Success in the ACCA qualification depends on thoughtful planning and consistent studying. Many students in India ask, “How many ACCA study hours are enough?” The simple answer depends on the paper, your background, and how well you plan your time. The number of study hours is a key factor in your exam preparation. The better your study plan, the better your chances of clearing ACCA exams on the first attempt. This article explains ACCA hours of study in detail. It helps students understand how to manage their daily time, study for each paper, and stay on track.
How Many Study Hours Does ACCA Need?
Understanding the total time needed is the first step. Many students struggle because they do not know how much time to give to each subject.
Overview of ACCA Study Time Needs
Each ACCA paper needs different levels of effort. ACCA recommends 130–150 hours of study for each paper. This includes reading, practice, revision, and mock tests. Some papers need more focus, especially at the Strategic Professional level.
ACCA Recommended Study Hours
If a student studies 2 hours daily, it will take 2–3 months per paper. For working students, planning becomes more critical. Knowing how many hours of study per day helps to balance job and studies.
| ACCA Level | Paper Type | ACCA Study Hours per Paper |
| Applied Knowledge | Basic Level Papers | 100–120 hours |
| Applied Skills | Intermediate Difficulty | 120–150 hours |
| Strategic Professional | Advanced Papers | 150–180 hours |
Daily Planning for ACCA Study
Daily study hours play a significant role in exam success. Students can aim for 2–3 hours on weekdays and 4–5 on weekends. Regular short study hours work better than long irregular sessions. Using a proper timetable avoids last-minute panic.
Some tips to plan daily hours:
- Use early mornings for reading and theory.
- Use evenings for solving questions.
- Revise weekly for better retention.
Many students forget to revise. Revision is important. Add revision hours to your plan to reach the total ACCA study hours required for success.
How to Break Down ACCA Study Hours per Paper?
Every ACCA paper has its own way of study. Each subject is different. Some papers need more reading. Some need more practice. ACCA study hours depend on how hard the paper is and how much practice it requires.
Applied Knowledge Level Study Hours
These are the basic starting papers. They teach simple ideas. These papers are
- Business and Technology (BT)
- Management Accounting (MA)
- Financial Accounting (FA)
Study Hour Plan:
- Each paper needs 100–120 hours of study.
- A student can study 1–2 hours daily.
- The paper can be finished in about 2 months.
- If a student studies on weekends, it can be done faster.
What to Study?
- Learn the meaning of words and business terms.
- Practice simple accounting sums.
- Understand small theory topics.
- Use flashcards for new words.
- Watch short video lessons to understand topics.
Why These Papers Matter?
- These papers build your base.
- You will need these ideas in higher-level papers too.
- If your base is strong, you will understand tough papers easily.
Applied Skills Level Study Hours
These papers are at the middle level. They are more complex than the first level. These papers need both reading and practice.
Papers in this level
- Corporate and Business Law (LW)
- Performance Management (PM)
- Taxation (TX)
- Financial Reporting (FR)
- Audit and Assurance (AA)
- Financial Management (FM)
Study Hour Plan
- Each paper needs 130–150 hours of study.
- Study at least 2 hours daily on weekdays.
- Use 3–4 hours daily on weekends.
- Study for around 10–12 weeks to finish one paper.
Study Tips
- Read each chapter slowly and clearly.
- Practice with old exam papers.
- Focus on writing answers in exam format.
- Revise every week to remember topics.
- Use mind maps to connect big topics.
Extra Focus for Some Papers
- LW: Read law cases and learn short notes.
- PM & FM: Solve many numerical sums.
- TX: Learn tax rules and how to apply them.
- FR: Read accounting standards and formats.
- AA: Understand audit steps and questions.
Why This Level Needs More Time?
- These papers test logic and thinking.
- You must show that you can apply rules in real situations.
- Without writing practice, it is hard to pass.
Strategic Professional Level Study Hours
This is the last level of the ACCA course. It is the toughest level. These papers check deep knowledge. These papers test real-world thinking.
