Just finished BCom and wondering, “What next?” Many students take the obvious MBA and MCom path and sit in the same entry-level accounting role for years. At the same time, committing to another long, expensive course without clarity feels risky. But, a few students think – Can we do ACCA after BCom?
If yes, then what is acca course duration after BCom? Also, how many papers are exempted in acca after bcom? And most importantly, can you really fast-track your career with it, or is it just more exams?
The good news is, ACCA is one of the few global finance qualifications where your BCom degree actually counts. With exemptions, flexible exam schedules, and international recognition, it can change both your career direction and timeline.
In this guide, we will break down exactly how to do ACCA after BCom, eligibility, exemptions, and realistic duration, so you can decide with clarity.
So, what’s the wait for? Let’s get going!
Doing ACCA after BCom means you move from academic commerce knowledge to a professional, skill-based qualification. This is one to two levels up. You are no longer just studying theory. You are learning how finance actually works inside businesses.
Yes, BCom graduates are eligible to start ACCA immediately. In fact, commerce students are one of the biggest ACCA student groups because the syllabus already overlaps with accounting, costing, taxation, and finance basics.
This is also why ACCA is popular among BCom students. You don’t start from zero. You build on what you already know, get paper exemptions, and move faster.
That said, ACCA is not “easy”. It requires discipline, exam planning, and consistent effort.
And if you do that, you graduate with a globally recognized professional qualification, not just another degree.
ACCA Duration After BCom
The ACCA duration after BCom is not fixed. It depends on how many exemptions you get and how fast you attempt exams.
On average:
- With exemptions: 2 to 2.5 years
- Without exemptions or slower pace: up to 3 years
Why does it vary so much? Because ACCA lets you decide your exam pace. Some students attempt 2 papers per exam window. Others take 1 while working or interning.
Things that directly affect ACCA course duration after BCom:
- Number of paper exemptions
- How many papers you attempt per sitting
- First-attempt pass rate
- Whether you study full-time or alongside work
So instead of asking “How long is ACCA?”, the better question is: How fast can I realistically commit to it?
What Exemptions Are Available In ACCA After BCom?
In ACCA, exemptions mean you don’t have to appear for certain exams because you’ve already studied similar subjects during your BCom.
ACCA awards exemptions based on:
- Your BCom course structure
- Subjects studied
- University recognition by ACCA
So, how many paper exemption in acca after BCom?
- For the general Bcom – 4 papers of applied skills level
- BCom Honours / specialised BCom – 5 papers sometimes.
This directly impacts ACCA duration after BCom and overall cost. Because the subjects to study get reduced.
How Many ACCA Papers Are Exempted After BCom?
This is the most common question students ask: how many exemptions in ACCA after BCom? To answer it:
- General BCom: 4 exemptions
- BCom Honours / specialised BCom: 6–9 exemptions
There is no fixed number because acca paper exemption after Bcom depend on:
- University syllabus
- Credit hours
- Subject overlap with ACCA papers
You can always check it on the exemption calculator to know better. If you are still confused, contact the ACCA support team. They can help you out.
Make your choice wisely
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Which ACCA Papers Are Exempted After BCom?
ACCA has 13 papers across 3 different levels. They are Applied skills, Applied Knowledge, and Strategic Professional levels. After BCom, exemptions usually apply to early-level papers only.
Here’s what the non exempted levels teach:
Level | Focus | Learning Style |
Applied Skills | Technical competence in core areas | Case-based scenarios, calculations, practical application |
Strategic Professional | Business strategy and leadership thinking | Complex case studies, multi-layered problems, ethical dilemmas |
Common ACCA Paper Exemptions After BCom:
- BT – Business and Technology
- MA – Management Accounting
- FA – Financial Accounting
- LW – Corporate & Business Law
- TX – Taxation (varies by university)
Papers That Cannot Be Exempted:
- Strategic Professional-level papers
- Ethics & Professional Skills Module
These must be cleared by everyone, regardless of qualification.
