CA vs ACCA, the two most sought and reputed course in Nepal amongst the science and management stream students. But which one is must suitable one for the Nepalese students? ACCA or CA? Which one is tough in terms of flexibility and durability? And is it better to pursue in Nepal or other countries meeting the international standards?
The aforesaid question might be bothering you and slacking you, as you are responsible to pick the best career option. Let’s find the best career option by understanding them individual in terms of course duration, flexibility and eligibility.
What is ACCA?
ACCA refers to Association of Certified Chartered Accountants, a globally recognized course in more than 180 plus countries. ACCA is the world’s largest accounting association established in 1904, at London.
The association holds more than 4,00,000 plus students and members throughout the world and mainly focuses on the Finance and Accounting with an in-depth knowledge in GAAP, IFRS, and UK bases laws.
The course is highly recognized in the whole of Europe, Australia, Canada and many other countries. ACCA member don’t have to give any license exam to work in particular country.
What is CA?
CA refers to Chartered Accountancy. Students of Nepal has the option to study in Nepal board (ICAN) or Indian board (ICAI). It is one of the toughest courses with very few pass percent. One can pursue the qualification after completion of plus 2. However, after completion of CA exam, to work globally one needs to appear for the respective countries license exam.
Even in Nepal, CA from ICAI board needs to give membership exam, which is conducted by ICAN and must work as trainee for a year with a registered Chartered Accountancy firm in Nepal.
To further clarify the ACCA, CA (ICAI & ICAN) courses, we have made a short differences and similarities of the course.
| Details | ACCA | ICAI | ICAN |
| Is it a degree? Or an Under-graduate program? | No. It’s a professional course | No. It’s a professional course | No. It’s a professional course |
| Which country-based course is it? | UK | India | Nepal |
| Who is the governing body of this course? | Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) Global | Institute of Chartered Accountants India (ICAI) | Institute of Chartered Accountants Nepal (ICAN) |
| Any under-graduate degree associated with it? | Yes, one can get a BSc. Degree in Accounting awarded by Oxford Brookes University during the ACCA tenure. | No degree is associated with it. However, students can enroll in BBS, B.com programs simultaneously. | No degree is associated with it. However, students can enroll in BBS, BBA programs simultaneously. |
| Total number of papers one needs to appear for? | 13 papers (Skill level, Knowledge level & Professional level) | 18 papers (Foundation, Intermediate & Final level) | 18 papers (CAP I, CAP II &CAP III) |
| Total number of exam session in a year? | 4 exam session in a year. (March, June, September & December) | 2 exam session in a year. (May/Nov) & (January/December) | 2 exam session in a year. June & December |
| Do we need aggregate in each subject? | No. Passing marks for each paper is 50. | Yes. To clear single or whole group (Intermediate/Final) one needs to score an aggregate of 50%) | Yes. To clear single or whole group (Intermediate/Final) one needs to score an aggregate of 50%) |
| Do we need to appear for any pre-test to qualify for final examination? | No | No | Yes. To appear for final examinations, one needs to pass in Hall Test taken by ICAN. |
| Are there any paper exemptions? | Yes (for graduates & above) | Yes (only for graduates & above) | Yes (only for graduates & above) |
| Do we have any Industrial training? And is it mandatory? | Yes, 3 years of practical training is mandatory. | Yes, 3 years of internship is mandatory. | Yes, 3 years of internship is mandatory. |
By now you might have gain clarity in ACCA and CA course in Nepal. Both the courses have equal number of pros and cons. Both the courses respectively recognized. Students who want to study both can sit for both examinations. Even after completing ACCA course in Nepal, student can appear for ICAI or ICAN based CA exams.
NCA College is the top ACCA college in Nepal. The college is serving as ACCA educational platform since 2004. ACCA pass out students of NCA College of Management has managed to grab higher financial position in both Nepalese and Global market. For more queries related to ACCA studies, you can call us at 01-4479474!
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