Choosing a global accounting qualification is a big decision for students and working professionals. Among all international finance courses, ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) stands out as one of the most respected and widely recognised credentials worldwide.

If you want an international career in finance, audit, taxation, or consulting, ACCA offers global mobility, flexible exams, high salary, and strong job stability. This blog covers ACCA course details, ACCA fees in India (2026), jobs, salaries, placement support, global opportunities, career list, course comparison, and how NorthStar Academy helps you register smoothly.

What is ACCA? A Complete Overview

ACCA is a globally recognised accounting certification from the UK, accepted in 180+ countries. It prepares students for careers in:

• Audit & Assurance

• Management Accounting

• Financial Analysis

• Taxation

• Consulting

• Investment Banking

• Risk & Compliance
  
  

ACCA members are hired by top companies such as PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, BDO, Grant Thornton, JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Accenture, and big Indian MNCs.

Duration: 2.5–3 years
Levels: Applied Knowledge → Applied Skills → Strategic Professional Total Papers: 13 (exemptions available for BCom, BBA, MCom)

Why Do ACCA in 2026? (Top Reasons)

• Global Recognition in 180+ Countries
  ACCA remains one of the most internationally accepted accounting qualifications, opening doors to careers in the UK, UAE, Singapore, Australia, and India.
  
  

• High Demand in India (Top 3 Worldwide)
  India is now among the Top 3 hiring countries for ACCA professionals due to Big 4 expansion, GCCs, and IFRS adoption.
  
  

• Faster Completion With Exemptions
  BCom, MCom, CA Inter, CA, MBA Finance, and CMA students can skip up to 9 papers, completing ACCA in as fast as 1.5–2 years.
  
  

• Strong Career Growth With Premium Salaries
  ACCA-qualified professionals earn from ₹6–₹45 LPA, depending on the job role and country.
  
  

• Demand in Big 4 & MNCs
  Deloitte, EY, PwC, KPMG, Grant Thornton, and global multinational companies prefer ACCA for audit, tax, analysis, and IFRS roles.
  
  

• Future-Proof Skills (IFRS, Audit, Analytics, Global Reporting)
  ACCA syllabus covers modern finance skills that are in high demand across international markets and GCCs.
  
  

• Flexible Exam Structure
  Exams are available four times a year, with on-demand CBEs for beginner-level papers—ideal for students and working professionals.
  
  

• Affordable Global Alternative to CPA & CFA
  ACCA fees are lower than many international qualifications, making it the most cost-effective global credential.
  
  

• Huge Scope in Outsourced Accounting & GCCs
  India’s outsourced accounting and GCC sector is growing rapidly, creating thousands of ACCA jobs every year.
  
  

• Ideal for Students After 12th Commerce
  ACCA can be started right after 12th, making it a perfect choice for early global career planning.

ACCA Fees in India 2026 (Detailed Breakdown)

Below is a clear breakdown of ACCA fees for 2026 (Indian estimates).

ACCA Fees 2026 in India

Fee Component	Amount (INR)
Registration Fee	₹9,500 – ₹10,000
Annual Subscription	₹10,000 – ₹12,000
Applied Knowledge Exams	₹8,000 – ₹10,000 per paper
Applied Skills Exams	₹12,000 – ₹16,000 per paper
Strategic Professional Exams	₹18,000 – ₹22,000 per paper
Coaching Fees (India)	₹80,000 – ₹1,50,000
Study Material	Included with coaching (varies otherwise)

Total ACCA Cost in India: ₹2.5 – ₹3.2 Lakhs (with coaching)

NorthStar Academy provides EMI options + Combo discounts for students joining early.

ACCA Salary in India & Abroad (Latest 2026)

ACCA offers some of the highest salary packages in India due to global skill demand.

ACCA Salary in India (2026)

Experience	Salary (Per Year)	Job Roles
Fresher / 0–2 Years	₹4 – ₹7 LPA	Accounts Executive, Audit Assistant
Mid-Level (3–5 Years)	₹7 – ₹12 LPA	Financial Analyst, Internal Auditor
Senior (5–10 Years)	₹12 – ₹20+ LPA	Senior Analyst, Finance Manager
ACCA Member (10+ Years)	₹25 – ₹45+ LPA	CFO, Controller, Senior Manager

Top Global Career Opportunities for ACCA

ACCA professionals are hired across major global markets such as:

• UK

• Singapore

• UAE

• Australia

• Canada

• Qatar

• Germany

• Malaysia

• India

Top Global Careers for ACCA Students

Job Role	Countries Hiring (India Listed First)	Salary Range (INR Equivalent)
Audit Associate	India, UK, UAE	₹6 – ₹20 LPA
Financial Analyst	India, UK, Singapore, Canada	₹8 – ₹25 LPA
Tax Consultant	India, Canada, Malaysia	₹6 – ₹22 LPA
IFRS Specialist	India, UAE, Australia, UK	₹10 – ₹30 LPA
Management Accountant	India, UK, Singapore	₹8 – ₹28 LPA
Internal Auditor	India, UAE, Qatar	₹7 – ₹24 LPA
FP&A Analyst (Financial Planning & Analysis)	India, USA, UK	₹10 – ₹35 LPA
Risk & Compliance Analyst	India, Singapore, Germany	₹9 – ₹30 LPA
Business Analyst	India, Australia, Canada	₹8 – ₹26 LPA
Forensic Accountant	India, UK, Singapore	₹12 – ₹32 LPA
Financial Reporting Specialist	India, UAE, UK, Malaysia	₹10 – ₹28 LPA
Investment Analyst	India, UK, Singapore	₹12 – ₹40 LPA
Statutory Auditor	India, UK, Qatar	₹10 – ₹28 LPA
Cost Accountant	India, UAE	₹6 – ₹18 LPA
Treasury Analyst	India, Singapore, UK	₹10 – ₹30 LPA
Fund Accountant	India, Australia, Ireland, UK	₹8 – ₹26 LPA
Payroll Specialist	India, Canada, UK	₹6 – ₹18 LPA
Global Reporting Associate	India, UAE, Malaysia	₹7 – ₹22 LPA
Finance Manager	India, UK, Singapore	₹15 – ₹45 LPA
Outsourced Accounting Specialist	India, UAE, USA (GCCs)	₹8 – ₹24 LPA

