ACCA Course Fees: Complete Cost Breakdown for India

by Vicky Sarin

A Comprehensive Guide to ACCA Course Fees in India

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is one of the most prestigious qualifications in accounting and finance. As with any professional certification, understanding the costs involved is crucial for proper financial planning. In this blog, we will break down the ACCA course fees for students in India, covering all aspects, from registration and subscription fees to exam costs and exemption fees.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear picture of the ACCA course expenses, allowing you to plan your journey to becoming a Chartered Certified Accountant without any financial surprises.

Understanding ACCA Course Fees

ACCA course fees are divided into several categories, each covering different aspects of the qualification process. These include:

  • Registration and subscription fees
  • Exemption fees
  • Exam fees
  • Ethics and Professional Skills Module fees

Each component contributes to the overall ACCA qualification cost, and it’s essential to understand what each covers.

Registration and Subscription ACCA course Fees

Initial Registration

The initial registration fee is the first cost you’ll encounter when starting your ACCA journey. This fee is required to create your student account with ACCA, allowing you to access study materials, exam entry, and other student services.

  • Initial Registration Fee: £89 (Approx. ₹9,200)

Re-Registration Fee

If your registration lapses for any reason, such as failing to pay the annual subscription fee, you’ll need to pay a re-registration fee to reactivate your account.

  • Re-Registration Fee: £89 (Approx. ₹9,200)

Annual Subscription Fee

To maintain your status as an ACCA student, you must pay an annual subscription fee. This fee ensures your continued access to ACCA’s resources and the ability to sit for exams.

  • Annual Subscription Fee (2024): £134 (Approx. ₹13,800)

Exemption Fees

Exemption fees are charged if you are awarded exemptions from any ACCA exams based on prior qualifications. This is particularly relevant for those with a background in accounting, finance, or a related field.

Applied Knowledge Exams

  • Exemption Fee: £86 per exam (Approx. ₹8,800)

Applied Skills Exams

  • Exemption Fee: £114 per exam (Approx. ₹11,700)

Who Can Benefit from Exemptions?

If you have relevant qualifications such as a B.ComBBA, or MBA, or if you are a qualified Indian Chartered Accountant (CA), you may be eligible for exemptions. Indian CAs, for instance, can obtain exemptions for up to 9 out of the 13 ACCA exams, significantly reducing the overall cost and time required to achieve the ACCA qualification.

Cost-Saving Tip: Eduyush, an ACCA partner, offers a cost-effective way to manage your exemption fees. Instead of paying the full exemption fee, Eduyush can help you save by charging just £15 per paper for exemptions, allowing you to keep more of your hard-earned money.

Exam Fees

ACCA exam fees must be paid for each exam you enter. These fees vary depending on the exam level and whether you take the ACCA exam at a standard or late entry period. Below is a detailed breakdown of the ACCA exam cost for each level. 

Applied Knowledge Exams

The Applied Knowledge exams include Business and Technology (BT), Management Accounting (MA), and Financial Accounting (FA). These exams may be available remotely on-demand or at local Computer-Based Exam (CBE) centers.

  • Fees for remote on-demand exams: Set by the ACCA.
  • Fees for exams at CBE centers: Set by the centers themselves.

Applied Skills Exams

The Applied Skills exams include:

  • Corporate and Business Law (LW)
  • Performance Management (PM)
  • Taxation (TX)
  • Financial Reporting (FR)
  • Audit and Assurance (AA)
  • Financial Management (FM)

December 2024 Standard Entry (Any Format): Applied Skills Exams Fee: £143 per exam (Approx. ₹14,800)

Strategic Professional Exams

The Strategic Professional level includes both Essentials and Options exams. These exams are more advanced and require a higher level of preparation.

Essentials Exams

  • Strategic Business Leader (SBL): £252 per exam (Approx. ₹26,100)
  • Strategic Business Reporting (SBR): £180 per exam (Approx. ₹18,700)

Options Exams

  • Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
  • Advanced Performance Management (APM)
  • Advanced Taxation (ATX)
  • Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
  • Options Exam Fee: £180 per exam (Approx. ₹18,700)

Ethics and Professional Skills Module

The Ethics and Professional Skills Module is an essential part of the ACCA qualification that supplements your technical knowledge by helping you develop the ethical and professional behaviors needed for a successful career.

  • Module Fee: £79 (Approx. ₹8,200)

This module should be started after completing the Applied Knowledge exams and before commencing the Strategic Professional exams.

