Completing the ACCA qualification after finishing your Chartered Accountancy (CA) typically takes 6 to 12 months for the exams, as CAs usually receive the maximum of 9 paper exemptions. The total time, including finishing the remaining 4 Strategic Professional papers and the Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM), is generally 1–2 years.
ACCA After Final CA
So in case you do choose ACCA, how many years will it take you to complete the course? If you are confident in passing the exam on your first try, it should take you at least 6 months and at the most 2 years to finish the course.
CA and ACCA are two independent bodies, and you can take up the exam anytime, side by side according to your convenience. You can do ACCA after completing CA Final. A qualified CA receives 9 exemptions. So, qualified CA's are required to attempt only 4 papers of professional level in ACCA.
Standard Duration of ACCA Course
Generally, the ACCA course takes around 2 to 3 years to complete. However, the time required can vary based on several factors like prior qualifications, number of papers attempted per session, and personal commitment levels.
ACCA is comparatively easy compared to CA ... as their Skills paper contain 60% MCQs and 40% Subjective ... MCQs can be tricky but they are doable with good practice... ACCA final is 100% Subjective and is difficult but if you are well prepared then you can easily crack the paper .
Initial Salary Advantage:
CA professionals typically earn ₹6-8 lakhs annually at entry level, slightly ahead of ACCA holders at ₹5-7 lakhs.
All Big 4 accountancy firms – Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG – are active recruiters of ACCA-affiliated accountants. Choice often depends on your interest area: audit, consulting, tax, or advisory.
The starting pay for a fresh ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) student in India is INR 5.5–11 lakhs per year while the senior positions can offer INR 19–30 lakhs per year.
As expected, exemptions will greatly affect your ACCA course duration. However, the minimum time it takes to complete the full ACCA qualification is still 12 - 15 months, based on the number of exams you are capable of completing in one year.
Both courses are well-recognized and prestigious and serve the purpose of accounting aspirants, especially if they want to pursue an international career. ACCA is globally recognized, while CPA is more relevant in the US market.
What is the total cost of ACCA? The total cost of doing ACCA can vary depending on the qualification level of individual. On an average it costs around 72k to 2 lakhs in India.
Is ACCA recognized in India? Yes, ACCA is recognized by several Indian employers, especially in multinational and finance-related roles. However, it does not replace CA for statutory positions.
Is ACCA harder than an MBA? ACCA is harder if you are from a non-commerce background, given its exam-focused and technical nature. The certification covers tax, global accounting standards, financial reporting in depth and audit hence, it presents challenges.
Pursuing ACCA after CA can be worthwhile for several reasons: Global Recognition: ACCA is internationally recognised, enhancing your global mobility and career prospects. Broader Career Opportunities: ACCA opens up opportunities in various fields such as finance, accounting, audit, taxation, and consulting.
Richest Chartered Accountants in India. 1. Kumar Mangalam Birla (Net Worth: $19 billion) 2.
In terms of difficulty, ACCA is more difficult to complete than accounting degree as it incorporates the difficulty levels of a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree into one qualification.
Is ACCA harder than CA? Generally, CA is considered tougher because of its very low pass rates and lengthy articleship requirement in India. ACCA has a more flexible exam structure, on-demand exam options for early levels, and modular progression.
The ACCA can be completed in two years, however the candidate requires relevant experience to offset at least one year of work experience (PER). Most candidates take anywhere between 2.5 to 3 years to complete their coursework ( to give more attention to modules).
Registration and Subscription Fees
The one-time registration fee for the ACCA qualification is £89. If you want to continue studying for the certification beyond your first year, you must also pay an annual subscription fee of £122 per year. Remember to settle your payables on time to avoid an £89 re-registration fee.
The average salary of a CA ranges from 8-9 lakhs per annum. The average salary of an acca student is 6-7 lakhs per annum.
The typical duration for ACCA is 2–3 years, depending on exemptions, study pace, and exam planning. Class 12 students may take 3–3.5 years, while CA Inter and commerce graduates complete it faster.
Does Big 4 hire ACCA in India? Yes, all Big 4 firms actively hire ACCA-qualified or part-qualified professionals, especially for audit, tax, advisory, and risk functions.
Yes, ACCA qualified individuals are indeed Chartered Accountants, but with the specific title of “Chartered Certified Accountants.” However, it's essential to understand that while all ACCA members are Chartered Accountants, not all Chartered Accountants are ACCA members.
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) plans to discontinue remote examinations from March 2026, reported the Financial Times. The move will mean most candidates must return to in-person exam centres, as the organisation responds to increasing instances of exam misconduct.
AI can take care of repetitive tasks, but the real value lies in judgment, ethics, strategy, and decision-making, areas where human accountants will always be irreplaceable. That's why qualifications like ACCA are shaping future-ready professionals.