ACCA Exemptions for CA – What You Can Skip

ACCA Exemptions for CA: Complete Guide for Indian Chartered Accountants

ACCA Exemptions for CA: "After 8 years as a CA in Pune, I hit a career ceiling," shares Rajiv Sharma. "Adding ACCA to my credentials opened international opportunities I never imagined possible—and with exemptions, I completed it in just 15 months while working full-time."

If you're an Indian Chartered Accountant considering the ACCA qualification, you're in luck. Thanks to extensive ACCA exemptions for CA holders, your path to this globally recognized credential is significantly shorter than most candidates.

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ACCA Exemptions for CA: What Indian Chartered Accountants Need to Know

As a qualified CA from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), you benefit from substantial exemptions recognizing your existing knowledge and expertise.

The Fast Track: ACCA Exemptions for CA Professionals

If you qualified as a CA from ICAI after 2003, you'll receive maximum ACCA exemptions:

• Complete exemption from all Applied Knowledge level exams (BT, MA, FA)
• Complete exemption from all Applied Skills level exams (LW, PM, TX, FR, AA, FM)
• Requirement to complete only four Strategic professional-level exams and the Ethics module

Priya Mehta, a CA from Mumbai who completed her ACCA in 2024, explains: "When I learned that I'd only need to take four papers instead of 13, my decision was instant. The ACCA exemptions for CA holders made this global qualification achievable alongside my demanding corporate finance role."

Which ACCA Papers Must Indian CAs Complete?

Despite the extensive ACCA exemptions for CA professionals, you'll still need to complete:

Mandatory Papers (2):

• Strategic Business Leader
• Strategic Business Reporting

Optional Papers (choose two from):

• Advanced Financial Management,
• Advanced Audit and Assurance,
• Advanced Taxation
• Advanced Performance Management

Plus, the Ethics and Professional Skills Module is required for all ACCA members.

Real Stories: Indian CAs Who Leveraged ACCA Exemptions

From Delhi to Dubai: Amit's Career Transformation

Amit Patel, a CA with 5 years of experience in Delhi, shares his journey:

"I worked for a domestic firm but dreamed of an international career. After researching, I discovered the ACCA exemptions for CA professionals and realized I could gain this global qualification efficiently. I registered through Eduyush, which saved me nearly ₹95,000 on registration and exemption fees compared to direct registration.

I chose SBL, SBR, AFM, and APM as my papers and purchased BPP books and BPP online classes through Eduyush at just ₹7,500 per subject—about 60% less than other providers quoted. Fifteen months later, I received my ACCA qualification and three job offers in Dubai, with a 70% salary increase. The investment has paid for itself many times over."

Balancing Family and Career: Meera's Experience

Meera Krishnan, a CA, and mother of two from Bangalore, found balance through the streamlined path:

"With a full-time job and young children, I thought additional qualifications were impossible. The ACCA exemptions for CA holders changed that equation altogether. With only four papers to complete, I could manage my studies during early mornings before my children woke up.

Eduyush's discounted registration package and BPP's Enhanced Classroom perfectly suit my situation. The online classes allowed me to study at 5 AM or 11 PM—whenever I found time. I spent approximately ₹1.5 lakhs (including registration, exemptions, exam fees, and study materials), which was about half what my colleagues paid through other providers.

Completing ACCA has allowed me to transition to a multinational firm with flexible working hours—a perfect balance for my family life."

Why Indian CAs Are Adding ACCA Despite Already Having a Prestigious Qualification

Despite already holding the respected CA qualification, many Indian chartered accountants are pursuing ACCA for compelling reasons:

Global Recognition and Mobility

Deepak Gupta, a CA from Chennai who now works in London, explains:

"Indian CA is highly respected domestically, but ACCA gave me the international passport I needed. The exemptions for CA holders made it a logical next step. Within six months of completing ACCA, I secured a position in the UK with a Big Four firm—something that would have been much more difficult with only an Indian qualification."

Enhanced Skill Set for Multinational Environments

Neha Singh, who works with a global shared services center in Gurugram, shares:

"Even while staying in India, ACCA has been invaluable. Our center handles finance operations for 30+ countries, and the international perspective I gained through ACCA—especially in the Strategic Business Reporting paper—has been crucial for understanding different reporting frameworks. The exemptions made it possible to gain these skills efficiently."

Competitive Edge in Specialized Roles

Vikram Mehta, a CA specializing in valuation services in Mumbai, notes:

"The Advanced Financial Management paper complemented my CA knowledge perfectly for my valuation practice. With ACCA exemptions for CA professionals, I could focus directly on this advanced content without revisiting fundamentals I already knew well."

How to Claim Your ACCA Exemptions as an Indian CA

The process for claiming your ACCA exemptions is straightforward but requires specific documentation:

1. Gather your credentials: Prepare your CA final mark sheet, membership certificate, and proof of identity
2. Submit your application: Apply through ACCA's online portal or an approved partner like Eduyush
3. Pay exemption fees: Fees apply for each exemption granted
4. Receive confirmation: ACCA will confirm your exemptions, typically within 2-3 weeks

Rahul Verma from Jaipur shares his experience with the process:

"I was concerned about navigating the exemption process correctly. I contacted Eduyush, and they guided me through each step, ensuring I submitted the right documentation. They also secured a special discount on my exemption fees, saving me approximately ₹92,000. Their team helped me schedule my first exam within six weeks of registration."