ACCA Course Expenses Breakdown

To help you better understand the total ACCA course fees in India, here is a comprehensive breakdown:

Initial and Ongoing Costs

  • Initial Registration: £89 (Approx. ₹9,200)
  • Annual Subscription (per year): £134 (Approx. ₹13,800)
  • Re-Registration (if required): £89 (Approx. ₹9,200)

Exam Costs (No Exemptions)

  • Applied Knowledge Exams: Varies by location
  • Applied Skills Exams: £143 per exam (Approx. ₹14,800)
  • Strategic Professional (Essentials) Exams:
    • SBL: £252 (Approx. ₹26,100)
    • SBR: £180 (Approx. ₹18,700)
  • Strategic Professional (Options) Exams: £180 per exam (Approx. ₹18,700)

Other Costs

  • Exemption Fees: £86 - £114 per exam (Approx. ₹8,800 - ₹11,700)
  • Ethics and Professional Skills Module: £79 (Approx. ₹8,200)

Planning Your ACCA Investment

Pursuing ACCA is a significant investment in your future. While the ACCA course fees may seem high, the return on investment regarding career opportunities and earning potential is substantial. Here are some tips to manage your costs:

  • Consider Exemptions: If eligible, apply for exemptions to reduce the number of exams you must take. Remember that Eduyush can help you save on these exemption fees by charging only £15 per paper instead of the standard fees. Your overall ACCA course fees can come down significantly.
  • Budget for Annual Fees: Ensure you plan to cover the annual subscription fees to avoid re-registration charges.
  • Use a Payment Plan: ACCA offers flexible payment options, allowing you to spread the cost of your studies over time.

Conclusion: Is ACCA Worth the Cost?

The ACCA qualification is one of the most respected accounting certifications globally, offering a pathway to a successful and rewarding career. While the ACCA course expenses can be substantial, particularly in a market like India, the benefits far outweigh the costs. With proper planning and understanding of the ACCA course fee structure, you can make informed decisions to help you navigate your ACCA journey efficiently.

By investing in ACCA, you’re not just paying for exams and courses; you’re investing in a future where you’ll have the skills, knowledge, and recognition to excel in the competitive world of finance.


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Questions? Answers.

You have an unlimited number of attempts to pass the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) exams.

ACCA does not impose a limit on the number of times you can retake an exam.

You can keep attempting until you successfully pass each exam, which provides flexibility for candidates to learn and improve their performance over time.

Yes, ACCA offers exemptions for certain exams for candidates who have completed certain academic programs or have relevant professional qualifications.

To request exemptions, you will need to provide documentation and submit an exemption application to the ACCA. Review our comprehensive exemptions calculator to know more.

The pass rate for the ACCA exams varies from exam to exam and from year to year. In general, the pass rate for the ACCA exams is between 35% to 50%. Read our blog on subject wise pass rates to know more.

The answer to this lies on your context and individual career objectives.

Read our detailed analysis on this topic here.

The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) membership provides numerous benefits, including:

- Professional development opportunities, such as access to the latest technical resources, CPD modules and e-learning tools
- A global community of like-minded professionals to collaborate and share knowledge with
- The ability to connect with employers through the ACCA Jobs service
- Eligibility for reduced rates on a range of products and services, such as insurance, stationery and more

The consequences of non-payment of the annual subscription fees are

As a member:

1) you can't call yourself an ACCA member, and you won't be able to use the ACCA name or logo. 

2) You also won't be able to use any resources, including the online resources. 

3) if you're working as an accountant, you may be unable to use the term "ACCA-qualified" or "ACCA-registered". 

4) If your membership expires and isn't renewed within three years. In that case, your name will be removed from the Register of Members.

5) If you need to apply for CPA accreditation with another accounting body like CPA Australia or Canada, you will be required to furnish a good standing certificate from ACCA for five years. If you haven't paid your membership fees, you won't be able to get your good standing letter

As a student

1) You will not be able to use the members' website or log into MyACCA. You will lose access to many resources, including past exam papers and helpful articles. 

2) You will no longer be eligible to sit the examinations or progress through the qualification.

3) You won't be able to pursue any other qualifications like the DIPIFR

If this is something that happens accidentally, then it is usually quickly resolved by simply paying the outstanding amount of 89 GBP.

If you're looking to become a chartered accountant in the United States, the value of the ACCA qualification cannot be understated.

To be accepted into one of the regional accountancy bodies that confer chartered status (such as the AICPA), you must have completed an accredited course of study from a college or university and have spent at least two years working in the accounting field.

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants is globally recognized as one of the leading institutions for providing such accredited courses, and their stamp of approval on your degree will go a long way in getting your foot in the door with some of the top accounting firms in America.

It is a difficult question because it depends on your specific situation and goals.

However, in general, we would say that the CA (Chartered Accountant) certification is better for those interested in pursuing a career in accounting and finance.

In comparison, the CFA (Certified Financial Analyst) certification is better for those interested in investment banking or portfolio management.

The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) certification is more internationally recognized than the CA or CFA, so it may be worth considering if you're interested in working abroad.

Ultimately, though, the best way to decide which certification is proper for you is to speak with experts in each field and get their advice.

The decision of whether ACCA or a degree is better for you depends on your individual goals and circumstances.

ACCA is a professional accounting qualification that is recognized and respected globally and it is focused on accounting and finance. It is a good option for those who want to pursue a career in accounting or finance and do not want to spend the time and money required to earn a degree.

On the other hand, a degree program offers a more well-rounded education and provides a broader range of career options. It also provides more in-depth knowledge in specific field of study and it is good for those who want to pursue a career in a field outside of accounting and finance.

Both ACCA and a degree can be valuable qualifications, it depends on the person's career goals and what they want to achieve in the long term. It's also worth noting that in some countries, it is mandatory to have a degree in order to practice as an accountant.