What is ACCA Course Fees? A Guidebook for your Next Skill

May 1, 2026|

Varun|

ACCA|

When considering ACCA in India, it is essential to get familiar with ACCA course fees completely before taking up the qualification.

While calculating your ACCA cost, remember that there is a lot more involved than just your examination fees.


ACCA registration fee, annual subscription fees, ACCA examination fees, exemption fees (if applicable), study material fees and coaching fees must all be taken into account.


Depending on various factors such as exemptions, period of registration, year of enrolment, retakes, self-study vs. professional coaching, etc., your total ACCA cost could range quite widely.


However, getting the cost details of the qualification clear at once makes deciding on your budget a whole lot simpler!

Therefore, let's understand the total cost of ACCA in India for 2026 – both official ACCA fees, exemption costs, examination costs, and additional expenses. We will also discuss sample scenarios for different ACCA students to give you an idea of the total cost of ACCA in various situations.


What is ACCA Course Fees? A Guidebook for your Next Skill



Quick take-away: Your ACCA cost cannot be fixed at a universal figure. Your cost mainly depends upon factors like exemptions, examination attempts, subscription period, and mode of study.


What are the ACCA Course Fees in India?


The ACCA course fees in India are made up of several costs rather than one fixed amount. These can include the ACCA registration fee, annual subscription, examination fees, exemption fees (where applicable), study materials, and coaching.


The total amount you spend on ACCA depends on factors such as the exemptions you receive, the number of years you remain registered with ACCA, your exam-entry timing, the number of attempts required, and whether you choose self-study or professional coaching.


For 2026, the official ACCA charges should be used as the basis for calculating your mandatory qualification costs. Additional expenses such as coaching, study materials, travel, and resits should be considered separately because they vary from student to student.

Quick answer: There is no single fixed ACCA course fee that applies to every student. Your actual cost depends on your exemptions, examination fees, subscription period, and study route.


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What is the ACCA Course Duration?


The ACCA course usually takes up to 4 years to complete. However, a lot of students can complete it in 2 years as well. It really all depends on the exemptions you get and your individual pace. During this time, you pay the recurring annual subscription fee and exam fees for each paper.

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ACCA Annual Subscription

Yearly
2026 Fee — Payable Every Year
2026 Fee (GBP)
£140
Approx. Amount (INR)
₹18,000

*INR equivalent is approximate. The actual INR amount may vary according to the GBP-INR exchange rate and payment/bank charges.


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ACCA Course Fees Per Paper in India 2026

The ACCA exam fee per paper depends on the level of the ACCA Qualification and the exam-entry period. Applied Knowledge exams are generally taken as on-demand computer-based exams, while Applied Skills and Strategic Professional exams have session-based entry fees.

ACCA notes that fees for Applied Knowledge exams taken at local CBE centres are set by the individual centres, so there is no single ACCA-published GBP fee that applies to every centre.


The ACCA exam fee per paper is not the same for every level. Applied Knowledge exams are generally delivered as on-demand computer-based exams, while Applied Skills and Strategic Professional exams have session-based entry fees. The amount you pay can also change depending on when you enter the exam.


For Indian students, ACCA currently states that India-based exams are taken at exam centres, and the applicable exam fee depends on the exam and entry period.

ACCA Level-wise Exam Fees — 2026

Official fee information for each ACCA level and paper group

ACCA LevelPapersOfficial 2026 Fee Information
Applied KnowledgeBT, MA, FAFee depends on the exam delivery/CBE centre
Applied SkillsLW, PM, TX, FR, AA, FM£151 (₹19,555*)
standard entry for September 2026
Applied Skills – Late EntryLW, PM, TX, FR, AA, FM£387 (₹50,117*)
late entry for September 2026
SBLStrategic Business Leader£268 (₹34,706*)
standard entry
SBRStrategic Business Reporting£191 (₹24,735*)
standard entry
OptionsAFM, APM, ATX, AAA£191 (₹24,735*)
per paper, standard entry

*INR figures use an approximate rate of £1 = ₹129.50 and are for reference only — exchange rates change daily, so treat these as indicative, not exact.

