● A candidate should have passed Class 10 or equivalent from a recognized Board or Institution.

● Alternatively, a candidate who has passed the Senior Secondary Examination under the 10+2 scheme or an equivalent examination recognized by the Central Government is eligible.

● Candidates who have completed the National Diploma in Commerce from the All India Council for Technical Education or any State Board of Technical Education are also eligible.

● Provisional admission is available for candidates awaiting results.

● The fees of the CMA Foundation Course is Rs 6000

● Attested copy of the Matriculation Certificate

● Attested copy of the 10+2 Certificate or Marks Statement

● Three passport-size photographs (one pasted on the application form, one pasted on the identity card, and one attached with the application)

● Attestation should be done by a member of recognized institutions like ICAI, ICSI, ICMAI, or a gazetted officer, or a Principal of a college.

● The Foundation Course is open for admission throughout the year.

● For the June term examination, apply before January 31st of the year.

● For the December term examination, apply before July 31st of the year.

● Submit your completed application form, along with the necessary documents and remittances, to the respective Regional Councils or Chapters of the Institute.

The Foundation Course consists of the following papers:

● Paper 1: Fundamentals of Business Laws and Business Communication (FBLC)

● Paper 2: Fundamentals of Financial and Cost Accounting (FFCA)

● Paper 3: Fundamentals of Business Mathematics and Statistics (FBMS)

● Paper 4: Fundamentals of Business Economics and Management (FBEM)

Yes, candidates with the following qualifications are exempted from the CMA Foundation Course:

● Any candidate who has passed the Foundation Examination conducted by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI),

● Any candidate who has passed the Intermediate Examination (by whatever name called) conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI),

Students may seek provisional admission to the Foundation Course. These students will be given 36 months (three years) to convert their provisional admission to regular status.

● Identification Number/Registration Number must be quoted correctly in all communications.

● Any change in the student’s address must be immediately communicated to the Directorate of Studies and the respective Regional Council.

● Enrolment for Postal Coaching must be done at least 4 months prior to the examination month.

● Study materials are provided for each subject.

● Students must complete the Postal Coaching by answering postal test papers available on the official website.

After successfully completing either Postal Coaching or Oral Coaching, students will receive a Coaching Completion Certificate. This certificate indicates that the student has completed the required coaching for the respective course.

No, there is no negative marking for MCQ-based questions in the CMA Foundation Examination.

● A candidate must have passed the Senior Secondary Examination (10+2) and the Foundation Course of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India, or have a graduation degree in any discipline (except Fine Arts).

● Candidates who have completed the Foundation (Entry Level) Part I Examination of CAT or the Competency Level Part II Examination of CAT are also eligible.

● Candidates who have passed the Foundation of ICSI or Intermediate of ICMAI (by whatever name called) along with 10+2 are eligible.

● The fees of the CMA Intermediate Course is Rs 23100

● Attested copy of the Matriculation Certificate

● Attested copy of the 10+2 Certificate or Marks Statement

● Attested copy of the degree (Graduation Certificate)

● Three passport-size photographs (one pasted on the application form, one on the identity card, and one attached with the application)

● Attestation should be done by a member of recognized institutions like ICAI, ICSI, ICMAI, or a gazetted officer, or a Principal of a college.

● The Intermediate Course is open for admission throughout the year.

● For the June term examination, apply before January 31st of the year.

● For the December term examination, apply before July 31st of the year.

● Submit your completed application form, along with the necessary documents and remittances, to the respective Regional Councils or Chapters of the Institute.

The CMA Intermediate course consists of two groups:

● Group I:

● Paper 5: Business Laws and Ethics (BLE)

● Paper 6: Financial Accounting (FA)

● Paper 7: Direct and Indirect Taxation (DITX)

● Paper 8: Cost Accounting (CA)

● Group II:

● Paper 9: Operations Management and Strategic Management (OMSM)

● Paper 10: Corporate Accounting and Auditing (CAA)

● Paper 11: Financial Management and Business Data Analytics (FMDA)

● Paper 12: Management Accounting (MA)

Study materials are provided to students after registration. Once the registration fee is paid and the process is completed, students will receive the study material for both groups (Group I & II).

Examinations for the CMA Intermediate course are conducted twice a year, in June and December. Students must complete the registration and fee payment at least 4 months before the exam to be eligible.

The CMA Intermediate examination is conducted in two groups, with each group consisting of four papers. Each paper carries 100 marks. The duration for each paper is 3 hours.

To pass the CMA Intermediate examination, candidates must:

● Obtain at least 40% marks in each paper, and

● Achieve 50% aggregate marks across all non-exempted papers in the group. Candidates must pass all groups to qualify.

