The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a globally recognized professional qualification that equips candidates with expertise in accounting, finance, auditing, taxation, and strategic business leadership. It prepares individuals for high-impact roles in the dynamic world of finance, emphasizing ethical practices, global standards (like IFRS), and practical skills. The program is structured into three levels (Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional), comprising 13 exams in total, plus a mandatory Ethics and Professional Skills module and 36 months of relevant work experience.
ACCA is ideal for commerce graduates, working professionals, or those eyeing international careers. It’s flexible—exams are computer-based (CBEs), with on-demand options for foundational levels—and recognized in 178 countries. In India, it’s a strong alternative to CA for global mobility, especially in MNCs and Big 4 firms.
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FAQs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Association of Chartered Certified Accountants |
| Levels | Applied Knowledge (3 exams), Applied Skills (6 exams), Strategic Professional (4 exams) |
| Duration | 2–3 years (full-time/part-time/online) |
| Eligibility | 10+2 (65% in Math/Accounts + 50% aggregate); graduates direct entry |
| Exams | 13 CBEs; on-demand for Knowledge/Skills |
| Exemptions | Up to 9 for commerce degrees; CA qualifiers: 4 exams only |
| Fees (India, 2025) | Registration: ₹8,900; Exam: ₹7,000–45,000/paper; Annual Subscription: ₹15,200; Total: ₹2.7–3.5 lakhs |
| Career Paths | Auditor, Tax Consultant, Financial Analyst, CFO |
| Salary (India) | Freshers: ₹4–8 LPA; Average: ₹6–15 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | Big 4 (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG), TCS, Infosys, HDFC Bank |
ACCA is a Master’s-level credential (equivalent to UK RQF Level 7) awarded by the UK’s largest professional accounting body. With 252,500+ members and 526,000+ students worldwide (2025 stats), it focuses on real-world skills like financial reporting, risk management, and ethical decision-making. It’s not just exams—it’s a pathway to ACCA membership (designatory letters: ACCA) after practical experience, enabling statutory audit rights in many countries.
In India, ACCA bridges local (Ind AS) and global (IFRS) standards, making it perfect for MNCs. Unlike degrees, it’s a professional certification emphasizing employability.
In 2025, with IFRS adoption rising in India, ACCA pros are in demand for compliance roles.
Typically 2–3 years, but varies:
Full-time: 18–24 months.
Part-time/Working Pros: 3+ years.
Factors: Prior qualifications (exemptions shorten it); study mode (self-study vs. coaching). Must complete within 7 years of starting Strategic Professional exams (new rule from 2027).
For 2025–2026 sessions: March (1–31 Mar 2026), June, Sep, Dec.
Key Skills Needed: Analytical thinking, financial acumen, communication, ethics. Develop via internships, webinars, or tools like Excel/IFRS software.
ACCA Course Fees (India, 2025)
Fees are in GBP (fluctuate with ₹80–85/£ rate); total ₹2.7–3.5 lakhs for statutory costs. Coaching adds ₹80K–2L.
| Component | Amount (GBP) | Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|
| Registration (One-time) | £89 | ₹8,900 |
| Annual Subscription | £137 | ₹15,200 |
| Exam Fee (Knowledge/Skills) | £70–100/paper | ₹7,000–10,000 |
| Exam Fee (Professional) | £150–200/paper | ₹15,000–20,000 |
| Exemption Fee | £84–123/paper | ₹9,000–12,000 |
| Ethics Module | £60 | ₹6,000 |
| Total (No Exemptions) | £1,200–1,500 | ₹1.2–1.5L (exams only) |
Savings Tips: Scholarships (ACCA Global), employer sponsorship, self-study. Check accaglobal.com for updates.
ACCA blends theory/practice across 13 papers + Ethics module.
| Level | Exams | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Knowledge (3) | BT, MA, FA | Business tech, management accounting, financial statements. |
| Applied Skills (6) | LW, PM, TX, FR, AA, FM | Law, performance mgmt, taxation, reporting, audit, finance. |
| Strategic Professional (4) | SBL + SBR (Essentials); 2/4 Options (AFM, APM, ATX, AAA) | Leadership, reporting, advanced finance/tax/audit. |
Ethics & Professional Skills: 20-hour online module on integrity, professionalism.
2025 Updates: Enhanced IFRS focus in FR/SBR.
ACCA vs CPA
| Parameter | ACCA | CPA |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Global finance | US GAAP-focused |
| Exams | 13 | 4 sections |
| Salary (US) | $60K–90K | $70K–100K |
Top Recruiters: Apollo, Fortis, AIIMS, Max, Medanta, Indian Army
| Parameter | ACCA | CPA |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Global finance | US GAAP-focused |
| Exams | 13 | 4 sections |
| Salary (US) | $60K–90K | $70K–100K |
| Job Role | Description | Avg. Salary (India, LPA) |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Analyst | Data trends, forecasting | ₹6–12 |
| Auditor | Compliance checks | ₹5–10 |
| Tax Consultant | Planning/advisory | ₹7–15 |
| Finance Manager | Budgeting/strategy | ₹10–20 |
| CFO | Executive oversight | ₹20+ |
Big 4 Salaries (India, 2025): Freshers ₹5–8L; Mid: ₹12–18L.
Top Recruiters (India): Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG, TCS, Infosys, HDFC. Abroad: Goldman Sachs, Macquarie.
Global Salaries (2025): Switzerland (highest: $100K+), US ($60–90K), UK (£35–55K), UAE (AED 120–180K tax-free).
Enhance for senior roles; ACCA + CFA = top packages.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can an average student crack ACCA? | Yes; 40–50% pass rate vs. CA’s 5–10%. Consistent study (100–150 hrs/paper) key. |
| CS or ACCA tougher? | ACCA easier (flexible, higher pass); CS more legal-focused. |
| Highest salary country? | Switzerland ($100K+), then US/UK. |
| Monthly income? | India: ₹50K–1.25L (avg.); varies by role. |
| Best country for jobs? | UK/UAE for mobility; India for growth. |
| Stressful? | Moderate; flexible exams help, but deadlines intense. |
| Expensive in India? | Moderate (₹2.7–3.5L); scholarships available. |
| Easy job in India? | Yes; high demand in MNCs/Big 4. |
| CA or ACCA better in India? | CA for local prestige/audit; ACCA for global/MNCs. |
| Highest package? | ₹35L+ (top 10%). |
| Fresher salary? | ₹4–8 LPA. |
| In demand? | Yes; 45% growth in India by 2028. |
| Big 4 hire ACCA? | Yes; top recruiters for audit/tax. |
| Pass rate? | 40–55% overall (Mar 2025). |
| Tough exam? | Moderately; APM/AAA lowest (39%). |
| Salary in India? | ₹6–15 LPA avg. |
| Cost? | ₹2.7–3.5L statutory. |
| High paying? | Yes; 20–30% premium over peers. |
| Respected? | Highly; equals CA globally. |
| Better than MBA? | For finance specialists; MBA for management. |
| Equal to CA? | Globally yes; India: CA edges local roles. |
| Degree? | Professional cert (Master’s equiv.). |
| Harder than CA? | No; easier pass/flexibility. |
| Higher than CA? | Globally broader; CA deeper in India. |
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