ACCA vs CA 2026: Which Is Better? Salary, Scope & Fees

ACCA vs CA is a common comparison for commerce students and finance professionals in India. One is a traditional path followed by many commerce students, and the other is a global qualification.

In this blog, let us compare ACCA vs CA on eligibility, exams, syllabus, duration, fees, difficulty, practical experience, salary, career opportunities and global recognition, with the latest information relevant to students in 2026 and 2027. 

Overview of ACCA vs CA

Is ACCA better than CA?

Yes, you can say that ACCA is recognised in 180+ countries and is not as rigid as the CA exam structure.

Is ACCA easier than CA?

Yes, it is considerably easier because it’s flexible, and you can also avail ACCA exemptions if eligible.

Who earns more, ACCA or CA?

Earnings are basically dependent on various factors, but ACCA is a global qualification that lets you earn dollars, and a CA at a managerial level can also earn more. 

Is ACCA worth it in India?

Yes, indeed, ACCA is worth it in India as Big 4s and MNCs, along with financial institutions, also hire them frequently. 

ACCA vs CA: Quick Comparison

The choice between both the qualifications depends on what you want to take up in future. If you are confused, read the details further, including ACCA salary in India, careers, course details, etc., and, of course, CA details as well to make a wise decision.

What is ACCA and CA?

ACCA is the oldest and most credible global professional accounting body offering the Chartered Certified Accountant qualification. So, what is ACCA certification? 

It blends conceptual understanding and application of your previously gained knowledge in the finance and accounting domain. It can be completed in 3 years or more, depending on the ACCA exemptions granted to students based on their prior academic qualifications and experience.  

So, to shed light on the question, what is CA? 

CA is considered one of the most common options chosen by commerce students after 12th. The qualification is certified by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).

It takes approximately 5 years to complete, and Chartered Accountants are highly sought-after professionals in India and the Middle East for their accounting expertise.

ACCA vs CA: Eligibility 

Both CA and ACCA can be done after 12th; let us see how,

ACCA Eligibility

Students can start ACCA after 12th if they meet the minimum entry requirements. However, those who begin after graduation may receive exemptions based on their previous qualifications.

CA Eligibility

Students can enter through the Foundation Route of CA after Class 12, and graduates can use the Direct Entry Route if they meet ICAI’s required marks criteria.

ACCA vs CA: Exam Structure and Syllabus

• The ACCA qualification has 3 levels, namely Applied Knowledge Level, Applied Skills Level, and Strategic Professional Level, consisting of 13 exams, which are subject to exemptions. You must also pass the online Ethics and Professional Skills Module to achieve full ACCA membership.
• The CA Exam Structure involves the Foundation level, Intermediate, and Final, consisting of 16 papers. 

Along with this, it is important to note that ACCA is redesigning its qualification starting in 2027.

ACCA Subjects

The ACCA qualification covers financial and management accounting, taxation, audit, financial management, performance management, reporting and strategic business topics, with options for specialisation at the Strategic Professional level. Along with the Ethics and Professional Skills Module.

The syllabus is also changing for ACCA from September 2027, when the redesigned qualification will replace the current structure.

CA Subjects

The subjects included in CA are accounting, corporate and other laws, taxation, cost and management accounting, auditing, financial management and strategic management at the Intermediate level, followed by advanced financial reporting, taxation, audit and other specialised areas at the Final level.

ACCA vs CA: Duration

ACCA Duration

ACCA course length is not fixed. It changes based on the exemptions you receive and how long it takes you to finish the PER part. The PER is what you need before you can become an ACCA member.

CA Duration

The time for Chartered Accountancy can also differ. It depends on which entry route you use, how many exam attempts you make, and how your training plan is set up. Under ICAI’s current setup, the practical training period lasts 2 years.

So, you do not get one clear end date for either qualification. How fast you qualify can change based on your entry route, any exemptions you have, how many exam attempts you make, and the practical experience you already have.

ACCA vs CA: Practical Experience and Training

Practical experience and training are mandatory for both qualifications.

ACCA PER

To join ACCA, students must show 36 months of supervised work that fits the required performance aims. Students can complete this work before the exams, while studying for them, or after finishing the exams.

CA Articleship

To become a Chartered Accountant, students have to finish 2 years of practical training. This step starts only after they meet the conditions that apply to them.

The main point is that ACCA lets you count relevant experience from many types of accounting and finance jobs. CA training, under ICAI, follows a set practical program with a fixed structure.

ACCA vs CA: Fees

The cost of pursuing a qualification is also one of the major deciding factors when choosing a qualification.

ACCA Fees 

• Initial registration: £30 one-time
• Annual subscription: £140 per year
• Applied Knowledge exam: Fee varies depending on the exam delivery method/centre
• Applied Skills exam: £151 per paper at the December 2026 standard-entry rate
• Strategic Professional exams: £191 for each Strategic Professional paper at the December 2026 standard-entry rate, with Strategic Business Leader at £268
• Ethics and Professional Skills Module: £83
• Exemption fees: £86 per Applied Knowledge exemption and £114 per Applied Skills exemption, where applicable

CA Fees

• Foundation registration: ₹9,000
• Intermediate registration: ₹18,000
• Final registration: ₹22,000
• Foundation Level examination: ₹1,500
• Intermediate Level examination: ₹1,500 for one group or ₹2,700 for both groups
• Final Level examination: ₹1,800 for one group or ₹3,300 for both groups
• ICITSS: ₹13,500 in total (₹7,000 for Orientation and ₹6,500 for IT Training)
• AICITSS: ₹14,500 in total (₹7,000 for MCS and ₹7,500 for Advanced IT Training)

Therefore, when comparing ACCA vs CA fees in India, it is important to consider not only registration and examination charges but also coaching, exemptions, study materials and the number of attempts.

