US CPA Exam Fee Hike 2025: India Candidates to Pay $120 More

The US CPA (certified public accountant) Certification is one of the most respected accounting qualifications in the world. It opens the doors to worldwide career opportunities with high-potential earning jobs, and recognition across top global multinational companies and Big 4 firms. If you planing to pursue the US CPA exam in India in 2025, the most important thing to have to understand is the cost, which helps you in terms of financial readiness. The US CPA exam requires not only preparation but also a proper financial plan. Below down we will discuss the US CPA exam fees for India, raised by $120, both in USD and INR, here is the outbreak.

📌 Understanding the CPA Exam Cost Structure

To appear for the CPA exam as an international candidate from India, you have to pay several fees. This includes:

• US CPA Evaluation Fee
• State Board Registration Fee
• US CPA Exam Section + NTS Fee
• International Testing Fee

Let’s understand each of the fee sections step by step for better understanding.

💰 CPA Exam Fee Breakdown for Indian Students (2025)

Fee Component	Fee (USD)
Evaluation Fee	$200–$300
State Board Registration Fee	$100–$200
Exam Section + NTS Fee (Per Section) [A]	$390
International Testing Fee (Per Section) [B]	$510
Total Fees Per Section [A + B]	$900
Total Fees for All 4 Sections	$3,600

🧾 Detailed Explanation of Each Fee

1. Evaluation Fee

💰 $200 to $300 (One-time fee)

✅ Before applying for the CPA exam, your educational documents should be evaluated to check your eligibility.
✅ This is a one-time fee paid to an authorized evaluation agency like NASBA’s NIES.
✅ The cost depends on the service provider and speed of processing.

2. State Board Registration/Application Fee

🧾 $100 to $200 (One-time fee)

✅ This fee is paid to the State Board of Accountancy where you are registering to take the exam.
✅ This can vary from one state to another.
✅ Some states charge per section, others charge a fixed fee.

3. Exam Section Fee + NTS Fee

📘 $390 per section

✅ This is the cost to appear for one CPA exam section.
✅ It includes the Notice to Schedule (NTS) fee, which allows you to book your exam.
✅ Since there are 4 sections, this cost is a total of $1,560.

4. International Testing Fee

🌐 $510 per section

✅ As an Indian student, you will take the CPA exam at an international promotional centre.
✅ The International Testing Fee is an extra charge added per section.
✅ For 4 sections, it totals $2,040.

📍 Total Estimated CPA Exam Cost from India (2025)

Remember all the above, there is a total estimated cost for an Indian CPA candidate in 2025:

In USD: $3,900–$4,100
In INR: ₹324,000–₹342,000 (approx.)
💡 This cost does not include US CPA coaching, study materials, or licensing fees.

✈️ Are US CPA exams held in India?

Yes, in India, students can now give the US CPA exam right here. The Prometric test centers are available in Tier 1 cities, like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Trivandrum. You’re never too far from your goal.

📚 Is the Cost Worth It?

Yes, of course! US CPA Credentials are highly respected worldwide, the return on investment (ROI) is as much higher if you become CPA. After getting the prestigious Credentials, you can expect:

✅Job opportunities with Big 4 and Top Global MNCs
✅International career options
✅Salaries ranging from ₹8 to ₹12 LPA (and higher with experience)
✅Global recognition and credibility

Final Thoughts

Becoming a US CPA in India in 2025 is the smartest move for anyone who is looking to build a global career in the field of accounting and finance. While the cost of a US CPA may seem higher but the credentials of the US CPA qualification are unmatched. With planning and budgeting, you can manage the fee and set yourself up for long-term career success.