The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is an internationally acclaimed credential, of high consequence in finance, accounting, and management. With over 233,000 members worldwide, ACCA equips professionals with the skills needed to excel in global markets. It offers flexibility, allowing students to pace their studies while gaining international expertise.
India is experiencing a rise in popularity for ACCAs as organizations work to hire qualified accountants certified by worldwide standards. The qualification supports leadership positions in multinational organizations, the Big Four, and a range of financial sectors, delivering a market advantage in both countries and overseas.
Knowledge about the price of pursuing ACCA in India is essential. That covers charges for registration along with test costs, and further payments including study aids and mentorship. Effective financial planning allows students to effectively deal with the costs and maximize their Return on Investment (ROI) by signing on for lucrative jobs and achieving career progression. You will find in this blog a thorough analysis of ACCA costs along with important insights to ease your transition into the financial requirements of undertaking this prestigious qualification.
What is ACCA?
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a globally respected professional accounting body that offers a wide range of certifications in accounting, finance, and management. With over 233,000 members and 536,000 students worldwide, ACCA is considered one of the best qualifications for those looking to advance their careers in finance and accounting.
In India, ACCA has gained immense popularity due to the increasing demand for globally certified accountants. ACCA professionals are employed across various sectors, including Big Four firms, multinational companies (MNCs), financial institutions, and even start-ups.
To understand more about the ACCA course in detail, read- All About the ACCA Course
ACCA Fee Structure in India (2024)
Understanding the detailed ACCA fee structure is crucial for anyone planning to pursue this qualification. Here’s an updated and comprehensive breakdown of the ACCA cost in India for 2024, factoring in registration, subscription, exam fees, exemptions, study materials, and optional coaching.
Initial Registration Fees
The initial registration fee for ACCA is a one-time payment of £89, which at the current conversion rate of £1 = ₹111.74, translates to approximately ₹9,945. This fee allows you to officially enroll as an ACCA student, giving you access to learning resources and the student portal where you can manage your studies.
Annual Subscription Fees
Every ACCA student needs to pay an annual subscription fee to maintain their active status. For 2024, the fee is £134, equivalent to ₹14,978. This fee is payable each year until you qualify, and if missed, it could result in account suspension, hindering exam registration and access to materials.
Exam Fees
ACCA exams are categorized into three levels: Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional. Each level has its own fee structure.
a. Applied Knowledge Level
This stage consists of three papers: Business and Technology (BT), Management Accounting (MA), and Financial Accounting (FA).
- Exam Fees: £120 per exam, which converts to approximately ₹13,408.
- Total for Applied Knowledge Level: For three papers, this amounts to ₹40,224.
b. Applied Skills Level
Applied Skills involves six exams, including Corporate and Business Law (LW), Performance Management (PM), and Financial Reporting (FR).
- Exam Fees: £143 per exam, equal to ₹15,974.
- Total for Applied Skills Level: For six papers, the total is around ₹95,844.
c. Strategic Professional Level
This stage includes essential papers like Strategic Business Leader (SBL) and Strategic Business Reporting (SBR), along with optional papers like Advanced Financial Management (AFM) and Advanced Performance Management (APM).
- Exam Fees for Essentials: £180 per paper, which is ₹20,113.
- Exam Fees for Optional Papers: £252 per paper, equal to ₹28,157.
- Total for Strategic Professional Level: For four papers, the total fee is around ₹96,540.
Exemption Fees
ACCA offers exemptions for students with prior qualifications, such as a degree in commerce or a CA certification. Each exemption incurs a fee:
- Exemption Fees for Applied Knowledge Papers: £86 per paper (approximately ₹9,605).
- Exemption Fees for Applied Skills Papers: £114 per paper (approximately ₹12,730).
Exemptions reduce the number of exams required, potentially lowering your overall cost. The number of exemptions you can claim depends on your previous academic background.
