Difference Between a Regular BCom and BCom with ACCA aligned curriculum 

Choosing the right undergraduate degree can shape your career trajectory in big ways. Especially if you are planning an accounting, finance, or global business career in the future. A Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree is the most common program among commerce students in India. It equips a student with basic knowledge in a variety of subjects such as accounting, economics, and business management. But in today’s world, where there is a very high level of competition and the employers’ expectations are constantly changing, a usual BCom might not be enough for you to gain a competitive advantage. 

The BCom program that is aligned with the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is one that truly makes a difference. This program allows students to get both the academic knowledge of a BCom degree and the professional qualification these credentials give them access to, hence a major advantage on the path to becoming an internationally certified finance professional. But what makes it different from the standard BCom? In what ways does it provide learning, employment opportunities, and global recognition benefits? 

In this article, we will summarize the major differences between a regular BCom and a BCom with ACCA, which will lead you to decide which of the two career paths suits your professional dreams the best. 

What is a Regular BCom? 

A Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) is a conventional three-year undergraduate degree that equips students with basic knowledge in accounting, finance, economics, taxation, and business law. It is the most popular degree the Indian students go for in the world, especially among students whose background is in commerce. 

Core Characteristics of Full-time BCom: 

• Duration: 3 years  

• Focus: Theoretical and basic practical knowledge of commerce and business operations  

• Curriculum: Accounting, Business Economics, Taxation, Business Law, Financial Management  

• Eligibility: 10+2 with commerce or relevant background  

• Outcome: Ideal for roles in accounting, banking, insurance, and entry-level finance jobs 

Also read: What are the career prospects for  Bcom+Mcom graduates?

What is BCom with ACCA? 

BCom with ACCA is a combined degree program that fuses the regular BCom syllabus with the professional credential provided by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), a UK organization that is recognized worldwide. 

This course enables the students to get their undergraduate degree and at the same time get ready for ACCA accreditation. Most universities that have this course open to students also provide a concession to learners in ACCA paper that is part of the curriculum, hence, they are allowed to skip 9 of the 13 ACCA examinations. 

Key Features of BCom with ACCA: 

• Duration: 3 years (with ACCA papers integrated) 

• Focus: Commerce subjects + global accounting, audit, ethics, and financial reporting standards 

• Curriculum: Aligns with ACCA modules like Financial Reporting, Audit & Assurance, and Strategic Business Reporting 

• Eligibility: 10+2 with commerce or relevant stream 

• Outcome: Global job opportunities in accounting, finance, consulting, and audit firms 

Regular BCom vs BCom with ACCA 

Feature	Regular BCom	BCom with ACCA (Integrated)
Duration	3 years	3 years
Recognition	National (India)	Global (ACCA) + National (UGC-recognized)
Curriculum Focus	General commerce subjects	Commerce + ACCA-aligned professional content
Certifications Earned	Bachelor’s degree	Bachelor’s degree + ACCA exemptions
Exemptions from ACCA	None	Up to 9 papers
Industry Relevance	Suitable for local and public sector jobs	Ideal for MNCs, Big Four, and global roles
Cost	Lower overall fee	Slightly higher but includes professional training
Career Opportunities	Accounting Assistant, Tax Executive	Financial Analyst, Auditor, Management Consultant
Higher Education Pathways	MBA, MCom, CA	MBA, MCom, ACCA Final Stages, CPA, CFA
Global Mobility	Limited	High

Why Consider BCom with ACCA? 

Let’s explore a few points why learners should consider a BCom with ACCA

1. Dual Advantage 

You get a BCom degree and the ACCA exemptions – which means you still have the same number of hours, but you are not required to take some ACCA exams, thereby saving you money and time in the future. You complete both academic and professional training within 3 years. 

2. Global Opportunities 

ACCA is recognized by more than 180 countries. If you want to work in the UK, UAE, Singapore, or Canada, an ACCA certificate will be your passport to work everywhere. 

3. Increased Employability 

Employers prefer candidates who have practical business skills and globally accepted credentials. BCom (ACCA) graduates are job-ready and often command higher starting salaries. 

4. Time and Cost Efficient 

A student completing BCom and then ACCA separately may take 4–6 years and pay much more in addition to this. The integrated route not only saves time and money but also ensures a smoother transition. 

