ACCA vs CA: The Ultimate Breakdown of Fees, Duration, Difficulty, and Salary

Summary

ACCA and CA are two prestigious accounting qualifications offering distinct career paths. ACCA, recognised in over 180 countries, provides global opportunities, flexible exams, and quicker completion within 2.5–3 years. In contrast, CA, governed by ICAI in India, demands around 5 years, with a rigorous structure and lower pass rates, but holds unmatched prestige in India’s financial sector. ACCA professionals earn ₹6–7 lakhs initially, while CAs average ₹8–10 lakhs. The right choice depends on your career goals—global mobility with ACCA or Indian expertise with CA. Both qualifications ensure rewarding careers in finance and accounting.

ACCA vs CA :

Aspiring students often need help deciding which qualifications to pursue to advance their careers in the dynamic financial and accounting sectors.

Indian Chartered Accountancy (CA) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) are prestigious qualifications in the financial world. While CA has a very strong Indian presence & recognition, ACCA has a very strong global presence. Choosing between ACCA and CA becomes a pivotal decision during a person’s professional journey.

To know more, check out the video below:

Overview

What is ACCA?

ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is a globally recognised professional qualification emphasising accounting, finance, and strategic business management. ACCA has established a strong global presence with over 252,500 members and 526,000 students across 181+ countries.

The qualification equips you with a well-rounded skill set ideal for various finance roles in multinational organisations, audit firms, and consultancies. ACCA’s curriculum has been designed with international standards in mind, making it a powerful stepping stone for a global career in finance and accounting.

What is CA?

CA (Chartered Accountant) is one of the most respected and rigorous professional qualifications in India. Governed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the course focuses on Indian taxation, accounting, auditing, and regulatory frameworks. With over 3.93 lakh active members, CA is highly valued in India and among businesses with operations rooted in Indian financial regulations.

It’s ideal for individuals working in India’s domestic financial landscape and taxation ecosystem or aspiring to start their own practice.

What is The Difference Between ACCA and CA?

The choice between ACCA and CA depends on career goals, global exposure, and flexibility. While ACCA offers international recognition and quicker completion, CA is highly valued within India for its depth and rigour. Understanding these differences helps candidates select the qualification that aligns with their aspirations.

Job Roles: Unveiling the Destinations

ACCA

ACCA’s broad curriculum opens doors to many roles across accounting, finance, and business. You could work in

• Accounting
• Financial Planning & Analysis
• Internal & Statutory Auditing
• International Tax
• Advisory
• Management Consulting
• Risk
• Investment Banking
• Corporate Finance
• ESG Consulting and many more.

The versatility of ACCA empowers you to explore diverse paths, choosing the one that resonates with your unique strengths and interests. The average salary for a fresher ACCA professional is 6 to 7 lacs.

CA

CA (India): Offers thorough expertise in Indian financial regulations, making you a valuable asset for roles such as –

• Statutory & Internal Auditor
• Tax Auditor
• Forensic Accountant
• Finance Controller/Head of Finance
• Cost Accountant
• Investment Banker
• Financial Analyst and many more.

The prestige associated with the CA makes you a highly sought-after professional in the competitive world of finance. The average salary for a fresher CA is 8 to 10 lacs.

Eligibility

ACCA

ACCA offers flexible entry points –

• After Grade 10/ 12: Start your journey early with foundation-level courses.
• Graduation (B.Com/M.Com): Build upon your existing knowledge with exemptions based on your degree.
• CA Inter/Final: Leverage your CA studies for even more exemptions (up to 9 Exemptions)
• After CMA: Up to 9 Exemptions

Completing the ACCA exams typically takes 2.5-3 years, depending on your study pace and prior qualifications.

CA

CA (India): Requires passing the rigorous Chartered Accountancy Foundation Course entrance exam.

To qualify for the CA Foundation, students must pass class 12 from a recognised school with a minimum of 50%.

For CA Intermediate Eligibility, students must pass the Foundation exam and their bachelor’s degree. Students taking the Direct Entry route must complete graduation, and the entry point will be CA Intermediate.

Completing the CA exams typically takes around 5 years.

