•  Content Creator : Prabhjot
• 2025-10-17

In recent years, ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) has become a popular choice for Indian commerce students, especially those aiming for global careers in finance and accounting. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)—a globally recognized professional qualification in accountancy—has seen a significant rise in popularity among Indian students. Once considered a lesser-known alternative to India’s traditional Chartered Accountancy (CA), ACCA is now gaining steady ground.

According to a recent education trend survey conducted by the Indian Institute for Higher Education Research (IIHER), 35% of commerce students who had initially planned to pursue CA have now shown a preference for ACCA during the academic year 2024-25. This trend highlights a broader transformation in how students are aligning their education with global career aspirations.

ACCA: A New-Age Global Qualification

ACCA is a UK-based qualification that trains students in international accounting standards such as IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards). It is recognized in over 180 countries and is designed to prepare professionals for work in multinational companies and financial hubs around the world.

In India, ACCA is increasingly being seen as a passport to global opportunities. Students are drawn to its flexible learning approach, modular exams, and the ability to complete the course within 2–3 years if planned properly. The course structure allows candidates to appear for one paper at a time—unlike CA, where students often face the burden of preparing for and clearing multiple papers in a single attempt.

What’s Fueling the Trend?

Unlike the CA course, which is governed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and follows Indian accounting laws, ACCA is an international qualification recognized in over 180 countries. This makes it ideal for students looking to work with multinational companies or relocate abroad.

Many students also pointed out that ACCA’s exam structure feels more manageable. Instead of facing all subjects in one go like in CA final, ACCA allows students to attempt one paper at a time. This reduces exam pressure and helps with better preparation.

Also, the rigid structure and low pass percentages of CA have made it a challenging path for many students. The CA Final exam, for instance, has an average pass rate of just around 5–10%. On the other hand, ACCA exams report a pass rate of approximately 40–50% per paper, with candidates allowed to choose the order and timing of their exam attempts.

Several key factors are contributing to this rising preference:

• Global Career Opportunities: ACCA is tailored for roles in international companies and financial markets.
• Flexible Exam Schedule: Exams are conducted quarterly, and students can sit for one paper at a time.
• International Curriculum: Focuses on IFRS, global taxation systems, ethics, audit, and strategic business leadership.
• Faster Completion: Students can finish ACCA within 2–3 years, making it ideal for those who want to enter the workforce quickly.
• Remote Learning & Exams: With increasing digital access, students can prepare for and appear in exams remotely, making the course more accessible across smaller cities.

CA vs ACCA: A Quick Comparison for Commerce Students

Job Opportunities & Global Exposure

With India becoming a hub for financial outsourcing and shared service centers, global companies like Deloitte, EY, PwC, and KPMG are hiring more ACCA-qualified professionals for roles in accounting, audit, and financial analysis.

“In the last two years, we’ve seen a sharp rise in ACCA applicants for finance roles, especially from cities like Pune and Chennai. Their knowledge of international finance regulations makes them job-ready for global roles,” said Amit Khurana, an HR manager at a multinational firm in Gurgaon.

Industry & Academic Response

As interest in ACCA rises, coaching institutes and ed-tech platforms are adapting quickly. Several private institutes are now offering integrated B.Com + ACCA courses, enabling students to pursue a degree and a professional qualification at the same time. Universities such as Christ University, Jain University, and others have partnered with ACCA to offer dual qualifications.

Meanwhile, ICAI has acknowledged the trend and is taking steps to modernize the CA curriculum and align it more with international practices.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite its growing appeal, ACCA does come with its own set of challenges. The course fee is relatively higher than that of CA, especially when accounting for international exam fees and registration charges in pounds sterling. In addition, while ACCA is gaining acceptance in India, it is still not valid for signing audit reports or practicing independently—something only Indian CAs are authorized to do under law.

Final Thoughts

While CA continues to hold strong value in India, especially for careers in auditing, tax consultancy, and Indian law-based accounting, ACCA is clearly emerging as a popular choice for those with global aspirations.

As commerce students weigh their options, the choice between CA and ACCA now depends more on career goals than tradition. With ACCA’s growing recognition and student-friendly format, its preference among Indian youth is expected to rise even further in the coming years