ACCA's India fee schedule lists the September 2026 Applied Skills standard fee at £151 and late fee at £387; SBL is £268 standard and £430 late, while SBR and each Options paper are £191 standard and £430 late.

INR conversion note: INR figures above are approximate conversions using £1 = ₹129.50. ACCA charges these fees in GBP, so the actual INR amount can change with the exchange rate and payment/bank charges.

What are the ACCA Registration Fees?

The ACCA registration fee is £89 (approximately ₹11,500) for students registering for the ACCA Qualification in 2026. This is a one-time registration fee paid when you first register with ACCA. It is separate from the annual subscription fee and examination fees.

The INR equivalent is based on an indicative exchange rate of £1 = ₹129.50 on 18 August 2026. Since ACCA charges the fee in GBP, the actual amount paid in Indian rupees may vary slightly depending on the exchange rate and payment processing charges at the time of payment.

ACCA Registration Fee

One-time
Initial Registration — Applicable Once
Official Fee (GBP)
£89
Approx. Amount (INR)*
₹11,500

*INR figures use an approximate rate of £1 = ₹129.50 and are for reference only — exchange rates change daily, so treat these as indicative, not exact.

 

Exemption Fees

Students who have completed relevant prior qualifications may be eligible for ACCA exemptions, which allow them to receive credit for certain exams without sitting those examinations. However, exemption eligibility is not automatic and depends on the qualification and subjects you have previously completed. ACCA's official exemption calculator should be used to determine which papers, if any, you can claim exemptions from.

ACCA charges a separate fee for each exemption granted. For 2026, the applicable exemption fees are:

ACCA Exemption Fees — 2026

Fees applicable per exemption awarded on prior qualifications

ACCA Exemption LevelOfficial FeeApprox. INR*Payment
Applied Knowledge exemption£84₹10,878Per exemption
Applied Skills exemption£111₹14,375Per exemption
Strategic ProfessionalNo exemption

*INR figures use an approximate rate of £1 = ₹129.50 and are for reference only — exchange rates change daily, so treat these as indicative, not exact.

How much do ACCA exemptions cost?

An Applied Knowledge exemption costs £84 (approximately ₹10,878) per paper, while an Applied Skills exemption costs £111 (approximately ₹14,375) per paper.

For example, if a student receives:

  • 2 Applied Knowledge exemptions: £168 = ₹21,756

  • 3 Applied Skills exemptions: £333 = ₹43,019

  • 2 Applied Knowledge + 3 Applied Skills exemptions: £501 = ₹64,880

These are exemption fees only. They are separate from the ACCA registration fee, annual subscription fee, and examination fees for the papers you still need to complete.

Do B.Com students automatically get ACCA exemptions?

No. Having a B.Com degree does not automatically mean that every student receives the same ACCA exemptions. The exemptions you receive depend on your previous qualification, institution, subjects studied and ACCA's assessment of that qualification.

Students should use ACCA's official exemption calculator to check their individual eligibility before including exemption costs in their ACCA budget.

Important: An exemption saves you from sitting an eligible ACCA examination, but it does not necessarily mean that the related exemption is free. ACCA charges an exemption fee where applicable.

INR conversion note: All INR figures above use the fixed calculation rate of £1 = ₹129.50 for this article. The actual INR amount payable may vary because ACCA charges fees in GBP and exchange rates/payment charges can change.

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What is the Total Cost of ACCA in India in 2026?

The total cost of completing ACCA in India cannot be represented by a single fixed fee because every student's cost can be different. Your final ACCA cost depends on factors such as the number of exemptions you receive, the number of exams you take, exam-entry timing, how long you remain registered with ACCA, and whether you choose self-study or professional coaching.


For a student starting ACCA without exemptions, the mandatory ACCA costs generally include the initial registration fee, annual subscription fees, examination fees, and any applicable Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM) fee.