Subjects & Syllabus

ACCA Subjects

Knowledge Level

1. Business and Technology (BT)
2. Management Accounting (MA)
3. Financial Accounting (FA)

Skill Level

1. Corporate and Business Law (LW)
2. Performance Management (PM)
3. Taxation (TX)
4. Financial Reporting (FR)
5. Audit and Assurance (AA)
6. Financial Management (FM)

Professional Level

Essential Papers

1. Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
2. Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)

Optional Papers (any 2)

1. Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
2. Advanced Performance Management (APM)
3. Advanced Taxation (ATX)
4. Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)

CA Subjects

CA exam is divided into three levels,
1. Foundation:

• Paper 1: Accounting
• Paper 2: Business Laws
• Paper 3: Quantitative Aptitude
• Paper 4: Business Economics

2. Intermediate:
Group 1:

• Paper 1: Advanced Accounting
• Paper 2: Corporate and Other Laws (Part 1 & 2)
• Paper 3 (A&B): Taxation: Income-tax law, Taxation: Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Group 2:

• Paper 4: Cost and Management Accounting
• Paper 5: Auditing and Ethics
• Paper 6 (A): Financial Management
• Paper 6 (B): Strategic Management

3. FINAL COURSE
Group 1:

• Paper 1: Financial Reporting
• Paper 2: Advanced Financial Management
• Paper 3: Advanced Auditing, Assurance and Professional Ethics

Group 2:

• Paper 4: Direct Tax Laws and International Taxation
• Paper 5: Indirect Tax Laws – Part-I: Goods and Services Tax, Part-II: Customs & FTP
• Paper 6: Integrated Business Solutions (Multidisciplinary Case Study with Strategic Management)

Exam Structure

ACCA

The exams are computer-based and consist of 13 exams (Fewer papers in case you are eligible for exemptions) divided into three levels (as explained above).

Each level offers flexibility, allowing you to progress at your own pace and conquer sections individually. ACCA exam happens 4 times a year:

• March
• June
• September
• December

CA

The Chartered Accountancy (CA) exams are in pen-and-paper format & happen twice a year:

• May
• November

Passing Rates

ACCA

Overall: The average pass rate for ACCA exams typically ranges from 40% to 50%, depending on the specific paper and level.

Breakdown by level:

• Knowledge level: 70-75% pass rate
• Skills level: 40-50% pass rate
• Professional level: 40-50% pass rate

CA

The overall pass rates of the Chartered Accountancy (CA) exams in India are considerably low & remain challenging.

Breakdown by level:

• CA Foundation: Pass percentage typically ranges from 20% to 25%
• CA Intermediate: Pass percentage varies between 10% to 15%
• CA Final: Pass Percentage varies between 8 % to 12 %.

Pass Criteria

ACCA

The minimum passing mark in each paper is 50%, with no negative marking. Each exam is independent; if you pass it, it is cleared for good. There is no concept of clearing Groups.

CA

To clear the exam, you must score at least 40% in each paper and 50% in each aggregate. You may have passed in an individual paper, but if you do not clear in the aggregate, you will have failed the group. Furthermore, if you fail 1 paper in a group, you have to appear for all the papers of that group on the next attempt

Breakdown by level: The pass rate varies slightly between levels:

• Level I: 35-39% (most recent November 2023 exam was 35%)
• Level II: 44-47% (most recent August 2023 exam was 44%)
• Level III: 47-48% (most recent August 2023 exam was 47%)

ACCA PER

To qualify as an ACCA member, one has to complete 13 papers, complete an online ethics & professional skills module and the Practical Experience Requirement (PER). PER mandates 36 months of relevant work experience in accounting and finance, but the timing is entirely up to you. You can complete the PER before, during, or even after your ACCA studies. This allows you to tailor your experience to your career goals and personal circumstances.

CA Articleship

For CA aspirants in India, the 2 years mandatory articleship is an integral part of the journey. This hands-on experience comes after completing the CA Intermediate exam and before tackling the final stage.

Cost

Investing in a professional qualification like ACCA or CA requires a significant financial commitment due to various associated costs. These include registration and subscription fees, exam fees, study materials, and optional tuition and coaching fees.

ACCA

The estimated cost for pursuing ACCA, including all potential expenses, typically ranges from INR 3.5 to 4 lacs.

CA

The cost of pursuing a CA can vary between INR 3 to 3.5 lacs.

