Build a career as a ACCA
A globally portable chartered-accountancy credential opening finance and audit careers across 180+ countries.
Know the ACCA before you start
3 - Knowledge, Skills, Strategic Professional
Levels
13 exams (fewer after exemptions)
Papers
50% in every paper
Pass Mark
4 per year - Mar, Jun, Sep, Dec
Exam Sessions
Roles & salary as you grow
The ACCA opens an entry role that promotes upward — here's the ladder and what each rung pays.
Stage 1
Auditor / Assurance Associate
₹6–12 LPA
Performs statutory and internal audits at global firms and MNCs, applying IFRS and international auditing standards.
Stage 2
Financial Analyst / FP&A
₹7–15 LPA
Builds forecasts, budgets and financial models, often in MNC shared-service and finance hubs.
Stage 3
Financial Controller
₹15–30 LPA
Owns financial reporting, consolidation, compliance and controls, frequently in globally listed groups.
Stage 4
Finance Manager / CFO track
₹20 LPA and above
Leads finance functions with international mobility across the 180+ countries where ACCA is recognised.
*Indicative ranges from public data; actual pay varies by employer, city and cycle.
Are you eligible?
Education
Entry after Class 10+2 (typically ~65% in Maths/Accounts & English, 50% in others). Graduates (e.g. B.Com) and CA / CA-Intermediate candidates qualify for exemptions. Applicants below the entry bar can start via the Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) route.
Age
No formal upper age limit (typically 18+ for direct registration).
Nationality
Open globally, including Indian nationals.
How the ACCA is structured
The ACCA Qualification has 13 exams across three levels. Applied Knowledge (3 exams) is on-demand computer-based. Applied Skills (6 exams) is session computer-based, four sittings a year. Strategic Professional (4 exams - two Essentials plus two Options from four) uses case-study computer-based exams. Every paper is marked out of 100 with a 50% pass mark. Candidates also complete the Ethics & Professional Skills Module and 36 months of Practical Experience (PER). Exemptions reduce the papers actually sat.
Applied Knowledge
Applied Skills
Strategic Professional - Essentials
Strategic Professional - Options (choose 2 of 4)
What you'll study
menu_bookApplied Knowledge
menu_bookApplied Skills
menu_bookStrategic Professional
menu_bookEthics & Experience
How to crack the ACCA
Register with ACCA
Create an account at accaglobal.com, submit academic documents, and pay the one-time registration fee.
Claim exemptions
Apply for exemptions based on prior qualifications (B.Com graduates typically 3–6; CA / CA-Inter up to ~8), reducing the papers you must sit.
Pass the exams by level
Clear Applied Knowledge, then Applied Skills, then Strategic Professional (two Essentials plus two Options), scoring at least 50% in each.
Complete the Ethics module
Finish the Ethics & Professional Skills Module (EPSM).
Fulfil the practical experience (PER)
Record 36 months of relevant supervised work experience with defined performance objectives.
Become an ACCA member
Once exams, EPSM and PER are complete, apply for membership and use the ACCA designation.
The ACCA cycle
Four quarterly sittings - March, June, September, December
On-demand, throughout the year
Roughly 6–8 weeks before each session
Prep for ACCA with PrepClever
Launching 2026. Join the waitlist for early access, free mock tests, and a personalised study plan.
See the full ACCA guide arrow_forwardACCA — common questions
Who can register for ACCA?
Students can join after Class 10+2 (usually ~65% in Maths/Accounts and English); graduates and CA candidates get exemptions, and those below the entry bar can start via the FIA route.
How long does ACCA take to complete?
Typically 2–4 years depending on exemptions and study pace, given up to 13 exams plus the ethics module and 36 months of practical experience.
What is the pass mark?
50% in every paper across all three levels.
How much does ACCA cost in India?
Fees payable to ACCA total roughly ₹3 lakh (registration, subscription, exam-entry and exemption fees); with coaching and materials the all-in cost is about ₹3.5–4.5 lakh.
What salary can an ACCA earn in India?
Freshers commonly earn ₹6–12 LPA, rising to ₹15–30 LPA for controllers and senior finance roles, with premiums in MNCs and global finance hubs.
Is ACCA recognised in India?
Yes, ACCA is widely accepted by MNCs, Big 4 firms and global-capability centres in India, though it is not a substitute for the statutory Indian CA for signing Indian statutory audits.