Papers in this level
- Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
- Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
- Advanced Financial Management (AFM)
- Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA)
Study Hour Plan
- Each paper needs 150–180 hours of study.
- Study for 3–4 hours every day.
- Study around 20 hours a week.
- Give at least 10–12 weeks for complete study.
- Revise at least two times before the exam.
Study Tips for Strategic Papers
- Read real-life case studies.
- Practice writing complete long answers.
- Read examiner comments on old papers.
- Learn how to think like a business leader.
- Use time to learn decision-making skills.
Why Are These Papers Hard?
- These papers do not ask small questions.
- You need to understand the whole business case.
- Answers must be well-planned and well-written.
- You need to think like a manager or an auditor.
Extra Advice for Students
- Do not wait for last week to start the complete study.
- Always study with a weekly target.
- Revise from your notes before the final exam.
How do you plan ACCA Study Hours with Work or College?
Many students in India either work or go to college. Managing ACCA study hours per paper with these tasks can be tough. But thoughtful planning can help.
Tips to Manage Work and ACCA Together
- Wake up early and study for 1–1.5 hours in the morning.
- Use lunch breaks for quick revision or flashcards.
- Study for 1–2 hours at night.
- Keep weekends for deep study and mock tests.
Students must avoid wasting time on mobile phones or unnecessary tasks. Following a timetable is a must. Many ACCA toppers followed strict plans for 3–4 months.
Weekly and Monthly Planning
Planning weekly hours helps in tracking progress. Here is a sample weekly plan:
| Day | Study Hours | Task |
| Monday | 2 hours | Read 1 chapter |
| Tuesday | 2 hours | Solve 10 practice questions |
| Wednesday | 2 hours | Watch lectures |
| Thursday | 2 hours | Revise previous chapters |
| Friday | 1 hour | Quick quiz + flashcards |
| Saturday | 4 hours | Full test or case study |
| Sunday | 4 hours | Review mistakes + extra topics |
Following this plan for 10 weeks can help complete ACCA study hours for one paper.
Why Study Hours Matter More Than Intelligence?
Many students think they need to be brilliant to pass the ACCA. But planning and hard work matter more. Even an average student can pass if the correct number of ACCA study hours is followed.
Importance of Focused Study Hours
Focused study time means no mobile, no noise, and full attention. Even 1 hour of concentrated study is better than 3 hours of distracted reading. Students must fix a study spot. Having a clean and quiet place helps increase focus.
Making small targets also helps. For example:
- Finish 1 topic per day.
- Solve 10 questions daily.
- Complete 1 revision weekly.
These small goals help reach the total ACCA recommended study hours over time.
Tracking Your Progress
Use a planner or diary to mark daily study hours. Write what you studied each day. At the end of each week, check your total hours. If the hours are less, adjust the following week.
Apps like Google Calendar or Notion also help in tracking.
This habit keeps students motivated. They can also see which topics are weak. By revising weak areas, students increase their exam confidence.
ACCA Study Hours FAQS
1. How many hours of study are required for each ACCA paper?
Each ACCA paper needs 100–180 hours, depending on the level. Applied Knowledge needs around 100–120 hours. Applied Skills needs 120–150 hours. Strategic Professional papers need up to 180 hours. Students must plan daily hours accordingly.
2. Can I clear ACCA if I study 2 hours daily?
Yes, students can clear ACCA with 2 hours daily. But they must study regularly for at least 3 months per paper. Increase time to 3 hours for tough papers or use weekends for extra study.
3. What are the ACCA study hours per paper at the Strategic Level?
Strategic papers like SBL or SBR need 150–180 hours. These papers have case studies and real-life problems. Students must spend more time reading, practising writing, and revising.
4. What is the meaning of ACCA recommended study hours?
This means the total number of study hours suggested by the ACCA for each paper. It includes reading, solving questions, revision, and mock tests. Following this helps students clear exams on the first attempt.
5. How many hours of study are needed to complete ACCA exam preparation?
For complete preparation for one ACCA exam, 120–150 hours are needed. For difficult papers, up to 180 hours is better. Regular daily study and revision help reach this goal.
