The ACCA course (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is a globally respected professional accounting qualification designed for students and working professionals who aim to build international careers in accounting, finance, audit, and business leadership. Recognized in more than 180 countries, the ACCA course combines strong technical knowledge with practical, industry-relevant skills.
For students in India, the ACCA course offers a powerful alternative to traditional accounting qualifications by providing global exposure, flexible exams, and faster career growth opportunities.
What is ACCA Course?
The ACCA course is a UK-based professional qualification that focuses on financial reporting, management accounting, taxation, audit, and strategic business leadership. ACCA-qualified professionals are trained to handle complex financial decisions, compliance, and business strategy across industries.
Unlike region-specific qualifications, the ACCA course is structured to meet international accounting standards such as IFRS, making it highly valuable for multinational companies and global roles.
Why Choose ACCA Course?
Choosing the ACCA course opens doors to global career opportunities and flexible learning options.
Key benefits of the ACCA course:
- Internationally recognized professional qualification
- Strong demand in MNCs, Big4 firms, and global finance roles
- Flexible exam structure with multiple attempts each year
- Can be pursued along with graduation or employment
- High relevance for India and overseas job markets
For students in cities like Delhi, Gurugram, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, and Jaipur, ACCA coaching has become a preferred route to global finance careers.
ACCA Course Eligibility Criteria
The ACCA course is open to students from diverse academic backgrounds.
Eligibility for ACCA course in India:
- Completion of 10+2 from a recognized board
- Commerce students are preferred but not mandatory
- Non-commerce students can start through the ACCA Foundation route
- Graduates (B.Com, BBA, MBA, CA Inter, CMA Inter) may receive exemptions
This flexible eligibility makes the ACCA course suitable for students across India.
ACCA Course Duration
The duration of the ACCA course depends on prior qualifications and exemptions.
- Without exemptions: 3 to 3.5 years
- With exemptions: 1.5 to 2.5 years
- Exams can be attempted alongside college or job
The ACCA course structure allows students in India to plan studies efficiently without long mandatory training periods.
ACCA Course Syllabus (Level-Wise)
The ACCA course syllabus is divided into three levels, covering 13 papers in total.
Applied Knowledge Level
This level builds accounting and business fundamentals.
- Business & Technology
- Management Accounting
- Financial Accounting
Applied Skills Level
This level develops core technical and analytical expertise.
- Corporate & Business Law
- Performance Management
- Taxation
- Financial Reporting
- Audit & Assurance
- Financial Management
Strategic Professional Level
This level focuses on leadership and strategic decision-making.
Mandatory Papers
- Strategic Business Leader
- Strategic Business Reporting
Optional Papers (Choose Any Two)
- Advanced Financial Management
- Advanced Performance Management
- Advanced Taxation
- Advanced Audit & Assurance
The ACCA course syllabus is designed to align with real-world finance and business challenges.
ACCA Exam Pattern
The ACCA course exams are conducted as computer-based exams.
- Exams held 4 times a year (March, June, September, December)
- Passing marks: 50% per paper
- No negative marking
- Papers cleared individually (no group system)
This flexible exam pattern makes the ACCA course ideal for Indian students and working professionals.
ACCA Course Fees in India
The cost of the ACCA course in India varies based on exemptions and coaching support.
Approximate ACCA course fees:
- Registration & subscription: ₹8,000 – ₹10,000
- Exam fees (total): ₹2.5 – 3.5 lakhs
- Coaching fees (varies by city): ₹1.5 – 3 lakhs
Total investment in the ACCA course typically ranges between ₹4 – 6 lakhs.
ACCA Exemptions
One of the biggest advantages of the ACCA course is exemptions.
- B.Com / BBA: up to 9 exemptions
- CA Inter / CMA Inter: multiple exemptions
- CA Final: up to 11 exemptions
- MBA (Finance): exemptions based on university
Exemptions significantly reduce ACCA course duration and cost.
ACCA Career Scope & Job Opportunities
The ACCA course offers wide career scope in India and abroad.
Popular job roles after ACCA course:
- Financial Accountant
- Management Accountant
- Auditor
- Tax Consultant
- Financial Analyst
- Business Controller
Industries hiring ACCA professionals:
- Big4 firms
- MNCs and global corporations
- Consulting firms
- Banking & financial services
Cities like Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai offer strong demand for ACCA professionals.
ACCA Salary in India & Abroad
Salary after ACCA course:
- Freshers (India): ₹6 – 8 LPA
- Experienced professionals: ₹12 – 25+ LPA
- International roles: significantly higher depending on country
The ACCA course provides excellent long-term earning potential.
ACCA vs CA – Which is Better?
The ACCA course focuses on global accounting standards and international careers, while CA is India-centric and statutory-focused.
- ACCA: Global scope, flexible exams, international mobility
- CA: Indian regulations, longer duration, higher difficulty
The right choice depends on career goals and preferred geography.
Who Should Pursue ACCA Course?
The ACCA course is ideal for:
- Students targeting global accounting careers
- Commerce and non-commerce graduates
- Working professionals seeking international exposure
- Students planning to work in MNCs or abroad
FAQs
Is ACCA course difficult?
The ACCA course is challenging but manageable with structured preparation and professional guidance.
Can ACCA be done after 12th?
Yes, students can start the ACCA course after completing 10+2.
Is ACCA valid in India?
Yes, the ACCA course is well-recognized by MNCs and global firms in India.
How many papers are in ACCA course?
There are 13 papers across three levels in the ACCA course.
Can ACCA be done with graduation?
Yes, many students pursue the ACCA course alongside college.
Is maths very tough in ACCA?
The ACCA course focuses more on logic and application than advanced mathematics.