ACCA Course Details (Eligibility, Duration & Subjects)

ACCA Eligibility & Duration (2026)

Category	Details
Eligibility After 12th	Students from Commerce stream preferred; Non-commerce allowed with basics
Graduates Eligible	BCom, BBA, BBM, MCom, MBA, CA, CMA, US CMA, US CPA
Exemptions Available	Up to 9 papers based on qualification
Working Professionals	Can join anytime with flexible exam options
Course Duration	2.5 – 3 years (full route)
With Exemptions	Faster completion for BCom/MCom/CA Inter/CA-qualified

ACCA Subjects (13 Papers) — Full Course Structure

Level	Subjects Included	Total Papers
Applied Knowledge (Level 1)	• Business & Technology (BT) • Management Accounting (MA) • Financial Accounting (FA)	3 Papers
Applied Skills (Level 2)	• Corporate & Business Law (LW) • Performance Management (PM) • Taxation (TX) • Financial Reporting (FR) • Audit & Assurance (AA) • Financial Management (FM)	6 Papers
Strategic Professional (Level 3)	• Strategic Business Leader (SBL) • Strategic Business Reporting (SBR) Optional (Choose 2): – Advanced Audit & Assurance (AAA) – Advanced Taxation (ATX) – Advanced Performance Management (APM) – Advanced Financial Management (AFM)	4 Papers

ACCA Exemption Table 2026

ACCA Exemptions Based on Qualification

Your Qualification	Eligible ACCA Exemptions	Number of Papers Exempted
12th Commerce	No exemptions	0 Papers
BCom / BBA / BBM	BT, MA, FA	3 Papers
BCom (Hons)	BT, MA, FA + FR (sometimes based on university mapping)	3–4 Papers
MCom	BT, MA, FA	3 Papers
MBA (Finance)	BT, MA, FA	3 Papers
CA Inter (IPCC)	BT, MA, FA, TX, AA, FR (varies)	4–6 Papers
Qualified CA (India)	All Applied Knowledge + All Applied Skills	9 Papers
CMA India	BT, MA, FA	3 Papers
US CMA	BT, MA, FA	3 Papers
US CPA	BT, MA, FA (sometimes FR)	3–4 Papers
BSc Accounting / UK Degree	BT, MA, FA + up to 6 skills papers	3–9 Papers

Job Roles Available After ACCA

Here are some of the top job opportunities for ACCA graduates:

• Auditor
  
  

• Financial Analyst
  
  

• Management Accountant
  
  

• Tax Consultant
  
  

• Investment Analyst
  
  

• Risk & Compliance Analyst
  
  

• IFRS Specialist
  
  

• FP&A Analyst
  
  

• Internal Auditor
  
  

• Business Analyst
  
  

• Finance Manager

Placement Assistance for ACCA by NorthStar Academy

NorthStar Academy (NSA) provides India’s strongest placement support for ACCA students.

NorthStar’s ACCA Placement Support Includes:

• Dedicated Placement Cell
  
  

• 100+ Hiring Partners (Big 4 + Big MNCs)
  
  

• Interview Preparation & Mock Interviews
  
  

• Placement Training on LinkedIn Optimization
  
  

• CV Building & Real-time Project Training
  
  

• Internships & Pre-placement offers
  
  

• Support till students get their first job
  
  

Top companies hiring through NorthStar:

• Deloitte
  
  

• PwC
  
  

• EY
  
  

• KPMG

How to Register for ACCA with NorthStar Academy (Free Counselling)

NorthStar Academy makes ACCA registration extremely easy for both students and professionals.

Registration Support Provided by NorthStar:

• Free career counselling session
  

• Guidance on exam exemptions
  

• Help in filling ACCA registration form
  

• Verification of documents
  

• Help with selecting exam windows
  

• Step-by-step guidance for international payments
  

• Complete study plan & mentorship from Rank Holders
  
  

How to Register (Step-by-Step)

1. Book a free counselling session with NorthStar Academy
   

2. Check for eligible exemptions
   

3. Submit your documents (ID, 12th marksheet, degree)
   

4. NSA team completes ACCA registration on your behalf
   

5. Pay exam fees through guided support
   

6. Start classes + receive official study materials
   

7. Begin personalised mentorship
   
   

Conclusion

ACCA is one of the best global accounting qualifications for students and working professionals who want an international finance career. With high salaries, global recognition, flexible exams, and strong job demand, ACCA remains a top choice for 2026 and beyond.

NorthStar Academy provides India’s best ACCA coaching + guaranteed placement assistance + free registration support + career counselling, making it the most trusted institute for ACCA aspirants.