How to Start Your ACCA Journey in India in 2025?

Anyone planning to pursue a global accounting career needs to look at ACCA. It stands for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. This UK-based body offers one of the most respected accounting certifications worldwide.

And if someone is wondering about the ACCA journey in India in 2025? They’re not alone. Many Indian students, freshers, and even working professionals are now looking at ACCA as a way to build an international profile.

We’ve covered all about the ACCA journey from start to finish in this quick and easy guide!

Where To Begin

Start with eligibility.

To begin the ACCA journey in India in 2025, one must clear Class 12 with at least 65% in Accounts or Maths and English. Other subjects need at least 50% marks. Commerce students usually meet this easily. Even graduates or those with other professional qualifications can join directly at later levels, depending on exemptions.

Now let’s talk about the structure.

ACCA has three levels:

1. Applied Knowledge (3 papers)
2. Applied Skills (6 papers)
3. Strategic Professional (4 papers)

There’s also a Professional Ethics module. And yes, practical experience matters. One needs 36 months of relevant work experience to become an ACCA member.

Here’s a breakdown:

ACCA Level	Number of Exams	Type
Applied Knowledge	3	Computer-based, on-demand
Applied Skills	6	Computer-based
Strategic Professional	4	Computer-based

Exams happen quarterly, and students can take up to four papers each session.

How Long Is It?

It depends. Someone joining after Class 12 may take 3 to 4 years to complete the ACCA qualification. A graduate may complete it faster, especially with exemptions. A working professional can stretch it further, depending on availability.

How Much Does It Cost?

Many wonder if the ACCA journey in India in 2025 will burn a hole in the pocket. Here’s an honest look:

• Initial registration: around Rs. 8,000
• Annual subscription: around Rs. 10,000
• Exam fees (per paper): varies between Rs. 9,000 to Rs. 15,000

Add to this tuition or coaching fees. Many choose training institutes for structured prep. Self-study is possible but needs serious discipline.

There are also exemptions, but they come at a fee. For example, a B.Com graduate may get 4 to 5 paper exemptions. But each exemption costs money.

Now let’s address the real question in the following section.

Why Should Someone Start Their ACCA Journey in India in 2025?

The global job market is changing. Employers are no longer impressed by local degrees alone. They want professionals who understand international standards, IFRS, ethics, and financial reporting at a global scale. ACCA fits perfectly into that.

The qualification opens doors in areas like:

• Financial reporting
• Audit and assurance
• Risk management
• Performance management
• Taxation
• Advisory

It doesn’t stop there. ACCAs work in roles like:

• Internal Auditor
• Finance Manager
• Tax Consultant
• Financial Analyst
• Risk Consultant

And ACCA is accepted in over 180 countries.

Common Queries About ACCA Answered

It is good to question the important things before diving headfirst into the long ACCA journey in India in 2025. Here are some common questions you may have. We have tried to answer them in detail for you. 

Where do ACCAs work?

Think Big Four. Think multinationals. Think global startups and consulting firms. Whether it’s PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, EY, or firms in Dubai, Singapore or the UK, this certification stands out.

How is ACCA different from CA in India?

While both are tough qualifications, CA follows Indian accounting standards. ACCA focuses more on international financial reporting. CA has fewer exam attempts. ACCA gives flexibility with four exam cycles a year. CA needs articleship under a CA. ACCA asks for work experience under any relevant employer.

Is ACCA recognised in India?

Yes. ACCA is well-known among MNCs and global firms in India. However, it does not allow signing authority in India like a CA. So, if someone wants to set up their own audit firm here, CA might suit them more. For corporate jobs and international roles, ACCA works very well.

Do ACCA students need coaching?

Not always, but it helps. The syllabus is wide. Some papers are theory-heavy. Some are practical. Coaching centres help keep students on track and also provide mock exams, doubt clearing, and structure. Especially for those who are working or studying along with it.

Can a non-commerce student do ACCA?

Yes. Science or arts students can also start their ACCA journey in India in 2025 after Class 12, as long as they meet the percentage criteria. They may find the first few papers challenging, but it’s possible with the right preparation.

When should someone start preparing?

Right after registration. Don’t wait. The ACCA journey rewards consistency. Set a study plan, follow it, and register for exams when ready. Four exam sessions a year give enough flexibility.

What else should one keep in mind?

Stay updated on deadlines. ACCA exam registration happens in stages, and late registration comes with higher fees. Plan early. Also, use the ACCA website wisely. It has free resources, syllabus outlines, sample papers, and technical articles.

What’s the career path after ACCA?

Once qualified, candidates can apply for ACCA membership. This lets them use the letters ‘ACCA’ after their name. From there, the options grow quickly. Some go into full-time finance roles. Some move to consulting. Others consider adding CFA or MBA later. ACCA also works well if someone wants to work abroad.

Final Thoughts

The ACCA journey in India in 2025 may seem long, but with the right support, it becomes easier. That’s why many students turn to trusted institutes like The WallStreet School. They offer structured guidance, expert faculty, and result-driven support. For anyone who wants to begin their ACCA preparation with focus, The WallStreet School is a good starting point. Interested students can learn more on their official website.

FAQs

1. What is the minimum qualification needed to begin the ACCA journey in India in 2025?
   
   Students need to pass Class 12 with at least 65% in Accounts or Maths and English, and at least 50% in other subjects. Graduates or those with other professional qualifications can join with exemptions depending on their background.
   
2. How long does it take to complete the ACCA qualification?
   
   It varies. After Class 12, it may take 3 to 4 years. Graduates can complete it faster. Working professionals might take longer, depending on availability and the number of papers they attempt per session.
   
3. Is ACCA worth it in India?
   
   Yes, especially for those aiming at global finance roles or working with multinational companies. It may not grant audit signing authority like the Indian CA, but it’s valued by MNCs, Big Four firms, and international recruiters.