Ready or not, here comes ACCA, but wondering about how much you will spend altogether? You’re not alone. Most of the aspiring students preparing for ACCA in India want to be ACCA-certified professionals, but at times, the fee can confuse them. The truth is, ACCA is the most globally recognized body in finance and accounting, and yes, it also demands a hefty investment from the students. Understanding ACCA exam fees per paper, ACCA registration fees in India, and ACCA exemption fees can help you plan your expenses in a smart and strategic way. This article will give you all the accurate details you need about ACCA exam fees 2025 along with tips to manage your overall budget effectively.
ACCA Qualification Structure & Cost Overview
The ACCA qualification includes 13 exams, spread across three main levels: Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional. Each level focuses on building your accounting and finance skills from basic to advanced. As you move up, the exams become more analytical and the fees increase. Besides exam costs, you must also pay yearly subscriptions and one-time registration fees. It is possible to skip some examinations if you are eligible for exemptions but that also comes with separate fees. This entire pricing structure is likely to help avoid surprises and better financial planning for one’s ACCA journey.
Applied Knowledge Level
The Applied Knowledge level is your starting point in ACCA. It introduces basic business and accounting principles. These exams are on-demand, which means you can take them anytime. You can appear for them remotely or at a local ACCA-approved center. The subjects are designed to help you understand how businesses work, how financial data is used, and what accountants do in daily business situations.
Subjects Covered
Business and Technology (BT) helps you understand the structure of businesses and the role of accountants in decision-making. It also focuses on ethics and corporate governance, which are essential topics in professional accounting.
Management Accounting (MA) teaches you how to calculate and manage business costs. You will also learn about budgeting, cost control, and decision-making, which are important for future managerial roles.
Financial Accounting (FA) focuses on creating and analyzing financial statements. You will learn how to apply accounting rules to record business transactions and prepare profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, and cash flows.
ACCA Exam Fees Per Paper – Applied Knowledge (2025)
| Exam | Exam Mode | Fee (GBP) |
| BT / MA / FA | On-demand or CBE | To be set at centre |
Prices in India can vary slightly depending on whether you choose a remote exam or take it at a CBE center. Fees for remote on-demand exams can be found in the related links, while fees for exams taken at CBE centres are set by the centres themselves.
Applied Skills Level
After you complete the Knowledge level, you move to Applied Skills. These exams test your understanding of real-world accounting applications. They’re more detailed and are held only in March, June, September, and December. Subjects cover areas like taxation, audit, reporting, and law — all of which are vital to a professional accountant’s work.
Subjects Covered
Corporate and Business Law (LW) explains business laws, contracts, and responsibilities of directors. It helps you understand the legal side of running a company, which is essential for compliance and advisory roles.
Performance Management (PM) focuses on analyzing business performance. It covers costing, performance indicators, decision-making tools, and performance evaluations used in real companies.
Taxation (TX) teaches you how taxes work. It covers income tax, corporation tax, VAT, and how to calculate tax liabilities. This is useful for roles in tax consultancy and finance departments.
Financial Reporting (FR) shows you how to prepare and interpret financial statements using IFRS. It builds on what you learned in FA and is important for careers in accounting and analysis.
Audit and Assurance (AA) gives you knowledge about auditing procedures. You’ll understand how auditors evaluate risk and test financial information for accuracy.
Financial Management (FM) covers topics like investment appraisal, financing, and dividend decisions. It’s useful for students looking to go into banking, investment, or treasury roles.
ACCA Exam Fees Per Paper – Applied Skills (2025)
| Entry Type | Fee (GBP) |
| Standard Entry | £147 |
| Late Entry (Remote) | £147 |
| Late Entry (Centre) | £376 |
Each paper at this level costs £147 under standard entry. If you delay and register late for a physical center, fees jump to £376 per paper, which is significantly more expensive. Registering early helps you avoid this extra cost.
