New Delhi, Nov. 19 -- New Delhi: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India is looking to overhaul the country's public audit system, moving towards data-centric reviews, artificial intelligence (AI) and stronger institutional capacity. A central pillar of this change is a new Centre of Excellence for Financial Audit in Hyderabad, which will develop specialized skills and uniform audit methodologies across departments, said A.M. Bajaj, deputy CAG (Commercial & Report Central).

The move comes amid wide variations in the audit templates used by autonomous bodies, creating inconsistencies that complicate policymaking. Standardized, technology-enabled audits, Bajaj said, will improve clarity in financial reporting, make findings comp...