Best ACCA Books 2026 – BPP vs Kaplan
Best ACCA Books 2026 – BPP vs Kaplan: Data from 14,000+ Student Purchases
BPP or Kaplan for ACCA?
BPP holds 61% market share across 14,280 Eduyush ACCA book orders. Kaplan holds 22%, and 17% of students buy both.
- Knowledge Level: Kaplan leads on pure book preference (51% vs 49%) once BPP ECR buyers are removed.
- Applied Skills: BPP dominates (64% vs 36%).
- Strategic Professional: BPP dominates (71% vs 29%).
Rule of thumb: Kaplan for theory papers and beginners; BPP for technical papers and self-study; BPP ECR when you want books + coaching without full-fee tuition.
Why Trust This Guide?
Eduyush is an authorised BPP and Kaplan reseller serving ACCA students worldwide.
This analysis uses:
- 14,280 first-party ACCA book orders over the last 24 months (no surveys).
- Official ACCA pass rates for Dec 2025 from
- Feedback from our ACCA-qualified advisory team.
We sell both publishers at comparable discounts, so there is no financial incentive to favour one over the other.
What Are ACCA Books?
ACCA books are ACCA-approved study materials from BPP and Kaplan that follow the official ACCA syllabus for all 13 papers.
Each paper typically has a study text (or course book) plus a revision or exam practice kit.
Related: What is ACCA? · ACCA Eligibility · ACCA Exam Dates
BPP vs Kaplan: Quick Comparison
| Feature | BPP | Kaplan |
| Language style | Technical, exam-focused, detailed | Simple, concise, summarised |
| Best for | Self-study, technical papers | Tuition-supported learners, theory-heavy papers |
| Revision kits | Tougher, exam-simulation style, detailed marking schemes | Moderate difficulty, easier questions |
| Online support | ECR lectures, CBE mocks, extra questions | MyKaplan eBooks, quizzes |
| Price per paper (India) | From ~INR 1,700 | From ~INR 3,560 |
| Coaching bundle | ECR (books + recorded lectures) | No equivalent bundle |
| Market share (14,280 orders) | 61% | 22% |
| Strongest subjects (student preference) | TX, FR, FM, SBR, AFM, ATX | BT, MA, LW, SBL |
Overall Market Share: BPP vs Kaplan (14,280 Orders)
| Publisher | Market share |
| BPP | 61% |
| Kaplan | 22% |
| Mixed (both publishers) | 17% |
BPP leads across all three ACCA levels, with the closest race at Knowledge Level, where Kaplan’s simpler language attracts first‑time candidates.
What Students Say: BPP vs Kaplan
Students who prefer BPP say
- Explanations are more technical with many worked examples.
- Questions feel closer to real ACCA exam style and marking schemes.
- Books are better for self-study because nothing essential is skipped.
- ECR bundles are a cost‑effective alternative to live coaching.
Students who prefer Kaplan say
- Language is clearer and more concise, so reading is faster.
- Structure suits students who already attend tuition classes.
- Simpler explanations help non‑accounting backgrounds and ESL learners.
- Theory‑heavy subjects like Law and SBL feel easier with Kaplan.
Consensus: Many students use Kaplan to learn concepts first, and BPP to master exam technique and practice tough questions.
Related: ACCA Coaching vs Self‑Study · Best Study Material for ACCA
Knowledge Level BPP vs KAPLAN (BT, MA, FA)
Sales Split
| Paper | Kaplan % | BPP % | Of BPP share, ECR % |
| BT – Business & Technology | 45% | 55% | ~14% |
| MA – Management Accounting | 62% | 38% | ~16% |
| FA – Financial Accounting | 48% | 52% | ~15% |
| Knowledge Level average | 51% | 49% | ~15% |
Global Average Pass Rates and Hours
| Paper | Pass rate | Study hours (guide) |
| BT | 80–87% (ACCA ~80–87%) | 100–120 hrs |
| MA | 64–81% (ACCA ~64–81%) | 100–120 hrs |
| FA | ~68–69% | 100–120 hrs |
Key Insights at Knowledge Level
About 15% of BPP Knowledge‑level orders include the ECR book+lecture bundle.
If you strip out ECR buyers, BPP’s share falls to ~42% and Kaplan becomes the clear book‑only leader for beginners.
Verdict: Which Is Better at Knowledge Level?
- Kaplan if you are new to accounting or want the easiest language.
- BPP if you are self‑studying or have a commerce background and want more depth.
- BPP Knowledge ECR if you want books plus recorded coaching from day one at a lower cost than live tuition.
