After GST was launched in 2017, the need for Chartered Accountants (CAs) increased in India. Because of this, many students started looking at professional courses like CA and ACCA to build a career in finance and accounting.
But Which Is Better CA Or ACCA?
Both courses are good and respected. CA is perfect for students who want to work in India, while ACCA is better for those who want to explore international job opportunities. Choosing the right one depends on what kind of career you want.
In this blog, we’ll compare CA and ACCA step by step — what these courses are, who can join, what subjects you’ll study, career options, and how much you can earn. This guide will help you choose the right path for your future.
What Is A CA Course?
CA full form is Chartered Accountancy, which is a 5-year professional course that provides knowledge in subjects like accounting, auditing, taxation, and finance. The CA course is among the most challenging courses to pursue in India. The course has three levels i.e., Foundation, Intermediate, and Final.
A Chartered Accountant is a globally recognised profession because of the expertise in financial management, tax planning, and compliance with financial regulations. The Chartered Accountant degree is awarded by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) once you have passed all the levels of this course.
What Is An ACCA Course?
The full form of the ACCA is the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. The ACCA course is a global accounting qualification that covers topics like accounting, auditing, tax, and financial management.
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) offers this course, and the degree is recognized in over 180 countries. It has three levels i.e., Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional. This flexible course allows you to study at your own pace while managing your personal life.
ACCA Vs CA: Overview
Particulars | CA | ACCA |
Full-Form | Chartered Accountant | Association of Chartered Certified Accountants |
Offered by | Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) | Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) |
Focus | Indian accounting, taxation, auditing, and financial laws | International accounting standards, finance, and management |
Recognition | Primarily in India | Recognized in over 180 countries worldwide |
Eligibility | Requires completing the Foundation, Intermediate, and Final levels | Open to students from various backgrounds; flexible entry requirements |
Duration | Generally 3-4 years (depending on pace and exams) | Flexible duration; typically 3-4 years, depending on exemptions |
Career Opportunities | Focus on roles in India (audit, tax consultancy, etc.) | Global opportunities in accounting, finance, auditing, and management |
Which Is Better CA Or ACCA?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — both CA and ACCA are excellent courses, but the better choice depends on your career goals.
If you want to work in India, then CA is a better choice. It helps you become an expert in Indian accounting, tax, and audit laws. CAs are in high demand in Indian companies, especially after GST was introduced.
If you want to work in foreign countries or big multinational companies (MNCs), then ACCA is a better option. ACCA is accepted in over 180 countries and teaches international accounting rules.
Eligibility Criteria Of CA Vs ACCA
Eligibility Criteria For CA
The CA course eligibility criteria, as per the levels, are as follows:
CA Course Levels | Eligibility Criteria |
Level 1: CA Foundation | The candidate must have cleared the 12th from a recognized board in India. |
A Commerce student needs a minimum of 50% marks. | |
A Non-commerce needs a minimum of 55% marks. | |
Level 2: CA Intermediate | The candidate must have cleared CA Foundation (unless direct entry). |
Graduate candidates in the commerce stream must have scored a minimum of 55% marks in their graduation degree. | |
Graduate candidates in the non-commerce stream must have scored at least 60% marks in their graduation degree. | |
Level 3: Articleship | Candidates must have completed one of the two groups of CA Intermediate. |
Must have undergone ICITSS training. | |
For direct entry, articleship starts with inter-registration. | |
Level 4: CA Final | Candidates must have cleared both groups of CA Intermediate. |
Students must have completed 2.5 years of practical training. |
Eligibility Criteria For ACCA
- Candidates must have obtained at least 50% in their 10+2 mark sheet.
- Additionally, candidates must obtain at least 65% in mathematics, English, and accountancy.
- If a candidate does not meet the above requirement, then he/she needs to pursue and finish the foundation in ACCA foundation diploma.
- Candidates must be 18 years old while applying for the exam.
CA Vs ACCA: Syllabus
Syllabus For CA Course
CA Foundation: |
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CA Intermediate: |
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CA Final: |
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Syllabus For ACCA Course
Fundamental Level: |
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Skills Level: |
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Strategic Professionals Level: |
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Career Opportunities And Salary After ACCA Vs CA Course
Career Opportunities After ACCA
Auditor: They work as an external or internal auditor in various sectors in India.
Tax Consultant: They offer tax consulting services, specializing in GST, income tax, and corporate tax in India.
Financial Analyst: They analyze financial data and provide reports to help companies make informed decisions.
Corporate Finance: They manage financial strategies for companies in India, focusing on budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
Investment Banking: They help companies to raise capital, issue stocks, and manage mergers and acquisitions.
Teaching and Academics: They teach future accountants, auditors, and financial experts in educational institutions.
Career Opportunities After ACCA
Financial Accountant: They manage financial records and prepare financial statements for companies worldwide.
Management Accountant: They help businesses plan, control, and manage their finances, working across various industries globally.
Tax Consultant: They provide tax consulting services, including international tax regulations and cross-border compliance.
Audit and Assurance: They provide audit and assurance services to ensure companies comply with global accounting standards.
Corporate Finance: They work in mergers, acquisitions, financial modelling, and strategic financial planning in a global context.
Risk Management: They identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks for businesses globally.
Consulting: They advise businesses on financial strategies, performance improvement, and global compliance.
ACCA Vs CA: Which One To Choose?
Choose CA if
- You want to work only in India.
- You are interested in auditing, taxation, and Indian financial regulations.
- You aim to know more about Indian accounting laws and practices.
- You are looking for a well-designed career path with clear stages
- You want a degree that is highly respected within the Indian market.
- You want to broaden your understanding of Indian laws, including GST, ITR, and other Indian tax systems.
Choose ACCA if
- You aim to work globally or with multinational companies.
- You want a flexible study schedule that allows for self-paced learning.
- You are interested in global accounting standards, financial management, and international taxation systems.
- You want to make a career in finance management, risk management, or corporate governance across borders.
- You are searching for a degree that is accepted globally.
- You want to develop your career through international job opportunities.
- You prefer a broader range of career paths, such as banking, corporate finance, and consulting.
Conclusion
As India grows as a strong market for Chartered Accountants, courses like CA and ACCA are getting more popular. Choosing between CA and ACCA depends on your career goals. If you want to work only in India, CA is the best choice. But if you want job opportunities abroad or with global companies, then ACCA is better.
Both courses teach almost the same subjects, but their focus is different. CA is made mainly for the Indian market, while ACCA is designed to meet global business needs. So, it’s important to think about your future plans before choosing between CA and ACCA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I do both CA and ACCA together?
Ans: Yes, many students pursue both courses to increase their career options. Some ACCA papers may be exempted if you have cleared parts of the CA course.
Q2: Which course is easier: CA or ACCA?
Q3: How long does it take to complete CA and ACCA?
Ans: CA usually takes around 4 to 5 years, including articleship. ACCA can be completed in 3 to 4 years, depending on your exam schedule and exemptions.
Q4: Is ACCA recognized in India?
Ans: Yes, ACCA is recognized worldwide and also accepted by many Indian companies, especially multinational firms.
Q5: Can ACCA students work in India?
Ans: Yes, ACCA members can work in India, mainly in multinational companies and firms that follow international accounting standards.
