The Full 2026 ACCA Exam Calendar at a Glance
ACCA runs four exam sessions every year — March, June, September, and December. In 2026, these sessions fall on specific weeks that you need to mark on your calendar immediately. Unlike Indian university exams that happen once a year, ACCA's quarterly system gives you flexibility — but only if you plan ahead.
According to ACCA Global's official exam calendar, the 2026 sessions are scheduled as follows: March (2–6 March), June (1–5 June), September (7–11 September), and December (1–5 December). Each session runs from Monday to Friday, with different papers scheduled on different days to prevent clashes.
Here's the complete summary table for 2026:
| Session | Exam Dates | Standard Entry Deadline | Late Entry Deadline | Results Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 2026 | 2–6 March 2026 | 27 January 2026 | 3 February 2026 | 21 April 2026 |
| June 2026 | 1–5 June 2026 | 16 April 2026 | None (removed) | 13 July 2026 |
| September 2026 | 7–11 September 2026 | 16 July 2026 | 3 August 2026 | 19 October 2026 |
| December 2026 | 1–5 December 2026 | 3 November 2026 | 10 November 2026 | 19 January 2027 |
Critical change for 2026: ACCA has removed the late entry window for the June 2026 session entirely. According to First Intuition's ACCA dates guide, "There is no late exam entry deadline for this June sitting. If this exam entry deadline is missed, you will need to defer to the September sitting." This makes June 2026 the riskiest session to miss — there is no safety net.
"Every year, some of our students miss the standard entry deadline and pay extra per paper in late fees. We now send calendar reminders 12 weeks before each deadline — because ACCA doesn't negotiate on late entry." — Faculty, Prepper Gurukul
March 2026 Session
The March session kicks off the ACCA year. Exams run from 2–6 March 2026. This session is popular among students who prepared during the winter break and want to clear papers before the new financial year begins in April.
The standard entry deadline for March 2026 is 27 January 2026 — roughly 5 weeks before the first exam. The late entry deadline is 3 February 2026, but late entry fees add approximately £20–£30 per paper (₹2,000–₹3,000), which adds up quickly if you're sitting multiple papers.
Results for the March 2026 session release on 21 April 2026. This gives you roughly 6 weeks to register for the June session if you need to retake any papers.
Who should target March 2026? Students who completed their revision during December–January, those retaking papers from the December 2025 session, and final-year BCom students looking to clear Skills-level papers before placements begin.
June 2026 Session
The June session runs from 1–5 June 2026. This is historically the most popular session among Indian students because it falls after university exams conclude in April–May. BCom and CA-inter students often use the gap between their college exams and June ACCA to prepare intensively.
The standard entry deadline is 16 April 2026. But here's what makes June 2026 different: there is no late entry window. ACCA has removed late entries for this sitting entirely. Miss 16 April, and you wait until September.
This change was announced on ACCA Global's official exam entry page and caught many students off-guard. The rationale is to streamline exam administration, but the practical impact is stark — you must plan your June entries months in advance.
Results release on 13 July 2026. If you pass, you have until mid-July to book September session papers. If you fail, the September session gives you a quick retake opportunity just 8 weeks later.
September 2026 Session
The September session runs from 7–11 September 2026. This session is increasingly popular among working professionals who use the monsoon months (July–August) to study while work slows down.
The standard entry deadline is 16 July 2026, with late entry available until 3 August 2026. Unlike June, September still offers a late window — but the fees are steep. Late entry for a Strategic Professional paper costs approximately £50 more than standard entry.
Results release on 19 October 2026. This is strategically important because passing in September means you can attempt December papers with just 6 weeks to prepare — tight, but doable for retakes or single-paper attempts.
December 2026 Session
The December session runs from 1–5 December 2026. This is the last chance to clear papers in 2026, and many students target it to finish their qualification before the calendar year ends.
The standard entry deadline is 3 November 2026, with late entry until 10 November 2026. Results release on 19 January 2027 — giving you clarity on your qualification status before the new academic year begins.
