What is ACCA, Full Form and All You Need to Know

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Aarshi

03 January, 2026

What is ACCA, Full Form and All You Need to Know

ACCA is your entryway into the world of finance and accounting. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification shall equip you with the most relevant skills and knowledge to become a successful global finance professional. ACCA is an international accounting organisation based in the UK. The association focuses on tax, audit, finance, and other business skills, opening up a diverse range of finance roles. Your ACCA qualification shall have three stages: foundation, intermediate, and advanced. In this blog, we take a detailed look at the ACCA, its full form, stages, 

What is the ACCA Full Form?

ACCA full form is the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. This is an international accounting body based in London, UK, for professionals planning to build a finance career or upskill in the field. It includes three different levels: applied knowledge, applied skills and strategic professional. In addition to the three levels of ACCA subjects, there is a 36-month practical experience requirement (PER). After achieving your ACCA qualification, you would become eligible to become a chartered accountant globally.

Also read: Online M. Com (with ACCA): Fees, Admission, Colleges 2026

Covering the Key Highlights of ACCA

Are you looking for your first step to build a career in finance, or are you a finance professional planning to get a high-paying job role or develop leadership capabilities? ACCA can be an excellent choice. Some of the ACCA subjects include financial management, auditing, taxation, ethics, strategic business leadership, and more. With the ACCA qualification, you will be equipped with knowledge of international accounting standards, giving you a competitive edge in the global job market. Here are some other highlights of the ACCA that you must know:

Particulars

Details

ACCA Eligibility Criteria

  • 10+2 with English and Mathematics/Accounts with a minimum of 65% marks in 2 subjects and a minimum of 50% marks in other subjects.
  • Or, completed a UG degree

ACCA Level

  • First Level: Applied Knowledge
  • Second Level: Applied Skills
  • Third Level: Strategic Professional

ACCA Duration

3 Years - 5 Years (depending on your qualification and exemptions you get)

ACCA Total Examinations 

13 examinations (might differ depending on the exemption)

ACCA Examination Frequency

Four exam sessions in a year

Benefits of Pursuing the ACCA Qualification

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ACCA Programme Minimum Eligibility Criteria

By now, you have heard so much about ACCA, but are you even eligible for the qualification? In this section of the blog, we shall cover the ACCA minimum eligibility criteria. You need to know the latest criteria and whether you meet those. Let’s check it out:

✅ After 10+2: You must have completed 10+2 from a recognised school with a minimum og 65% marks in English, Maths/Accounts and a minimum 50% marks in other subjects.

✅ After Graduation: If you have commerce UG degrees, such as BCom, BBA, BMS, you are eligible to apply directly for the ACCA qualification, whereas if you have non-commerce degrees, then you might have to clear the Foundation in Accountancy (FIA).     

Is an ACCA Qualification the Right Fit for You?

ACCA has a variety of advantages. It can open up a wide range of choices of successful and fulfilling careers for you. Moreover, your ACCA qualification shall enhance your employability and credibility in the global financial world. But before that, let’s check whether ACCA subjects are for you.

✔️ You are looking to enter the global finance world right after completing your 10+2 through a globally recognised ACCA qualification.

✔️ If you are planning a career pivot into the international finance world.

✔️ Or, if you are preparing for strategic leadership or a high-paying job opportunity as a finance professional. 

Understanding ACCA Subjects and Syllabus

In the ACCA course, you would find a mix of exams, ethics, and experience, helping you develop strategic skills, crucial technical ability, and a professional mindset. Depending on your position, you can begin your ACCA journey at different levels. There’s an entry point for everyone, whether you have just completed school, are pursuing a degree, or are planning a career change. Let’s take a look at each level to understand the ACCA course subjects and syllabus:

0 Stage: Foundations in Accountancy

This level of foundations in accountancy is a perfect spot for you if you have newly entered the accountancy world or you are working in finance but don’t have the qualification. There are three levels of Foundations of Accountancy, equipping you with the basic skillset. Here are three levels of foundations:

  • ACCA Diploma in Financial and Management Accounting (Level 2)
  • ACCA Diploma in Financial and Management Accounting (Level 3)
  • ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business (Level 4)