Ethics and Professional Skills Module
To complete the ACCA qualification, students must pass the Ethics and Professional Skills Module.
- Cost: £79, which converts to approximately ₹8,826.
Here is the line graph representing the ACCA Cost Breakdown in India (2024)
Study Materials and Coaching Costs
While not mandatory, many students opt for study materials and coaching to improve their chances of success. These costs can vary widely based on the resources chosen.
- Study Materials: Official ACCA study materials from providers like QuintEdge or Kaplan can cost between ₹10,000 and ₹25,000 per level, depending on whether you choose physical books or digital resources.
- Coaching: Students can enroll in coaching classes, either online or offline, to better understand complex topics. The cost of coaching ranges between ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000 for the entire ACCA qualification, depending on the type of program and the institute you select. One of the top choices for ACCA coaching is QuintEdge Coaching Class, known for its comprehensive programs.
QuintEdge Coaching Class
QuintEdge Coaching Class is regarded as one of the best ACCA prep institutes in India, offering both live and self-paced courses tailored to meet the demands of students at all ACCA levels. Below is a breakdown of their fee structure:
Bundle Wise Pricing – ACCA Prep Course
| Bundle | Inclusions | Live | Self-paced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge Level (KL) | 3 Subjects – BT, MA, FA, HD Videos, Quizzes, Mock Tests, Discussion Forum, Doubt Solving, Placement Assistance | ₹70,000 | ₹38,000 |
| Skills Level (SL) | 6 Subjects – LW, PM, TX, FR, AA, FA, HD Videos, Quizzes, Mock Tests, Discussion Forum, Doubt Solving, Placement Assistance | ₹1,20,000 | ₹70,000 |
| Professional Level (PL) | 4 Subjects – SBR (INT), SBL, Optional 1 & 2, HD Videos, Quizzes, Mock Tests, Discussion Forum, Doubt Solving, Placement Assistance | ₹1,00,000 | ₹55,000 |
| Full Prep Course (KL + PL + SL) | All Subjects, HD Videos, Quizzes, Mock Tests, Discussion Forum, Doubt Solving, Placement Assistance | ₹2,50,000 | ₹1,40,000 |
Subject Wise Pricing – ACCA Prep Course
| Subject | Self-paced | Live |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge Level | ||
| Business and Technology (BT) | ₹14,000 | ₹24,000 |
| Management Accounting (MA) | ₹14,000 | ₹24,000 |
| Financial Accounting (FA) | ₹14,000 | ₹24,000 |
| Skills Level | ||
| Corporate and Business Law (LW) | ₹15,000 | ₹25,000 |
| Performance Management (PM) | ₹15,000 | ₹25,000 |
| Taxation (TX) | ₹15,000 | ₹25,000 |
| Financial Reporting (FR) | ₹15,000 | ₹25,000 |
| Audit and Assurance (AA) | ₹15,000 | ₹25,000 |
| Financial Management (FM) | ₹15,000 | ₹25,000 |
| Professional Level | ||
| Strategic Business Reporting (SBR – INT) | ₹16,000 | ₹26,000 |
| Strategic Business Leader (SBL) | ₹16,000 | ₹26,000 |
| Optional 1 (AAA – INT, APM, ATX – UK, AFM) | ₹16,000 | ₹26,000 |
| Optional 2 (AAA – INT, APM, ATX – UK, AFM) | ₹16,000 | ₹26,000 |
Additional Costs
Other optional costs you may encounter include:
- Travel and Accommodation: If your ACCA exam center is located far from your city, you’ll need to budget for travel and accommodation.
- Administrative Fees: There may be small fees for services such as rescheduling exams or requesting official transcripts.
Total Estimated Cost of ACCA in India (2024)
Here’s a summarized estimate of the total costs for pursuing ACCA in India:
- Applied Knowledge Level: ₹40,224 (exam fees) + ₹9,945 (registration) = ₹50,169 approx.
