Gone are the days where you could flaunt that you are a graduate in commerce, throwing away your caps up. Welcome, the days of change, where you need to critically evaluate your standing as per the industry. One such option is to do Bcom with ACCA. In this article I will analyse critically, on this suggested combination, also discuss how you can pursue it.
What is BCom with ACCA?
So, Bcom with ACCA can be understood in two ways
- Doing an integrated program, where ACCA is integrated in the Bcom curriculum itself
- Second is pursuing a plain Bcom but independently pursuing the ACCA exams.
If you are not aware of the basic details of ACCA, then you visit my detailed article on the ACCA program(This article covers the detailed information)
Benefits Of ACCA with Bcom
Firstly let me explore the benefits of the integrated ACCA program.
- You get exemptions to the first 9 papers of ACCA
The first 9 papers would mean, the entire knowledge level and skill level papers. Which means you would directly after your graduation, pursue the strategic level.
- The Bcom Syllabus Itself Becomes the Main Course
If done right, then this would mean that you aren’t pursuing a sub standard Bcom degree. And your Bcom itself is now an updated version with a Globally recognized professional qualification.
Exemptions Fast Track: What it Really Means
So basically I have tried to explain using the following infographics on what is bcom with acca and which acca subjects are finally exempted and how.
Plain Bcom Vs Integrated Bcom : Are the exemptions Real?
Very self explanatory, you get 4 extra exemptions but there is a catch.And this is very important to note.
- As a bcom student who gets these 5 exemptions- you never write this exams ever
- Whereas the integrated program students still has to write all the 9 papers in their college exams.
Example Integrated Syllabus Program
Now I can’t name this college but this is what integration means. Which means you still write these exams in your semester exams. For example the PM subject in ACCA skill level, is covered in advance management accounting in the bcom semesters.
Cons with Bcom with ACCA Program
Now, remember the take away of doing the integrated ACCA program was the exemptions. In fact most of the colleges would promote this as a fast track to ACCA qualification.
- You commit to an Accounting Career
This can be a frustrating experience to those who realise within a year, that accounting is not their interest. In fact there is a high chance of that happening, because barely few know for sure that accounting career is what they want.
Just on a side note; also think why CA program in India has such a low pass rate? Mostly because the majority of candidates are choosing it right after class XII. I personally had very less conviction on anything after class XII.
- Expensive
Bcom with ACCA can be an expensive deal, since these are mostly run by autonomous , deemed universities which have the liberty to charge. On an average Bcom with ACCA costs about 4-5 Lacs. Whereas a normal bcom costs about INR 20,000 to 1 Lac.
- Sub Standard ACCA Trainers
ACCA training requires industry trainers with experience, it’s rare that I have seen most of the colleges offering this package doing well here. Which later affects their preparation for strategic level.
Opinions by Students
I also got some time to get some personal feedbacks from students who have actually done these programs and wanted their take on it. Here is what I found;
Rahul Mehta (Integrated ACCA Program Graduate)
“The integrated ACCA program was convenient, but I felt it left little room for exploration. . It felt like I was locked into a single path, which might not work for someone who wants to explore areas outside of accounting and finance. Additionally, the cost for some integrated programs seemed higher than pursuing a regular BCom and ACCA separately.”
Priya Nair (Independent ACCA Candidate)
The pace is pre-decided, and if you want to slow down or take a break, it’s not easy. . As an independent ACCA candidate, I’ve had the chance to work while studying, which has been more beneficial in developing my career than being tied to an academic setting for three years.”
Rhea Kapoor (Integrated ACCA Program Graduate)
“One issue I faced with the integrated program was the limited focus on real-world applications. Some of my peers who pursued ACCA independently had gained work experience alongside, which gave them a competitive edge in interviews.”
Summary of Issues with Integrated Programs
If I have to critically analyse and summarise the real issues of ACCA with Bcom integrated programs, then I would say the following;
1. Limited Flexibility: The rigid curriculum and timeline leave little room for exploration or breaks.
2. Cost Concerns: Some integrated programs are more expensive than pursuing ACCA independently.
3. Practical Knowledge Gaps: Real-world applications and internships may be limited, making it harder to stand out in competitive job markets.
4. Placement Challenges: Integrated programs may not always deliver on their placement promises compared to candidates with work experience.
5. Quality Issues: Not all institutions offering integrated ACCA programs maintain the quality of teaching required for ACCA’s professional standards.
Cost Comparison Integrated ACCA program Vs Independent ACCA
So, I did some digging to find out if the ACCA integrated program has any cost benefit to the students.
Of course, it should be very obvious that you are paying pretty higher fees for the same benefits.
Mentor Me Careers ACCA Training Features
.
So, at this point if you feel that a parallel ACCA Preparation makes more sense, then I would like to highlight some of the features of our training approach.
- Not Just Training but Knowledge and Skills
We focus on developing the candidate with industry ready skills along with ACCA exams.
- Placements & Interview Preparation
Let’s face it, post completion of this course, you target to work with companies. This won’t happen automatically but a dedicated approach is needed.
Check our ACCA preparatory program for more details.
Bcom with ACCA colleges in India
Let me now list out bachelor of commerce(B.com with acca program) offered by various colleges in india.
ACCA integrated Bcom colleges in India– Exhaustive List with Fees
BCom with Integrated ACCA Programs in India
| College/University | Location | Fees (Per Year) | Total Fees (3 Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kristu Jayanti College | Bangalore | ₹80,000 | ₹2,40,000 |
| Chandigarh University | Punjab | ₹2,50,000 | ₹7,50,000 |
| St. Joseph’s College of Commerce | Bangalore | ₹1,35,000 | ₹4,05,000 |
| Jain University | Bangalore | ₹1,65,000 | ₹4,95,000 |
| Global Centre for Entrepreneurship and Commerce (GCEC) | Jaipur | ₹1,09,000 | ₹3,27,000 |
| Yenepoya University | Mangalore | ₹95,000 | ₹2,85,000 |
| Srinivas University | Mangalore | ₹80,000 | ₹2,40,000 |
| Indus University | Ahmedabad | ₹45,000 | ₹1,35,000 |
| ISBR College | Bangalore | ₹3,00,000 | ₹9,00,000 |
| St. Teresa’s College | Ernakulam | ₹80,000 | ₹2,40,000 |
| Vidya Bharathi Group of Institutions | Cochin | ₹80,000 | ₹2,40,000 |
| Christ College | Pune | ₹3,00,000 | ₹9,00,000 |
| Bishop Heber College | Tiruchirappalli | ₹79,000 | ₹2,37,000 |
| Dayananda Sagar University | Bangalore | ₹1,25,000 | ₹3,75,000 |
Conclusion
In my opinion (Unbiased), Integrated program BCOM with acca can make sense to those who are pre destined for accepting. But can be a trap, for those who are not sure, because you can’t change it later. Plus with the cost premium of 3 lacs, with no real benefit, apart from the illusion of exemptions, I wouldn’t recommend it.
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