👉 Shop ACCA Knowledge Level Books at up to 50% off
Applied Skills Level BPP vs KAPLAN (LW–FM)
Sales Split
| Paper | Kaplan % | BPP % | Of BPP share, ECR % |
| LW – Corporate & Business Law | 50% | 50% | ~31% |
| PM – Performance Management | 42% | 58% | ~7% |
| TX – Taxation | 28% | 72% | ~10% |
| FR – Financial Reporting | 35% | 65% | ~8% |
| AA – Audit & Assurance | 38% | 62% | ~10% |
| FM – Financial Management | 32% | 68% | ~9% |
| Skills Level average | 36% | 64% | ~9% |
Average ACCA Pass Rates and Hours
| Paper | Pass rate | Study hours (guide) |
| LW | ~81–82% | 100–120 hrs |
| PM | 40–43% | 120–150 hrs |
| TX | 54–55% | 120–150 hrs |
| FR | 48–51% | 130–150 hrs |
| AA | 44–46% | 120–150 hrs |
| FM | 46–48% | 120–150 hrs |
Key Insights at Applied Skills
LW has the highest ECR share: roughly one‑third of BPP LW buyers choose the BPP coaching bundle.
If ECR orders are removed, Kaplan likely leads LW, while BPP still dominates calculation‑heavy TX and FM based on book quality alone.
Verdict: Which Is Better at Applied Skills?
- BPP for TX, FR, FM and AA where detailed worked examples and exam‑style kits matter most.
- Kaplan for LW if you want simpler theory and are not buying ECR.
- Either for PM; many students use Kaplan to learn and BPP for harder practice questions.
👉 Shop ACCA Skills Level Books at up to 50% off
Strategic Professional Level BPP vs KAPLAN
Sales Split
| Paper | Kaplan % | BPP % | Of BPP share, ECR % |
| SBL – Strategic Business Leader | 35% | 65% | ~12% |
| SBR – Strategic Business Reporting | 25% | 75% | ~13% |
| AFM – Advanced Financial Management | 22% | 78% | ~18% |
| APM – Advanced Performance Management | 30% | 70% | ~18% |
| ATX – Advanced Taxation | 28% | 72% | ~6% |
| AAA – Advanced Audit & Assurance | 35% | 65% | ~12% |
| Strategic Level average | 29% | 71% | ~13% |
Average ACCA Pass Rates and Hours
| Paper | Pass rate | Study hours (guide) |
| SBL | 50% | 150–180 hrs |
| SBR | 48% | 150–180 hrs |
| AFM | 45% | 160–180 hrs |
| APM | 41% | 160–180 hrs |
| ATX | 50% | 150–170 hrs |
| AAA | 38% | 150–180 hrs |
Key Insights at Strategic Level
AFM and APM have the highest ECR uptake; about 18% of BPP buyers choose book+lecture bundles here.
Even after removing all ECR orders, BPP still holds a clear lead in AFM, APM, and SBR, showing strong organic preference for BPP books at this level.
Verdict: Which Is Better at Strategic Professional?
- BPP for all Strategic Professional papers if you want maximum technical depth and exam alignment.
- Kaplan as a supplementary text for SBL or AAA if you like a faster first read before tackling BPP practice.
👉 Shop ACCA Strategic Level Books at up to 50% off
The BPP ECR Bundle (Books + Lectures)
What Is BPP ECR?
BPP ECR (Enhanced Classroom) combines pre‑recorded UK tutor lectures with BPP course books and exam kits in one package.
It typically includes full video lectures, printed and eBook materials, CBE‑style mocks, and extra practice questions.
ECR Share of BPP Sales
| Level | ECR orders as % of BPP | Highest‑ECR paper |
| Knowledge | ~15% | MA, FA, BT |
| Applied Skills | ~9% | LW (~31% of BPP LW) |
| Strategic Professional | ~13% | AFM, APM (~18% each) |
| Overall | ~12% | LW, AFM |
ECR vs Traditional Coaching: Price
| Option | Approximate cost per paper |
| BPP ECR bundle (books + lectures) | ~INR 5,000–6,700 (55 GBP to 65 GBP) |
| Traditional ACCA coaching | ~INR 15,000–30,000 (120 GBP to 250 GBP) |
| Kaplan books only | From ~INR 3,560 (35 GBP onwards) |
Around 1,700 students in the 14,280‑order dataset chose BPP book+coaching via ECR instead of separate classroom tuition.
At the Knowledge Level, ECR is the main reason BPP matches Kaplan; without it, Kaplan would lead clearly on book‑only preference, while at the Skills and Strategic levels, BPP would still be ahead even without ECR.