- Applied Skills Level: ₹95,844 (exam fees) + ₹14,978 (annual subscription) = ₹1,10,822 approx.
- Strategic Professional Level: ₹96,540 (exam fees) + ₹14,978 (annual subscription) = ₹1,11,518 approx.
Scholarships and Discounts for ACCA in India
Pursuing ACCA can be a significant financial investment, but there are several scholarships and discounts available to make the qualification more affordable for students in India.
- ACCA Global Scholarships: ACCA itself offers a range of merit-based scholarships that recognize academic excellence and financial need.
- Early Bird Discounts: Many coaching centers, including QuintEdge, provide early registration discounts for both live and self-paced courses.
- Corporate Sponsorships: Some companies sponsor their employees’ ACCA fees as part of professional development.
- Institute-Specific Discounts: Many institutes offer fee waivers or reduced pricing for high-performing students, or during promotional periods.
To know more about the ACCA Scholarships in detail, read- ACCA Scholarships Explained
Is ACCA Worth the Cost in India?
The decision to pursue ACCA should be viewed as a strategic investment. While the overall cost of completing ACCA in India can range between ₹3,00,000 to ₹4,00,000, the return on investment (ROI) is typically high. ACCA professionals are in demand across various sectors such as finance, auditing, and accounting, both in India and globally.
Salary Potential:
ACCA-qualified professionals in India can expect salaries ranging from ₹6 to ₹12 lakh per annum depending on their experience and role, with opportunities for further growth in multinational companies, Big Four firms, and financial institutions.
Global Recognition:
ACCA is recognized in over 180 countries, which enhances your chances of securing international roles, giving you the flexibility to work abroad or with global organizations.
Flexibility:
ACCA’s structure allows students to study at their own pace, which is a significant advantage, especially for working professionals. This flexibility reduces the opportunity cost of pursuing the qualification, as you can continue working while studying.
Job Opportunities and Career Growth
ACCA opens up diverse career options in roles such as:
- Financial Analyst
- Tax Consultant
- Internal Auditor
- Finance Manager
Moreover, many ACCA professionals find themselves eligible for leadership roles in multinational corporations, financial services, consulting firms, and more. The qualification’s global recognition provides opportunities in international markets, allowing ACCA members to explore positions abroad.
Comparison with Other Qualifications
When comparing the cost of ACCA to other professional courses like CA (Chartered Accountancy), CPA (Certified Public Accountant), and CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), ACCA presents itself as a mid-range option.
- ACCA: ₹3,00,000 to ₹4,00,000 (global recognition and flexibility).
- CA (India): ₹1,50,000 to ₹2,00,000 (lower cost but limited to India).
- CPA (USA): ₹6,00,000 to ₹8,00,000 (high cost and limited to US regulations).
- CFA: ₹3,50,000 to ₹4,50,000 (focused on investment management).
ACCA strikes a balance between cost and international relevance, making it a viable option for those seeking global opportunities.
Long-term Value
While the initial costs may seem high, the long-term career growth, global opportunities, and higher salary prospects make ACCA a worthwhile investment for those looking to advance in the accounting and finance fields, both in India and internationally.
How to Save on ACCA Costs?
- Early Registration Discounts: ACCA offers early bird discounts for exam registrations. Make sure to register before the deadlines to benefit from lower fees.
- Opt for Self-Paced Study: Instead of live coaching classes, choose self-paced study options, which are often significantly cheaper, as seen in QuintEdge Coaching.
- Exemptions for Prior Qualifications: If you hold prior degrees like B.Com or CA, apply for exemptions to reduce the number of exams you need to take, saving both time and fees.
- Scholarships and Corporate Sponsorships: Explore scholarships offered by ACCA, institutes, or employers that might cover a portion of your fees.
- Free or Low-Cost Study Resources: Utilize free online resources like past papers, free ACCA forums, or discounted e-learning materials to cut down on study material expenses.