What Is The ACCA Papers List After BCom?
If you get the standard 3-5 exemptions, here’s what remains:
Applied Skills level
- LW (Corporate and Business Law) – Legal framework for business
- PM (Performance Management) – Advanced management accounting
- TX (Taxation) – Tax principles and calculations
- FR (Financial Reporting) – Financial statements preparation
- AA (Audit and Assurance) – Auditing principles and practice
- FM (Financial Management) – Investment decisions and financing
Strategic Professional level
- LW (Corporate and Business Law) – Legal framework for business
- PM (Performance Management) – Advanced management accounting
- TX (Taxation) – Tax principles and calculations
- FR (Financial Reporting) – Financial statements preparation
- AA (Audit and Assurance) – Auditing principles and practice
- FM (Financial Management) – Investment decisions and financing
Total papers after BCom: Typically 8-10 papers depending on exemptions.
What Is The ACCA Syllabus After BCom?
The ACCA syllabus after BCom focuses on:
- Financial reporting
- Business analysis
- Performance management
- Strategy and leadership
- Global accounting standards (IFRS)
BCom taught you theory and basics. ACCA after BCom teaches you:
- How to apply that theory when variables get messy
- How to communicate financial information to non-finance people
- How to make decisions when there’s no textbook answer
- How to handle ethical gray areas
Once exemptions are out of the way, the syllabus shifts from “what is accounting” to “how do you use accounting to solve business problems.” The ACCA qualification is:
- Skill-based, not rote learning
- Globally focused, with limited India-specific law
- Designed for corporate and MNC roles, not statutory audit practice
ACCA Eligibility After BCom
Yes, you can do ACCA after BCom. The following are the ACCA eligibility requirements:
- Completed BCom degree
- Valid academic documents (mark sheets, certificates)
- No age limit
- No restriction on the number of attempts
There is no entrance exam for ACCA after BCom. You apply directly through the ACCA website (myACCA).
What Are The ACCA Fees After BCom? (
After BCom, the total ACCA cost in India usually falls between ₹2.5 lakhs to ₹4.5 lakhs.
The exact amount depends on how many exemptions you get and whether you take coaching.
Here is a breakdown:
Fees | Estimated Cost (INR) | Notes |
Initial Registration | 5,000 to 9,000 | One-time fee |
Annual Subscription | 15,000 to 16,500 a year | Paid every year |
Exemption Fees | ₹9,000 – ₹12,500 per paper | Only for papers you skip |
Ethics & Professional Skills Module | ₹9,000 to 10,000 | Mandatory |
Applied skills | 18,000 to 20,000 | For all papers |
Strategic Professional-level paper | 30,000 to 35,000 | For essential papers only |
Strategic Professionals | 17,000 to 20,000 | For optional papers |
Additional Costs:
- Tuition or coaching fees – 1 to 1.5 lakh for normal coaching classes. For ACCA approved providers, fees are on the higher end…to 3 lpa.
- Late Fees – INR 3000 to 4000 for those who fail to pay the fees.
- Re-sitting fees – for all the exams you fail, you need to pay re-attempt fees for that subject.
All in all, if you plan well, clear exams on time, and use exemptions smartly, ACCA after BCom is financially manageable.
If you are looking for online or offline coaching, IKKA classes are the best ACCA classes. We have a consistent 95% pass rate, 100% placement support, and small batches for personal attention. Only ACCA qualified members and rank holders are our faculty.
You can talk to our counsellors for more details. Contact us today!
How To Apply For ACCA After BCom?
Want to pursue ACCA after BCom? Follow these simple steps for easy application:
Step 1: Visit the Official ACCA Website
Go to the ACCA Global website. Now, create your account on the myACCA portal using your email ID.