CA vs ACCA Salary in India 2025

Let’s break down the average salaries for CA and ACCA professionals across different experience levels in 2025.

Note: Actual salaries vary depending on job role, company, location, and individual performance.

ACCA vs CA: Salary after Qualification

While ACCA has a wider global reach than CA, the salary one can achieve as a CA has more growth. CA has a strong demand in India. Here is a glimpse into the average CA and ACCA salary in India.

ACCA Salary in India

CA Salary in India (2025)

Note: Salaries are average estimates and may vary based on company, role, location, and experience.

ACCA vs CA: Which is Tougher?

When comparing ACCA and CA, the difficulty level largely depends on various factors, including the number of exams, preparation time, and individual learning capacity. The CA qualification is generally perceived as more challenging due to its longer duration, larger number of papers, and group-based examination system. However, this does not make ACCA an easy option.

In terms of pass rates, ACCA shows relatively higher success percentages compared to CA. One of its key advantages is global recognition, with acceptance in over 180+ countries. This global reach provides broader career opportunities, especially in multinational firms and international markets.

The structural difference between the two courses also impacts their difficulty. In CA, exams are attempted in groups, meaning if a candidate fails one subject, the entire group must be retaken. By contrast, ACCA allows candidates to reattempt only the subject they did not clear, offering more flexibility in scheduling and preparation.

Ultimately, while CA is often considered more rigorous, the choice between CA and ACCA depends on personal career goals, study preferences, and where one intends to practice professionally.

Why Are ACCA and CA Courses Good for Freshers?

Structured learning from foundational to professional levels.

Provide real-world exposure through internships/articleship.

Enhance analytical and technical skills needed for core finance roles.

High demand in multinationals (ACCA) and Indian firms (CA).

Early start = faster career growth.

Difference Between ACCA and CA

What Are the Top Accounting Certifications?

Besides ACCA and CA, top global accounting certifications include:

CPA (Certified Public Accountant) – This is Popular in the US and offers high credibility globally.

CMA (Certified Management Accountant) – Great for management accounting and strategic roles.

CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) – Ideal for investment and finance-focused careers.

CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) – Tailored for internal audit and compliance.

Source: LSBF

How to Become a CA in the UK?

To become a Chartered Accountant (CA) in the UK, you typically need to complete a recognised professional qualification like the ICAEW ACA (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) or the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). This typically involves gaining relevant work experience, passing professional exams, and completing professional development programs.

ACCA vs CA: Right Choice, Right Turn

Choosing between ACCA and CA isn’t about picking a winner; it’s about charting a course that aligns with your aspirations and career goals. Both qualifications are prestigious and demanding and open doors to diverse and rewarding paths in finance.

ACCA might be your compass for those seeking global mobility and focusing on international business & finance. Its flexible structure and global recognition make it ideal for aspiring business and finance professionals envisioning a career spanning borders.

CA might be your north star if your heart lies in the depths of local market complexities and in-depth statutory compliance. Its rigorous training and emphasis on Indian financial regulations equip you to excel within the unique landscape of the Indian market.

Ultimately, the choice rests with you. Consider your strengths, interests, and career aspirations. Research each qualification thoroughly, speak to professionals, and chart a course that leads to your ideal financial horizon. Remember, ACCA and CA are stepping stones to success – what matters most is the dedication and passion you bring to your journey.

ACCA + CA: Double the Power?

Combining the Chartered Accountancy (CA) and Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualifications presents a compelling proposition for aspiring accounting & finance professionals. While CA empowers you with deep Indian standards & regulations, ACCA gives you a complete global perspective to look at things. CA gives you the roots & ACCA gives you the wings to fly.

It is worth noting the fast-track routes the ACCA body offers CA students.

CA Inter Cleared Students are eligible for a minimum of 6 exemptions & Chartered Accountants are eligible for 9 exemptions, making your journey efficient & quicker.

Conclusion

Choosing between ACCA and CA is a personal decision hinged on your career aspirations and geographic preferences. Carefully weigh your options, assess your strengths, and don’t shy away from seeking guidance from professionals. Remember, both qualifications offer excellent career prospects, and ultimately, the choice you make today will pave the way for a fulfilling and rewarding journey in the dynamic world of finance.

Also read our blog on ACCA vs MBA & ACCA vs CFA

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