ACCA Course Duration in India: Complete Study Timeline

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is one of the most prestigious global accounting qualifications. Recognised in over 180 countries, the ACCA course in India opens doors to international finance and accounting careers.

A common question among aspirants is: “How long does it take to complete the ACCA course in India?”
This guide covers the ACCA course duration, levels, subjects, exemptions, and study plan—everything you need to plan your journey effectively.

What is the ACCA Course?

The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) course is a professional qualification from the UK that focuses on international accounting standards. It prepares students for careers in finance, auditing, taxation, management accounting, and business leadership.

In India, ACCA is highly valued by global firms such as Big 4s (EY, PwC, Deloitte, KPMG) and MNCs that follow IFRS and international tax systems. Many students compare career paths such as ACCA vs CPA or ACCA vs CA before deciding.

ACCA Course Duration in India

The ACCA course duration depends on your educational background and the number of exam exemptions you are eligible for.

On average, it takes 2 to 3 years to complete the entire course, including all exams and the Professional Ethics Module (PER). For a detailed comparison of levels, you may also explore the ACCA course full form & details.

Qualification	ACCA Duration	Exemptions
12th (Commerce)	3 years	None
B.Com Graduate	2 to 2.5 years	4–5 papers
CA Inter / CMA Inter	1.5 to 2 years	6–9 papers
CA / CMA Qualified	1 to 1.5 years	Up to 9 papers

Students coming from commerce backgrounds may also explore best courses after 12th commerce as alternatives before choosing ACCA.

ACCA Course Levels and Structure

The ACCA course consists of three levels and 13 papers in total. You can clear them in flexible stages depending on your preparation.

1. Applied Knowledge Level

Duration: 6 months (3 papers)

Papers:
Business and Technology (BT)
Management Accounting (MA)
Financial Accounting (FA)

👉 Tip: Students can attempt all 3 papers through on-demand Computer-Based Exams (CBE). This format is similar to other flexible options like CMA remote test.

2. Applied Skills Level

Duration: 9–12 months (6 papers)

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

👉 Note: These exams are session-based and conducted four times a year — March, June, September, and December. For planning your papers, refer to the updated ACCA exam dates & pattern.

3. Strategic Professional Level

Duration: 9–12 months (4 papers)

Mandatory Papers (Essentials):
Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)

Optional Papers (Choose any 2):
Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
Advanced Performance Management (APM)
Advanced Taxation (ATX)
Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)

Candidates comparing advanced global qualifications often refer to guides like ACCA vs CFA vs FRM to understand long-term opportunities.

ACCA Practical Experience Requirement (PER)

Apart from passing exams, candidates must complete the PER (Practical Experience Requirement) to earn full ACCA membership.
Duration: 36 months (3 years)

Requirement: 9 performance objectives in relevant finance or accounting roles.

You can gain PER before, during, or after completing your ACCA exams.

Many students complete PER simultaneously with their studies by working in firms that handle international accounts or taxation.
For reference on job roles aligned with PER, explore financial analyst and accounting careers.

ACCA Exam Pattern and Frequency

ACCA exams are held four times a year:
March
June
September
December

Each paper has a 50% passing mark, and students can attempt a maximum of 4 papers per session (8 per year).
This flexibility allows working professionals to plan their ACCA journey efficiently.
To understand how exam sessions work, refer to the complete guide on ACCA exam dates and fees.

Average Time to Complete ACCA

Here’s a breakdown of the average duration for different types of students:

Student Type	Estimated Duration	Description
12th Commerce Student	3 years	Starts from Applied Knowledge level
B.Com Graduate	2.5 years	May get 4–5 exemptions
CA Inter / CMA Inter	1.5–2 years	Can skip 6–9 papers
Working Professional	2.5–3 years	Based on flexible study pace

Students evaluating multiple career paths often compare ACCA with other qualifications such as CMA USA vs CPA vs ACCA.

Factors Affecting ACCA Course Duration

The total time taken to complete ACCA can vary for each candidate depending on:

Exemptions: Higher qualifications = fewer exams.
Study Plan: Full-time learners finish faster than working professionals.
Exam Attempts: Passing all papers in first attempt shortens duration.
Practical Experience (PER): Completing PER early reduces post-exam delay.
Exam Frequency: Appearing for 3–4 papers per session speeds up progress.