ACCA vs CA: Difficulty

Each qualification has its own challenges, so let us see how much the pass percentage is for each of them to get an idea of the level of difficulty. 

ACCA Pass Percentage 

ACCA exams test accounting, tax, audit, financial management, and strategic skills. The June 2026 results show that pass rates varied by paper. Some papers had around 39%, while others went up to about 89%.

CA Pass Rates

CA is seen as a tough set of exams. It has a Foundation stage, then Intermediate, and finally the Final level. After the exams, candidates also have to complete required practical training. For May 2026, the ICAI shared pass rate figures of 20.09% for Foundation and 8.47% for those who appeared for both Intermediate groups.

These pass rates show that both qualifications require consistent preparation, but pass percentages should not be used as a direct measure of which qualification is harder.

ACCA vs CA: Salary in India

The ACCA vs CA salary in India changes based on a few things. It depends on how much experience you have. It also depends on the kind of job you do. The firm you work for matters too. Your city or region matters as well. You should weigh these points with your qualifications. For instance, look at the likely salary range based on experience.

ACCA Salary in India 

• Fresher (0–1 year): ₹4–8 LPA
• 1–3 years: ₹7–12 LPA
• 3–6 years: ₹12–20 LPA
• 6–10 years: ₹20–35 LPA
• 10+ years: ₹35 LPA and above

CA Salary in India 

• Fresher: ₹5–10 LPA as a broad market range
• 1–3 years: ₹6–15 LPA
• 4–6 years: ₹7–20 LPA
• 7–10 years: Salary changes a lot based on the job, the firm, and how much practice or industry work you have.

ACCA vs CA Career Scope

No doubt, both qualifications can lead to accounting, audit, taxation, finance and advisory roles, while CA has the specific professional framework for statutory practice in India.

ACCA vs CA in 2027: What Students Should Know

The ACCA qualification changes in 2027 are an important consideration for students planning to start or continue their qualification.

From September 2027, ACCA will introduce a redesigned qualification consisting of a new structure that will focus more on employability, technology, sustainability and professional skills.

Students following the current ACCA structure should also be aware of the transition timeline. The final sitting for the current Applied Skills and Strategic Professional exams is scheduled for June 2027, followed by the first exams under the redesigned structure in September 2027.

And for CA, the current ICAI New Scheme remains the relevant framework, with Foundation, Intermediate and Final levels and two years of practical training.

Therefore, students comparing ACCA vs CA in 2027 should look at the qualification structure they will actually enter, rather than relying on older ACCA vs CA comparisons published before the ACCA changes.

ACCA vs CA: Which Qualification is Better in 2026?

ACCA and CA can both lead to careers in accounting, audit, taxation, finance and advisory, but they follow different professional pathways. ACCA has an international orientation and offers flexibility across global finance roles, while CA is closely aligned with India’s accounting, taxation, audit and regulatory framework.

Before choosing between ACCA and CA, consider your career goals, preferred work environment, exam structure, practical training requirements, budget and plans for working in India or abroad.

If you choose ACCA, edZeb provides structured preparation with expert mentorship, LMS support and its KICN (Knowledge Integrated with Corporate Needs) approach, helping students connect professional exam preparation with practical finance skills.

Conclusion 

Here the discussion on ACCA vs CA comes to an end. Choosing between them depends on an individual’s career goals. ACCA is ideal for international careers with its global recognition and flexible exam structure. However, CA favours a strong focus on Indian accounting standards and opportunities in the Indian market.

So, before selecting a course consider your learning style and desired work location to make the best choice because both qualifications.

FAQ’s

CA vs ACCA which is better?

Both have their own benefits and considering their variables answering ACCA or CA which is better?, is not that difficult. ACCA is considerably easier in comparison to CA affiliation. The ACCA course eligibility is just a metric and it will take approx. 3 years to complete. Ultimately, it lets you start earning early in your life and become financially independent.

Is ACCA better than CA?

No qualification can be universally better than any other. ACCA has an internationally recognised accounting and finance framework, while CA is closely aligned with India's accounting, taxation, audit and regulatory requirements. So, both are different and better options for a long term rewarding career.

Is ACCA easier than CA?

No qualification can be universally easier. Their exam structures, subjects, progression requirements and practical training are different.

What is the main difference between ACCA and CA?

The main difference between ACCA and CA is their professional framework and geographic orientation. ACCA is an internationally recognised qualification, while CA is regulated by ICAI and is specifically aligned with India's professional and regulatory environment.

Which has a higher salary, ACCA or CA?

No qualification can guarantee a higher salary. It basically depends on experience, role, employer, location, skills and your professional status.

Can I do ACCA after B.Com?

Yes, you can do ACCA after B.Com. You may also receive exemptions based on your previous qualification and subjects studied.

Can I do CA after B.Com?

Yes, you can do CA after BCom. Eligible graduates can enter CA through ICAI's Direct Entry Route and register for the Intermediate Course without taking the Foundation examination.

Does ACCA require practical experience?

Yes, ACCA membership requires 36 months of relevant practical experience.

Is ACCA recognised in India?

Yes, ACCA is an internationally recognised professional qualification and can lead to accounting and finance careers in India. However, it does not provide the same statutory practice framework as membership of ICAI.

Is ACCA changing in 2027?

Yes, ACCA is introducing a redesigned qualification from September 2027, with a new structure and additional employability-focused components.