Introduction
Let’s face it—choosing a career isn’t easy. Especially when everyone has an opinion.
“Do CA, it’s stable.”
“Try MBA, it’s more versatile.”
“Why not UPSC?” (Yes, we’ve all heard that one.)
But if you’re someone who enjoys numbers, business strategy, and wants to work with global companies or even move abroad someday, there’s one path worth exploring: the ACCA course.
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a globally recognized accounting qualification. And guess what? You can start it right here in India, without quitting your job or traveling halfway across the world.
This blog is your deep-dive guide into what ACCA really is, who it’s for, how much it costs, and whether it can open real career doors for you in 2025 and beyond.
What is ACCA?
ACCA stands for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, a UK-based professional accounting body that operates in over 180 countries. Think of it as the international cousin of India’s CA qualification—except it’s more flexible, globally recognized, and comes with a higher chance of clearing.
The ACCA qualification isn’t just about accounting. It also includes training in:
- Financial and management accounting
- Auditing
- Business law
- Taxation
- Financial reporting
- Strategic management
- Ethics and professionalism
In other words, ACCA doesn’t just make you an accountant—it trains you to become a strategic finance professional.
Why ACCA Makes Sense in 2025 (Especially for Indian Students)
1. It’s Globally Recognized
Want to work in Dubai, London, Singapore, or Canada someday? ACCA gives you that mobility. The qualification is accepted by top firms, including the Big Four, across the globe.
2. No Entrance Exam
Unlike CA or CAT, you don’t have to crack a competitive entrance test. You can register with your 12th marks and start preparing right away.
3. You Can Work While You Study
There’s no mandatory 3-year full-time articleship like in CA. Many students do internships or part-time jobs while completing ACCA.
4. Flexible Exam Structure
You don’t have to clear all subjects in one go. ACCA offers four exam windows a year, and you can attempt papers one at a time.
5. Faster to Complete
Most students complete ACCA in 2.5 to 3 years, and if you have a B.Com degree or CA background, you get exemptions.
Who is ACCA For?
ACCA is perfect for:
- Class 12 Commerce students
- B.Com / BBA / BAF / M.Com graduates
- CA students (especially those struggling to clear final exams)
- Working professionals in finance or audit
- Anyone who wants to move abroad in finance roles
Minimum eligibility: 65% in Accounts/Math and English in Class 12, and 50% in other subjects. If you don’t meet this, there’s a Foundation route you can take.
ACCA Course Structure (Simplified)
The ACCA course has 13 papers, divided into three levels:
1. Applied Knowledge (3 papers)
- Business and Technology (BT)
- Financial Accounting (FA)
- Management Accounting (MA)
2. Applied Skills (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 (4 papers)
Compulsory:
- Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
- Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
Optional (choose any 2):
- Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
- Advanced Performance Management (APM)
- Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
- Advanced Taxation (ATX)
Plus, you need to complete:
- Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM)
- 36 months of relevant work experience (can be completed before, during, or after exams)
ACCA vs CA in India: A Real Comparison
| Feature | ACCA | CA (India) |
| Global Recognition | Yes | Mainly India |
| Exam Frequency | 4 times/year | 2 times/year |
| Pass Rate | ~40–50% | ~5–15% |
| Articleship | Flexible | Mandatory 3 years |
| Completion Time | 2.5–3 years | 4–6 years |
| Work Abroad | Easy | Difficult (without additional certification) |
CA is excellent if you want to build a career in Indian accounting. But ACCA gives you more international opportunities and is slightly more flexible in terms of structure and workload.
ACCA Fees in India (2025)
Let’s talk numbers. ACCA is affordable compared to an MBA abroad or even some Indian management programs.
Registration Fees:
- Initial Registration: ₹8,000–₹10,000
- Annual Subscription: ₹10,000 per year
- Ethics Module: ₹7,000
Exam Fees:
- Applied Knowledge: ₹8,500/paper
- Applied Skills: ₹11,000–₹12,000/paper
- Strategic Professional: ₹15,000–₹17,000/paper
Tuition Fees:
Optional but recommended—₹60,000 to ₹1.5 lakhs depending on coaching provider
Total cost (if no exemptions): ₹3–3.5 lakhs
With exemptions: ₹1.5–2.2 lakhs
Most coaching providers offer EMI options, and some have partnerships with companies to help you land internships while studying.
Top-Quality ACCA Coaching in Mumbai with Synthesis Learning
ACCA coaching in Mumbai has gained significant popularity in recent years, with numerous reputed institutes offering specialized training to help students prepare for the globally recognized ACCA qualification. These coaching centers provide comprehensive guidance through expert faculty, updated study material, and personalized mentoring to ensure students grasp complex accounting and finance concepts effectively. Many institutes also offer flexible batch timings, online classes, and mock exams to cater to the diverse needs of working professionals and full-time students. With Mumbai being a major financial hub, pursuing ACCA coaching here offers added advantages, including networking opportunities and industry exposure.
Career Options After ACCA in India (and Abroad)
This is what you really want to know—what can you do with an ACCA qualification?
Popular Job Roles:
- Financial Analyst
- Auditor (Internal / External)
- Risk Manager
- Tax Consultant
- FP&A Analyst
- Management Accountant
- Finance Business Partner
Top Employers:
- Big 4 firms: Deloitte, EY, PwC, KPMG
- MNCs: JP Morgan, Amazon, Barclays, Unilever, HSBC
- Indian corporates: TCS, Infosys, Reliance
- Startups and fintechs
Salary Range:
- Freshers: ₹4–7 LPA
- 2–3 years experience: ₹8–12 LPA
- 5+ years / international roles: ₹15–25+ LPA
Freelance and remote opportunities also exist for ACCAs, especially in tax consulting, audit, and reporting for international clients.
Final Thoughts: Should You Do ACCA?
Let’s keep it real—ACCA is not a shortcut. It still requires hard work, study hours, and discipline. But it’s more structured, flexible, and offers a wider range of opportunities compared to traditional Indian finance qualifications.
If you’re someone who:
- Wants a career in finance with international reach
- Is looking for CA alternatives
- Wants to work while studying
- Wants higher pass rates and fewer roadblocks
…then ACCA is absolutely worth considering.
It’s a career investment that can pay off in job offers, overseas opportunities, and the confidence to stand out in today’s crowded job market.
How to Start?
Here’s your 5-step ACCA starter plan:
- Visit accaglobal.com and register
- Check for exemptions based on your qualifications
- Choose a learning partner or coaching institute
- Create a study plan (1–2 papers per attempt is ideal)
- Prepare. Stay consistent. Trust the process.
It’s not about being the smartest. It’s about starting, staying steady, and not giving up.
