and IIT Madras/IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation.CAG K Sanjay Murthy launched the foundation-level certification at IIT Madras on August 27, according to the information provided for the programme.

CAG IIT Madras Digital Audit Course 2026: What does CADS cover?

CADS is structured across six audit domains, with each domain offered at Foundation, Proficient and Expert levels. The Foundation courses are designed as online programmes of 45 hours, while higher levels include additional practical components.

The Foundation-level domains include:

• Public Audit
• Information Technology Systems Audit
• Cybersecurity Audit
• Digital Public Platforms and Data Privacy Audit
• Audit of AI Systems
• Information Systems Audit

The curriculum is aimed at helping learners understand how digital systems operate and how technology-related risks can be assessed from an audit perspective. For example, the IT Systems course covers hardware, operating systems, databases, networking, cloud services, data lifecycle and system development processes.The AI module focuses on areas such as AI systems, training data, automated decision-making, bias, accuracy, explainability and governance risks.

CADS 2026: Eligibility

The eligibility depends on the individual CADS course. The SWAYAM Plus listing for the Public Audit Foundation course says it is open to public auditors under the CAG and others interested in public audit. Other CADS foundation-level courses have their own intended-audience details and prerequisites.A key requirement across the CADS framework is that Public Audit (Foundation) is a mandatory prerequisite before learners can enrol in the other technical domains.Candidates should therefore check the eligibility and prerequisite information on the specific SWAYAM Plus course page before registering.

CADS Course Fee

The Public Audit Foundation course is listed on SWAYAM Plus at ₹2,000. Other CADS Foundation courses, including AI and cybersecurity, are also listed at ₹2,000 on the platform, although the fee and enrolment status should be checked for the particular course before payment.The SWAYAM Plus listings also indicate that assessment fees are included for the listed courses.

How is the CADS course assessed?

Assessment arrangements vary by course. The Public Audit Foundation course includes continuous case-study work along with a final assessment. Its listing says case-study submissions carry 20 per cent weightage, while the final proctored assessment carries 80 per cent. The final examination consists of 60 MCQs to be answered in 90 minutes, with a 50 per cent overall passing requirement.Successful candidates receive a verifiable certificate through SWAYAM Plus, with the relevant courses carrying NCrF credits.

Where to register?

The CADS courses are available through the official SWAYAM Plus platform. Candidates should check the individual course page for the current registration window, fee, eligibility and assessment requirements before applying.The programme is particularly relevant as government services increasingly rely on digital platforms, cloud systems, AI and data-driven processes, creating a growing need for professionals who understand both technology and public-sector audit requirements.