Is ACCA Worth It in India in 2025
Is ACCA Worth It in India in 2025? Career Scope, Salary & Real Market Insights
As thousands of students in India contemplate pursuing the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)qualification, a recurring question arises: Is the ACCA still worth it in 2025?
In this in-depth guide, we break down salary expectations, market realities, changes in the ACCA syllabus, job trends, and strategies to maximize your return on investment. Whether you're a B.Com student, a CA Inter, or a working professional looking to upgrade your qualifications, this post will help you decide wisely.
Table of Contents
- What is ACCA? A Quick Recap
- Is ACCA Still Worth It in 2025?
- ACCA Salary in India (2025 Real Data)
- Why Are ACCA Salaries Dropping in India?
- ACCA vs CA in India: The Key Difference
- Market Demand for ACCA: Job Availability
- Insights: What Students & Professionals Are Saying
- Upcoming ACCA Syllabus Changes in 2027
- How to Make ACCA Worthwhile in India (2025 & Beyond)
- Final Verdict: Should You Pursue ACCA in India?
What is ACCA? A Quick Recap
ACCA is a globally recognized professional qualification in accounting, offering expertise in international financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and ethics. It is accepted in 180+ countries, making it a gateway to global finance careers.
Students can complete the qualification by passing 13 exams; however, exemptions are granted based on their academic background.
Is ACCA Still Worth It in 2025?
Yes — but only if approached strategically. ACCA remains a powerful gateway to international careers, particularly when combined with practical skills and relevant work experience.
However, if you're looking for high-paying finance jobs in India immediately after qualification, the ground reality might surprise you.
Let’s dive into the facts.
ACCA Salary in India (2025 Real Data)
Based on job listings on Naukri, LinkedIn, Indeed, and Monster India, here’s what employers are offering for ACCA roles in 2025:
ACCA Salary Trends in India (2025)
| Job Title | Salary Range (INR/Year) | Experience Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCA Fresher (Affiliate) | ₹3.0 – ₹4.2 LPA | 0–1 years | Typically outsourcing/KPO roles |
| Part-Qualified ACCA | ₹4.0 – ₹6.5 LPA | 1–3 years | Preferred in UK accounting process jobs |
| ACCA + IFRS (AICPA Cert.) | ₹6.5 – ₹9.0 LPA | 2–4 years | In-demand in MNC shared services |
| ACCA + Data Analytics | ₹8.0 – ₹12.0 LPA | 3–5 years | Fast-growing roles in FP&A & Tech firms |
| ACCA + 5 Years Experience | ₹10.0 – ₹15.0 LPA | 5+ years | Limited but rising in mid-market firms |
Why Are ACCA Salaries Dropping in India? {#why-salaries-dropping}
1. Exemptions Flooding the Market
Over 50+ universities in India now offer ACCA-embedded B.Com programs, allowing students to skip up to 9 exams and become qualified by writing only 3-4 Strategic Professional papers.
Unfortunately, these graduates often lack internships, technical depth, and real-world exposure, thereby diluting the perceived value of the ACCA.
2. Outsourcing Roles Dominate
Most ACCA fresher roles in India are in outsourcing, audit processing, or compliance back-end jobs, with limited technical or client-facing responsibilities.
3. Lack of Signing Authority
Unlike Indian CA (ICAI), ACCA members cannot sign audited financial statements in India. This limits leadership-level or statutory roles, reducing employer preference.
4. High Supply, Low Demand
With over 23,000 new ACCA students enrolling annually in India, the job market is becoming increasingly saturated. Entry-level jobs remain limited, driving starting salaries down to ₹3.5 LPA in many cases.
ACCA vs CA in India: The Key Difference {#acca-vs-ca}
| Criteria | ACCA | CA (ICAI - India) |
|---|---|---|
| Signing Authority | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Duration | 2–3 years | 4–5 years |
| Articleship | Optional (no mandatory term) | Mandatory 3-year articleship |
| Global Recognition | ✅ Strong in UK, UAE, EU | 🌍 Strong in India |
| Job Preference in India | ✅ MNCs & Outsourcing | ✅ Statutory & Indian firms |
| Starting Salary (India) | ₹3–5 LPA (Avg) | ₹8–12 LPA (Avg for freshers) |
Market Demand for ACCA: Job Availability {#job-market}
According to LinkedIn India, as of September 2025:
- ACCA Job Listings (India): ~4,100
- Top Hiring Cities: Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, Gurgaon
- Top Employers: Genpact, Deloitte, Accenture, WNS, Grant Thornton
- Roles: Audit Associate, Analyst, UK Accounting, Compliance Executive
Observation:
- 70%+ roles are outsourcing/back-office-focused
- Few direct statutory accounting or audit leadership roles
Reddit Insights: Real Voices from r/ACCA
On Reddit's r/ACCA, Indian students and affiliates echo similar concerns:
"My first job offered me ₹3 LPA in 2023, and after two years it’s ₹3.5 LPA. I cleared all 13 papers. Meanwhile, university grads with 9 exemptions write 3 papers and get the same title."
