Are you confused what to do after 12th? Or maybe you are already in college but wondering if your degree alone will land you a good job?
You are definitely not alone. Our former students were exactly in the same situation.
They would ask, Can I do ACCA after 12th commerce? Or even can I do ACCA after 12th science? The answer is yes.
You know how the job market is fiercely competitive, and waiting until graduation to figure things out can cost you years. Starting ACCA after 12th gives you something most degrees don’t. A real head start. Global recognition. Better salary prospects. And actual skills that employers want right now.
In this guide, we will break down:
- What are the ACCA course requirements 12th?
- Registration steps and ACCA entrance after 12th details
- ACCA duration after 12th, and its cost
- Most importantly, what’s the career scope and salary after?
By the end, you’ll know if pursuing an ACCA course after 12th is the smart move for you, and how to get started.
ACCA stands for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. It is one of the most prestigious global accounting credentials you can add to your CV. It is recognized in almost six continents worldwide.
Now, many students often wonder: Can I do ACCA after 12th? Yes…but why should I start this early? Now that’s a smart question that many students ask themselves. Because starting ACCA after 12th gives you a massive advantage.
Think about this for a moment. While your classmates spend years getting higher degrees with outdated syllabi. By the time they reach 21-22, they have zero practical skills and are still figuring out their career direction.
While you start your journey to ACCA just after 12th, you could be building expertise for a promising career that is not limited to your country but transcends borders..think UK, Singapore, Canada, Dubai, etc. These countries even offer specific visa sponsorships and job opportunities for ACCA holders. And who knows, if you clear ACCA in one attempt, you could be ACCA-qualified and working in senior roles by age 22-23.
There’s a reason why Big 4 firms, MNCs, and global employers value this qualification. Because ACCA training focuses on real business challenges, not just theoretical concepts. Also, because the training is standardized globally. They know exactly what skills you possess.
Read to know more about this amazing qualification? Then stick with us as we discuss ACCA course details after 12th, the eligibility process, costs, salary, and career trajectory.
What Are The Eligibility Criteria For ACCA After 12th?
Globally, ACCA requires students to have completed their secondary education with specific minimum scores. In India, this usually means meeting the percentage criteria set by ACCA and having passed through a recognised board.
The good part is that students from commerce, science, or even arts streams can apply, as long as they meet the following requirements:
- Percentage in key subjects
- English proficiency (since ACCA is in English)
- Minimum overall marks requirement
So, what are these exactly? Let’s get into the specific percentage requirements.
What Minimum Percentage Is Required In 12th To Pursue ACCA?
To register for ACCA, you’ll need to:
- Have completed your elementary education (10+2) from a recognised board. Open schooling (NIOS) and state boards are accepted as long as the passing marks criteria are met and the documents are verifiable.
- Score of atleast 65% in English or Maths
- Score of atleast 50% in other subjects (general guidance).
Now that is the general guidance set by ACCA globally. Whether you are from CBSE, ICSE, or a state board, the eligibility criteria remain consistent.
But here’s where it gets flexible.
In India, some private institutes may allow conditional entry even if you fall short of these marks. Institutes provide bridge upskilling courses to help you meet the requirements and build the necessary foundation.
Can Commerce, Science, Or Arts Students Apply For ACCA After 12th?
Yes, students from all streams – Commerce, Science, and Arts, can apply for ACCA after 12th. But let’s be honest about what each stream faces:
- Commerce: If you are from commerce, congratulations, you are the best fit due to the overlap with accounting/finance. You understand basic accounting principles like debits, credits, and trial balances. Business concepts aren’t foreign to you, and financial statements make sense already. Hence, the foundational ACCA papers will feel familiar, giving you a natural advantage.
- Science: can pursue, but expect a learning curve because you have zero accounting background (you’ve never seen a balance sheet), and business terminology will be completely new. Hence, you’ll need extra time to grasp all concepts from scratch. It requires extra effort initially, but many science students excel once they get the hang of it.
- Arts: entry is possible, but just like science students, they will also need foundation courses.
Do Students Need To Clear An Entrance Exam For ACCA After 12th?
There’s no ACCA entrance exam after 12th. This might sound too good to be true if you are used to the Indian education system, where everything requires an entrance test.
But, unlike other professional courses, like CA, CLAT, or engineering entrance exams, ACCA keeps it simple. You directly register through ACCA’s official global website. Here’s how to do ACCA after 12th:
Step 1: Visit ACCA’s official global website (accaglobal.com)
Step 2: Create your MyACCA account
Step 3: Upload your 10th and 12th marksheets, government ID (if needed), recent passport-size photograph, and certificates
Step 4: Pay the registration fee
Step 5: Choose your first exam session
That’s it.
As long as you meet the basic ACCA eligibility after 12th (we just covered it above), you are in.
And if you don’t meet these criteria, you still have an option. ACCA allows students to begin with the Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) program and then progress into the main ACCA course.
ACCA Duration After 12th
The standard ACCA duration after 12th is 3-4 years if you are studying full-time and clear the exams in one go. Now this depends on your circumstances, study habits, resources, and dedication.
ACCA lets you attempt up to 8 exams per year across 4 exam sessions. This flexible structure means you can:
- Complete it faster if you are dedicated (some finish in 2.5-3 years)
- Take it slower if you are a working professional or have other commitments
- Repeat exams without losing years, like in regular degrees
The best part is that even if you need to reattempt exams, you don’t lose an entire academic year like in traditional degrees.
