What is BRSR Core?+
BRSR Core is a subset of the SEBI Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) covering 9 KPIs across Environment, Social and Governance pillars that require REASONABLE ASSURANCE by an independent assurance provider. The full BRSR has ~1,000+ data points; BRSR Core is the assured subset. SEBI introduced BRSR Core via circular dated 12 July 2023.
Who needs BRSR Core assurance and from when?+
Phased rollout based on market capitalisation: top 150 listed entities — FY 2023-24; top 250 — FY 2024-25; top 500 — FY 2025-26; top 1000 — FY 2026-27 (1 April 2026 onwards). The "top X by market cap" is determined as on 31 March of the FY immediately preceding.
Reasonable vs Limited assurance — what's the difference?+
Limited assurance (~negative form) reduces engagement risk to a level acceptable in the circumstances; the conclusion is in negative form ("nothing has come to our attention…"). Reasonable assurance (~positive form) reduces engagement risk to acceptably low level; the conclusion is positive ("we report that the BRSR Core data is fairly presented in all material respects"). BRSR Core requires REASONABLE ASSURANCE — the higher-rigour engagement.
Which standards govern BRSR Core assurance engagements?+
ICAI: SAE 3000 (Assurance Engagements Other than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial Information) — overarching framework. SAE 3410 (Assurance Engagements on Greenhouse Gas Statements) — for GHG / Scope 1+2 attestation. ISSA 5000 (recently issued, broader sustainability assurance) is the international convergence point and ICAI guidance will reflect it. Read alongside Standards on Auditing where audit-quality concepts apply.
Who can provide BRSR Core assurance?+
SEBI LODR Reg 34(2)(f) read with the BRSR Core framework permits "independent assurance providers" — practising Chartered Accountants under ICAI, Cost Accountants under ICAI-Cost, Company Secretaries under ICSI (subject to limitations), and certain notified specialised firms. The assurer must not be the statutory auditor of the entity (independence concern).
Are non-ICAI providers (e.g., BIS, BSI) acceptable?+
For technical / GHG-specific assurance, accredited certification bodies (ISO 14064 verifiers) may be engaged, but the BRSR Core report itself must be signed by a SEBI-recognised assurance provider. Most listed entities engage a CA firm that subcontracts GHG verification to a specialist firm under SA 620 / SAE 3000-equivalent reliance.
What is the typical assurance fee?+
Fees vary significantly by entity complexity, manufacturing footprint, scope and the assurance provider tier. For mid-cap manufacturers, BRSR Core reasonable assurance engagements typically range from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh per year. The fee is disclosed in the assurance report and in the BRSR Core disclosure.
What evidence does the assurance provider gather?+
For each of the 9 KPIs, the provider tests source data (meter readings, lab reports, payroll), the calculation methodology, period coverage, completeness (no source excluded), conversion factors used, and the entity's internal controls. For high-risk KPIs (GHG, water, waste), physical site visits and sampling of sub-meters is typical.
Can the statutory auditor provide BRSR Core assurance?+
No — Section 144 of the Companies Act 2013 and ICAI Code of Ethics prohibit the statutory auditor from rendering "any other services to the same client". BRSR Core assurance counts as an "other service" in the broader interpretation. Practical solution: engage a separate firm or a separate engagement team within a network firm subject to firm-level independence controls.
Is the BRSR Core report signed under UDIN?+
Yes — for CA assurers, the BRSR Core assurance report is signed with a UDIN under the ICAI UDIN Guidelines. The UDIN is included in the report and verifiable on the ICAI portal.