"Coaching classes are overselling ACCA with false promises. Most fresher roles are exploitative and don’t require the technical depth ACCA teaches."
Upcoming ACCA Syllabus Changes in 2027
ACCA is revamping its syllabus in 2027 to reflect changing industry demands:
- Greater Focus on AI, ESG, and Sustainability Reporting
- Automation, Blockchain, and Data Strategy integration
- New content under Strategic Business Reporting (SBR) and Advanced Audit
Implication: Future ACCA professionals will need to master digital tools and strategic thinking, not just accounting theory.
How to Make ACCA Worthwhile in India (2025 & Beyond)
1. Pair ACCA with Future-Proof Skills
Add certifications in:
- IFRS (AICPA Certification) – Boosts global accounting credibility
- Data Analytics – In demand in FP&A, consulting, startups
- Power BI or Excel VBA – Preferred in automation and reporting roles
2. Intern Early
Don’t wait to qualify. Secure internships from Year 2 of college, especially at:
- Big 4 firms (EY, Deloitte, PwC, KPMG)
- Mid-size CA firms with UK/US clients
3. Use Eduyush for Smart Study
BPP ECR via Eduyush offers ₹6,000 per subject, affordable self-study with BPP content—the gold standard globally. Also check out the best ACCA online course in india blog to get an overview of where to study from.
4. Go Global with Your Profile
Pair ACCA with:
- US CPA
- CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
- FRM (Financial Risk Manager)
These make you attractive to foreign employers, especially in Dubai, Singapore, UK, and Canada.
Final Verdict: Should You Pursue ACCA in India?
ACCA is absolutely worth it — if:
- You plan to work abroad or in MNCs.
- You pair it with real-world experience and skills.
- You’re not expecting quick high salaries without effort.
It may disappoint if:
- You pursue it purely based on coaching hype.
- You avoid internships and fail to build your professional profile.
- You expect CA-level respect in the Indian statutory job market.
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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.
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.
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ACCA Global is the association of chartered accountants and they promise global presence and higher salaries at the beginning of your journey. I am an ACCA myself.
After finalising your ACCA studies and professional experience are finished and you are admitted as a member,you are not CA,nor an accountant.Pay is crap and in decline,the job opportunities not satisfying , and they know it. It is not recognised internationally more than any USA certifications,not more than CIMA, not more than any other cert such as Australia, ACA or something of the kind.The “Global” adjective should be reviewed to address reality.
As of 2021,RETROSPECTIVELY, members are no longer CA,you can not even do bookeeping ( were AAT yes can do ) as you need specific training and exams to do so. The exemptions THEY may have offered to you years ago are no longer valid,which is lack of coherence and consistency.Conversely those that are CA ACCA ,yes they can do finance advisory,performance measurement,business partnership without any restriction whatsoever which disagrees with the “equal opportunities” and “same exams for everyone” foundations principles of the organisation and is lack of coherence and consistency.They should review this as well.
They say a member of the association of chartered accountants ACCA Global, is not chartered nor is an accountant, is a “consultant”.They say that they are Global because the ACCA portal gives you connections to other members from many countries ( not US,not Canada which , by the way they are the countries that really matters) and that they have a good syllabus, but no an ACCA member is not an accountant which is a nonsense and leaves its members in vulnerability.
Right ,CIMA is much more competitive as consultant than ACCA and it is recognised in USA and Canada and worlwide, an MBA/degree is the way to go for a consultant.ACA in the UK/the local option is much better and always preferred option than ACCA. Linkedin gives you far more connections and Coursera ( as an example) gives you far more opportunities than ACCA for a fraction of the cost and without the drama of the ACCA exams, and they do not change their exemptions retrospectively.
The prestige they want to project will be adjusted by the market by itself.
It is hard to invite anyone to start studies with ACCA
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