Stage I: Applied Knowledge

In this level, you would cover the fundamentals of accounting techniques and business principles. To move to the next level, you must clear three examinations. Some of the subjects that you would cover during the applied knowledge level are financial accounting, business operations, and management accounting. Here are three parts of the ACCA knowledge qualification:

  • Business and Technology
  • Financial Accounting
  • Management Accounting

Stage II: Applied Skills

In the applied skills stage, you would develop your basics and learn practical finance skills, tools, and techniques, essential for most finance roles across industries. Some of the subjects that you would cover are taxation, audit, assurance, performance management, and more. The level includes six different examinations, and upon clearing the exams, you would be eligible for the next level. Here is a list of all six examinations:

  • Taxation
  • Performance Management
  • Audit and Assurance
  • Corporate and Business Law
  • Financial Reporting
  • Financial Management

Ethics and Professional Skills Module

This module will provide you with a diverse range of skills, knowledge, and behaviours, preparing you for the corporate world. It is an interactive module with case studies and business simulations. The ACCA subject ethics and professional skills module is not mandatory, but recommended, as it can make the next stage exams easier. 

Stage III: Strategic Professional

In this level, you shall gain technical expertise, ethics, and essential professional skills that you would need to make an impact in your workplace. This is a professional stage which includes subjects that have a real-world focus. Moreover, the strategic professional stage is a mix of both essential and optional exams. Optional examinations are an opportunity for you to specialise in the choice of your sector. Let’s take a look at both ACCA subjects for the strategic professional stage.

Essentials:

  • Strategic Business Leader
  • Strategic Business Reporting

Optional:

  • Advanced Financial Management
  • Advanced Performance Management
  • Advanced Taxation
  • Advanced Audit and Assurance

Practical Experience Requirement (PER)

You need 36 months of supervised practical experience in a relevant finance or accounting role. To get PER, you need to showcase five essential objectives, including ethics and professionalism, stakeholder relationship management, strategy and innovation, governance, risk, and control, and leadership and management.

Also read: Highest Paying Jobs for Commerce Students

Everything You Need to Know About ACCA Examinations

The best part about pursuing the ACCA qualification is the flexibility to pursue the programme at your own pace. Moreover, you can choose the examination dates and timeline as per your work and life responsibilities. Mostly, these examinations are conducted on-demand and session-based. Please note that the exam is online, computer-based, allowing you to take it anytime. 

ACCA Examination

Information

ACCA Examination Sessions

  • March
  • June
  • September
  • December

Total Global Centres 

501

Exam Duration

  • Foundation Level: 2 Hours
  • Applied Knowledge Level: 2 Hours
  • Applied Skills Level: 3 Hours
  • Strategic Professional Level: 3 - 4 Hours 

Popular On-Demand Exam Centres in India 

Pune, Mumbai, Chennai, New Delhi, Panchkula, Noida, Calicut, Bangalore, and more.

ACCA Passing Marks 

50%

ACCA Qualification Fee Structure

The ACCA has a different fee structure and charges for students from different regions. In India, you can make the ACCA course fee payment online. Please note that there are different fees for the subscription and exemption. Let’s take a look at the ACCA course fee structure:

ACCA Qualification Students Fee Particulars

ACCA India Fees (in INR)

ACCA Registration Fee

INR 3,639

ACCA Re-registration Fee

INR 3,639

Annual Subscription

INR 16,982

Applied Skills Exams Fees

INR 17,787

Applied Knowledge Exam Exemption Fee 

INR 10,164

Applied Skills Exams Exemption Fee 

INR 13,431

Ethics and Professional Skills Module

INR 9,801

Strategic Profession Essentials Exam Fees

INR 53,845

Strategic Profession Optional Exam Fees

INR 22,385

Foundation in Accountancy (FIA) Student Fee Structure:

Foundation in Accountancy (FIA) Student Fee Particulars

Foundation in Accountancy India Fees (in INR)

FIA Registration Fee

INR 3,630 

FIA Re-registration Fee

INR 3,630

FIA Annual Subscription

INR 16,940

FIA Exam Fee

INR 13,431

How to Apply for the ACCA Qualification?