ACCA Cost Breakdown — 2026

Official fee components a student may incur

Cost Component2026 FeeApprox. INR*
Initial registration£89₹11,526
Annual subscription£140 per year₹18,130 per year
Applied Knowledge exemptions, if applicable£84 per paper₹10,878 per exemption
Applied Skills exemptions, if applicable£111 per paper₹14,375 per exemption
Applied Skills exam — standard entry£151 per paper₹19,550 per paper
Strategic Business Leader (SBL) — standard entry£268₹34,706
Strategic Business Reporting (SBR) — standard entry£191₹24,730
Strategic Professional Options — standard entry£191 per paper₹24,730 per paper
Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM)£83₹10,754

*INR figures are approximate calculations using £1 = ₹129.50. ACCA charges fees in GBP, so the actual INR amount may vary with the exchange rate and payment/bank charges.

Why the Total ACCA Cost Varies

The total amount a student spends can change considerably because:

  • Students may receive different exemptions.

  • The annual subscription is payable for each year of active registration.

  • Exam fees depend on the exam level and entry period.

  • Students who need to retake an examination incur additional exam fees.

  • Study materials and revision resources can add to the overall cost.

  • Coaching fees vary depending on the institute and learning format.

  • Travel and other exam-related expenses may apply.

Therefore, the official ACCA fees should be separated from optional education and personal expenses when calculating the total cost of the qualification.

Are there Additional Costs to consider?

There are some additional costs that students should keep in mind. These include study materials, mock tests, and revision kits. Some students may also invest in various online resources and practice platforms to further enhance their chances of cracking ACCA. 

Travel and accommodation costs may also be an additional expense for those who need to visit exam centers. You should most definitely include them in your budget planning.

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Is ACCA Worth the Investment?

Whether ACCA is worth the investment depends on your career goals, learning route, exemptions, examination attempts and the overall cost you incur while completing the qualification.

ACCA can support careers in areas such as accounting, audit and assurance, financial reporting, taxation, financial management and other finance-related roles. The qualification is also internationally recognised, which can be relevant for students who are considering finance careers across different markets.

However, completing ACCA does not guarantee a particular salary or job outcome. Career opportunities and earning potential can vary depending on factors such as work experience, skills, location, employer, role and professional performance.

Therefore, when evaluating the value of ACCA, students should consider both the total cost of the qualification and the career opportunities that align with their individual goals.

How can you manage ACCA Costs?

Planning your ACCA expenses in advance can help you avoid unnecessary costs during the qualification. Since official ACCA fees and additional education expenses are separate, students should plan for both.

Here are some practical ways to manage your ACCA budget:

  • Check your exemptions before planning your exams: Use ACCA's official exemption calculator to determine which papers you may be eligible to claim before estimating your examination and exemption costs.

  • Enter exams within the applicable standard-entry period: As shown above, late examination entry can cost significantly more than standard entry for some exam sessions.

  • Avoid unnecessary resits: Preparing thoroughly before an examination can help reduce additional examination fees caused by unsuccessful attempts.

  • Plan your registration period: The annual subscription is a recurring cost, so the number of years you remain registered with ACCA affects your overall expenditure.

  • Compare coaching options carefully: If you choose professional coaching, compare what is included in the fee, such as classes, study materials, mock tests and revision support.

  • Separate official and optional expenses: Keep ACCA fees such as registration, subscription and examination fees separate from coaching, study materials, travel and other personal expenses when preparing your budget.

A clear budget can help you understand which expenses are unavoidable and which ones you can control through your choice of preparation method and planning.

How Exam Entry Timing Affects ACCA Fees?

ACCA examination fees can vary depending on when you enter an exam. For the September 2026 session, the standard and late-entry fees shown above demonstrate why planning your exam entry in advance can help control your ACCA costs.

For example, the Applied Skills standard-entry fee is £151, while the late-entry fee is £387. At an approximate exchange rate of £1 = ₹129.50, this represents a difference of roughly ₹30,500 per paper.

Because the difference can become significant when multiple papers are entered late, students should check the applicable ACCA examination entry deadlines before booking their exams.

Key point: Exam-entry timing is one of the factors that can materially affect the total cost of completing ACCA.

How ACCA Costs Vary Across Qualification Levels

The cost of ACCA can vary across the different stages of the qualification because each level has a different number of papers and different examination fee structures.

