Got 49 in ACCA? Should You Apply for Rechecking – Is It Worth It?

Posted on 24 Apr at 5:03 pm

Scored 49 in your ACCA exam? You’re not alone — and yes, that 1 mark can feel like the longest distance you’ve ever faced. It’s frustrating, confusing, and downright heartbreaking. The question on your mind right now: “Should I go for an ACCA rechecking?”

Let’s break it down clearly so you can make an informed decision based on facts, not just feelings.

First, What Does ACCA Rechecking Actually Mean?

ACCA doesn’t allow you to see your full exam script, but you can request a “Administrative Review”, often referred to as a recheck. This is not a remarking of your answers. Instead, ACCA checks:

If all pages were marked
If marks were correctly totaled
If marks were accurately recorded

So, to be clear — your answers are not re-evaluated. ACCA rechecking simply ensures no clerical or administrative errors occurred.

The Temptation of That 1 Mark: Why 49 Feels So Personal

Scoring 49 in ACCA exams happens more often than students think. And naturally, the idea of getting just 1 extra mark from a recheck sounds like a no-brainer — especially when it could mean passing the paper without sitting it again.

But is it really worth it?

Let’s weigh the pros and cons.

✅ Pros of Applying for ACCA Rechecking

Peace of mind – You’ll know there was no mistake in the marking process.
A small chance of passing – While rare, there have been a few cases where students have gone from 49 to 50+ after rechecking.
Relief before resetting – Some students prefer the closure before moving forward with a retake.

❌ Cons of ACCA Rechecking

Low success rate – Historically, the number of students who benefit from rechecking is extremely low. ACCA has strict marking protocols, making administrative errors unlikely.
Not a full remark – If your answer was misunderstood or partially correct, it won’t be re-evaluated.
Cost involved – The fee for ACCA rechecking is around £58 (approx ₹6,000) per paper. This could instead go toward revision support or mock exams.
Emotional distraction – Waiting on a recheck result, even if it’s just a few days, can keep you mentally stuck and delay your motivation to restart focused preparation.

What Do Past Students Say?

We’ve spoken to several ACCA students and community members about this exact dilemma. Most who applied for rechecking after 49 marks said:

They did it for mental closure, not because they expected to pass.
None of them saw a change in marks, but felt less regret moving on.
Some wished they had focused that time and money on planning the next attempt.

Statistically speaking, the chances of your marks changing from a recheck are less than 1 in 100.

So, Should You Go for ACCA Recheck After Scoring 49?

Here’s when it might be a good idea:

If you’re absolutely sure there was a technical glitch (e.g., last page wasn’t submitted properly).
If you can afford the fee and simply want to confirm everything was processed correctly.
If you feel emotionally stuck and need closure before moving forward.

Here’s when it’s better to let it go and prepare for the next attempt:

If you’re already mentally planning your study strategy.
If cost or time is a concern.
If you’re aiming to come back stronger and improve your overall score anyway.

Final Thoughts: Clarity, Not Confusion

We get it — 49 in ACCA feels like the cruelest result. But remember, one failed attempt doesn’t define your journey. Whether you go for a recheck or not, the key is to keep moving forward with strategy, resilience, and the right support.

Still unsure? Consider speaking to your tutor or a professional coaching institute like ours. We’ve helped hundreds of students who were once in your shoes — some even came back to score 70+ in their next attempt!