CMA Foundation Eligibility, Registration Process, and Fees
- Shankargouda S Malipatil
- Sep 8
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 4
CMA Foundation eligibility requires passing Class 10 and completing Class 12 or equivalent. Registration is online with a ₹6,000 fee. Enrolling in expert CMA coaching in Bangalore helps students with guidance, proper preparation, and exam success.

CMA Foundation Eligibility, Registration Process, and Fees
Do you intend to pursue a profession in cost and management accounting? Your first step toward this exciting career is the CMA Foundation program. Everything you need to know about the eligibility requirements for the CMA Foundation will be covered in this comprehensive guide.
CMA training is the cost and management accountant program run by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI). The training gives students knowledge in cost accounting, financial management and business strategy. CMA has three levels of training to be taken in succession: Foundation level, Intermediate level and Final level. Each level of CMA covers more advanced cost accounting and management concepts. Students can enroll in CMA Foundation level after completing 10+2 and the full program takes approximately 3-4 years to complete school. After all levels of CMA, a CMA is equipped for job opportunities in cost accounting, financial analysis, management consulting, and management strategic planning in different sectors CMA Foundation Eligibility, Registration Process, and Fees.
Fundamental Requirements for Eligibility
The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI) created the CMA Foundation classes, which is designed to be available to students shortly after they finish their 10+2 coursework. Candidates must be enrolled in Class 12 or have passed the Class 12 exam from an approved board in order to apply; if the latter, they may register provisionally.
How to Register
The ICAI webpage is where candidates may register for the CMA Foundation course. After enrollment, the registration will be active for three years following the admission date. Candidates may take the tests throughout this period, according to the schedule the institute has given.
Important Records for Enrollment
Candidates should have the following paperwork on hand when submitting an application to the CMA Foundation:
- Class 10 mark sheet 
- Class 12 marking sheet (if completed) 
- A legitimate identity document 
- A recent passport-sized photo 
- A digital signature 
- Current mobile number and email address 
Schedule of classes.
Every year, there are two different CMA Foundation exams offered to candidates, normally in June and December. To enhance your success rate, candidates are advised to plan their learning in advance to improve their exam-related success rate and overall learning efficiency.
Program Structure for CMAs
The Foundation, Intermediate, and Final phases comprise the CMA qualification. To become a certified CMA, students must pass all three levels.
CMA Foundation Courses
During the Foundation stage, applicants must prepare for and take the following four exams:
- Paper 1: Foundations of Management and Economics 
- Paper 2: Basic Accounting Concepts 
- Paper 3: Foundations of Ethics and Law 
- Paper 4: Foundations of Stats and Mathematics for Business 
Pattern of the CMA Foundation Exam
- Each paper takes three hours to complete. 
- Each assignment will receive 100 points overall. 
- Success Requirement: every exam must receive at least 40 points. 
- Subject Structure: A mix of quick answers and objective questions 
- Negative Labeling: Not relevant 
Qualifications
- Applicants need to pass the CMA Foundation exam. 
- Some candidates, such as B.Com. graduates with at least 55% of the possible points, are eligible for direct admittance. 
Intermediate Courses
First Group:
- Accounting for Costs 
- Ethics & Laws 
- Direct Taxation 
- Accounts and Audit of the Company 
Group 2:
- Accounting for Finances 
- Strategic and Operations Management 
- Indirect Taxation 
- Accountancy for Cost & Management and Financial Management 
Pattern of the CMA Intermediate Exam
- Each subject's exam lasts three hours. 
- Each paper will receive 100 points overall. 
- Minimum 40% in each paper and 50% overall are requirements for qualifying. 
- Type of Question: A mix of practical and theoretical inquiries 
Reaching Professional Expertise at the CMA Final Level
Eligibility Requirements
- Successfully finishing both CMA Intermediate groups 
- 15 months of hands-on training completed 
Subjects at the Final Level
Group 3:
- Compliance & Corporate Laws 
- Management of Strategic Finances 
- Making Strategic Decisions and Managing Costs 
- International Taxation and Direct Tax Laws 
Subjects in Group 4:
- Reporting on Corporate Finances 
- Management of Strategic Performance and Business Assessment 
- Strategic Options & Analysis for Strategic Cost Management 
- Indirect Tax Laws and Procedures 
Pattern of the CMA Final Exam
- Exam time: three hours for each topic 
- Each paper will receive 100 points overall. 
- A 40 percent in every exam and 50% overall are requirements for qualifying. 
- Subject Type: Practical, problem-oriented inquiries based on case studies 
India's CMA Foundation Registration Fees
The Indian version of the CMA program is run by the Institute of Cost & Management Accountants of India (ICMAI), which aims to establish robust local employment opportunities while regulating the cost and management accounting profession domestically.
The CMA Foundation course requires a registration fee of INR 6,000.
The Certified Management Accountant Foundations exam is open for enrollment all year round. Candidates can appear for the tests after paying the registration cost. The CMA India Foundation price is the same regardless of the candidate's professional or academic background, in contrast to the CMA USA program.
CMA Foundation Registration FAQs
1.Can't I register for CMA Foundation until I finish Class 12?
No, the candidate must have already finished or will be finishing their Class 12 class (provisional registration).
2.Will it be hard for someone just starting their studies to complete CMA Foundation?
CMA Foundation paper is moderate; it is doable and you will be able to clear it if you devote time, plan properly, and have practice!
3.Will I get any fees discount on CMA Foundation?
The fee for CMA India is fixed for 6,000 INR; In the case of CMA USA, IMA offers discounts to students and academic members.






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