What is the difference between CA and ACCA? 

Are you looking for a career in accounting or finance? The two most dominant qualifications to take this dream forward would be to choose between ACCA vs CA in India. With these rewarding careers lined up, it opens exciting doors for a promising future, helping individuals carve a successful life.   

But how do you choose? Which is better, CA or ACCA, or what are the global opportunities – CA vs ACCA hold? It might take a lot of time to ponder before landing on one option. This blog will help you align your career goals with your studies and also give a clear-cut picture of what works best for you. 

What is a CA (Chartered Accountant)? 

A CA or Chartered Accountant is a designation awarded by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). It is a course where individuals can gain advanced knowledge in accounting with rigorous learning experience in audit, assurance, taxation, applied finance, and so on.   

Prime aspects of the CA Course: 

• Regulatory Body: ICAI, India 

• Focus Areas: Indian Accounting Standards, Direct and Indirect Taxation, Corporate Laws, Auditing, and Financial Management 

• Duration: Typically, 4–5 years (depending on attempts and completion of articleship) 

• Course Levels: Foundation → Intermediate → Final 

• Practical Training: Mandatory 3-year article ship under a practicing CA 

Being considered one of the hardest exams conducted in India, the passing percentage of the exam is also not very high. This brings in a high level of respect towards CA graduates.   

An interesting read: Why should CA aspirants consider earning an alternate degree? 

What is ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)

ACCA, or Association of Chartered Certified Accountants is a qualification that encompasses several aspects of chartered accounting, such as business finance, auditing, taxation, financial management and so on. Originated from UK, unlike CA, ACCA is recognized by 180+ countries crafted for individuals interested in finance on a global stage.  

Prime Aspects of the ACCA Course: 

• Regulatory Body: Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, UK 

• Focus Areas: IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards), Audit, Financial Management, Performance Management, and Global Taxation Principles 

• Duration: 2–3 years on average 

• Course Levels: Applied Knowledge → Applied Skills → Strategic Professional 

• Practical Training: 3-year Practical Experience Requirement (PER) can be completed in any approved organization worldwide 

ACCA qualification provides flexibility for its students, where they can appear for exams four times a year and also finish the course at their own pace.   

Give this a try: How Online BCom with ACCA Paper Integration Offers Financial and Career Benefits 

CA vs ACCA: Key Differences 

When it comes to the question of which is better, CA or ACCA, it depends purely on certain factors. Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison: 

Factor	CA (Chartered Accountant)	ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
Governing Body	ICAI (India)	ACCA, UK
Recognition	Highly recognized in India	Recognized in 180+ countries
Primary Focus	Indian laws, taxation, and accounting standards	International laws, IFRS, and global finance
Course Duration	4–5 years	2–3 years
Flexibility	Fixed schedule, strict deadlines	Flexible exam sittings (4 times/year)
Levels	Foundation → Intermediate → Final	Applied Knowledge → Applied Skills → Strategic Professional
Practical Training	3-year articleship in India	3-year PER (global options)
Pass Rates	Lower (often below 10% at Final level)	Higher (40–50% on average)
Cost	₹2–3 lakhs (approx.)	₹3–4 lakhs (approx.)
Ideal For	Careers in Indian corporates, firms, and public sector	International career in MNCs, Big 4, and overseas firms

Now let’s delve into the detailed differences between ACCA vs CA.  

Read more: Which B.Com subjects will help in ACCA? 

Governing Body and Recognition 

Since CA is regulated by the ICAI, which is a statutory body in India, the chances for qualified candidates to work outside India are quite limited. But in India, this is recognized as one of the most prestigious governing bodies.   

An interesting read: India’s Soaring Demand for Chartered Accountants: Insights from CFO Balaji Iyengar 

On the other hand, a global qualification like ACCA is most probably recognized across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Australia. This is most probably one of the most preferred options for students, as they can opt to work abroad. 

Syllabus and Subjects 

There is a huge difference between the CA and ACCA syllabus. Since every country is tailored to have different financial regulations, the syllabus of CA is aligned as keeping the Indian regulation in process. This includes even the corporate law, taxations and many more.   

The ACCA is a qualification widely recognized in several countries. Hence, it leans more towards international accounting standards, providing a broader financial strategy that helps candidates become acquainted with global corporate environments.   

Duration and Flexibility 

CA is a very arduous degree to complete, as it takes nearly 4-5 years or more. This aligns with the way exams are scheduled, as they are fixed, and the requirement of mandatory articleship. It may be structured, but it definitely is a very demanding path to travel.   