But how does this compare to starting ACCA later? Let’s break it down.
How Long Does ACCA Take After 12th Compared To Graduation Or CA?
Starting right after 12th usually takes about 3.5 to 4 years. In this, you cover all 13 papers with no exemptions.
But if you wait until after graduation, the journey gets slightly shorter because you may get paper exemptions based on your degree. ACCA after CA might be even better with more exemptions to foundational subjects. But again, your college exams and ACCA prep are factors to consider.
In short, starting ACCA after 12th means you enter the job market earlier, while graduates and CAs save time through exemptions. Either way, the course is designed to be flexible enough to adapt to your situation.
What Are The Fees And Costs Of ACCA After 12th?
Below is the breakdown of the cost of the ACCA course after 12th:
Cost Component | Details | Approx. Cost (INR) |
Initial Registration | One-time fee to enrol in ACCA | ₹9,000 |
Annual Subscription | Paid every year to maintain student status | ₹11,000 per year |
Exam Fees | Around ₹25,000 per paper (13 papers total) | ~₹3.25 lakhs overall |
Self-study | Study materials and online resources | ₹50,000 |
Coaching (Institute) | Classroom / online guidance + mentoring | ₹1.5 – ₹3 lakhs |
Now, self-study may look cheaper, but it requires serious discipline. You save on coaching fees but might spend more on retakes if you struggle alone. Institute coaching costs more upfront, but often leads to better pass rates and faster completion.
The middle ground? Online coaching or hybrid programs. They save them time and reduce the stress of figuring things out alone.
What Are The Course Details Of ACCA After 12th?
ACCA course details after 12th include 13 papers spread across three levels:
Applied Knowledge Level (3 papers):
- Accountant in Business
- Management Accounting
- Financial Accounting
Applied Skills Level (6 papers):
- Corporate and Business Law
- Performance Management
- Taxation
- Financial Reporting
- Audit and Assurance
- Financial Management
Strategic Professional Level (4 papers):
- Strategic Business Leader
- Strategic Business Reporting
- Plus 2 optional papers from specializations
The Ethics & Professional Skills Module runs throughout your journey. It’s not a separate exam but an integrated learning experience that develops your professional judgment.
Can Students Pursue ACCA Without Maths Or Graduation?
Is maths compulsory for ACCA after class 12th? Not at all. No rule says you must take maths or even complete graduation before starting ACCA. What you need is to meet the minimum marks criteria in your 12th board exams.
The ACCA qualification focuses on accounting principles, business law, ethics, and financial management. So, while you will work with numbers and stats, you don’t need advanced-level math knowledge on trigonometry or algebra.
Similarly, graduation is not a must. However, we at Ikka Classes would recommend you to go for a bachelor’s degree like B.com or BBA before ACCA to benefit from the overlapping syllabus. But again, that’s a personal choice to make.
At What Age Can You Start ACCA After 12th?
The minimum age to register for ACCA is just 16 years. Most students finish 12th around 17-18, so you are already in the clear.
By starting early, you can become ACCA qualified by 20-21 years. That’s a great head start over traditional graduates who finish college at 21-22 and then start professional courses.
Here’s the math:
- Traditional path: Graduate at 22 + 3 years professional course = Qualified at 25
- ACCA path: Start at 18 + 3 years ACCA = Qualified at 21
- Result: 4-year career advantage with higher earning potential
On the contrary, even if you are older, like 25 or 35…ACCA doesn’t have an upper age limit. The best part about ACCA is the flexible study format. You can study remotely, avail exemptions, schedule exams at your convenience, and even continue working while you learn. All this makes it easy for working professionals to balance studies and work.
So, age is just a number with ACCA. Whether you are 18 or 38, the qualification offers the same global recognition and career opportunities. Start when you are ready to commit, not when you think you should.
What Is The Salary And Career Scope Of ACCA After 12th?
We just discussed the ACCA course requirements 12th. Now, let’s discuss the salary and career scope of ACCA after 12th:
- Freshers in India: The average starting package of ACCA freshers is around ₹5 to 8 lakhs per year. Not bad at all for someone right out of college.
- Mid-career growth: With a few years of experience, you are looking at ₹11 to 12 lakhs on average.
- Senior roles: If you stick with it and aim for leadership positions, the salary can go ₹18–20 lakhs plus.
And this isn’t just in India. One of the biggest perks of doing ACCA after 12th is global mobility. With its recognition in 180+ countries, it offers higher packages in places like the UK, UAE, and Canada. You can apply for global job profiles like the one for an auditor, risk manager, finance analyst, or accountant.
So, if you are wondering how to become ACCA after 12 or asking yourself can we do ACCA after 12th, the path is clear. Start with the basics, clear the exams, and you are already positioning yourself for a career that goes beyond borders.
And if you are really serious about your career and need coaching (online or offline), Ikka Classes is here to help. You can book a demo trial with us.
Frequently Asked Questions About ACCA After Class 12th
Is It A Good Option To Pursue ACCA After Class 12th?
If you are interested in finance and accounting, then pursuing ACCA course after 12th can be a great start to your career.
What Is The Salary Of ACCA After 12th?
Fresher ACCAs earn around 5 to 8 lakhs per annum in India. Meanwhile, professionals with extensive experience can earn as high as ₹20+ LPA.