ACCA Course Fees in India: Breakdown of Registration and Exam Costs
ACCA Course Fees in India: Breakdown of Registration and Exam Costs
Blog Article
The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification is globally recognized and highly respected in the fields of finance and accounting. For students and professionals in India who aspire to build a global accounting career, ACCA offers a comprehensive pathway to acquire advanced skills and international credibility. However, before embarking on this journey, it is crucial to understand the ACCA course fees and the associated ACCA exam fees in Indian rupees.
This detailed guide breaks down the costs involved in pursuing ACCA in India, covering registration charges, annual subscriptions, exam fees, exemption costs, and additional considerations, helping you plan your investment effectively.
What is ACCA?
ACCA is a UK-based global professional accounting body offering the Chartered Certified Accountant qualification. It consists of 13 exams, divided into three levels:
- Applied Knowledge
- Applied Skills
- Strategic Professional
In addition to passing the exams, students are also required to complete the Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM) and gain 36 months of relevant work experience to become ACCA members.
Overview of ACCA Course Fees
The ACCA course fees in India are made up of several components, each of which is paid directly to ACCA Global. These components include:
- Initial Registration Fee
- Annual Subscription Fee
- Re-registration Fee (if applicable)
- Exam Fees
- Exemption Fees
- EPSM Fee
These charges are standard and mandatory, regardless of how or where you choose to study.
1. Initial Registration Fee
To begin your ACCA journey, you need to register as a student with ACCA. This one-time fee provides access to your student portal, study resources, and eligibility to schedule exams. Registration is typically done online through the ACCA Global website.
2. Annual Subscription Fee
Once registered, students are required to pay an annual subscription fee to maintain active status. This fee must be paid every year until all ACCA exams are completed and you are eligible for membership.
If you fail to pay the subscription by the deadline, your account becomes inactive, and you may need to pay a re-registration fee to resume your studies.
3. Re-registration Fee (If Applicable)
If your account is deactivated due to non-payment or inactivity, you will be required to pay a re-registration fee to reactivate your student status. This allows you to continue appearing for exams and accessing ACCA resources.
ACCA Exam Fees in Indian Rupees
The ACCA exam fees in Indian rupees depend on the level of the exam and the registration period. All fees are originally charged in British Pounds (GBP), but for Indian students, these fees can be converted into INR using the prevailing exchange rate.
Here is a breakdown of the fee structure by exam level:
1. Applied Knowledge Level
This level includes the following three subjects:
- Business and Technology (BT)
- Management Accounting (MA)
- Financial Accounting (FA)
These are computer-based exams that can be scheduled on-demand throughout the year. The exam fees for this level are generally lower compared to higher levels, as these are foundational subjects.
- Applied Skills Level
This level consists of six subjects:
- Corporate and Business Law (LW)
- Performance Management (PM)
- Taxation (TX)
- Financial Reporting (FR)
- Audit and Assurance (AA)
- Financial Management (FM)
These exams are more advanced and are held during ACCA’s quarterly exam windows. Consequently, they come with slightly higher exam fees.
3. Strategic Professional Level
This level is the most advanced and includes two essential exams:
- Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
- Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
You are also required to choose two optional exams from:
- Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
- Advanced Performance Management (APM)
- Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
- Advanced Taxation (ATX)
Due to their complexity and length, these exams carry the highest fees among all ACCA papers.
4. Exam Entry Deadlines
The ACCA offers three types of exam entry periods:
- Early Entry – Attracts the lowest fees.
- Standard Entry – Regular fee structure.
- Late Entry – Comes with the highest fee due to last-minute registration.
Registering for exams during the early entry window is a smart way to manage and reduce your overall ACCA course fees.
Exemption Fees
If you have prior qualifications such as a commerce degree or partial completion of another professional certification (like CA), you may be eligible for exemptions from certain exams.
While exemptions reduce the number of exams you need to sit for, they are not free. Each exempted paper has a corresponding fee, and the total exemption fee depends on the number and level of exemptions you are granted.
Understanding how these exemptions impact your cost structure is essential when calculating your full ACCA course fees.
Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM)
The Ethics and Professional Skills Module is a compulsory component of the ACCA qualification, aimed at enhancing your professional skills and ethical judgment.
This module carries a separate fee and must be completed before appearing for the Strategic Professional exams. Though it’s not an exam in the traditional sense, its cost should be factored into your overall fee estimate.
Other Costs to Consider
While ACCA’s official fees make up the core of your cost, there are additional expenses you might incur during your ACCA journey:
1. Study Materials and Resources
Purchasing ACCA-approved study texts, revision kits, and practice papers is common among students. While some resources are available for free, many prefer comprehensive materials to improve exam success rates.
2. Tuition or Coaching Classes
Though optional, many students opt for training support to better understand complex subjects. Tuition fees vary based on the mode of learning (online, hybrid, or classroom). While this is not a direct ACCA charge, it forms a considerable part of the total investment.
3. Exam Re-sit Fees
In case a candidate needs to re-attempt a paper, standard exam fees will apply again. Preparing well the first time can help avoid this additional cost.
Currency Conversion: GBP to INR
Since ACCA fees are charged in GBP, the actual amount you pay in INR will depend on the current exchange rate. Using a currency converter at the time of payment will give you a precise estimate of ACCA exam fees in Indian rupees. It’s also wise to monitor exchange rate trends to time your payments for maximum savings.
Tips for Managing ACCA Course Costs
Here are some practical suggestions to keep your ACCA course fees manageable:
- Plan Your Exam Calendar: Register early for exams to avoid late fees.
- Use Exemptions Strategically: Evaluate whether the cost of exemption is worth it compared to self-studying and appearing for the exam.
- Track Exchange Rates: Make payments when the INR is relatively strong against the GBP.
- Budget Wisely: Estimate the full cost of registration, exams, and study support in advance.
- Utilize Free Resources: ACCA provides past papers, technical articles, and examiner feedback for free, which can aid in preparation.
Conclusion
Understanding the structure of ACCA course fees and the detailed breakdown of ACCA exam fees in Indian rupees is a critical step for every student planning to pursue the ACCA qualification in India. While the costs are substantial, they reflect the value of an internationally respected credential that opens up global opportunities in accounting, auditing, finance, and consulting.
By planning effectively and making informed financial decisions, you can navigate the ACCA journey with confidence and control over your educational investment. Report this page