When 10th class students finish their board exams, they face a challenge in deciding their career. One of the biggest questions they face is: “Which career should I choose next?” For those who are interested in finance, accounting and business, the ACCA course (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) often comes up as a popular choice.
But there is a common doubt that they face. “Can you do ACCA after 10th?” The short answer is- You can not directly register for ACCA qualification right after 10th. But don’t worry! There are alternative routes that can help you start early and smoothly transition into ACCA after your school years. Let’s see the eligibility criteria, pathways, ACCA course details and of course, how you can do ACCA after class 10th.
What is ACCA?
ACCA stands for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. It is a globally recognised professional qualification in accounting and finance. The ACCA body is headquartered in the UK and it is respected in more than 180 countries. This makes it one of the most prestigious qualifications for aspiring finance professionals.
Students who successfully complete the ACCA course gain the skills that are necessary. Skills required in Big 4 firms, multinational corporations, investment banking, consulting, and even senior finance leadership positions.
Can you do ACCA after 10th?
The ACCA body has set the minimum entry requirements for students. To register for the qualification, you need to-
- 12th passed (10+2) with at least 65% marks in accounts/ mathematics and English.
- At least 50% marks in other subjects.
This means that you can directly start the ACCA course right after 10th but you will have to take a separate route.
And here is the good news: If you just passed class 10th, you can start preparing early by choosing the right stream and subjects. Commerce with accountancy and mathematics is the most recommended stream for ACCA aspirants.
Pathway to ACCA after 10th
While you can not directly enrol in ACCA course after 10th through normal route, you still can! You can explore FIA. FIA or Foundations in Accountancy route is for students who have not completed 12th or dont meet any entry criteria. After finishing FIA, you can start from the main ACCA qualification. Register for the ACCA FIA program right after passing 10th. Appear for FIA exams in class 11th and 12th. After clearing the FIA exams, move to ACCA qualification papers like Applied Knowledge or above. So, once FIA is done, follow the normal ACCA route.
ACCA Course details
Here are the key ACCA course details you should know-
- Eligibility: 10+2 with required marks. If students do not meet eligibility requirements, they can also enter through FIA.
- Duration: Typically 2 to 3 years. It depends on your exemptions and pace. But if you have just passed 10th and started ACCA through FIA route, you might take 3 to 4 years. So, by the time your college mates will be graduating, you might already be an ACCA member.
- Levels: Applied Knowledge- 3 papers, Applied Skills- 6 papers and Strategic Professional- 4 papers
- Total Papers: 13 papers but some students can also get exemptions if they have prior qualifications like Bcom, BBA, MBA or CA Inter.
- Flexibility: The flexibility of exam sessions makes ACCA one of the most student-friendly global qualifications. The exams are conducted 4 times per year.
Career Opportunities after ACCA
Once you become an ACCA member, several opportunities will open up for you. Career roles include-
- Financial Analyst
- Auditor
- Tax Consultant
- Corporate Finance Manager
- Business Analyst
- Risk and Compliance Specialist
- CFO/ Finance Director
Conclusion
So, can you do ACCA after 10th? Absolutely! You can enrol for ACCA through the FIA route. By choosing commerce after 10th and strengthening your basics, you can set yourself up for success. Once you clear 10th, you can get into the ACCA course and work towards a globally recognised career in finance and accounting through FIA. The US CPA course is also an option if you want to further add to your skills after ACCA.
If you have just completed 10th and you are interested in finance, this is the right time to plan your career. Your ACCA dream is not far away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I start ACCA after Class 10th?
Yes! You can start ACCA after Class 10th by enrolling through the Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) route.
- What is the FIA route?
The Foundations in Accountancy route gives a structured and progressive entry into accounting for which no former qualifications are needed.
- What is the benefit of doing ACCA after 10th?
Pursuing ACCA after class 10th can give you early entry into accounting and finance. It will help you to build the foundational knowledge and skills through the FIA route. It will also give you the chance to pursue a highly recognised professional qualification in advance.
- How can I apply for ACCA after the 10th?
- Enrol in the FIA route
- Register with ACCA
- Pass the exams
- Gain Practical experience requirement
- Apply for ACCA membership