Are you ready to start your ACCA journey? All you need to do now is complete the application process. The application process is quick and easy and is conducted online. Please make sure that you have all the required documents before you apply for it. Moreover, ensure an error-free application to avoid any discrepancies in future. Here is the complete ACCA admission procedure:

Step 1: Open the official website and select your admission stage.

Step 2: Fill out the 10-minute application with the relevant details and documents. 

Step 3: If you are applying for the foundation level, then you just need proof of identification. However, if you are applying for the ACCA qualification at any stage, you need to upload evidence of your qualification.

Step 4: You can upload the copies of all the essential documents or send them via registered email ID.

Step 5: To finalise your application process, you need to pay the registration fees.

Step 6: You would receive the confirmation from the ACCA via email. Typically, the registration process takes 5-7 working days if the documents are uploaded during registration; otherwise, the process might take 10 working days.

Career Opportunities After ACCA Course

After completing the ACCA course, you can explore diverse career opportunities across industries globally. Whether you wish to work in fintech, consulting, banks, or the Big 4s, as a qualified ACCA professional, your options are vast and future-proof. Here are some of the top job roles you can explore after completing the ACCA course:

Job Roles After ACCA Course

Salary Range (in INR)

Finance Analyst

INR 3.0 LPA - INR 8.0 LPA

Internal Auditor

INR 4.0 LPA - INR 10.2 LPA

Tax Consultant

INR 5.0 LPA - INR 7.0 LPA

Management Accountant

INR 4.0 LPA - INR 12.0 LPA

Risk and Compliance Manager

INR 10.0 LPA - INR 18.0 LPA

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

INR 15.0 LPA - INR 50.8 LPA

Online Colleges Offering ACCA Course

Are you looking to pursue ACCA, but on your own schedule? Top online colleges in India are offering ACCA courses in collaboration with their MCom, MBA, BCom, and BBA courses, taught by globally recognised faculty members at your convenience. Let’s take a look at the list of top online colleges offering the ACCA course in India:

Colleges Offering ACCA Course

Colleges Offering ACCA Course

Chandigarh University Online

Amity University Online

Jain University Online

Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce

Manipal Academy of Higher Education Online

 

A Final Takeaway

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants or ACCA subjects is a globally recognised body in the field of finance, business, and accounting. It will help you open up doors in a diverse range of industries. Whether you are planning a career in the finance field or making a career pivot into new areas, the flexible ACCA qualification can create specialised opportunities for you. Moreover, it shall equip you with the right skill set to deal with the complex challenges of the modern business world.   

FAQ

1. What is the full form of ACCA?

The ACCA full form is the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. It is an international body recognised globally in the field of finance, business, and accounting.

2. What are the 13 papers of ACCA?

The ACCA has three different levels, including applied knowledge, applied skills, and strategic professional. Here is a list of the 13 ACCA papers:

  • Business and Technology
  • Financial Accounting
  • Management Accounting
  • Taxation
  • Performance Management
  • Audit and Assurance
  • Corporate and Business Law
  • Financial Reporting
  • Financial Management
  • Strategic Business Leader
  • Strategic Business Reporting
  • Advanced Financial Management
  • Advanced Performance Management
  • Advanced Taxation
  • Advanced Audit and Assurance

3. Can you finish ACCA in 3 months?

No, you cannot finish the ACCA qualification in 3 months. It takes around 2 to 5 years to get the ACCA qualification. The course has three different stages, and you are required to pass the examinations at each level to move forward.

4. Can ACCA earn 1 crore?

Typically, in any job role, to reach a salary of 1 crore, you need to unlock senior roles. An ACCA can earn 1 crore with its specialised skills and knowledge; however, it might take time to reach that level.

5. Can you skip ACCA papers?

Yes, you can skip some ACCA papers, depending on your existing qualification. However, there is an exemption fee that you are required to pay for each paper for which you get an exemption.   

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Aarshi Katiyar is a lawyer-turned web content writer at Learning Routes, where she brings over two years of experience in crafting impactful educational digital content. She specialises in education-focused blogs, SEO-driven narratives, and compelling social media posts. She aims to deliver insightful, research-backed writing that resonates with students and professionals alike.

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