👉 Browse All BPP ACCA Online Coaching
ACCA Books Price Comparison (India, 2026)
Per‑Paper Pricing on Eduyush (After Discounts)
| Level | BPP (book + kit) | Kaplan (study text + kit) | BPP ECR (books + lectures) |
| Knowledge | From ~INR 3,000 | ~INR 3,595 | ~INR 7,500 |
| Applied Skills | From ~INR 3,050 | ~INR 3,863 | ~INR 8,000 |
| Strategic Professional | From ~INR 3,100 | ~INR 3,966 | ~INR 8,500 |
Approximate Total Cost for All 13 Papers
| Package | Approx. total cost |
| BPP books only | ~INR 23,000 |
| Kaplan books only | ~INR 48,000 |
| BPP ECR (books + coaching) | ~INR 72,000 |
| Traditional coaching (any books) | ~INR 2–4 lakhs |
BPP’s per‑paper pricing is significantly lower than Kaplan’s bundles on Eduyush, which structurally pushes more students toward BPP, especially when they buy one subject at a time.
👉 Shop All ACCA Books at up to 50% off
ACCA Pass Rates vs BPP Market Share
| Paper | Avg. ACCA pass rate | BPP share (Eduyush) |
| BT | ~80–87% | 55% |
| MA | 64–81% | 38% |
| FA | ~68–69% | 52% |
| LW | ~81–82% | 50% |
| PM | 40–43% | 58% |
| TX | 54–55% | 72% |
| FR | 48–51% | 65% |
| AA | 44–46% | 62% |
| FM | 46–48% | 68% |
| SBL | 50% | 65% |
| SBR | 48% | 75% |
| AFM | 45% | 78% |
| APM | 41% | 70% |
| ATX | 50% | 72% |
| AAA | 38% | 65% |
BPP’s market share rises as pass rates fall; for the toughest papers (PM, APM, AAA, AFM, SBR), BPP averages about 71% of student purchases.
Study Hours: BPP vs Kaplan
| Level | Study hours with BPP | Study hours with Kaplan |
| Applied Knowledge | ~110–120 hrs | ~100–110 hrs |
| Applied Skills | ~130–150 hrs | ~120–140 hrs |
| Strategic Professional | ~160–180 hrs | ~150–165 hrs |
BPP content is denser, so reading time is 10–15% higher, but students often need fewer external videos or third‑party notes.
Students using the BPP ECR bundle report the most efficient pattern because lectures and books are fully integrated.
5 Simple Frameworks to Choose Your ACCA Books
1. Self‑Study vs Coaching
- Self‑study → BPP.
- Attending classes → Kaplan.
- Want hybrid support → BPP ECR (books + recorded UK‑tutor lectures).
2. Paper Complexity
- Theory‑heavy (BT, LW, SBL) → Kaplan.
- Calculation‑heavy (TX, FR, FM, AFM, SBR) → BPP.
- Mixed (PM, AA, APM, AAA) → Either, or Kaplan to learn + BPP to practice.
3. Budget
- Lowest spend → BPP per‑paper books from ~INR 1,700.
- Mid‑range → Level bundles from either publisher.
- Best value for books + teaching → BPP ECR at ~INR 4,800–6,700 vs classroom fees of INR 15,000+ per paper.
4. Pass‑Rate Anxiety
- Papers with pass rate <45% (PM, APM, AAA, sometimes SBR/AFM) → BPP for maximum depth.
- Papers with pass rate >50% → Either publisher is usually enough.
5. Background and Schedule
- Commerce or a quantitative background → BPP.
- Non‑accounting or weaker English skills → Kaplan.
- Busy working professional → BPP ECR for structured, self‑paced learning.
Related: ACCA Careers & Salary in India · ACCA PER Explained
Which ACCA Books Should You Buy?
Choose BPP if
- You are self‑studying and need detailed explanations plus tough practice.
- You are taking TX, FR, FM, SBR, AFM or ATX, where technical depth is critical.
- You want exam kits that mirror real ACCA difficulty and marking.
- You plan to use the BPP ECR bundle for integrated books and lectures.
Choose Kaplan if
- You attend regular coaching and just need clear, supporting material.
- You value quicker, easier reading with less technical language.
- You are handling theory‑dominant papers like BT, LW or SBL.
- You are brand‑new to accounting at the Knowledge Level.
Use Both if
Many successful students use Kaplan to learn topics and BPP to revise and practice exam‑style questions, especially for PM and AA.
Most Popular Student Choices by Level
| Level | Preferred publisher | ECR influence | Quick links |
| Knowledge | 51% Kaplan / 49% BPP (Kaplan leads if ECR removed) | ~15% of BPP sales | BPP bundle · Kaplan bundle · BPP ECR |
| Applied Skills | BPP 64% (especially TX, FR, FM) | ~9% of BPP sales | BPP bundle · Kaplan bundle · BPP ECR |
| Strategic Professional | BPP 71% across all papers | ~13% of BPP sales | BPP bundle · Kaplan bundle · BPP ECR |
FAQ – Best ACCA Books 2026
1. Is BPP better than Kaplan for ACCA?
BPP is usually better for self‑study and technical papers like TX, FR, FM, SBR and AFM; Kaplan suits theory‑based papers such as BT, LW and SBL, and students in coaching.
