What are the levels in designations?

I have more than 9yrs of experience in IT, currently been offered a position as Consultant (C1). What is this C1, C2 .. all about? I already take care project management activities in the current company. Accenture says, that based on my performance they will promote me to manager. How long normally will it take, for a person to move from Consultant (C1) to a manager?

"C" represents level (Analyst, Consultant, Manager, etc.), and the # represents years at level. So a C1 is a first year consultant. As an experienced hire, it is best to start a bit lower than where you would like simply because there is a lot to learn about how Accenture operates on projects and as a company. It can be very frustrating, especially with younger colleagues with fewer years experience, but if your goal is to stay and advance, you'll be better off starting lower. Once you get comfortable in the Accenture culture you will be able to advance at a solid rate. In the US, typical time at level is 2 years at Analyst, 3 years at Consultant, 3 - 4 years at Manager, and at least 3 years at Sr. Manager (and can vary widely based on opportunity for Sr. Executive); none of which is written in stone. If you perform at the level expected of the next career level for a while and you do so among the top peers of your current level, you will be promoted.