Strategic note: December is ideal for students who want to use the October–November period (post-Diwali) for focused preparation. Many Indian students find this session productive because work commitments ease during festival season in many organizations.
Understanding Registration Deadlines (Standard vs Late Entry)
ACCA operates two entry tiers: standard and late. The difference isn't just timing — it's money.
Standard Entry
Standard entry is the regular booking window. You pay the base exam fee, get your preferred exam centre (subject to availability), and have peace of mind. Standard entry typically closes 5–7 weeks before the exam session begins.
Late Entry
Late entry opens immediately after standard entry closes and typically runs for 1–2 weeks. The fees are significantly higher. For Applied Skills papers, late entry adds roughly £20–£25 per paper. For Strategic Professional papers, the premium is £30–£40 per paper.
In Indian rupees, sitting 4 papers with late entry can cost you an additional ₹10,000–₹15,000 — money that could have paid for a month of quality coaching.
| Entry Type | Applied Skills (₹) | Strategic Professional (₹) | Applied Knowledge CBE (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Entry | ~12,000–13,500 | ~16,000–18,000 | ~7,000–8,500 |
| Late Entry | ~14,500–16,000 | ~19,500–22,000 | ~9,000–10,500 |
Note: Fees are approximate conversions from GBP to INR at ₹105/£. Check ACCA Global for exact rates.
CBE vs Paper-Based Exams: What Changed in 2026?
ACCA's exam delivery model has shifted almost entirely to computer-based exams (CBEs). Understanding which format applies to which paper is essential for booking the right exam type.
On-Demand CBEs (Applied Knowledge Level)
The four Applied Knowledge papers — BT (Business & Technology), MA (Management Accounting), FA (Financial Accounting), and LW (Corporate & Business Law) — are on-demand CBEs. This means you can book and sit these exams on any business day throughout the year at an authorised CBE centre.
You don't need to wait for the quarterly sessions. Book through your myACCA account, select a CBE centre near you, and choose a date that works for your preparation schedule. Results for on-demand CBEs are typically available within 72 hours — sometimes within 24 hours.
Session CBEs (Applied Skills & Strategic Professional)
All Applied Skills papers (PM, TX, FR, AA, FM) and all Strategic Professional papers (SBL, SBR, AFM, APM, ATX, AAA) are session CBEs. These are only available during the four exam sittings (March, June, September, December) and must be booked by the entry deadlines.
Session CBEs use ACCA's exam software with built-in spreadsheet tools, word processors, and professional scenario displays. The exam experience is designed to mirror real-world professional tasks — you're not just answering questions, you're demonstrating professional competence.
Key takeaway: Only Applied Knowledge papers can be taken on-demand. All other papers require session booking. Don't try to book PM or FR as an on-demand CBE — it won't work.
How to Book Your ACCA Exam: Step-by-Step Guide
Booking your ACCA exam is straightforward if you follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Log in to myACCA
Visit accaglobal.com and log in to your myACCA account. If you haven't registered with ACCA yet, you'll need to complete the student registration first (which takes 2–3 weeks for document verification).
Step 2: Navigate to Exam Entry
In your myACCA dashboard, click on "Exam Entry" or "Book an Exam." You'll see a list of available sessions. Select the session you want to book (March, June, September, or December).
Step 3: Select Your Papers
Choose the papers you want to attempt in that session. Remember the 4-papers-per-session limit. The system will show you which papers you're eligible to attempt based on your progress and any exemptions.
Step 4: Choose Exam Centre or Remote Invigilation
Select your preferred exam centre from the list of ACCA-authorised centres. In India, centres are available in all major cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Nagpur, and Kolkata. Alternatively, select remote invigilation if you meet the technical requirements.
Step 5: Review and Pay
Review your selection, check the total fees, and proceed to payment. ACCA accepts credit/debit cards and some regional payment methods. Once payment is confirmed, you'll receive a booking confirmation email.
Step 6: Prepare for Exam Day
Download your exam docket 2 weeks before the exam. For remote invigilation, complete the mandatory system test 24–48 hours before your exam. Arrive at your centre 30 minutes early (or log in 15 minutes early for remote exams).
