Zell Education and ITM University Gwalior partner to offer fast-track ACCA programmes for B.Com & BBA students

This collaboration aims to provide students in Madhya Pradesh with access to top-notch education in Accounts & Finance, coupled with a globally recognised certification

Delhi : Zell Education, India’s leading finance and accounts Ed-tech platform, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ITM University Gwalior to offer ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) certification to students pursuing B.Com and BBA degrees at the university.

The MoU was signed on 10 July 2024 by Anant Bengani, Co-Founder & Director of Zell Education, and Dr Omveer Singh, Registrar of ITM University Gwalior, in the presence of Prof Yogesh Upadhyay, Vice-Chancellor of ITM University Gwalior, and other distinguished guests.

This strategic partnership will enable students enrolled in the B.Com and BBA programmes at ITM University Gwalior to simultaneously pursue the ACCA certification, commencing with the batch starting in 2024. The collaboration offers students a unique opportunity to obtain a globally recognised professional accounting qualification alongside their undergraduate degrees.

A key advantage of this initiative is that it provides students with nine exemptions from ACCA papers, effectively saving more than two years of study time. This integration of the ACCA curriculum with the university’s degree programmes ensures that students graduate with both academic knowledge and professional certification, enhancing their employability in the global job market.

Anant Bengani, Co-Founder and Director of Zell Education shared his thoughts on the collaboration,
“The collaboration with ITM University Gwalior concerning the ACCA certification is really exciting for us. This MoU is another milestone towards making finance and accounting education recognised globally more accessible across India. Combining ITM’s academic prowess with our expertise in ACCA training creates a compelling educational proposition that will place students ahead in their professional pursuits.”

By combining academic rigour with practical, industry-recognised certification, graduates will be well-positioned to pursue diverse career opportunities in accounting, financial management, auditing, and other related fields.

Prof Yogesh Upadhyay, Vice-Chancellor of ITM University Gwalior, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership. “At ITM University Gwalior, our focus has always been on upskilling our students for the global job market. This initiative with Zell Education offers our students a unique opportunity to gain globally recognised skills alongside their degrees. Integrating ACCA certification within our BBA and B.Com programmes equips our learners to excel in finance and accounting worldwide. This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision of providing world-class education that prepares students to embark on their career journey right after they graduate”

The partnership between Zell Education and ITM University Gwalior marks a significant milestone in enhancing the quality of finance and accounting education in Madhya Pradesh. It reflects both institutions’ commitment to providing students with industry-relevant skills and qualifications that are recognised and valued worldwide.

A recent study conducted by Zell Education, India’s leading finance and accounts Ed-tech platform, has uncovered a significant increase in the number of students expressing interest in pursuing careers in finance after completing their 12th grade. The study, which compared data from 2023 and 2024, reveals a 15% year-over-year increase in finance career aspirations among high school graduates.

The study revealed several noteworthy trends in finance career aspirations among Indian students. A significant shift in career preferences was observed, with the percentage of surveyed students aspiring for finance careers after 12th grade increasing from 35% in 2023 to 50% in 2024.

This change was reflected in enrollment patterns, with overall enrollments in finance-related courses rising by 5% compared to the previous year. Notably, the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) course experienced the most substantial surge, likely due to recent changes in eligibility criteria.

The research also highlighted a demographic shift, with a consistent increase in the percentage of female students aged 18-21 from non-metropolitan cities in India enrolling in finance courses. Additionally, the study identified emerging areas of interest among students, particularly in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, indicating an awareness of evolving industry trends.

Anant Bengani, Co-Founder & Director of Zell Education, commented on the findings: “The finance industry has always been a coveted career destination, but we are delighted to see an unprecedented level of interest from students fresh out of high school. This trend highlights the evolving mindset of our youth, who are eager to embark on rewarding and challenging careers in finance from an early stage.”

The Zell Education study highlights a significant shift in career aspirations among Indian high school graduates, with an increasing number recognizing the diverse opportunities in the finance sector. This trend, coupled with the diversification of the student population pursuing finance education, suggests a bright future for the industry in India.