Complete ACCA Course Details & Fee Overview in India – 2025 Guide

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a globally recognized qualification that opens doors to high-demand careers in finance, accounting, audit, and management. Especially in India, ACCA has gained significant momentum, offering students and professionals an international edge in the competitive job market.

This comprehensive 2025 guide explores the ACCA course details and gives an overview of ACCA fees in India, helping you plan your journey effectively. Whether you are a student after 12th, a commerce graduate, or a working professional aiming to upgrade your qualifications, this guide serves as your roadmap to success.

What is ACCA?

ACCA is a UK-based global accounting body with over 240,000 members and 500,000 students in more than 180 countries. The ACCA qualification is designed to build core competencies in accounting, financial management, audit, and taxation — all aligned with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Employers worldwide value ACCA-qualified professionals for their technical expertise, ethics, and strategic thinking.

ACCA Course Details: Structure and Progression

The ACCA course is structured in a way that allows flexibility and progressive skill development. It is divided into three main levels, each comprising several exams:

1. Applied Knowledge Level

This is the entry-level stage that covers the basics of accounting and business.

Subjects:

• Business and Technology (BT)
  
• Management Accounting (MA)
  
• Financial Accounting (FA)
  

These exams lay the groundwork for understanding how organizations function and how financial information supports decision-making.

2. Applied Skills Level

This level focuses on more complex accounting and finance principles and builds on the foundation level.

Subjects:

• Corporate and Business Law (LW)
  
• Performance Management (PM)
  
• Taxation (TX)
  
• Financial Reporting (FR)
  
• Audit and Assurance (AA)
  
• Financial Management (FM)
  

Students gain technical proficiency and the ability to apply concepts in real-world scenarios.

3. Strategic Professional Level

This final level emphasizes leadership, ethics, and strategic decision-making.

Essentials (Compulsory):

• Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
  
• Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
  

Options (Choose any two):

• Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
  
• Advanced Performance Management (APM)
  
• Advanced Taxation (ATX)
  
• Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
  

These papers test your ability to apply knowledge at a strategic and professional level, making you job-ready for senior positions.

Practical Experience Requirement (PER)

To earn the ACCA qualification, you must complete 36 months of relevant work experience and fulfill performance objectives. This requirement ensures that students are not just academically qualified but also professionally competent.

ACCA Entry Requirements in India

One of the benefits of the ACCA qualification is its flexible eligibility criteria. You can start the course at different entry points depending on your academic background:

• After Class 12 (Commerce stream preferred)
  
• After Graduation (B.Com, BBA, etc.)
  
• After completing CA Inter or similar qualifications
  

Based on prior education, you may be eligible for exemptions in certain subjects, which can reduce the time and cost required to complete the course.

ACCA Duration

The duration of the ACCA course depends on how many exams you need to take and how frequently you attempt them.

• Without exemptions: 3 to 4 years
  
• With exemptions: 1.5 to 2.5 years
  

There are four exam sessions every year — in March, June, September, and December — giving students the flexibility to schedule exams based on their preparation and convenience.

ACCA Fees in India: Overview

While exact costs can vary due to currency fluctuations and policy updates from ACCA Global, it is important to understand the different types of fees involved. Below is a general overview of ACCA fees in India as of 2025 (without quoting actual numbers):

1. Initial Registration Fee

This is a one-time fee to register as a student with ACCA. Once registered, you gain access to the ACCA student portal, study resources, and exam booking systems.

2. Annual Subscription Fee

An annual fee must be paid to maintain your student status. This ensures continued access to ACCA’s online resources and the ability to schedule exams.

3. Exam Fees

Each ACCA paper comes with an exam fee. These fees vary depending on the exam level and the time of registration (early, standard, or late entry).

• Applied Knowledge: Lower fee per subject
  
• Applied Skills: Mid-range fee per subject
  
• Strategic Professional: Higher fee per subject
  

4. Exemption Fees

If you qualify for exemptions based on prior academic or professional qualifications (e.g., a commerce degree or CA Inter), you’ll be required to pay an exemption fee for each paper waived.

5. Reinstatement or Re-registration Fees

If your registration lapses due to inactivity or non-payment of annual fees, you may be required to pay a reinstatement or re-registration fee.

Additional Learning Costs (Optional but Recommended)

While not mandatory, most students invest in the following resources to enhance their preparation:

– Study Materials

Textbooks, revision kits, and practice workbooks aligned with the latest ACCA syllabus are widely used by students.

– Online Tools and Mock Tests

Many students also purchase access to online mock exams, video lectures, and question banks.

– ACCA Classes

Enrolling in ACCA classes—whether online or offline—can provide structured guidance, expert mentorship, and doubt-solving support, especially for tougher papers like SBL and AAA.

Career Benefits of ACCA in India

Although the ACCA fees in India require financial planning, the returns are substantial. Here’s why pursuing ACCA is a smart investment:

• Global Recognition: Recognized in over 180 countries, including the UK, UAE, Singapore, and Canada.
  
• High Employability: ACCA members are employed by multinational firms, Big 4 companies, and international audit firms.
  
• Diverse Career Options: Roles in audit, taxation, financial analysis, consulting, and more.
  
• Flexibility: Study and work at the same time, with the option to space out exams across multiple sessions.
  
• Exemptions: Indian graduates and CA students often receive exemptions, reducing both duration and cost.
  

Tips to Manage Your ACCA Journey

• Plan your exams strategically to minimize costs and avoid late registration fees.
  
• Use free ACCA resources like past exam papers and examiner reports.
  
• Practice consistently using mock tests to build exam confidence.
  
• Track your Practical Experience Requirements (PER) alongside your exams for timely completion.
  
• Stay updated with ACCA announcements to avoid missing key deadlines.

Conclusion

Understanding the ACCA course details and having a clear view of the ACCA fees in India is essential before starting your ACCA qualification. With the right strategy, preparation, and financial planning, ACCA can be a gateway to a rewarding global career in accounting and finance.

The ACCA qualification not only enhances your credibility in India but also prepares you for international opportunities. As you plan for 2025, let this guide be your reference point for a successful and informed start to your ACCA journey.