Skill Edge Learning Pvt. Ltd. is a fast growing company providing online learning and digital testing solutions to schools and colleges. The company…

CA Intermediate · Auditing and Ethics · PYQS · January 2026
Skill Edge Learning Pvt. Ltd. is a fast growing company providing online learning and digital testing solutions to schools and colleges. The company conducts computer- based exams and offers interactive e-learning content. For the financial year 2024-25, Skill Edge decided to appoint M/s T & Associates as its new statutory auditor, replacing the previous auditor, CA S. As per the professional requirement M/s T & Associates sent a formal communication to CA S before accepting the engagement. However, CA S did not respond to the communication. During the audit planning phase, the engagement partner CA T fixed the tolerable misstatement limit at 1,00,000 for verifying the company's revenue from online courses. Later, after reassessing the overall materiality, the partner increased the limit to 2,00,000. A newly joined audit assistant was unsure how this change will affect the sample size for testing revenue transactions. While examining "Intangible Assets" in Skill Edge's books, the auditor reviewed the following expenditures: (i) 6 lakhs spent on in-house research to create a unique student performance database intended to enhance marketing effectiveness. (ii) 5 lakhs paid for software integrated with a computerized learning device - the device cannot function without this software. (iii) 3 lakh spent on standalone accounting software used by the finance department. The auditor had to evaluate whether the accounting treatment of these items complied with AS-26 Intangible Assets. Meanwhile, the promoters of Skill Edge set up a new venture, Smart Trade LLP, to trade in refurbished computers and digital devices sourced from Skill Edge's old test centres. Before registration, they consulted CA S to understand the difference between a traditional partnership, an LLP, and a private Ltd company. He explained that an LLP provides limited liability to its partners, functions as a separate legal entity, and must be registered under the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 with the appropriate authority. In August 2025, Mr. Piyush, the partner in-charge of finance at Smart Trade LLP contacted CA S to conduct the audit for FY 2024-25 and complete the statutory filings-unaware about the prescribed due dates for filings. Based on the above facts, answer the following questions: (1 to 5)
(A) (A) It was unethical on the part of outgoing auditors for failing to respond to communication made by incoming auditors. It is violation of the principle of objectivity governing professional ethics.
(B) (B) It was unethical on the part of outgoing auditors for failing to respond to communication made by incoming auditors. It is violation of the principle of professional behaviour governing professional ethics.
(C) (C) The outgoing auditor is not required to respond unless the client asks.
(D) (D) It was unethical on the part of outgoing auditors for failing to respond to communication made by incoming auditors. It is violation of the principle of professional competence and due care governing professional ethics.

Suggested Answer and Working Notes:

Correct Answer: Option (B)

(B) It was unethical on the part of outgoing auditors for failing to respond to communication made by incoming auditors. It is violation of the principle of professional behaviour governing professional ethics.

Topics: Audit Strategy, Audit Planning and Audit Programme, Audit of Items of Financial Statements

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