Step 2: Register as an ACCA Student
After Step 1, select the option to register as an ACCA student. Now, fill in your personal information and upload the following documents:
- BCom mark sheets
- 10th & 12 th degree
- Identity proof
Pay the initial registration fee to finish this step.
NOTE: This step only makes you an ACCA student. It does not apply exemptions yet.
Step 3: Check Exemptions (Very Important)
After registration, use the ACCA Exemptions Calculator on the same website. Paper exemption in ACCA after BCom is usually available for:
- BT – Business & Technology
- MA – Management Accounting
- FA – Financial Accounting
- LW – Corporate & Business Law
- TX – Taxation (depends on university)
These exemptions will reduce your overall exam time commitment, exam fee, and efforts.
Step 4: Apply for Exemptions Separately
Once you know your exemptions:
- Log in to myACCA
- Go to the Exemptions section
- Submit documents and pay the exemption fees
Step 5: Choose a Learning Provider
You may choose either a virtual or physical course provider. They can help you with:
- Study material
- Exam-focused preparation
- Mock tests and guidance
This step is optional but strongly recommended, especially for Skills and Professional level
Here are common mistakes that students make while registering:
- Skipping the exemption calculator – Don’t think that exemptions are auto-applied. You must use the ACCA calculator to check for acca exemption after BCom and apply for the same.
- Not using myACCA properly – there is a study hub with free material, video lectures, defriefs, tests, and quizzes. Use them for practise.
- Starting Professional papers too early – without clearing your basics, you will face a lot of difficulty in clearing ACCA exams.
Ignoring practical experience until the end – Along with exams, take up internships or entry-level finance or accounting roles. This helps you complete ACCA’s Practical Experience Requirement (PER) and strengthens your CV.
What Career Opportunities Are Available After BCom With ACCA?
Now, what are the career opportunities for acca course after bcom? With ACCA, you are mainly hired for industry and MNC-facing roles, such as:
- Corporate finance roles in large organisations
- Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
- Management accounting and cost control
- Treasury and cash management
- Internal audit and risk management
- International taxation and compliance
Companies like Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, EY, HSBC, Standard Chartered, and most MNCs actively hire ACCA members.
If you see, these roles focus more on business decision-making, reporting, and global finance. That’s because ACCA is not a statutory qualification in India like CA. You can’t sign audit reports or practice independently as you would with CA.
However, the scope of ACCA globally is much higher…in terms of salary and opportunities.
Is ACCA Worth It After BCom?
This is the real question. And the answer depends on what you want in the long-term.
From a return on investment point of view, ACCA makes sense if you want roles beyond basic accounting. ACCA-qualified professionals move into finance analysis, management accounting, consulting, and leadership tracks.
In terms of global recognition, ACCA is accepted in 180+ countries. That flexibility matters. Even if you start your career in India, your qualification travels with you.
Career-wise, ACCA gives options. You are not locked into audit or taxation forever. You can shift into business finance, strategy roles, or even global MNC positions as your experience grows.
If your goal is growth, mobility, and long-term flexibility, BCom with ACCA is worth considering seriously.
What Are The Advantages Of Pursuing ACCA After BCom?
The following are the benefits of pursuing ACCA after BCom:
- Exemptions save time
Your BCom background reduces the number of papers you need to clear.
- Global career mobility
ACCA is accepted across the UK, Europe, Middle East, Asia, and more. So, you can have a career literally anywhere in the world.
- Employer recognition
MNCs value ACCA because it focuses on decision-making, not just bookkeeping.
- Skills that matter at work
You learn budgeting, forecasting, performance analysis, and business strategy.
- Flexibility
You can study while working, change exam pace, and plan attempts around life.
In short, ACCA after BCom doesn’t just add a qualification. It changes the direction of your finance career.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acca After Bcom
It takes approximately 2-3 years to complete your ACCA after B.Com
You get 4 papers as exemption in ACCA after BCom. All the Applied Knowledge level papers are exempted.