If you’re preparing for the ACCA exams in 2025, one of the biggest questions on your mind is probably: “How many hours should I study for each paper?
” The truth is, your success depends not just on how hard you work, but on how smartly you plan your study schedule.
This guide gives you a clear, paper-by-paper ACCA study hours breakdown based on expert recommendations and real student experiences so you can manage your time effectively and avoid burnout.
Why Study Hours Matter for ACCA Success
The ACCA qualification is designed to test not just your knowledge but also your ability to apply it under exam conditions. With 13 papers across three levels (Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional), time management becomes just as important as the syllabus.
If you haven’t yet explored what each paper covers, check out our Complete Guide to the 13 ACCA Papers to understand the scope before you start scheduling study time.
Recommended ACCA Study Hours in 2025
Industry experts and ACCA trainers suggest that the recommended ACCA study hours in 2025 are between 150-200 per paper for a comfortable pass, though this varies by paper difficulty and your prior knowledge.
Here’s a 2025 ACCA paper-wise study hours breakdown:
| Level | Paper Code & Name | Recommended Study Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Knowledge | ||
| BT (Business & Technology) | 120 – 150 hrs | |
| MA (Management Accounting) | 130 – 160 hrs | |
| FA (Financial Accounting) | 140 – 170 hrs | |
| Applied Skills | ||
| LW (Corporate & Business Law) | 100 – 140 hrs | |
| PM (Performance Management) | 160 – 200 hrs | |
| TX (Taxation) | 180 – 200 hrs | |
| FR (Financial Reporting) | 180 – 200 hrs | |
| AA (Audit & Assurance) | 150 – 180 hrs | |
| FM (Financial Management) | 160 – 190 hrs | |
| Strategic Professional | ||
| SBL (Strategic Business Leader) | 200 – 220 hrs | |
| SBR (Strategic Business Reporting) | 200 – 220 hrs | |
| ATX (Advanced Taxation) | 200 – 220 hrs | |
| AAA (Advanced Audit & Assurance) | 200 – 220 hrs | |
| AFM (Advanced Financial Management) | 200 – 220 hrs |
How to Use This Breakdown
- Plan backwards: If your exam is in 5 months and you have 200 hours to cover, you’ll need roughly 10 hours per week for that paper.
- Mix theory and practice: Spend 60-70% of your time on concepts, and the rest on past papers.
- Track progress: Use a weekly checklist to keep yourself accountable.
- Stay flexible: Life happens, so build a buffer of 10-15% extra time.
Best Study Schedule for ACCA in 2025
Your study plan should be realistic and match your lifestyle. Here’s an example for one ACCA paper over a 10-week prep cycle:
- Weeks 1 – 4: Syllabus coverage, concept understanding
- Weeks 5 – 7: Application-based practice, question solving
- Weeks 8 – 9: Intensive revision, mock exams
- Week 10: Final review and past paper simulation
If you’re juggling work alongside ACCA, you might prefer spreading 200 hours across 12–14 weeks with shorter daily study sessions.
For deeper guidance on career planning with ACCA,
Explore Why ACCA is Getting Popular in India – Career Trends.
Time Management Tips for ACCA Exam Preparation
- Start early: Give yourself a head start so you can revise more than once.
- Use ACCA-approved materials: They match exam patterns closely.
- Leverage study groups: Discussing concepts improves retention.
- Don’t skip mocks: They simulate exam pressure.
- Track weak areas: Target them in your final weeks.
By following these tips for ACCA exam preparation and gaining a clear understanding of the syllabus, you can boost your efficiency and confidence on the exam.
Why a Structured Plan Gives You an Edge
In 2025, ACCA remains highly competitive, but those who combine discipline with a smart schedule have a much higher pass rate. And remember, passing isn’t just about hours logged; it’s about focused, exam-oriented study.
If you’re starting your ACCA journey, our ACCA Career Counseling service can help you pick the right papers, set the right study timeline, and get expert tips from qualified mentors.
Call to Action
At Fintelligents, we don’t just teach you ACCA, we train you to pass with confidence. Whether you’re starting with Applied Knowledge or aiming for Strategic Professional papers, we’ll help you create a study plan that works.
Book your free ACCA study consultation today and take the first step toward your ACCA success.
Start Your ACCA Journey with Fintelligents
FAQs on ACCA Study Hours 2025
Q1: How many hours should I study per week for ACCA?
A: If you’re working full-time, aim for 8-12 hours weekly per paper. Full-time students can target 15-20 hours.
Q2: Can I pass ACCA with fewer than 150 hours of study?
A: It’s possible if you have prior knowledge or relevant work experience, but risky; most students need at least 150 hours.
Q3: Which ACCA paper needs the most hours?
A: Strategic Professional papers like SBL, SBR, ATX, and AFM usually require the most preparation.
Q4: Should I study for multiple ACCA papers at once?
A: You can, but ensure you allocate enough time per paper. For first-time takers, one paper per session is safer.