For ACCA students in India, understanding the examination schedule and results timeline is essential for effective study planning and career progression. This article provides a comprehensive overview of when ACCA exams are conducted in India, how results are released, and strategies for optimising your examination journey.

ACCA Examination Structure in India

The ACCA qualification comprises different examination formats depending on the paper level:

Computer-Based Exams (CBEs)

Applied Knowledge Level

• Business and Technology (BT)
• Management Accounting (MA)
• Financial Accounting (FA)

These foundational papers are available year-round as on-demand computer-based exams at authorised CBE centres across India.

Session-Based Exams

Applied Skills Level

• Corporate and Business Law (LW)
• Performance Management (PM)
• Taxation (TX)
• Financial Reporting (FR)
• Audit and Assurance (AA)
• Financial Management (FM)

Strategic Professional Level

• Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
• Strategic Business Reporting (SBR)
• Optional Papers (AAA, AFM, APM, ATX)

These advanced papers are offered in four annual examination sessions with fixed dates.

Annual Examination Sessions

ACCA conducts four examination sessions each year:

March Session

• Exam dates: Typically first two weeks of March
• Registration deadlines:
  • Standard entry: Mid-January
  • Late entry: Early February

June Session

• Exam dates: Usually first two weeks of June
• Registration deadlines:
  • Standard entry: Mid-April
  • Late entry: Early May

September Session

• Exam dates: First two weeks of September
• Registration deadlines:
  • Standard entry: Mid-July
  • Late entry: Early August

December Session

• Exam dates: First two weeks of December
• Registration deadlines:
  • Standard entry: Mid-October
  • Late entry: Early November

Exact dates vary slightly each year, so always verify current schedules through MyACCA or the official ACCA website.

Examination Centres in India

CBE Locations

On-demand computer-based exams for Applied Knowledge papers are available at numerous authorised centres across India, including:

• Delhi-NCR Region
• Mumbai
• Bangalore
• Chennai
• Hyderabad
• Kolkata
• Pune
• Ahmedabad
• Kochi
• Jaipur
• Chandigarh

Session-Based Exam Locations

Applied Skills and Strategic Professional examinations are conducted at designated centres in major cities:

• Delhi
• Mumbai
• Bangalore
• Chennai
• Hyderabad
• Kolkata
• Pune
• Ahmedabad

The specific venues may change between sessions, so carefully check your examination docket for precise location details.

Results Release Timeline

Understanding when ACCA results are released helps manage expectations and plan next steps:

Applied Knowledge CBEs

• Results for on-demand CBEs are typically available immediately upon completion
• For certain papers or testing windows, results might be subject to additional verification, taking up to 72 hours

Applied Skills and Strategic Professional

Results for session-based examinations follow a consistent timeline:

• March exams: Results released in mid-April
• June exams: Results released in mid-July
• September exams: Results released in mid-October
• December exams: Results released in mid-January

Results Release Time in India

When ACCA results are released in India:

• Results are typically published at 12:00 GMT
• This translates to 17:30 IST (5:30 PM Indian Standard Time)
• Exact timing may vary slightly between sessions

Accessing Your ACCA Exam Results

Results can be accessed through multiple channels:

Primary Methods

• MyACCA Portal: Log in to check comprehensive results
• Email Notification: Registered email receives results alert
• SMS Alert: If you’ve registered for this service

Secondary Methods

• ACCA Results Service website (temporary access)
• ACCA Connect phone service (for verification if needed)

Strategic Exam Planning for Indian Students

Optimal Paper Combinations

Consider these factors when scheduling multiple papers:

• Balance computational papers with conceptual ones
• Avoid combining papers with overlapping exam dates
• Consider prerequisite knowledge between related papers
• Factor in your work and personal commitments

Weather and Seasonal Considerations

India’s diverse climate affects examination planning:

• June session coincides with extreme summer heat in many regions
• September session may overlap with monsoon in certain areas
• December session offers comfortable climate in most regions
• March session generally provides favourable conditions nationwide

Professional Calendar Alignment

Align examination scheduling with:

• Financial year-end commitments for working professionals
• Academic calendars for full-time students
• Peak work periods in your industry
• Holiday seasons and personal commitments

Post-Results Action Plan

For Successful Papers

After passing results:

• Update your CV promptly
• Record achievement in your professional development log
• Plan for the next paper in your progression
• Consider practical experience requirements alongside academic progress

For Unsuccessful Attempts

If results don’t meet expectations:

• Request exam feedback reports where available
• Analyse performance to identify knowledge gaps
• Consider changing study methods or providers
• Register for the next available session while knowledge is fresh
• Explore additional support resources

Practical Tips for Indian ACCA Students

Examination Day Readiness

Prepare for smooth exam experiences:

• Verify exam centre location in advance
• Conduct a trial run to the venue if unfamiliar
• Check required documentation (admission card, ID)
• Prepare permitted items (calculator, stationery)
• Allow extra travel time for traffic in metropolitan areas

Results Day Management

Approach results day strategically:

• Keep login credentials readily available
• Prepare alternative internet access in case of connectivity issues
• Have ACCA Connect contact information accessible
• Schedule time to process results and plan next steps
• Connect with your study mentor for guidance if needed

Conclusion: Mastering the ACCA Examination Cycle

Understanding the ACCA exam schedule and results timeline in India allows students to navigate their qualification journey with confidence and strategic planning. By aligning study plans with examination windows, preparing effectively for results announcements, and taking prompt action based on outcomes, Indian ACCA students can optimise their progression through this prestigious global qualification.

Remember that successful ACCA qualification requires not just examination success but also completion of practical experience requirements and the Ethics and Professional Skills module. Integrating these components into your overall planning, alongside strategic examination scheduling, creates a comprehensive pathway to becoming a qualified ACCA professional in India’s competitive finance landscape.