Paper-by-Paper Exam Timetable (All 2026 Sessions)
ACCA schedules papers across the week to avoid clashes. Here's how the Applied Skills and Strategic Professional papers are distributed in each 2026 session:
Applied Skills Level Papers
| Paper | March 2026 | June 2026 | September 2026 | December 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PM – Performance Management | Tue, 4 Mar | Wed, 3 Jun | Tue, 9 Sep | Wed, 3 Dec |
| TX – Taxation | Mon, 3 Mar | Tue, 2 Jun | Mon, 8 Sep | Tue, 2 Dec |
| FR – Financial Reporting | Wed, 5 Mar | Thu, 4 Jun | Wed, 10 Sep | Thu, 4 Dec |
| AA – Audit & Assurance | Mon, 3 Mar | Mon, 1 Jun | Mon, 8 Sep | Mon, 1 Dec |
| FM – Financial Management | Thu, 6 Mar | Fri, 5 Jun | Thu, 11 Sep | Fri, 5 Dec |
Strategic Professional Level Papers
| Paper | March 2026 | June 2026 | September 2026 | December 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBL – Strategic Business Leader | Thu, 6 Mar | Fri, 5 Jun | Thu, 11 Sep | Fri, 5 Dec |
| SBR – Strategic Business Reporting | Wed, 5 Mar | Thu, 4 Jun | Wed, 10 Sep | Thu, 4 Dec |
| AFM – Advanced Financial Management | Tue, 4 Mar | Wed, 3 Jun | Tue, 9 Sep | Wed, 3 Dec |
| APM – Advanced Performance Management | Mon, 3 Mar | Tue, 2 Jun | Mon, 8 Sep | Tue, 2 Dec |
| ATX – Advanced Taxation | Mon, 3 Mar | Mon, 1 Jun | Mon, 8 Sep | Mon, 1 Dec |
| AAA – Advanced Audit & Assurance | Tue, 4 Mar | Wed, 3 Jun | Tue, 9 Sep | Wed, 3 Dec |
From Nagpur and Central India
From Nagpur and Central India: Nagpur students can take CBEs at authorized centres in the city or nearby (Wardha, Amravati). For Strategic Professional papers, exam centres are available in Nagpur, saving the travel costs that students in smaller towns incur. Prepper Gurukul is an ACCA Gold Learning Partner serving Central India (Maharashtra, M.P., and Chhattisgarh). But the same principles apply whether you're studying in Mumbai, Delhi, or Dubai — our online programs and partnerships mean geography is never a barrier. We help our students book their exams at the optimal centre based on paper type and session availability.
Planning Tips for Indian Students
Based on our experience coaching hundreds of Indian ACCA students, here are practical strategies to optimize your 2026 exam calendar:
Tip 1: Align ACCA with Your Academic Calendar
If you're a BCom student, your university exams likely run in March–April and October–November. Target the June session (after winter university exams) and December session (after autumn term) for minimal clash. Working professionals should leverage the September session when office workload often dips.
Tip 2: Book at Least 8 Weeks in Advance
Don't wait for the standard entry deadline. Popular exam centres in Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi fill up 4–6 weeks before the deadline. Book early to get your preferred centre and avoid the stress of last-minute arrangements.
Tip 3: Use On-Demand CBEs Strategically
Since BT, MA, FA, and LW are available year-round, don't waste quarterly session slots on them. Clear these four papers through on-demand CBEs in your first 2–3 months, then focus your quarterly sessions on Applied Skills and Strategic Professional papers.
Tip 4: Build in Retake Buffers
Don't book back-to-back sessions with zero margin for failure. If you attempt FR in June and fail, you want the option to retake in September — but that only works if you haven't already booked 4 different papers in September. Keep 1–2 slots flexible.
Tip 5: Factor in Results Waiting Time
ACCA results take 6–8 weeks. If you sit papers in early March, results come in late April — giving you time to book June. But if you sit in early December, results come in mid-January 2027. Plan your study schedule assuming you might need retakes.