Cost-Effective Path: How Indian CAs Are Minimizing ACCA Investment

While pursuing any professional qualification requires investment, Indian CAs are finding ways to optimize their spending:

Registration and Exemption Discounts

Sanjay Kumar from Kolkata explains:

"Through Eduyush, I received a reduction on exemption fees compared to direct registration with ACCA. This initial saving of approximately ₹93,000 was significant."

Affordable Study Materials

Priya Mehta from Mumbai shares:

"BPP books through Eduyush cost me ₹2,900 per subject, compared to ₹4,200 from other sources. For all four subjects, I saved over ₹6,800 just on books."

Value-Priced Online Classes

Amit Patel from Delhi notes:

"The biggest saving came from BPP's Enhanced Classroom (ECR) online classes through Eduyush. They charged ₹5,500 per subject, while other providers quoted ₹12,000-15,000 for similar resources. For all four papers, that saves at least ₹26,000."

Total Investment Comparison

Note: Figures are approximate and based on rates in 2025. Exam fees are paid directly to ACCA and are the same regardless of registration path.

Strategic Paper Selection for Indian CAs

While you must complete SBL and SBR, you have choices for your two optional papers. Successful Indian CAs share their strategic selection reasoning:

For Corporate Finance Roles

Ananya Desai, working in investment banking in Mumbai, chose:

"I selected Advanced Financial Management (AFM) and Advanced Performance Management (APM). AFM aligned perfectly with my daily work in corporate finance, while APM gave me the strategic oversight perspective that senior managers need. This combination has helped me move from analyst to associate level."

For Audit Professionals

Rahul Sharma, an audit manager in Delhi, selected:

"Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA) was an obvious choice as an auditor. I paired it with Strategic Business Reporting (SBR) for a powerful combination that has enhanced my ability to identify reporting issues during audits. As a result, my firm has now assigned me to their IFRS specialist team."

For Tax Specialists

Deepak Verma, a tax consultant from Bangalore, explains:

"I chose Advanced Taxation (ATX) to deepen my specialty and Advanced Financial Management (AFM) to broaden my advisory capabilities with clients. This combination has allowed me to provide more comprehensive advice to my international clients."

Timeline: How Quickly Can Indian CAs Complete ACCA?

With significant ACCA exemptions for CA holders, the timeline to qualification is dramatically shortened:

Fast Track Approach (9-12 months)

• Month 1: Registration and exemptions processing
• Months 2-3: First paper preparation
• Month 4: First exam
• Months 5-6: Second paper preparation
• Month 7: Second exam
• Month 8-9: Third paper preparation
• Month 10: Third exam
• Month 11: Fourth paper preparation
• Month 12: Fourth exam and completion

Balanced Approach (12-18 months)

• Month 1: Registration and exemptions processing
• Months 2-4: First paper preparation
• Month 5: First exam
• Months 6-8: Second paper preparation
• Month 9: Second exam
• Months 10-12: Third paper preparation
• Month 13: Third exam
• Months 14-16: Fourth paper preparation
• Month 17: Fourth exam and completion

Vikram Shah from Ahmedabad shares his experience:

"With a demanding job, I opted for the balanced Approach, taking one paper every 4 months. The BPP online classes allowed me to study at my own pace. I completed all requirements in 18 months while maintaining my performance at work. The exemptions for CA holders made this timeline possible."

FAQs About ACCA Exemptions for CA Professionals

How do I verify my eligibility for CA exemptions?

You can check your potential exemptions on the ACCA website by entering your qualification details or contact Eduyush for a free assessment.

Can I claim exemptions if I completed my CA over 10 years ago?

Yes, the ACCA exemptions for CA are based on your qualification, not when you qualified. Even if you completed your CA many years ago, you still receive the same exemptions.

Is there an expiry date for claiming exemptions?

No, your exemptions don't expire. You can take as long as you need to complete the remaining exams.

Can I choose which papers to be exempted from?

Yes, in case you wish to write any skill level papers, you can choose not to claim exemptions.

How much will the entire process cost, including exemption fees?

Total costs vary depending on how you register and where you purchase study materials. As our comparison table shows, registering through partners like Eduyush can save approximately ₹50,000 compared to other routes.

Conclusion: Your Next Steps to Global Recognition

The extensive ACCA exemptions for CA holders offer Indian chartered accountants an efficient path to global recognition. With only four papers to complete, this qualification is within reach even for busy professionals.

As Priya from Mumbai concludes:

"I hesitated for two years before taking the plunge with ACCA. Looking back, I wish I'd started sooner. The exemptions made it manageable, Eduyush made it affordable, and the qualification has made me marketable globally. For any Indian CA wanting to expand their horizons, this path is the logical next step."

Ready to leverage your CA qualification and claim your ACCA exemptions? Contact Eduyush today at ifrs@eduyush.com or WhatsApp at +919643308079 for personalized guidance, registration assistance, and exclusive fees and study materials discounts.

Note: All costs mentioned are approximate and based on 2025 rates. Please get in touch with Eduyush for current pricing and available discounts.