The ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification is one of the most sought-after global certifications in finance and accounting. If you’re aspiring to become an ACCA member from India, one of the most common questions you’ll have is about the ACCA fees in India — including what costs to expect, how the fee structure works, and how to plan your budget efficiently.
This comprehensive guide provides a detailed overview of the ACCA fee structure in India, helping you understand the different cost components involved and how you can manage them effectively.
What is ACCA?
Before diving into the fee structure, let’s briefly understand what ACCA is.
The ACCA qualification is a globally recognized certification for accounting and finance professionals. It covers a wide range of topics including auditing, taxation, financial reporting, and strategic management. With over 200,000 members and 500,000 students across 180+ countries, ACCA equips professionals with the skills needed to work in any industry, anywhere in the world.
Understanding ACCA Fees in India
When calculating the ACCA fees in India, it’s important to note that the costs are determined by the ACCA global body, based in the UK. However, payments can be made from India in INR using international payment gateways. The total fees can vary depending on several factors such as:
Number of exams taken
Exemptions granted
Mode of study (self-study or classes)
Study materials used
Currency exchange rates at the time of payment
Let’s now explore the major components of the ACCA fees in India.
1. Registration and Subscription Fees
a) Initial Registration Fee
When you first enroll for the ACCA qualification, you are required to pay a one-time registration fee. This gives you access to your ACCA student account and learning resources.
b) Annual Subscription Fee
To maintain your status as an active student, ACCA charges an annual subscription fee. This fee must be paid every year until you complete all exams and become a member.
c) Re-registration Fee
If your student status lapses due to non-payment or inactivity, you may need to pay a re-registration fee to continue your studies.
2. Exemption Fees
If you already have qualifications such as a B.com, CA (IPCC or final), or an MBA in accounting or finance, you may be eligible for exemptions from certain ACCA papers. However, these exemptions are not free. Each exemption comes with a corresponding fee, which is generally equivalent to the fee of the exam being exempted.
It’s important to use ACCA’s official exemption calculator to verify which papers you can skip and how much you’ll be required to pay.
3. Examination Fees
There are 13 exams in the ACCA qualification, divided across three levels:
a) Applied Knowledge Level
Business and Technology (BT)
Management Accounting (MA)
Financial Accounting (FA)
b) Applied Skills Level
Corporate and Business Law (LW)
Performance Management (PM)
Taxation (TX)
Financial Reporting (FR)
Audit and Assurance (AA)
Financial Management (FM)
c) Strategic Professional Level
Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
Two Optional Papers (from AFM, APM, ATX, AAA)
Each exam has an individual fee, which may vary depending on when you register:
Early Registration (lower fee)
Standard Registration (regular fee)
Late Registration (higher fee)
Planning your exams in advance and registering early can help you save money.
4. Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM)
This is a mandatory module that students must complete before taking the Strategic Professional exams. It’s designed to build ethical judgment and soft skills essential for a professional accountant. The EPSM also has its own separate fee.
5. Practical Experience Requirement (PER)
While there is no direct fee to record your PER (36 months of relevant work experience), you may need to consider indirect costs such as internships, job opportunities, or tools needed to maintain your experience records online.
6. Study Material and Learning Support
Besides the official ACCA fees in India, students should also consider the cost of study materials. These may include:
Official textbooks and revision kits
Online practice platforms
Mock exams
Flashcards and summaries
While self-study is possible, many students prefer enrolling in ACCA classes, which come at an additional cost depending on the mode of learning (online or offline) and level of support provided.
7. Coaching and Tuition Fees
Although not charged by ACCA directly, tuition fees for ACCA classes form a significant part of your overall cost. Indian students can choose from:
Self-paced online courses
Live online classes
Classroom coaching (in select cities)
Hybrid learning models
Prices vary based on the provider, location, and quality of resources offered. Many classes include mock exams, one-on-one mentoring, and performance tracking, which can enhance your chances of passing.
How to Pay ACCA Fees in India
ACCA offers multiple secure payment methods for Indian students:
Credit/Debit Card (International)
PayPal
Wire Transfer
Through Authorized Learning Partners (if they are facilitating the payment)
Make sure your card is enabled for international transactions and always check the exchange rate before making a payment.
Tips to Manage ACCA Fees in India Efficiently
Here are some practical tips to reduce and manage your ACCA costs:
Apply for Early Exam Registration: Avoid late fees by registering well in advance.
Make Use of Exemptions: If eligible, claim exemptions to reduce exam count.
Opt for Bundled Classes: Some coaching providers offer discounts on combo courses.
Use Official Materials Smartly: Share textbooks or opt for e-books where possible.
Track Currency Exchange Rates: Making payments when the INR is strong against GBP can save money.
Plan Your Exams Strategically: Spacing out exams properly avoids rushed preparation and re-attempt costs.
Is ACCA Worth the Investment?
Though the total ACCA fees in India can seem like a significant investment, the returns in terms of career opportunities, global recognition, and professional growth make it worthwhile. ACCA members find work in multinational corporations, Big 4 firms, consulting companies, banks, and even government organizations — not just in India, but across the world.
Conclusion
Understanding the ACCA fees in India is crucial for anyone planning to take up the qualification. With costs spread across registration, exams, exemptions, modules, and coaching, planning your budget in advance will help you avoid surprises and stay on track.