The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification has become one of the most sought-after global credentials in accounting and finance. With multinational companies setting up operations in India, the demand for professionals with international finance knowledge is growing rapidly. That’s where ACCA comes in.
If you’re considering this career path, here’s a complete breakdown of ACCA course details in India—from eligibility to exam structure, costs, and career opportunities.
What is ACCA?
ACCA is a globally recognized accounting qualification with more than 240,000 members and 500,000 students across 178 countries. It equips professionals with advanced knowledge in accounting, auditing, taxation, and business strategy.
Eligibility for ACCA in India
To register for the ACCA course, students typically need to meet the following criteria:
12th Standard (Commerce background preferred) with at least 65% in Accounts/Maths and English.
Students from non-commerce streams can also apply but may need to put in extra effort for basics.
Graduates (B.Com, BBA, CA Inter, etc.) often receive exemptions depending on their prior studies.
ACCA Course Structure in India
The course is divided into three levels:
Applied Knowledge (Business and Technology, Management Accounting, Financial Accounting)
Applied Skills (Corporate & Business Law, Taxation, Performance Management, Financial Reporting, Audit & Assurance, Financial Management)
Strategic Professional (Strategic Business Leader, Strategic Business Reporting, plus two optional subjects like Advanced Audit & Assurance or Advanced Financial Management)
In total, there are 13 exams (before exemptions).
Duration of ACCA in India
Average duration: 2.5 to 3 years
Can be completed faster with exemptions (e.g., B.Com, CA Inter students).
Flexible scheduling: Students can attempt exams quarterly (March, June, September, December).
ACCA Fees in India
Here’s a rough breakdown of ACCA fees (can vary based on exemptions and location):
Initial registration fee: Approx. £45 (around ₹4,500)
Annual subscription fee: Approx. £122 (around ₹12,000)
Exam fees: Vary by level (from £80–£250 per paper, around ₹8,000–₹25,000)
In total, the cost of pursuing ACCA in India can range between ₹3–4 lakhs, including coaching and exam fees.
ACCA Exemptions for Indian Students
B.Com, M.Com students may get up to 4–5 paper exemptions.
CA Inter/Final candidates can get significant exemptions, reducing the number of exams.
ACCA’s official website provides an exemption calculator to check eligibility.
Career Opportunities After ACCA in India
With globalization, ACCA professionals are in demand in:
Big 4 accounting firms (PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG)
MNCs in finance & consulting
Banking and investment firms
Startups and corporates expanding overseas
Typical job roles include:
Financial Analyst
Management Accountant
Statutory Auditor
Tax Consultant
Risk and Compliance Specialist
The average salary for ACCA in India ranges between ₹6–12 LPA, and can go higher with experience.
Why Pursue ACCA in India?
Global recognition – Accepted in over 180 countries.
Flexible exams – Four exam sessions per year.
Strong career prospects – Especially with Big 4 firms and MNCs.
Exemptions – Indian qualifications give a head start.
Final Thoughts
The ACCA course in India is a golden opportunity for students who want to build an international career in finance and accounting. With its flexible structure, global recognition, and increasing demand in India, it’s an investment that pays off.
If you’re serious about building a career that isn’t just limited to India but opens doors worldwide, ACCA could be the perfect choice