Strategic Professional Level
This level trains you for top-level roles in finance, accounting, and business leadership. Exams here are scenario-based and require advanced strategic thinking. You must complete two core exams and choose two optional ones. The case-study format simulates boardroom decision-making, financial planning, and ethical challenges. Because of its difficulty and value, the ACCA exam fees per paper are highest at this level. You need detailed preparation, mock exams, and possibly coaching to clear these papers in one attempt.
Core Subjects
Strategic Business Leader (SBL) is a four-hour exam that assesses leadership, strategy, communication, and ethics. It mimics real boardroom meetings where you act as a financial leader solving business challenges.
Strategic Business Reporting (SBR) focuses on interpreting and communicating financial reports to stakeholders. It covers IFRS standards and real-world decision-making with financial data.
Optional Subjects (Choose Any Two)
Advanced Financial Management (AFM) prepares you for roles in investment, corporate finance, and banking. It teaches you how to manage risk, evaluate investments, and handle foreign currency exposure.
Advanced Performance Management (APM) is for students aiming at consultancy or analytics. It teaches you how to improve business performance using KPIs, balanced scorecards, and strategic planning.
Advanced Taxation (ATX) deals with complex tax issues, international tax strategies, and corporate tax planning. It suits students interested in tax advisory careers.
Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA) goes deep into audit procedures for listed companies, fraud detection, and group audits. This paper is ideal for those seeking to become external or internal auditors.
ACCA Exam Fees Per Paper – Strategic Level (2025)
| Paper | Standard Entry | Late Entry (Centre) |
| SBL | £260 | £417 |
| SBR | £185 | £417 |
| Optional (Each) | £185 | £417 |
Exams like SBL cost £260 under standard entry, and SBR and optional papers are £185 each. But if you register late for a physical center, the cost is £417 per paper, which is more than double. To save money, plan your exams and register early.
ACCA Registration Fees in India
Before you can appear for any exams, you must first register as an official ACCA student. This is a mandatory one-time process for all new applicants. Along with that, ACCA also charges an annual subscription fee to maintain your active status. If you miss this yearly payment, your account becomes inactive and you’ll need to pay a re-registration fee to continue. These fees are paid directly to ACCA in GBP and the final INR amount may vary depending on exchange rates. It’s important for Indian students to keep track of these dates and fees to avoid penalties.
ACCA Registration Fees Table (2025)
| Fee Type | Amount (GBP) | INR Approx. |
| Initial Registration | £30 | ₹2,700–₹3,000 |
| Re-registration | £30 | ₹2,700–₹3,000 |
| Annual Subscription | £137 | ₹12,300 |
The ACCA registration fees in India include a one-time initial registration fee of £30. To keep your student status active, you must pay the £137 annual subscription fee every year. If your account is inactive and you return later, you’ll also need to pay £30 re-registration fee. These costs are unavoidable and essential to stay enrolled and access ACCA exams, the MyACCA portal, and support services.
ACCA Exemption Fees for Indian Students
In case you have already acquired a valid degree like B.Com, CA Inter, or MBA in Finance, it does not require you to write all the 13 papers. ACCA provides exemptions from certain papers according to any qualification that is in accordance with its syllabus. Even though you may not write the exam, the fees per exemption still need to be paid.These ACCA exemption fees are generally lower than the full exam fees but can still add up if you’re claiming multiple exemptions. It’s important to apply for only those exemptions you feel confident about, as once exempted, you cannot attempt that paper again.
ACCA Exemption Fees Table (2025)
| Level | Fee Per Exempt Paper (GBP) | INR Approx. |
| Applied Knowledge | £84 | ₹8,000 |
| Applied Skills | £111 | ₹10,500 |
To check your eligibility, use the ACCA Exemption Calculator on the official website. Once you upload your academic transcripts, ACCA will confirm which papers you can skip. The ACCA exemption fees must be paid online to finalize the exemption. These are non-refundable, so apply only when you’re sure. Students who have completed CA IPCC or B.Com can often get 5–9 exemptions depending on their curriculum.
Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM)
The Ethics and Professional Skills Module is an important part of your ACCA qualification. It helps you develop skills like leadership, ethical decision-making, communication, and commercial awareness. This module is not just theory—it contains real-world case studies and interactive tasks. ACCA recommends that you complete EPSM before starting your Strategic Professional level exams. Students who complete this module on time often perform better in higher-level papers. It’s mandatory to complete EPSM before qualifying, but thankfully, there’s no exam at the end of it.
The EPSM fee is £81, which equals around ₹7,200 depending on forex rates. You can access the module through your MyACCA portal and complete it at your own pace. It includes 10 units with interactive content like emails, reports, interviews, and simulations. EPSM helps you apply ethics in business decisions and prepares you for leadership roles. Even though it doesn’t carry marks, its content is extremely useful for Strategic Business Leader (SBL) and interviews.
Other Costs Involved in the ACCA Journey
While ACCA exam fees per paper, registration, and exemption costs are the major expenses, there are several other charges you must consider. Many students underestimate the cost of study materials, coaching classes, travel, and exam reattempts. These hidden or supporting costs can easily add ₹1.5–2 lakhs to your total ACCA budget. To help you manage your finances better, let’s look at these extra costs one by one in detail.
Study Materials
Buying the right books is crucial to passing your ACCA exams. Most students in India prefer books and revision kits from BPP and Kaplan. These publishers are officially approved by ACCA and their materials are regularly updated.
The average cost of one subject’s complete book set is around ₹5,000 to ₹16,000. This includes the main textbook, revision kit, and mock exam practice sets.Choose according to your comfort for either a printed or digital version. In the case of self-study, the investment in good books is paramount to covering the syllabus adequately. Some coaching providers provide these materials packaged together with the course.
Coaching or Tuition Classes
Many students prefer joining coaching institutes for a better learning structure. Indian coaching classes for ACCA vary in price based on whether they are online, hybrid, or in-person sessions.
Online coaching is generally cheaper and costs around ₹25,000 to ₹40,000 per subject. These classes often include video lectures, live doubt-solving, and access to mock exams. Offline classes, especially in metro cities, may cost ₹50,000 to ₹1,60,000 per subject, depending on the faculty and brand reputation. While self-study is possible, professional guidance can improve pass rates and help you understand complex topics better.
Exam Reattempts
If you fail an exam, you’ll have to pay the ACCA exam fees per paper again when you re-register. This adds to your overall cost and delays your qualification timeline.
For example, reattempting a Skills-level paper will cost you £147 again, while a Strategic paper like SBL could cost up to £417 under late entry. Re-attempting papers multiple times can double your expense for that subject. That’s why it’s advised to prepare well and aim to pass in your first attempt. Use mock exams, revision days, and professional coaching if required.
Travel and Accommodation
If your exam center is in another city, you’ll have to plan for transport and stay. This especially applies to Strategic Professional exams which are center-based.
Travel costs can include flights, trains, cabs, and local transport. Accommodation near exam centers usually costs ₹1,000–₹5,000 per night, depending on location. You should also factor in food and other daily expenses. To avoid these extra costs, choose remote exams when possible or book early for nearby centers.
Tips to Reduce ACCA Course Costs in India
The cost of the ACCA qualification can seem overwhelming, but there are smart ways to reduce it. Indian students have access to scholarships, discounted coaching, and low-cost learning resources. If you plan ahead and make smart choices, you can save money at every stage of your ACCA journey. Here are some practical tips to help you cut down your ACCA exam fees 2025 and other related expenses.
Register Early for Exams
ACCA offers early, standard, and late entry windows for exam registration. Early entry not only guarantees a seat but also gives you lower fees. This can save you around ₹5,000 per paper.
Registering early also gives you more time to prepare and plan your study schedule. You’ll also avoid the stress of last-minute booking issues. Always track the ACCA exam calendar and mark the early entry deadlines. It’s a simple but effective way to save money and stay organized.