Candidates who score 60% or more in any paper are eligible for an exemption from that paper in subsequent exams. Additionally, candidates who have passed corresponding exams in other professional courses may qualify for exemptions.

The registration for the CMA Intermediate course is valid for 7 years. If the course is not completed within this period, the registration will expire, and the student will need to apply for De Novo Registration to continue.

● Only candidates who have passed the CMA Intermediate Examination of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India are eligible.

● A copy of the CMA Intermediate Pass Marksheet must be submitted along with the Admission Form.

● Enrollment must be completed at least 4 months before the examination date.

● For June Term Examination: 31st January of the same calendar year.

● For December Term Examination: 31st July of the same calendar year.

● Yes, but students from foreign countries must submit their enrolment forms directly to the Headquarters of the Institute.

● Yes, candidates can complete their enrolment online through the official CMA Student Portal.

● The enrolment fee for the CMA Final Course is Rs. 25,000.

The CMA Final course consists of two groups:

● Group III:

● Paper 13: Corporate and Economic Laws

● Paper 14: Strategic Financial Management

● Paper 15: Direct Tax Laws and International Taxation

● Paper 16: Strategic Cost Management

● Group IV:

● Paper 17: Cost and Management Audit

● Paper 18: Corporate Financial Reporting

● Paper 19: Indirect Tax Laws and Practice

● Elective Paper: Choose one from the following:

● Paper 20A: Strategic Performance Management and Business Valuation

● Paper 20B: Risk Management in Banking and Insurance

● Paper 20C: Entrepreneurship and Startup

Study materials are provided after registration. Once you complete the registration process, you can access the study materials online. Additionally, recommended textbooks are also available for detailed study.

The CMA Final examination is conducted twice a year, in June and December. You need to register at least 4 months prior to the examination to be eligible to appear.

The CMA Final examination consists of two groups, with four papers in each group.

● Each paper carries 100 marks.

● The duration for each paper is 3 hours.

● The exam is held twice a year.

To pass the CMA Final examination, you must:

● Secure at least 40% marks in each paper.

● Obtain 50% aggregate marks across all non-exempted papers in the group. You must pass both groups to qualify for the CMA Final Course.

You will be granted an exemption if you score 60% or more in any paper. The exempted paper does not need to be retaken in future exams. Furthermore, if you secure 60% or more in any paper and 40% in the other papers of the same group, you may carry forward the exempted paper’s marks to subsequent exams.

The registration for the CMA Final course is valid for 7 years. If you do not complete the course within this time, your registration will expire. To continue, you must apply for De Novo Registration (re-registration) as per the Institute’s guidelines.

1. 1. Scan the Question Paper (within 5 minutes).
   2. Select the easiest question first; compulsory question is mandatory.
   3. Don’t attempt too many—focus on answering fewer questions fully and correctly.
   4. Read questions carefully, especially in numerical subjects—repeat if needed.
   5. Allocate Time Wisely

⏱ Total Answer Time: ~160 minutes

📌 Approx. 1.5 minutes per mark

🔁 Compulsory question may take longer; balance with easier ones.

• • Leave the left-hand page for workings/assumptions—these are essential.
  • Clearly state assumptions, even if in excess.
  • Currency symbol, double lines, narrations, and total columns (for accounting/costing) add to presentation.
  • Avoid overwriting. Strike through errors neatly.
  • Don’t fake tallying—show calculations honestly.
  • Apply double-entry principles and control totals to cross-verify.
  • Follow rounding rules: round up only when followed by 5 or more.

• • Be brief and to the point—valuators often scan answers.
  • Use numbered lists for better visibility.
  • For descriptive terms (e.g., "discuss", "describe"), use headings + paragraphs.
  • Use examples/illustrations generously.
  • Underline key words to highlight your points.
  • Use tables for comparisons (columnar format).
  • Avoid long, descriptive answers that test the reader’s patience.
  • Leave space and continue later if you forget a point.
  • Quote case laws/sections only if you’re certain—wrong quotes invite penalties.

• • Expected to provide practical examples, applications, and critical evaluation.

• • Enter with optimism and confidence.
  • Monitor time, but don’t panic—stay composed.
  • Stay focused; performance often improves under pressure.
  • Take a deep breath before each question—it sharpens focus.
  • Never quit midway—even an attempt can lead to success.
  • Avoid personal messages to the examiner—it's unprofessional.
  • Reserve the last 5–10 minutes for review and correction.
  • Inform your faculty of results and seek their advice for future attempts.

15 months (for students registered for the Intermediate course on or after 11th February 2020).

