Becoming a globally qualified accountant is one of the smartest career choices a student in India can make today. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification opens doors to international careers in audit, taxation, finance, and consulting. Recognised in more than 180 countries, ACCA helps students build global credibility without leaving India.

If you are wondering how to become ACCA in India, this guide breaks down the complete process, from eligibility and registration to exemptions and membership. For students or parents still unsure where to begin, you can always talk to a mentor at Amit Dharaniya Global Academy (ADGA), one of the leading ACCA course providers, for free counselling and a personalised ‘How to become ACCA in India’ plan.

Understanding the ACCA Qualification

To earn the ACCA designation, students must complete:

13 exams are divided into three levels: Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional.
Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM), an online course focusing on workplace ethics.
36 months of practical experience in a relevant accounting or finance role.

Together, these three elements make up the complete ACCA course qualification. The entire ACCA process usually takes three to four years, though it can be completed faster depending on the exemptions you receive.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Become ACCA in India

Step 1: Check Eligibility and Register with ACCA

You can start your ACCA journey after Class 12 if you have scored at least 65% in English and Mathematics or Accounts, and 50% in all other subjects. Graduates with degrees like B.Com, BBA, or MBA (Finance) are also eligible and may receive exam exemptions.

If you don’t meet these criteria, you can begin with the Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) route after you’re 13 years old and then move to the main ACCA qualification by completing first 3 exams of ACCA to prove your credentials.

To register, visit the official ACCA website and create an account. You’ll need to upload:

- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets
- A government ID (Aadhaar or passport)
- A passport-sized photograph

You will also need to pay a registration fee (around £89) and an annual subscription fee (around £122).

Step 2: Claim Your Exemptions

Based on your academic background, you might not need to appear for all 13 exams. For example, B.Com or CA-Inter students can skip several papers at the Applied Knowledge or Applied Skills levels.

Use the official ACCA Exemptions Calculator to check how many papers you qualify to skip. Each exemption requires a separate fee payment (around £130 per paper).

Understanding your exemptions early helps you save both time and money, a step that many first-time applicants miss.

Step 3: Plan Your Studies and Exams

The ACCA qualification is divided into three progressive levels:

1. Applied Knowledge (3 Papers) – introduces business and accounting fundamentals.
2. Applied Skills (6 Papers) – builds technical expertise and analytical ability.
3. Strategic Professional (4 Papers) – develops leadership, decision-making, and strategy skills.

Exams are conducted four times a year in March, June, September, and December with flexible scheduling options.

At this stage, choosing how you will study becomes crucial. You can prepare through:

- Self-study, if you prefer independent studying for ACCA.
- Online courses, for flexibility and structure.
- Classroom or hybrid coaching for guided mentorship.

For example, at Amit Dharaniya Global Academy, students choose between structured batch programmes such as Elite, Gems, Champion, and Explorer, depending on their age and learning pace. These programs combine live classes, recorded lectures, and personal mentoring, helping students master every paper systematically.

If you are unsure which format suits you best, explore our courses on the World of ACCA page to see how ADGA simplifies the ACCA process for Indian learners.

Step 4: Complete the Ethics and Professional Skills Module

The Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM) is an online learning course that helps students develop workplace ethics, leadership, and communication skills. It can be attempted anytime during your ACCA studies, but most students prefer completing it before the final Strategic Professional papers.

This module strengthens your ability to make ethical decisions, an essential trait for every future finance professional.

Step 5: Gain 36 Months of Practical Experience

Alongside studying for ACCA, you must complete a minimum of 36 months of relevant work experience in finance, audit, or management roles. This is called the Practical Experience Requirement (PER).

During this period, you’ll need to achieve nine performance objectives and record your progress on ACCA’s online MyExperience portal.

Many ADGA students fulfil this requirement by interning or working at firms such as the Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) or multinational companies like Infosys, TCS, and Accenture. Practical learning ensures you can apply technical knowledge to real-world business decisions.

Step 6: Apply for ACCA Membership

Once you have completed your exams, EPSM, and PER, you can apply for full membership with ACCA. After approval, you earn the right to use the prestigious “ACCA” title after your name, a symbol of global professional excellence.

Membership gives you access to career opportunities across accounting, consulting, and finance roles in over 180 countries.

Estimated Cost of Becoming an ACCA in India (2025)

Fee Type Approx. GBP Approx. INR (₹)

Initial Registration £89 ₹9,300

Annual Subscription £122 ₹12,800

Exam Fees (per paper) £130 ₹13,600

Exemption Fee (per paper) £130 ₹13,600

Ethics Module £90 ₹9,400

The total cost usually ranges between ₹3.2 to ₹4.2 lakhs, depending on the number of exemptions, study mode, and exam attempts.

Begin Your ACCA Journey with Mentorship at ADGA

The path to becoming an ACCA may seem long, but it’s a rewarding journey that builds global credibility and professional confidence. With the right guidance, you can complete your ACCA course qualification in three to four years and open doors to international finance roles.

At ADGA, students study one paper every three months in a structured routine, guided personally by Amit Dharaniya, India’s first IFRS Corporate Trainer. This disciplined approach helps them maintain balance, reduce distractions, and achieve global success faster.

If you’re serious about pursuing ACCA in 2025, now is the best time to begin. Talk to a mentor at ADGA to get a personalised study plan based on your current qualification and career goal.

To explore more about ACCA papers, timelines, and global opportunities, visit our World of ACCA page or read Why Parents Trust ADGA to Build Global Accounting Careers.

How to Become an ACCA in India With a Step-by-Step Roadmap for 2025