Apply for Scholarships
Many Indian coaching institutes offer scholarships based on merit or financial need. Some discounts are also available for early enrollments or combo packages.
ACCA India occasionally runs campaigns offering partial fee waivers or exam discounts. Students with excellent academic backgrounds or rank holders in CA/CS/CMA may qualify for institutional scholarships. Keep checking coaching websites and ACCA’s official pages for such opportunities. Even a 10–20% discount can help lower your total expense.
Self-Study Some Papers
If you are disciplined and comfortable learning on your own, consider self-study for easier papers like BT, MA, or FA. This can save you coaching fees of ₹25,000–₹40,000 per subject.
You can buy BPP/Kaplan books and access YouTube channels for conceptual clarity. ACCA also provides technical articles, past papers, and examiner reports for free. Use these resources effectively and test yourself with mock exams. Join student groups on Telegram or LinkedIn for discussions and support.
Ask for Employer Sponsorship
If you’re already working, check if your company offers educational sponsorships. Many MNCs in India reimburse fees or provide ACCA as part of career development.
Companies in finance, consulting, and accounting are especially open to supporting ACCA certifications. Prepare a proposal showing how ACCA will improve your performance. If approved, your employer may cover exam fees, EPSM, or even coaching costs. This is a great way to upgrade your skills without spending from your pocket.
Ready to Start Your ACCA Journey with the Best Support- Plutus Education!
Learn from Plutus Education ACCA-certified experts and kickstart your global accounting career.
Enroll in the ACCA Success Path – Complete Certification Course at Plutus Education, designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pass all 13 ACCA exams and land high-paying roles in top firms. Whether you’re a student, graduate, or working professional, this all-in-one ACCA program gives you the perfect launchpad for success.
Start your ACCA journey with Plutus Education — where success is structured, supported, and guaranteed.
Key Highlights of ACCA Success Path – Complete Certification Course
✅ Industry-Recognized Certification
Unlock a globally respected qualification with full support from ACCA-qualified trainers and mentors.
✅ 1000+ Hours of Interactive Learning
Master every ACCA concept with a rich blend of live classes, recorded videos, assignments, and mock tests.
✅ Full Exam Preparation Support
Get access to exam strategies, revision bootcamps, question banks, and personalized mentoring for every ACCA paper.
✅ Career Transformation Focus
Build real-world accounting and finance skills, with hands-on case studies and expert guidance from industry professionals.
✅ Complete Study Resources
Learn with ACCA-approved study material, Kaplan/BPP kits, doubt-clearing sessions, and progress tracking dashboards.
✅ Placement and Career Support
Finish your course job-ready with career workshops, resume building, interview training, and placement assistance in Big 4 and top MNCs.
ACCA Registration Fees FAQs
Q1. What is the significance of the initial registration fee for ACCA?
Ans. The initial registration fee serves as your gateway to the ACCA world, facilitating the setup of your student account and granting you access to an array of resources and support services tailored to your educational journey.
Q2. How do annual subscription fees benefit ACCA students?
Ans. Annual subscription fees are essential for maintaining your status as an active student. These fees ensure continuous access to ACCA’s extensive support network, keeping you updated on syllabus changes, exam schedules, and professional development opportunities.
Q3. What factors influence ACCA exam entry fees?
Ans. ACCA exam entry fees vary based on factors such as exam level (Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, or Strategic Professional) and the timing of your registration. Understanding these nuances allows you to plan your exam strategy effectively while optimizing costs.
Q4. Why do ACCA students need to pay exemption fees?
Ans. Exemption fees acknowledge your prior qualifications and expertise, allowing you to bypass certain exams. While these fees represent an additional cost, they reflect the value of recognizing your existing knowledge and credentials within the ACCA framework.
Q5. What payment options are available for ACCA fees?
Ans. ACCA offers various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and occasionally localized options tailored to your region. Exploring these payment avenues ensures flexibility and convenience in managing your financial commitments.