At the Applied Knowledge level, BT, MA and FA are generally taken through on-demand computer-based examination arrangements. Fees for exams taken at individual CBE centres may be set by the respective centres, so there is no single ACCA-published fee that applies to every centre.

At the Applied Skills level, students complete six papers: LW, PM, TX, FR, AA and FM. For the September 2026 session, the standard entry fee listed above is £151 per paper, while the late-entry fee is £387 per paper.

At the Strategic Professional level, students complete SBL, SBR and two Options papers. For September 2026, the standard fees listed above are £268 for SBL and £191 each for SBR and the Options papers.

Therefore, the total ACCA cost does not depend only on the level of the qualification. It also depends on the number of papers a student needs to take, applicable exemptions, exam-entry timing and the number of years the student remains registered with ACCA.

Cost of Study Materials and Resources

Study materials and additional learning resources can increase the overall cost of completing ACCA, but these expenses are separate from the official ACCA fees listed above.

Students may choose from different types of resources, including:

  • ACCA study textbooks

  • Revision kits and question banks

  • Mock tests and practice resources

  • Digital learning resources

  • Additional online learning platforms

The amount spent on study materials depends on the resources selected, their format, and whether they are already included in a coaching package. Students who prepare through self-study may choose to purchase only the resources they need, while coaching providers may include study materials as part of their course fees.

Therefore, study-material costs should be treated as a variable education expense, rather than as a fixed component of the official ACCA qualification fee.

What is the difference between Online and offline coaching fees?

Coaching is an additional education expense and is not part of the official ACCA fees listed above.

Online ACCA coaching is often more flexible and may reduce expenses related to commuting, accommodation and classroom infrastructure. It can be suitable for students who prefer learning remotely or need a flexible schedule.

Offline ACCA coaching provides face-to-face classroom interaction and may be preferred by students who learn better in a traditional classroom environment. However, the overall cost may also include commuting and other location-related expenses.

The actual coaching fee varies by institute, course format, number of papers, study resources included and other services offered. Therefore, coaching costs should be evaluated separately from the official ACCA registration, subscription, exemption and examination fees.

Key point: Coaching is optional. The cost of ACCA should not be calculated by adding an assumed coaching fee to every student’s budget because students can choose different preparation methods.

FAQs on ACCA Course Fees

1. What is the total cost of ACCA in India?

There is no single fixed total cost for completing ACCA in India. Your overall cost depends on the ACCA registration fee, annual subscription fees, examination fees, applicable exemption fees, the number of years you remain registered, and any additional expenses such as coaching, study materials, travel, and examination resits.

For 2026, the official ACCA fee components are listed above in GBP with approximate INR equivalents. Therefore, students should calculate their personal ACCA budget based on the number of examinations they need to complete, any exemptions they receive, their expected registration period, and whether they choose self-study or professional coaching. 

2. Can I pay ACCA fees in installments?

ACCA fees are paid at different stages rather than as one single course fee. Registration, annual subscription, examination and applicable exemption fees are paid separately as they become due. Coaching providers may have their own installment options, which are separate from ACCA's official fees.

3. Are ACCA fees refundable?

ACCA fees are subject to ACCA's refund and cancellation terms, so students should check the applicable ACCA policy before making a payment. Refund eligibility can depend on the type of fee and the circumstances of the request.

4. Is coaching necessary for ACCA?

No, coaching is not mandatory for ACCA. Students can prepare through self-study or choose professional coaching depending on their learning preferences, budget and need for structured guidance.  

5. How can I reduce ACCA costs?

You can reduce ACCA costs by checking your exemptions in advance, entering exams within the applicable standard-entry period, avoiding unnecessary resits, limiting the number of years you remain registered, and choosing study resources or coaching that fit your budget.

Conclusion

The ACCA course fee will feel like a substantial investment. However, remember that it is a worthwhile investment for those aiming for a global career in finance.

With proper planning and smart financial decisions, you can manage the costs effectively. The long-term benefits are immense. It includes career growth and international opportunities. This makes ACCA a valuable choice for aspiring finance professionals.

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Varun

Varun

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