For aspiring finance professionals, understanding the ACCA eligibility criteria is the first step towards a globally recognised qualification. Whether you’ve just completed your 12th grade or are a working professional planning a career switch, ACCA offers a structured and inclusive path into the world of accountancy.
This blog will guide you to the actual ACCA qualification criteria or minimum qualification for ACCA that is required, or eligibility for ACCA after the 12th.
By 2025, career change is increasing, and employers globally are experiencing retention issues, but the ACCA qualification provides a rock-solid platform for those who want mobility, credibility, and global exposure. Global Talent Trends, a PrimeGlobal report, indicates that 62% of professionals anticipate a job change within two years. No surprise, therefore, that ACCA-certified professionals are sought after.
What is ACCA, and why is it in demand?
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a globally acclaimed accountancy organisation with more than 240,000 members in 180 countries. The qualification is available not only for freshers but also for working professionals, and that gives students a career advantage in finance, accounting, and strategic management careers.
One of the best aspects of ACCA is that it is flexible in entry paths as well as learning modes.
ACCA Eligibility Criteria 2025 – An Overview
If you are curious about who can choose ACCA, here is a brief overview of the minimum eligibility criteria for ACCA in 2025:
| Qualification Level | Eligibility Criteria |
| After 12th (Commerce/Science) | Minimum 65% in Accounts/Maths and English, and 50% in other subjects |
| Graduates (Any Stream) | Bachelor’s degree from a well-known university |
| Non-Commerce Background | May have to start with ACCA Foundation in Accountancy (FIA) |
| Professionals with Experience | Can be eligible for exemptions based on valid work experience or qualifications |
ACCA Eligibility After 12th – A Hot Favourite
The majority of Indian students now begin their ACCA career right after Class 12th, more so the commerce students. Science students also qualify if they gain the required marks.
The following is what you need:
- Minimum 65% marks in Accounts or Maths, and English
- Minimum 50% in the rest of the subjects
A sound interest in finance and accounts (not essential but very useful!)
ACCA Graduating Student Requirements
Graduating students from any stream are eligible to become a member of ACCA, but only graduating students of commerce with the subjects accounting, finance, or economics can take some exemptions of the papers.
Students who hold degrees from approved colleges or possess professional certificates, such as CA Inter or CMA, can also opt for paper exemptions and accelerate their ACCA career.
What If You Don’t Meet the ACCA Course Eligibility?
Don’t worry. ACCA has the Foundation in Accountancy (FIA) pathway, a bridging course for:
- Students who did not fare well enough in their 12th board exams
- Students with a non-commerce stream
- Working professionals from another profession
Once you finish, you can go on to the final ACCA qualification with confidence.
Other ACCA Course Requirements to Keep in Mind
Language Proficiency
Exams for ACCA are conducted in English, and therefore students must be comfortable with the language—i.e., reading and writing.
Age Criteria
There is no upper age limit mentioned, but students must be above 18 years of age to register.
Exemption Policy
Depending on your educational and career development background, you can gain a maximum of 9 exemptions from the 13 papers.
Find your exemptions information online on the ACCA website:
Why Passing the ACCA Eligibility Criteria is Only the Beginning
Passing the ACCA eligibility criteria is step one. What really gets your career underway is:
- Staying focused on all 13 papers
- Choosing the right study buddy
- Forcing yourself to get practical experience
And like global companies, multi-skilled as they are, many ACCA students today are also adding data analytics, financial modelling, and ESG reporting certifications to their CVs.
Industry Attitudes at a Glance
According to the 2025 ACCA Global Talent Trends, 58% of professionals at work wish for their next role to be in a different organisation. This demonstrates high employability, mobility, and a high demand for future-proof qualifications, such as ACCA, which have international recognition.
Benefits of Satisfying ACCA Entry Requirements
- High Salaries – Especially in multinational organisations and Big 4s
- Global Recognition – Career prospects in over 180 countries
- Flexible Learning – Study while you work, at your own pace
- Prior Learning Exemptions – You can finish earlier if you qualify
Webinar: Kickstart your Membership Journey
FAQs ACCA Eligibility 2025
1. What is the lowest criterion for ACCA in India?
The student should have passed Class 12 with 65% in English and Maths/Accounts, and 50% in others.
2. Can one apply from a non-commerce course to pursue ACCA?
Yes, they may have to start with the FIA path if they do not possess basic accounting data.
3. Can I apply for ACCA at any age?
There is no upper age limit, but an individual must be at least 18 years old.
4. Can I study ACCA while pursuing my degree?
Yes. Indian students usually finish ACCA while graduating.
5. Can CA or CMA students get exemptions?
Yes. CMA or CA Inter cleared candidates can obtain exemptions up to 9 papers.
6. Do I need work experience to start ACCA?
No. But you need 36 months of work experience in the relevant field to get the final ACCA membership.
7. What if I am not eligible after passing 12th?
You can appear for the exam called Foundation in Accountancy (FIA) and then convert to ACCA.
8. Are working professionals eligible for ACCA? Yes.
Yes, working professionals also pursue ACCA for career switching or promotion.
9. Do I have to sit for IELTS or TOEFL for ACCA?
No. But take care of English since all papers are in English.
10. Where do I find official eligibility information?
Visit the official ACCA website: https://www.accaglobal.com
Conclusion: Ready to Start Your ACCA Journey
The ACCA qualification requirements for 2025 are again inclusive and available to everyone, making them most suitable for students and working professionals who want to pursue a career in international finance. New to school or a seasoned pro, there’s an entry route that’s most appropriate for you.
Key Takeaways
- Start after 12th or graduation – Different entry routes based on where you’re from.
- Offer exemptions to speed up progress – Commerce graduates and professionals can forego specific papers.
- FIA is a solid base – Good option if you are not already meeting against the eligibility requirements.
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