The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification is one of the most prestigious global certifications in accounting and finance. If you’re planning to pursue ACCA, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: How much does ACCA cost in India?
Understanding the ACCA fees structure is important for planning your journey. Let’s break it down step by step.
Components of ACCA Fees in India
The total cost of the ACCA qualification depends on several components:
1. Initial Registration Fees
This is a one-time fee you pay to register as an ACCA student.
Approximate cost: £45 (around ₹4,500 – ₹5,000).
2. Annual Subscription Fees
Paid every year to maintain active student status.
Approximate cost: £122 (around ₹12,000 – ₹13,000).
3. Exam Fees
Each ACCA exam has its own fee depending on the level. There are three levels in ACCA:
Applied Knowledge (3 exams):
Around £80–£100 per exam (₹8,000 – ₹10,000).
Applied Skills (6 exams):
Around £110–£140 per exam (₹11,000 – ₹14,000).
Strategic Professional (4 exams):
Around £180–£250 per exam (₹18,000 – ₹25,000).
? Tip: Fees increase slightly if you register late for an exam session.
4. Exemptions Fees
If you already hold relevant qualifications like B.Com, CA Inter, or CA Final, you may get exemptions from some ACCA exams. However, exemptions are not free—you pay a fee for each exempted paper (similar to exam fees).
5. Coaching / Tuition Fees
While self-study is possible, most students in India prefer coaching for structured guidance. Coaching fees can vary widely depending on the institute:
₹1,50,000 – ₹2,50,000 for the entire course duration (across all papers).
Total Cost of ACCA in India
Here’s an approximate range of overall ACCA cost:
Without exemptions: ₹3.5 – ₹4.5 lakhs (including exam, registration, subscription, and coaching).
With exemptions (e.g., B.Com, CA Inter): ₹2.5 – ₹3.5 lakhs (since fewer papers to attempt).
Ways to Manage ACCA Costs
Plan exams wisely: Attempt multiple papers together to save on subscription extensions.
Apply for exemptions carefully: Calculate if exemptions save time or if reappearing for papers is cheaper.
Look for scholarships: ACCA occasionally offers discounts for top-performing students.
Choose online learning: Online coaching is often more affordable than offline classes.
Why ACCA Fees are Worth It
While the fees may seem like a big investment, consider the return on investment (ROI):
Average salary of an ACCA in India: ₹6–12 LPA.
Global opportunities in more than 180 countries.
Highly valued by Big 4 firms, MNCs, and consulting companies.
Final Thoughts
Pursuing ACCA requires both dedication and financial planning. The ACCA fees in India might feel heavy upfront, but the long-term career growth, international recognition, and high earning potential make it worthwhile. Think of it as investing in a global passport for your finance career.
