How to Become ACCA in India: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
By Mohit Agarwal
How to Become ACCA — Step-by-Step Guide
Becoming an ACCA member is a structured journey. Whether you're a 12th pass student or a working professional, here's exactly how to do it.
Step 1: Check Eligibility & Exemptions
Before registering, find out:
- Are you eligible? (12th pass with 65% in Maths/Accounts)
- How many exemptions do you get? (B.Com = up to 5, CA Inter = up to 9)
Check ACCA eligibility details
Step 2: Register with ACCA
- Go to acca.com and click "Become a student"
- Create a myACCA account
- Upload your academic documents (marksheets, degree)
- Pay the registration fee (£79)
- Apply for exemptions
- Wait for approval (usually 2-4 weeks)
Step 3: Enroll in a Coaching Programme
While self-study is possible, good coaching dramatically improves your chances.
Why Ikshana Learning?
- ACCA Gold Approved Learning Partner (highest recognition)
- 90%+ pass rate
- 3 study modes — Offline, Online, Recorded
- Free mock tests for all papers
- Starting from ₹15,000/paper
Step 4: Study Plan
If Starting from Level 1 (no exemptions):
| Exam Window | Papers |
|---|---|
| Window 1 | BT + MA + FA (on-demand CBE) |
| Window 2 | LW + PM |
| Window 3 | TX + FR |
| Window 4 | AA + FM |
| Window 5 | SBL + SBR |
| Window 6 | Optional 1 + Optional 2 |
Total time: ~18-24 months (aggressive) to 36 months (comfortable)
If B.Com with 5 Exemptions:
| Exam Window | Papers |
|---|---|
| Window 1 | PM + FR |
| Window 2 | AA + FM |
| Window 3 | SBL + SBR |
| Window 4 | Optional 1 + Optional 2 |
Total time: ~12-18 months
If CA Inter with 9 Exemptions:
| Exam Window | Papers |
|---|---|
| Window 1 | SBL + SBR |
| Window 2 | Optional 1 + Optional 2 |
Total time: ~6-9 months
Step 5: Take the Exams
- Applied Knowledge exams are available on-demand at Pearson VUE centres
- Applied Skills and Strategic Professional exams are in March, June, September, December
- You can attempt up to 4 papers per window
- Each paper has a 50% pass mark
Step 6: Complete Your PER
PER = Practical Experience Requirement
- You need 36 months of relevant work experience
- Can be done alongside your studies
- Your workplace supervisor signs off on your performance objectives
- Finance, accounting, audit, tax — all qualify
Step 7: Become an ACCA Member
Once you've:
- Passed all 13 exams (or remaining after exemptions)
- Completed 36 months PER
- Completed the Ethics & Professional Skills module
You become an ACCA Member and can use the letters after your name.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not maximising exemptions — Check thoroughly before registering
- Skipping mock tests — Practice is crucial, especially for Skills papers
- Late exam registration — Early entry is cheaper and helps you commit
- Ignoring PER — Start logging experience early, don't leave it for the end
- Studying alone — Get coaching for complex papers like SBL and SBR
Ready to Start?
Your ACCA journey begins with one step. We've helped 10,000+ students navigate this path.
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