• • Develop practical skillsets in cost & management accounting.
  • Provide exposure to organizational ecosystems.
  • Offer job experience in relevant professional areas.
  • Prepare students as future-ready professionals.
  • Instill professional discipline and ethics.

Every student registered for the Intermediate course on or after 11th February 2020.

Immediately upon registration at the Intermediate Level.

• • Practicing Cost Accountants or their firms
  • Central/State Governments, PSUs, Banks, NGOs, MSMEs, Start-ups, etc.
  • Organizations with minimum turnover: ₹25 Lakhs (service) or ₹50 Lakhs (others)

Include Management Accounting, Cost Accounting, Taxation, Auditing, Banking, Financial Services, etc.

Submit Form T-3 online with ₹2000 fee, experience certificate, and required documents.

Submit Forms T-1/T-4 (within 30 days), T-3 for exemption, and T-5 before the final exam.

Online only through https://eicmai.in/Training-forms-new/login.aspx

• • Experience certificate
  • Audited balance sheet or turnover proof
  • Attested salary slip

No, unless exclusively in the Management Consultancy division.

Submit turnover letter on official letterhead signed and sealed.

Email request to: training@icmai.in

• • Acknowledged: Receipt confirmed.
  • Approved: Verified and eligible for exams.

For Educational Institutes, MNCs, PSUs, Govt. organizations, Banks, Insurance Cos., MSMEs.

Inform the Institute within 30 days. Only 3 changes allowed. Submit new Form T-1/T-4.

Form T-5 must be submitted online.

http://icmai.in/studentsIbsite/Training_prac_train.php

Inform now with a delay explanation and submit required forms.

No, you can appear in final exam without training.

Yes, visit http://icmai.in for empaneled lists and opportunities.

Yes, if it meets turnover and work area criteria.

Training must be extended to cover excess leave.

No, only one-time submission is required.

No, only online submission is allowed.

Only total revenue/sales/liabilities figures.

For PCMAs/Firms: ₹2,000 to ₹4,000/month For Corporates (based on city & course stage): ₹15,000 to ₹50,000/month (w.e.f. 1st August 2024)

• • 1 paid leave per month
  • 60 days unpaid leave for exams
  • Extra leave = extended training

35 hours/week. Seminars/conferences count as training.

• • Associate: 10 trainees
  • Fellow: 15 trainees

Yes, for students registered before 11th Feb 2020 – till further notice.

Yes, counts towards 3 years’ experience.

Unique Document Identification Number – an 18-digit number for document verification.

On all certificates issued by practicing CMAs from 5th July 2019.

.

• • Continuous updates on latest legal changes are essential.
  • Provide point-wise answers referencing relevant clauses of the Act—avoid general responses.
  • Read and understand the original legal language of the Acts to improve accuracy and interpretation.

• • Recognized as a scoring paper—requires:
    • Deeper understanding of basic concepts.
    • Extensive practice of practical questions.
    • Improvement in presentation and structuring of answers.

• • Student performance was average due to poor understanding of legal provisions.
  • Ensure in-depth learning of every topic with:
    • Step-by-step worked-out examples.
    • Regular self-solving exercises to build writing practice.

• • Give appropriate focus to the theory portion—not just practical parts.
  • Read the entire question paper at the start and plan your answers based on your strengths.
  • Appear for mock tests and self-evaluate to build confidence and identify weak areas.
  • Clearly mention question numbers on your answer sheets.

• • Regular conceptual revision with summaries and mind maps.
  • Participate in group discussions for better clarity.
  • Practice using mock tests and past exam papers under timed conditions.

• • Write point-wise theoretical answers citing relevant sections of the Act.
  • Read instructions carefully in practical questions—answer only what is asked.
    • Example: In Q2a, writing all journal entries instead of only those related to forfeiture and reissue was penalized.

• • Don’t skip theoretical sections—both theory and practical require equal attention.
  • Avoid selective studying—cover the entire syllabus.
  • Emphasize conceptual clarity and analytical skills.
  • Follow Institute’s Study Materials and past question papers religiously.

• • Marks can be gained by showing detailed steps in solutions.
  • Manage time wisely—align answer depth with marks allotted.
  • Perform a SWOT analysis to evaluate readiness.
  • Focus on:
    • Decision-making and analytical skills.
    • To-the-point answers with good language proficiency.
  • Cover the entire syllabus—theoretical and practical—alongside solid practice.
  • Follow all instructions provided on the question paper strictly.
  • Adopt a consistent and sustained study plan using the Institute’s study materials.

A systematic, well-planned preparation strategy using Institute materials, combined with regular practice and revision, is the key to success in the Intermediate Examination. Avoid last-minute cramming or selective study