ACCA in India: Course Details & Fee Insights for 2025 Students

The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is one of the most globally respected accounting qualifications, known for its comprehensive curriculum and international recognition. For students in India looking to establish a career in finance and accounting, ACCA provides a pathway that combines technical excellence with global mobility.

In this guide, we explore ACCA course details and provide a thorough look at ACCA fees in India to help students make informed decisions about their educational journey.

What Is ACCA?

ACCA is a UK-based professional accounting body that offers the Chartered Certified Accountant qualification. With presence in over 180 countries, ACCA is globally acknowledged and aligned with international financial reporting and auditing standards.

This qualification is suitable for students, graduates, and working professionals aiming to build a career in accounting, auditing, tax, consulting, or finance—both in India and abroad.

ACCA Course Details: An Overview

The ACCA qualification consists of three levels and 13 exams in total. The course structure is designed to build your knowledge progressively—from foundational concepts to high-level strategic thinking.

1. Applied Knowledge Level

This is the starting point of the ACCA journey. It includes three subjects that focus on the basics of business, finance, and accounting:

• Business and Technology (BT)

• Management Accounting (MA)

• Financial Accounting (FA)

These subjects help students understand the core functions of businesses and lay the groundwork for more advanced studies.

2. Applied Skills Level

This level builds upon the foundation to develop deeper financial and technical skills. It consists of:

• Corporate and Business Law (LW)

• Performance Management (PM)

• Taxation (TX)

• Financial Reporting (FR)

• Audit and Assurance (AA)

• Financial Management (FM)

This stage prepares students to handle real-world scenarios in areas like auditing, law, taxation, and financial planning.

3. Strategic Professional Level

The final level focuses on advanced financial strategy, reporting, and leadership skills. It is divided into:

Compulsory Papers:

• Strategic Business Leader (SBL)

• Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)

Optional Papers (Choose 2 out of 4):

• Advanced Financial Management (AFM)

• Advanced Performance Management (APM)

• Advanced Taxation (ATX)

• Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)

This level aims to prepare students for senior roles in accounting and strategic decision-making.

Duration of the ACCA Course

The ACCA qualification is highly flexible and can be completed at the student’s pace. Typically, the course takes:

• 3 to 4 years if started after 12th grade

• 2 to 3 years for graduates or students eligible for exemptions

ACCA conducts exams four times a year — in March, June, September, and December — giving students multiple chances to plan and clear their papers efficiently.

Eligibility Criteria

One of the most attractive aspects of ACCA is its accessibility. Here’s a breakdown of who can pursue ACCA in India:

• 12th Grade Students: Students from a commerce background can begin the ACCA qualification after school, provided they meet minimum academic requirements.

• Graduates (B.Com, BBA, etc.): Degree holders can start at the Applied Skills level and may be eligible for exemptions.

• CA Aspirants or Semi-qualified CAs: Often eligible for multiple exemptions based on completed papers.

The flexibility of entry points makes ACCA suitable for a wide range of academic backgrounds.

ACCA Fees in India: General Insights

Understanding the ACCA fees in India is essential for planning your financial investment in this qualification. Though exact figures may vary due to exchange rates and ACCA’s annual revisions, here’s a general structure of what students can expect.

1. Initial Registration Fee

Students pay a one-time registration fee to begin their ACCA journey. This gives them access to ACCA’s online resources and official exam portal.

2. Annual Subscription Fee

To remain an active ACCA student, an annual fee must be paid. This continues until the student qualifies as a full ACCA member.

3. Examination Fees

Exam fees are payable for each paper a student attempts. The cost varies depending on:

• The exam level (Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, or Strategic Professional)

• The registration window (early, standard, or late)

Planning ahead and registering during the early window can help reduce exam costs.

4. Exemption Fees

Students who qualify for exemptions due to prior education (like B.Com or CA Inter) need to pay a fee per exempted subject. This reduces the number of exams needed to complete the course but adds to the upfront cost.

5. Re-registration or Reinstatement Fees

If a student allows their registration to lapse, reactivating their account will involve an additional charge.

Additional Costs

While not directly charged by ACCA Global, students may incur other expenses related to:

• Study materials: Books, practice kits, and mock exams

• Online platforms and resources

• ACCA coaching classes: To receive structured guidance and support

These resources, though optional, are highly recommended to enhance preparation and pass rates.

Practical Experience Requirement (PER)

To qualify as an ACCA member, students must also complete 36 months of relevant work experience and demonstrate achievement of nine performance objectives. This practical component ensures that students gain hands-on industry experience in parallel with their studies.

Career Opportunities After ACCA in India

With the Indian business environment becoming more globally integrated, ACCA-qualified professionals are increasingly in demand. Some common roles include:

• Financial Analyst

• Internal Auditor

• Risk Manager

• Financial Controller

• Compliance Officer

• Management Accountant

Industries such as banking, consulting, FMCG, and IT services frequently hire ACCA professionals for their global expertise and ethical grounding.

Benefits of Pursuing ACCA in India

Here are some of the key advantages:

• Global Recognition: ACCA is acknowledged in over 180 countries.

• Flexible Study Model: Students can study full-time or part-time, and exams are spaced out to allow balance.

• Multiple Entry Points: Whether you’re in school, college, or working, ACCA fits your profile.

• Strong Curriculum: Covers IFRS, audit, tax, and business strategy aligned with global standards.

• High Demand: Growing relevance in MNCs, Big 4 firms, and shared service centers across India.

Conclusion

ACCA is more than just an accounting course — it’s a global qualification that opens doors across continents. With a well-structured learning path, international recognition, and increasing relevance in India, ACCA is an ideal option for students looking to build a sustainable career in finance and accounting.

By understanding the ACCA course details and being aware of the ACCA fees in India, you can plan your academic and financial journey effectively. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upskill, ACCA offers the flexibility, support, and recognition you need to succeed.