How to Start the ACCA Course after the 12th Commerce?

Last Updated On -01 Feb 2025

Starting the ACCA journey after the 12th Commerce is not as hectic as one would think it to be. If you are interested in an accounting or finance career and want to represent your work globally, then ACCA is definitely the right choice for you.

Once done with 12th commerce start your ACCA journey early to get that kickstart in your career.

The blog ahead will help you lay out the groundwork for starting your career in ACCA.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Start the ACCA Course

The ACCA course is a globally recognized certification in accounting, finance, and auditing, and provides candidates with an opportunity to work in 180+ countries. The ACCA structure is flexible with a lucrative career and a sense of competition among the candidates.

Here is a Step-by-Step Guide on how to start the ACCA course after 12th commerce:

Step 1: Check your Eligibility

To get enrolled in ACCA after the 12th, you need:

Completed std. 12th with a minimum of 50% in English, and 65% in mathematics, or accounting subjects.
If you do not meet the above criteria, then you can go for the ACCA Foundation in Accountancy (FIA ) course and later enroll in the main course.

Step 2: Register for ACCA

Visit the official ACCA website ( https://www.accaglobal.com/gb/en.html ), create an account, and fill in the registration form.

Necessary Documents: Scanned copy of class 12th marks card, passport-sized photograph, and identity proof.
Pay the initial registration fee, of around INR 8,900. There are other ACCA course fees to be paid however once you are done with the registrations and the course has begun.

Step 3: Understanding the ACCA Syllabus

There are 13 papers of ACCA, in the course, divided across the syllabus into the three levels. In order to get into ACCA, you need to understand the division of the syllabus and start preparing accordingly.

Knowledge Level: ( Basic Concepts - 3 Papers )

Skill Level: ( Advanced Concepts - 6 Papers )

Professional Level: ( Strategic Concepts - 4 Papers )

For the std. 12th passed out candidates, the first level or the knowledge level is the entry point.

Step 4: How to Start Studying for the ACCA course?

There are 3 ways in which you can start studying for ACCA:

Self-Study: There are study materials approved by the ACCA, and Books of ACCA by publishers like Kaplan or BPP.

Coaching Institutions: Joining an ACCA-approved learning institution for proper and expert guidance.

Step 5: Plan Your Preparations for the ACCA Exams

The ACCA exams are held four times a year: March, June, September, and December.

The exams can be attempted at your own convenience.

Exam fees: Knowledge Level costs 8,600 to 12,000 per paper, whereas Skill and professional level costs 12,000 to 14,000 per paper.

You can apply for exemptions if you are already enrolled or completed other degrees like B.Com or MBA.

Step 6: Practical Experience

There is a need to have a complete 3 years of practical experience to qualify as an ACCA member.

You can gain experience while studying, by working in roles like,

Accounting Assistant
Junior Auditor
Financial Analyst

What are the Benefits of starting ACCA after the 12th?

Going for the ACCA course right after completing the 12th, accelerates the process and gives a kickstart, not only does it give the right amount of time for preparation but it also provides time to effectively plan the budget.

There are certain benefits of starting ACCA after the 12th:

Starting Early gives a headstart and the overall completion of the course can be faster, giving better opportunities at getting a job.
All the Big 4 firms and MNCs look for candidates with early applications and fewer gaps, attempting at ACCA at an early stage will give a better-looking profile and show the seriousness of the career.
This is also very cost-effective, as it gives time to understand the whole fee structure of the course and exams and divide the whole cost ratio.

Scope of ACCA

The ACCA course has gained a lot of importance and recognition in India and other countries as well. In India, the ACCA qualification is the global equivalent to the Indian CA certification.

ACCA has a worldwide presence across six continents and it impacts world finance; thus, it becomes a community with highly skilled individuals.

The duration of the course is 2-3 years.

The ACCA salary is divided according to the different job profiles being chosen, which are:

Job Profile	Salary per annum (India)	Salary per annum (Globally)
Accountant	5-8 lakhs	$ 50,000-70,000
Internal Auditor	4-6 lakhs	$ 40,000-60,000
Tax Consultant	5-9 lakhs	$ 55,000-75,000
Risk Manager	8-15 lakhs	$ 70,000-100,000
Finance Manager	10-18 lakhs	$ 80,000-120,000
External Auditor	6-10 lakhs	$ 60,000-85,000
Chief Financial Officer	25-30 lakhs	$ 150,000 +
Business Analyst	7-12 lakhs	$ 60,000-90,000

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )

Is it possible to start the ACCA course right after completing 12th Commerce?

Yes, you can definitely start the ACCA course, right after completing 12th Commerce. If you have scored 65% in mathematics or accounts and English, along with 50% in other subjects then you are eligible for enrollment in the ACCA program.