5. Big Four Opportunities 

The Big Four accounting firms — Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG — are known to be the most prominent users of ACCA-qualified professionals for their auditing, consulting, and finance strategy departments. 

Career Outcomes: Regular BCom vs BCom (ACCA) 

Here are a few details on the roles and industries that vary with the BCom program with ACCA and without ACCA. 

Aspect	Regular BCom	BCom with ACCA
Common Job Roles	Accountant, Tax Assistant, Sales Analyst, Bank Executive, Junior Analyst	Chartered Certified Accountant, Financial Analyst, Auditor, Tax Consultant, Risk Manager
Advanced Career Roles	Cost Accountant, Finance Executive, Business Development Associate	Financial Controller, Compliance Manager, Internal Auditor, CFO (with experience)
Industries Hiring	Banking, Retail, FMCG, Insurance, BPOs, Government sectors	Big Four Accounting Firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG), Investment Banking, Consulting, MNCs
Entry Points	Entry-level finance or back-office roles	Mid-to-senior level finance roles depending on ACCA exam progress
Global Opportunities	Limited – mostly domestic market-focused	Extensive – recognized in 180+ countries across UK, UAE, Singapore, Canada, etc.
Startups/Entrepreneurship	Basic financial roles or general business support	Advisory roles, financial planning, and international consulting
Public Sector	Clerical and junior finance roles	International finance, audit, and compliance roles in global NGOs and agencies

Higher Education Opportunities 

Both BCom and BCom with ACCA graduates can pursue postgraduate studies. However, ACCA-qualified candidates have the added advantage of international certifications that are often accepted in master’s programs abroad. 

Program	Regular BCom Eligible	BCom (ACCA) Eligible
MCom	✅	✅
MBA (Finance)	✅	✅
ACCA Final Level	❌ (start from scratch)	✅ (only 4 papers left)
CPA (US)	✅ (additional credits)	✅
CFA	✅	✅
MSc in Finance (UK/Europe)	✅	✅ (preferred)

Where to Study BCom (ACCA)? 

Many leading educational institutions now provide BCom integrated with ACCA.  Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) through Online Manipal offers Online BCom (Professional), that is aligned with ACCA curriculum, with utmost flexibility and accessibility.  

Online BCom (Professional) at Online Manipal – MAHE 

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), a NAAC A++ university, is enabling a fully online BCom (Professional) that is integrated with ACCA. The main features are: 

• Degree: BCom (Professional) UGC-entitled degree from Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) 

• Integration with ACCA: Curriculum aligned with the qualification of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) 

• Exemptions: Upto 9 ACCA paper exemptions (Applied Knowledge + Applied Skills levels) 

• 4 remaining papers: 4 Strategic Professional papers covered in the curriculum and training given for students with free study material. 

• Professional Network Access: Students are connected to a broad network of ACCA professionals, alumni, and industry experts, offering opportunities for mentorship, industry exposure, and peer collaboration. 

• Placement Support: MAHE provides students with career services support including resume writing assistance, mock interviews, employer connections, and access to job listings through industry platforms and institutional partnerships. 

• Career Readiness in India and Abroad: Graduates will get the opportunity to work in both domestic and international markets.  

This program is perfectly suited for students who want to quickly advance in their careers in global finance but at the same time do not want to lose their current commitments. 

Which One Should You Choose? 

Choose Regular BCom if: 

• You want a basic commerce degree with flexibility to explore diverse options later 

• You’re unsure about committing to a professional qualification right away 

• Budget is a concern and you’re looking for a cost-effective route 

Choose BCom with ACCA if: 

• You are focused on a career in accounting, finance, or consulting 

• You want international career opportunities 

• You want to save time by integrating your degree and professional training 

Final Thoughts 

Businesses are rapidly increasing their demand for professionals who not only have academic knowledge but also hold global certifications in the current world. BCom with ACCA undoubtedly makes a great impression. The latter provides a holistic approach to career readiness by fusing classroom theory with industry-relevant skills  

While Regular BCom is still valuable for foundational learning, the BCom (ACCA Integrated) program is undoubtedly an excellent option for those who want to confidently enter the finance world, gain credibility, and have global mobility.  

If you are a fresh 12th pass-out or you have the intention of having a career in accounting and finance for a long time, think about the future that you want and find the quickest and smartest way to get to your destination.