2. Are BPP books enough to pass ACCA exams?
Yes; BPP study texts and exam kits cover the full syllabus, and when combined with the ACCA Practice Platform many students pass all 13 papers using only BPP resources.
3. What is the BPP ECR bundle?
BPP ECR is a bundle of pre‑recorded UK tutor lectures plus BPP books and exam kits, priced around INR 4,800–6,700 per paper on Eduyush.
4. Can I use Kaplan for Strategic Professional exams?
Yes; Kaplan works well for SBL and AAA, but most students still choose BPP for SBR, AFM and ATX due to deeper worked examples and exam alignment.
5. Can I mix BPP and Kaplan?
Yes; many students use Kaplan for theory and BPP for technical or revision‑heavy work, especially at the Applied Skills level.
6. Are there digital versions of BPP and Kaplan books?
Both publishers offer eBooks; Eduyush provides BPP eBooks and physical books, with discounts on many combinations.
7. How many hours do I need per paper?
Plan 100–120 hours for Knowledge, 120–150 for Applied Skills and 150–180 for Strategic Professional, adjusting up if you are new to accounting.
8. Which ACCA paper has the lowest pass rate?
AAA is consistently the lowest, with a 38% pass rate in Dec 2025, followed by APM and PM in the low 40s.
9. Where can I buy ACCA books in India at the best price?
Eduyush offers original BPP and Kaplan ACCA books at up to 50% off, with free shipping on most India orders.
Get Up to 50% Off ACCA Books at Eduyush
Eduyush offers original BPP and Kaplan books at up to 50% off regular prices, with free shipping across India.
Shop by Level:
- 📘 Knowledge Level Books (BT, MA, FA)
- 📗 Applied Skills Books (LW–FM)
- 📕 Strategic Professional Books (SBL, SBR + Options)
Shop BPP ECR Coaching (Lectures Only):
Shop Kaplan Bundles:
Popular posts
Featured product
Featured product
ACCA Books
Get 50% off original BPP & KAPLAN ACCA books. Study smarter, save bigger today!
BPP Online lectures
BPP online lectures at India pricing – under £55/subject. Learn smart, pay less.
FAQs
How can I prepare for the ACCA exams?
There are several ways to prepare for the ACCA exams, including studying the exam syllabus and practicing past exam questions. You can also attend review courses or hire a tutor to help you prepare. It's also a good idea to create a study schedule and stick to it, and to take breaks and pace yourself during your studies.
What should I do if I fail an ACCA exam?
If you fail an ACCA exam, you will need to re-register and pay the exam fees again. You may also want to consider reviewing the exam syllabus and studying more before attempting the exam again. It's also a good idea to talk to your tutor or mentor for guidance and to get feedback on where you may have gone wrong.
How many attempts do I have to pass the ACCA exams?
There is no limit to the number of times you can attempt the ACCA exams, but you will need to pay the exam fees each time you register. It's a good idea to carefully review the exam syllabus and consider seeking additional help if you are struggling to pass the exams after multiple attempts.
How often are ACCA exams held?
ACCA Exams are held four times a year for skill level and strategic level exams. These are held every quarter
March, June, September and December
What is the difference CA and ACCA in india?
The CA (Chartered Accountant) qualification is offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). The ACCA qualification is offered by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
The CA qualification has been in existence for over 150 years, and is a globally recognised qualification. The ACCA qualification has been in existence for over 100 years, and is also a globally recognised qualification.
The CA qualification is available in India only, while the ACCA qualification is available in over 180 countries.
How many marks should be scored in the ACCA subjects?
The ACCA subjects are assessed on a 100-point scale. The pass mark is 50 points. A score of 60 or more is required to achieve the grades of distinction, credit, and merit.
Is Eduyush.com an ACCA RLP?
Yes. Eduyush (Yush Consultants) is anACCA Registered Learning Partnerfor DipIFR online classes. Verify our RLP status on ACCA's official directory →
Which is the hardest ACCA paper?
The hardest ACCA paper is the F5 performance management paper. This is because it requires a detailed knowledge of financial accounting and management accounting in order to pass.
Other papers that are difficult include the F7 financial reporting paper and the P2 advanced auditing and assurance paper. However, all of the ACCA papers are challenging, so it is important to thoroughly prepare for each one before sitting the exam.
Leave a comment