Students comparing difficulty levels can review this detailed comparison of ACCA vs CA vs CPA.

Step-by-Step Timeline for ACCA in India

Stage	Duration	What You’ll Do
Step 1: Registration with ACCA	1 week	Apply online and get student ID
Step 2: Applied Knowledge Level	6 months	Clear 3 foundational papers
Step 3: Applied Skills Level	9–12 months	Attempt 6 papers (session-based)
Step 4: Strategic Professional Level	9–12 months	Complete 4 advanced papers
Step 5: PER + Ethics Module	6–12 months	Gain work experience & ethics certification
Total Duration	2–3 years	Become ACCA qualified

Students planning their timeline often refer to exam strategies similar to those used in how to pass ACCA exam on first attempt.

Can You Complete ACCA in 2 Years?

Yes!
If you’re a graduate or CA Inter student, you can finish ACCA in about 2 years with smart planning.

Example Timeline:
Year 1: Complete Applied Skills (6 papers)
Year 2: Complete Strategic Professional (4 papers) + PER

Students who clear papers in first attempt and manage PER alongside studies can even finish in 20–24 months.
Many also explore parallel global finance qualifications like CPA eligibility in India to boost international opportunities.

ACCA Course Duration vs Other Courses

Course	Total Duration	Global Recognition	Difficulty Level
ACCA	2–3 years	180+ countries	Moderate
CA (India)	4.5–5 years	India only	High
CPA (USA)	1–1.5 years	Global (US-focused)	Moderate
CMA (USA)	1–1.5 years	Global	Moderate

Conclusion: ACCA offers faster global recognition compared to CA India and aligns with international career goals.
For complete clarity, explore this detailed comparison of ACCA vs CIMA and management routes like CMA USA vs MBA finance.

Tips to Reduce ACCA Course Duration

• Plan a Study Calendar: Attempt 3–4 papers per session.
• Join a Reputed ACCA Institute: Structured guidance helps clear exams faster.
• Use ACCA Approved Study Material: Kaplan, BPP, and NorthStar Academy provide high-quality notes.
• Complete PER Early: Work in a finance/tax role while studying.
• Attempt Mock Tests: Build exam confidence and avoid re-attempt delays.

Students choosing their ideal institute should also check best ACCA coaching options in India.

Career Opportunities After ACCA

After completing ACCA, students can work in diverse finance roles such as:

• Financial Analyst
• Tax Consultant (UK/US Taxation)
• Internal Auditor
• Management Accountant
• Statutory Auditor
• Business Analyst

Top companies like Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG hire ACCA professionals. For deeper insight into job pathways, read the detailed guide on top job roles after ACCA.

Top Hiring Companies

Deloitte
PwC
EY
KPMG
Grant Thornton
BDO
Accenture
Genpact
TCS

Students wanting broader insights into companies hiring global accountants can explore top companies hiring CPA/CMA professionals, which closely aligns with ACCA career routes as well.

ACCA Salary in India

Experience Level	Average Annual Salary (INR)
Freshers	₹4–6 LPA
Mid-Level (3–5 yrs)	₹8–12 LPA
Senior Professionals	₹15–25 LPA
International Roles	₹25 LPA +

Salary often varies by skill set and additional certifications. Aspirants often complement ACCA with qualifications like EA course or CPA for international tax roles.

Conclusion

The ACCA course duration in India typically ranges between 2 to 3 years, depending on your background, exemptions, and preparation strategy. With a well-planned schedule and the right mentorship, you can fast-track your global accounting career.

Students researching global pathways often compare options such as ACCA vs EA vs CPA to align long-term goals with the right qualification.

If you aim for an international career in finance, taxation, or auditing — ACCA is the perfect qualification to start your journey.
For broader guidance across finance degrees, explore this roadmap of top finance career courses.

WhatsApp “Hi” to +91 8147470505 for Expert Guidance from NorthStar Academy

To get a personalised ACCA study plan, fee details, and mentorship support, connect with our team anytime.
Meanwhile, students exploring alternatives to ACCA often check CMA USA vs CIMA to understand global management accounting opportunities.

For precise exemption and duration planning, refer to the complete ACCA eligibility requirements, which help students estimate timelines accurately.