ACCA Course in India 2026: Eligibility, Papers, Duration and Fees
The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification is one of the most widely recognised accounting credentials in the world, accepted by employers in more than 180 countries. This guide explains how the ACCA course works for students in India in 2026 — who can start, what you study, how long it takes and what it costs.
What is ACCA?
ACCA is a UK-based professional accountancy body. Its qualification trains you in financial reporting, audit, tax, management accounting, financial management and business strategy, with a strong focus on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Because most multinational companies report under IFRS, ACCA members are in demand at Big 4 firms, multinational corporations and global capability centres (GCCs) in India.
ACCA course structure
The current qualification has 13 exams across three levels, plus an ethics module and practical experience:
| Level | Exams |
|---|---|
| Applied Knowledge | Business and Technology (BT), Management Accounting (MA), Financial Accounting (FA) |
| Applied Skills | Corporate and Business Law (LW), Performance Management (PM), Taxation (TX), Financial Reporting (FR), Audit and Assurance (AA), Financial Management (FM) |
| Strategic Professional | Strategic Business Leader (SBL) and Strategic Business Reporting (SBR), plus two options from AFM, APM, ATX and AAA |
You also complete the Ethics and Professional Skills Module and 36 months of relevant work experience (the Practical Experience Requirement, or PER) to become a full member.
Who can start ACCA?
- After Class 12: students who meet ACCA’s minimum entry requirements can register directly for the ACCA qualification.
- After Class 10: students can begin with ACCA’s Foundations route and progress into the full qualification. At NPA Global, our Prarambh track helps school students start alongside Class 11–12.
- Graduates and CA students: you can start directly and may receive exemptions from some exams.
How long does ACCA take?
Most students take 2.5 to 4 years to clear all 13 exams, depending on exemptions and how many papers they attempt per sitting. ACCA offers four exam sessions a year (March, June, September and December), which makes it easy to plan around college or a job.
How much does ACCA cost in India?
The total cost — ACCA registration, annual subscription, exam fees, study material and coaching — typically comes to around ₹2.5–3.5 lakh for the full qualification. Exemptions reduce the number of exams you sit, which changes the total. Read our detailed ACCA fees breakdown.
Is ACCA right for you?
ACCA suits you if you want an accounting career with international mobility, enjoy reporting, audit or advisory work, and prefer a qualification you can complete paper by paper. If you want a career specifically in Indian statutory audit, CA is the route — see our ACCA vs CA comparison.
Talk to a mentor before you decide
Every student’s starting point is different. At NPA Global, a free counselling session maps your background, exemptions and goals to a clear plan. Book a free session or explore the ACCA course and CMA USA course.