The Public Relations Consultants Association of India (PRCAI) has unveiled the outcomes of the Summer 2023 round of its highly regarded Accreditation in Indian Public Relations (AIPR) program.

The latest edition of the certification saw a remarkable surge in the number of accomplished professionals seeking recognition, along with a notable enhancement in the quality of submissions. This year’s cohort showcases the ascension of 28 promising young PR practitioners who have secured the elite AIPR certification, contributing to a growing pool of distinguished certified experts that now tallies to 68 since the inception of the program.

“At a time when communication and reputation management are undergoing rapid evolution, the demand for adept and certified Public Relations professionals has never been more critical for our industry. This rigorous certification process not only imparts transformative learning but also ignites the motivation for individuals to excel in the realm of public relations,” stated Atul Sharma, President of PRCAI.

Among a total of 128 applicants who participated in the certification process, 57 proceeded to the final jury round. The standard for qualification was raised even higher with an elevated cut-off score.

The results stand as a testament to the dedication and advancement of the participants. The numbers underscore the caliber and commitment of these professionals. For the 21 Accredited candidates at Level 1, the cut-off ascended to an impressive 69.22 percent. Among the 7 Accredited candidates at Level 2, the aggregate cut-off scores reached 68.92 percent.

The top achievers of the AIPR Summer 2023 round are as follows:

Level 1: Ravindra Samant of Adfactors PR secured the first position with the highest aggregate score of 78.87%. Tanu Gupta from On Purpose Consulting followed with a commendable score of 76.89%, while Manya Tandan of Edelman India earned the third spot with 76.27%.

Level 2: Tanoo Gupta of Ruder Finn PR (India) secured the lead with an exceptional aggregate score of 81.05%. Riya Jain from Ruder Finn PR (India) emerged as the first runner-up with a score of 78.23%, while Sonia Rachel Abraham of Avian WE secured the second runner-up position with a score of 73.27%.

The School of Communications & Reputation (SCoRe), a technical partner for the demanding testing process of PRCAI, introduced an educational kit to enhance the program’s rigor. The kit included guidelines for both assessment rounds, a comprehensive curriculum, preparation tips, and sample papers to aid applicants. Candidates were evaluated for their expertise across the entire spectrum of public relations through an Aptitude Preliminary Round, ensuring a holistic evaluation of their knowledge and skills essential for success.

In the Final Jury Round, which comprised 20 jury members, qualified candidates from the preliminaries presented to a bench of dynamic consultancy leaders, corporate communication experts, academics, and HR professionals on August 5, 2023, across four centers in Bengaluru, Delhi, Gurgaon, and Mumbai.

Deeptie Sethi, CEO of PRCAI, expressed, “The growth of the certified professional pool to 68 is heartening, as they have demonstrated their skills and leadership across levels, setting a benchmark for aspiring PR professionals. Empowering practitioners to enhance efficiency and quality of talent year after year is crucial for our industry.”

The Accreditation in Indian Public Relations remains the premier certification for PR experts in India, recognizing individuals who have displayed exceptional proficiency and mastery in this field.

Hemant Gaule, Dean of the School of Communications & Reputation, concluded, “We’re thrilled to announce this year’s accredited PR professionals, and it’s gratifying to witness a significant improvement in candidates’ performance. This not only highlights the elevated standards of PR talent in India but also reflects their dedication and hard work. We extend our gratitude to the PR firms and their leadership for their unwavering support and commitment to this program.”

For further information on the Accreditation in Indian Public Relations initiative and to access the complete list of jury and accredited recipients, please visit www.prcai.org.