ACCA is generally considered more manageable than the Indian CA qualification for CA students, primarily due to receiving up to 9 paper exemptions (reducing the requirement to only 4-5 strategic-level exams). While not "easy" in content, its flexible, application-based, and modular exam structure (no grouping requirements) makes it a faster, more accessible, and globally recognized alternative.
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.
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. In 6–12 months a CA can Become an ACCA.
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.
Pursuing ACCA after CA: Is it beneficial? If someone is considering what to pursue after CA to strengthen their financial career, ACCA is a highly valuable choice. It is especially beneficial for professionals aiming to work with multinational firms or explore opportunities abroad.
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 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.
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.
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.
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).
Individuals who describe themselves as Chartered Certified Accountants must be members of ACCA and if they carry out public practice engagements, must comply with additional regulations such as holding a practising certificate, carrying liability insurance and submitting to inspections.
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.
Choosing between CA and ACCA depends on your career goals. If you are looking for a specialised role in taxation, audit, or compliance, CA might be the better fit. On the other hand, if you want to be a well-rounded finance professional with global opportunities, ACCA could be the right path.
Every student is different, but the ACCA recommends an average of 150 hours of study per paper. In total, you're looking at around 900 hours of study per year for three years while holding down a full-time job. Even if you're very familiar with accounting, studying for the ACCA under those conditions is difficult.
Hardest ACCA Papers Based on Syllabus Complexity
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 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.
Does age matter when it comes to studying ACCA? There is no age limit for people wanting to study ACCA. In fact, ACCA is a popular and powerful facilitator for career change. What's important when considering ACCA is understanding that it's challenging, but then ultimately incredibly rewarding.
Failing is really common. In fact, it's more common than a pass if you look at the pass rates. Some students keep failing ACCA exams over and over again. Unfortunately, if you fail once, you're likely to fail twice when it comes to the ACCA.
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 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.
ACCA professionals are employed in some of the busiest sectors such as: Big Four Accounting Firms (PwC, EY, KPMG, Deloitte): The companies are regularly interested in hiring ACCA qualified audits, assurance, and advisory services.