ACCA Costs in India vs Other Countries
The cost of pursuing ACCA varies significantly across different countries. Here’s a breakdown of ACCA costs in various regions compared to India:
India
- Total cost: ₹3,00,000 to ₹4,00,000.
- Includes registration, exam fees, coaching, and study materials.
- Lower living and coaching costs make India an affordable destination for ACCA aspirants.
UK
- Total cost: ₹7,00,000 to ₹8,00,000.
- The higher living costs, coaching fees, and exam-related expenses result in a significantly higher overall cost compared to India.
UAE
- Total cost: ₹5,00,000 to ₹6,00,000.
- High coaching fees and living expenses contribute to the elevated costs, though ACCA remains popular in the region due to tax-free job opportunities.
Singapore
- Total cost: ₹6,00,000 to ₹7,00,000.
- The cost of education and living in Singapore is relatively high, increasing the overall expense for ACCA students.
Australia
- Total cost: ₹6,50,000 to ₹7,50,000.
- Higher tuition and exam fees, coupled with expensive living costs, make Australia one of the pricier countries to pursue ACCA.
Malaysia
- Total cost: ₹4,00,000 to ₹5,00,000.
- A more affordable option in Southeast Asia, with relatively lower tuition fees and living costs than countries like the UK or Australia.
Canada
- Total cost: ₹6,00,000 to ₹7,00,000.
- Higher living expenses and tuition costs, though ACCA is widely recognized and sought after by Canadian employers.
Pakistan
- Total cost: ₹2,50,000 to ₹3,50,000.
- With lower living costs and coaching fees, Pakistan is one of the more affordable regions for pursuing ACCA in South Asia.
Why Choose India?
India remains one of the most affordable countries to pursue ACCA, offering top-quality education at a fraction of the cost compared to countries like the UK, Australia, and Singapore. Moreover, India has a growing demand for ACCA-qualified professionals, making it an ideal choice for those looking to balance affordability with job opportunities.
ACCA Cost Comparison Table
| Country | Total Cost (INR) | Key Factors | Cost vs India |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | ₹3,00,000 – ₹4,00,000 | Affordable coaching, lower living costs | Most Affordable |
| UK | ₹7,00,000 – ₹8,00,000 | Higher living costs, expensive coaching | 2x higher |
| UAE | ₹5,00,000 – ₹6,00,000 | High coaching, no taxes on job earnings | 1.5x higher |
| Singapore | ₹6,00,000 – ₹7,00,000 | High cost of living, reputable education | 2x higher |
| Australia | ₹6,50,000 – ₹7,50,000 | Expensive tuition, high living costs | 2x higher |
| Malaysia | ₹4,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 | Moderate living costs, affordable education | Slightly higher |
| Canada | ₹6,00,000 – ₹7,00,000 | Higher living costs, recognized globally | 2x higher |
| Pakistan | ₹2,50,000 – ₹3,50,000 | Lower coaching, living costs | Comparable to India |
Conclusion
In conclusion, pursuing ACCA in India is a cost-effective route to gaining a globally recognized qualification. With expenses ranging between ₹3,00,000 to ₹4,00,000, India offers a more affordable option compared to countries like the UK and Australia, where costs can be significantly higher. Additionally, students can save through exemptions, scholarships, and flexible coaching options like QuintEdge.
Despite the upfront cost, the ACCA qualification provides excellent career opportunities both in India and internationally, making it a worthwhile investment for those aspiring to excel in accounting and finance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The total cost ranges between ₹3,00,000 to ₹4,00,000, including registration, exam fees, and study materials.
Yes, ACCA is generally more expensive than CA, but it offers global recognition, making it more suitable for international careers.
Yes, ACCA offers scholarships based on merit, and some coaching institutes also provide fee discounts.
Exam fees vary by level, ranging from ₹13,408 to ₹28,157 per paper.
Coaching is optional but recommended for a better understanding of complex subjects, with costs ranging between ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000.