ACCA, on the other hand, can be completed within 2-3 years. This is due to the modular structure and the multiple sittings per year. This, in turn, offers greater flexibility for working professionals, helping them to take the exam at their own pace.   

Practical Training 

While preparing for the course, candidates are required to have a mandatory three years of articleship under a practicing CA or a CA firm in India. This helps them gain exposure to the real CA world even before they enter it.   

For ACCA, a three-year work experience, known as the Practical Experience Requirement (PER), is mandated by ACCA Global. This experience must be completed with an approved global organization. Additionally, experience in international markets is a significant advantage.   

Pass Rates and Difficulty 

This year, it was reported that around 14,247 students passed the final CA exam. And a total of 4,527 students completed the final ACCA exam. 

The pass rates of CA when compared to the students attending it are only below 10%. Being one of the toughest exams and a reputable qualification, the difficulty and pass rates are justified.   

ACCA, on the other hand, comes to around 40-50%. This gives students the chance to achieve it more when compared to CA. Though easy when compared to its contemporaries, it is still a challenging course to pass.   

Cost of the Course 

The cost of preparing a CA course is significantly less compared to other degrees or contemporary courses. If the learner intends to pursue self-study, then the exam fees of approximately 86,500, as directed by the ICAI, are sufficient. However, if they plan to pursue coaching, the cost could be around ₹1.5–2.5 lakh.   

ACCA falls on the pricey side when compared to CA. According to ACCA Global, the course costs approximately ₹1.3–1.7 lakh. However, with the expenses of coaching classes and other costs, the total amount can reach a higher sum of ₹2–3 lakh or more.  

Career Opportunities and Salary 

When discussing the ACCA vs. CA salary comparison, it is often assumed that CA-qualified candidates earn more than ACCA-qualified candidates. However, when it comes to global opportunities of CA vs ACCA, both courses have a great deal to offer.  ACCA qualified candidates can get to work with international taxation and regulation laws, while a CA certified indivdual concentrates more on the Indian accounting system. 

CA Careers 

• Audit firms 

• Tax consultancy 

• Indian corporates 

• Government and public sector 

• Independent practice 

CA Salary  

For a freshly qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) in India, the starting package can range from 6 to 8 LPA. As they gain more experience, mid-to-senior professionals can move on to salaries of 12-20 LPA.  Furthermore, for partners and top executives, the annual package can range from ₹ 40 lakhs to up to ₹ 1 crore.   

Give this a read: Meet Naina Goel: A seasoned CA and a budding, aspiring YouTuber 

ACCA Careers 

• Big 4 accounting firms 

• Multinational corporations 

• International banks 

• Global audit and consulting roles 

ACCA Salary 

Candidates who have qualified freshly after completing an ACCA course can expect a package of ₹4–7 lakh per year, which depends solely on the organization. Once they reach a mid-senior level, ₹7–8 lakh per year is a standard package. While CA generally offers higher salary growth within India, ACCA provides the advantage of global recognition and opportunities abroad. 

Which One Should You Choose? 

It can be a significant question mark when it comes to choosing between ACCA and CA in India. But let us help you here. The points below work to your benefit and will help lead you to take a route that suits you best.   

Choos CA if:  

• Looking to stay back in Inda 

• Having a strong interest in the Indian taxation and corporate laws 

• Ready to take up on a highly competitive exam.  

• In search of a cost-effective professional qualification 

Choose ACCA if: 

• You want global mobility in your career. 

• You prefer international accounting standards (IFRS). 

• You want more flexibility in scheduling exams. 

• You’re aiming for a career in MNCs or Big 4 firms abroad. 

Also read: Ambitious CA aspirants: Why did they choose Manipal University Jaipur’s online degrees? 

Final Thoughts 

Both CA and ACCA are prestigious; it all comes down to where you see yourself working and what kind of finance professional you want to become.  If India is your primary focus, CA is unbeatable. But if you’re dreaming of international opportunities, ACCA gives you the passport to a global career. Either way, both require dedication, discipline, and a clear career vision, so choose wisely and start your journey today. 

Through Online Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education has been providing ACCA courses along with the newly launched BCom program. This will help students obtain an ACCA qualification, along with a fully structured UG degree, from the comfort of their own home. Additionally, it offers several undergraduate and postgraduate courses that can provide a great foundation for candidates seeking to complete their CA course.   

So, hop on to the link now and explore the various courses that Online Manipal has to offer.