CMA Foundation Eligibility Criteria 2025 & Registration Guide
A career in Cost and Management Accounting (CMA) offers excellent opportunities for individuals passionate about financial management, cost control, and strategic business planning. The CMA Foundation exam is the first step toward obtaining CMA certification. Conducted twice a year by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI), the exam takes place in June and December.
Understanding the CMA Foundation Eligibility Criteria 2025 and knowing how to register for CMA Foundation is crucial for candidates preparing for the exam. This guide provides all essential details, including eligibility requirements, registration deadlines, fees, and preparation strategies for the 2025–2026 sessions.
CMA Foundation Eligibility Criteria 2025
Before registering for the CMA Foundation exam, candidates must fulfill specific eligibility criteria:
1. Educational Qualification
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Candidates must have passed Class 10 from a recognized board.
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A minimum of 50% marks in Class 12 under the 10+2 system or an equivalent government-approved examination is required.
2. Age Limit
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There is no minimum or maximum age limit for CMA Foundation registration.
3. Exemptions
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Candidates who have cleared the ICSI Foundation Exam or the ICAI Common Proficiency Test (CPT) can directly register for the CMA Intermediate Course without appearing for the Foundation exam.
Important Dates for CMA Foundation Registration 2025
To be eligible for the CMA Foundation exam, candidates must complete registration before the deadline. Below are the important dates:
| Particulars | CMA Foundation Dec 2025 | CMA Foundation June 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Last Date | 31st July 2025 | 31st January 2026 |
| Exam Form Submission (Without Late Fees) | 30th September 2025 | 31st March 2026 |
| Exam Form Submission (With Late Fees) | 10th October 2025 | 10th April 2026 |
| Exam Date | To be Confirmed | To be Confirmed |
Once registered, candidates have seven years to pass the exam. If they fail to clear it within this period, they must re-register to continue their CMA journey.
CMA Foundation Registration Fees & Exam Form Fees 2025
Understanding the fee structure ensures a hassle-free registration process.
1. CMA Foundation Registration Fees:
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Indian Students: ₹6,000
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Foreign Students: $250
2. CMA Foundation Exam Form Fees 2025:
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Indian Students: ₹1,500
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Foreign Students: $60
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Late Submission Fee: ₹500 (if submitted after the deadline)
Documents Required for CMA Foundation Registration 2025
Candidates must submit the following documents during the CMA Foundation registration process:
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Attested copy of Class 10 Certificate
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Attested copy of Class 12 Certificate
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Three passport-sized photographs
How to Register for CMA Foundation Exam 2025?
Completing the CMA Foundation registration requires following these steps:
Step-by-Step Process:
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Visit the Official Website:
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Go to the ICMAI official portal: ICMAI Portal
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Choose the Foundation Course:
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Select “Foundation Course” and click “Apply”.
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Fill Out the Online Application Form:
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Enter personal details, including name, contact information, and educational qualifications.
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Upload Required Documents:
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Ensure all documents are scanned and uploaded in the prescribed format.
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Pay the CMA Foundation Exam Form Fees 2025:
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Make the payment through debit card, credit card, or net banking.
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Submit the Form & Save Confirmation Receipt:
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After submitting the application, download and save the confirmation receipt for future reference.
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CMA Foundation Exam Pattern 2025
Understanding the exam format helps candidates prepare effectively.
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Total Marks: 400 (100 marks per paper)
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Number of Papers: 4
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Exam Type: MCQ-based
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Duration: 2 hours per session (2 sessions in a day)
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Negative Marking: None
Preparation Tips for CMA Foundation Exam 2025
To excel in the CMA Foundation exam, follow these effective study strategies:
1. Understand the Syllabus
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Download and study the official CMA syllabus to cover all important topics.
2. Strengthen Core Concepts
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Focus on fundamental subjects like accounting, law, and statistics.
3. Practice MCQs Regularly
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Solve previous years’ question papers and mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
4. Manage Time Wisely
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Develop a structured study plan with dedicated subject-wise schedules.
5. Join Study Groups & Online Coaching
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Engage in study forums and online coaching to gain deeper insights.
6. Stay Updated with ICMAI Notifications
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Regularly check the ICMAI official website for updates on the syllabus or exam pattern changes.
Conclusion
The CMA Foundation Eligibility Criteria 2025 plays a crucial role for aspirants planning to appear for the exam. Completing the registration before the CMA Foundation Registration 2025 Last Date ensures eligibility for the exam. Additionally, understanding the CMA Foundation Exam Form Fees 2025 and the registration process helps candidates avoid last-minute issues.
By following a structured study plan, using the right resources, and staying updated with ICMAI guidelines, aspiring CMAs can smoothly progress toward their certification. Start preparing today and take the first step toward a rewarding career in Cost and Management Accounting!
