Date: 20th February, 2026
Venue:St. Joseph’s Institute of Management (SJIM)
St. Joseph's Institute of Management (SJIM) hosted an insightful guest lecture titled “Decoding the Income Tax Bill 2025.” The session was delivered by Ms. Sowmya Achar, Commissioner of Income Tax (Exemptions), Bengaluru, and a distinguished 2003-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer.
An alumna of the University of Mysore and an achiever of All India Rank 125 in the UPSC examination, Ms. Achar is widely recognized for her contributions to technology-driven tax administration through her roles in the CPC and Investigation Wing.
Insightful Overview of the Income Tax Bill 2025
The session provided students with a comprehensive understanding of the proposed Income Tax reforms. Ms. Achar began by emphasizing that taxation awareness is essential for all citizens, irrespective of their academic specialization, as tax policies significantly influence individuals, businesses, and the broader economy.
She elaborated on:
• The rationale behind introducing the new Income Tax Act
• Key structural reforms proposed in the Bill
• Changes in compliance mechanisms
• Measures aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency
Her clear explanations and interactive approach made complex legislative concepts accessible and engaging for students from diverse academic backgrounds.
Career Guidance & Public Service Motivation
Beyond taxation, Ms. Achar shared valuable insights into careers in public service, particularly the journey towards becoming a civil servant. She highlighted:
• The responsibilities of IAS and IRS officers
• The importance of ethical commitment and perseverance
• Practical preparation strategies for competitive examinations
The session concluded with an engaging Q&A segment, where students actively interacted with the speaker, clarifying doubts and gaining deeper insights.
Overall, the lecture successfully bridged theoretical learning with real-world policy implications, leaving students better informed about India’s evolving tax landscape and inspired to consider impactful careers in governance and administration.
The Guest Lecture was organised by Dr.Leo Deepak ,Faculty of Finance.