ACCA Course Details in India: How to Get Started
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a globally recognized accounting qualification that opens the doors to international careers in finance, audit, and management. For Indian students aspiring to work with multinational companies or secure finance roles globally, the ACCA qualification presents an exceptional opportunity. This article provides complete ACCA course details in India and explains how to get started with your journey toward becoming a globally certified accountant.
What is ACCA?
ACCA stands for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, a UK-based global body for professional accountants. With over 240,000 members and 500,000 students in 178+ countries, ACCA is one of the most prestigious accounting certifications worldwide. The course focuses on financial management, auditing, taxation, law, and professional ethics, making ACCA professionals highly sought after by employers across various industries.
Why Pursue ACCA in India?
Here are a few reasons why the ACCA qualification is gaining traction in India:
- Global Recognition: Accepted in over 180 countries,s including the UK, UAE, Singapore, Canada, and Australia.
- High Employability: ACCA professionals are hired by Big Four firms (PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG), global MNCs, and leading Indian companies.
- Flexible Learning Options: ACCA can be pursued alongside graduation (B.Com, BBA) or after completing your degree.
- No Mandatory Articleship: Unlike CA, ACCA offers flexibility in work experience, allowing students to gain practical knowledge from a variety of roles and companies.
ACCA Course Details in India
The ACCA qualification consists of 13 exams divided across three levels:
1. Applied Knowledge Level (3 papers)
- Business and Technology (BT)
- Management Accounting (MA)
- Financial Accounting (FA)
2. Applied Skills Level (6 papers)
- Corporate and Business Law (LW)
- Performance Management (PM)
- Taxation (TX)
- Financial Reporting (FR)
- Audit and Assurance (AA)
- Financial Management (FM)
3. Strategic Professional Level (4 papers)
- Compulsory Papers:
- Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
- Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
- Optional Papers (Choose any 2):
- Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
- Advanced Performance Management (APM)
- Advanced Taxation (ATX)
- Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM)
This module is mandatory and must be completed before attempting the Strategic Professional Level exams.
Practical Experience Requirement (PER)
Students must complete 36 months of relevant work experience and demonstrate achievement of nine performance objectives to qualify as an ACCA member.
Eligibility Criteria for ACCA in India
You can begin your ACCA journey after completing Class 12, graduation, or postgraduation. Here’s a breakdown:
After Class 12:
- Minimum 65% in English and Math/Accounts, and 50% in other subjects.
- Students who do not meet this requirement can enroll in the Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) route.
After Graduation (B.Com/BBA):
- Get exemptions from up to 4-5 papers depending on your academic background.
- Start directly at the Applied Skills Level.
After CA:
- ACCA grants multiple exemptions, up to 9 papers.
- You may only need to complete the Strategic Professional Level.
Duration of the ACCA Course in India
The duration of the ACCA course depends on your entry point and exemptions:
- From Class 12: 3 to 4 years
- From Graduation: 2 to 3 years
- After CA: 1 to 1.5 years
Students can complete the course more quickly by taking multiple exams per session, subject to performance and availability.
ACCA Course Fees in India
Here’s a breakdown of the approximate ACCA fees:
| Category | Cost (INR) |
| Registration Fee | ₹8,000 |
| Annual Subscription Fee | ₹12,000 (approx.) |
| Exam Fees (Per Paper) | ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Ethics Module | ₹7,000 – ₹8,000 |
| Tuition Fees (Optional) | ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,00,000+ |
Note: Exact fees may vary depending on currency rates and the coaching provider.
How to Get Started with ACCA in India
Step 1: Choose a Registered Learning Partner
Select a reputable online ACCA coaching institute like Hamzah Academy, which offers:
- Expert-led online classes
- Dedicated WhatsApp support
- Self-paced learning options
- 100% exam-focused guidance
Step 2: Register with ACCA
Visit the official ACCA website to register. You’ll need:
- Passport-size photo
- Scanned academic documents
- ID proof (Aadhaar/Passport)
- Registration fee payment
Step 3: Claim Exemptions (if applicable)
Based on your previous qualifications, ACCA will evaluate and grant exam exemptions.
Step 4: Start Preparing
Join online classes with an approved institute like Hamzah Academy. They offer mock exams, study planners, and revision support to ensure success.
Step 5: Schedule and Attempt Exams
ACCA exams are conducted quarterly, in March, June, September, and December. You can appear for up to 4 exams per session.
Step 6: Complete Practical Experience
Work in relevant roles (audit, accounting, finance, etc.) and log your work experience through the ACCA portal.
Step 7: Earn ACCA Membership
After passing all exams and completing the PER and EPSM module, you will become a fully qualified ACCA member.
Career Opportunities After ACCA in India
ACCA professionals in India can explore roles such as:
- Financial Analyst
- Auditor
- Risk Consultant
- Finance Manager
- Tax Advisor
- CFO (with experience)
Top recruiters include PwC, EY, Deloitte, KPMG, Grant Thornton, JP Morgan, Accenture, and Infosys.
Final Thoughts
The ACCA course in India is ideal for students and professionals seeking global exposure, flexibility, and high-paying career opportunities in finance and accounting. With the right support from an expert institute like Hamzah Academy, you can efficiently clear your exams and accelerate your career growth.
