Eligibility & Admission
CMA Foundation is the entry-level exam of the CMA course, open to Class 12 pass students from any recognised board.
Any student who has passed Class 10+2 (Higher Secondary) from a recognised board in any stream is eligible to register for CMA Foundation. There is no minimum percentage requirement and no age limit. Students awaiting Class 12 results can also register provisionally.
↗ ICMAI PortalStudents who have passed Class X (10th standard) from a recognized Board or Institution are eligible to seek admission to the CMA Foundation Course. After admission, students must pass Class XII before they can appear in the Foundation Course Examination.
Additionally, candidates who have passed the CA Intermediate Examination (ICAI) or the Common Proficiency Test (CPT) of ICAI are exempted from CMA Foundation Course.
Yes. Students appearing for Class 12 board exams can register provisionally. However, you must submit proof of passing Class 12 within the period specified by ICMAI. If you fail to meet this condition, your CMA Foundation registration will be cancelled.
Yes. A student who has passed Class X can take admission to the CMA Foundation Course immediately. However, they can appear in the Foundation Course Examination only after passing Class XII (Senior Secondary / 10+2 examination). The admission must be completed at least 4 months before the examination date.
No. Students from any stream — Commerce, Science, Arts, or Vocational — who have passed Class 12 can register for CMA Foundation. ICMAI does not restrict CMA Foundation to Commerce students.
Yes. Commerce graduates (any level) and students who have cleared Class 12 in Commerce can register directly for CMA Intermediate through Direct Entry. Non-Commerce graduates also qualify. Check the current ICMAI Direct Entry notification for applicable eligibility.
↗ ICMAIProcedure for CMA Foundation admission:
1. The Prospectus and Admission Form are available at Regional Council Offices, Chapters, and Accredited Institutions
2. Submit the duly filled Admission Form and Identity Card to the concerned Regional Council/Chapter/Accredited Institution
3. Provide copies of documents as proof of qualification and age
4. Admission must be completed at least 4 months before the examination
5. You will receive an Identification Number valid for 3 years along with the Identity Card
6. Online admission available at https://eicmai.in/studentportal/Home
For foreign country students, forms must be submitted to the Kolkata Office of the Directorate of Studies.
Cut-off dates for CMA Foundation Course admission:
- For June Term Examination: 31st January of the same calendar year
- For December Term Examination: 31st July of the same calendar year
Admission must be completed at least 4 months before the commencement of examination.
Students may also seek provisional admission to the CMA Foundation Course. Such students are provided a time period of 36 (thirty six) months to convert from Provisional to Regular Status. This is useful for students who are still completing their Class X or awaiting results.
