CMA Foundation Registration 2025: Complete Guide with Key Dates

The CMA Foundation course is the starting point for aspiring Cost and Management Accountants in India. Conducted by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI), this program equips students with the theoretical and practical skills needed for cost analysis, financial control, and strategic planning. Before you begin, you must clearly understand the CMA Foundation registration documents required, the eligibility process, deadlines, and the CMA Foundation exam date 2025.

Why Opt for CMA Foundation?

The CMA Foundation exam is the gateway to the CMA Intermediate level. Passing it moves you one step closer to the CMA designation, opening opportunities in finance, business analysis, and corporate strategy. ICMAI conducts this exam twice annually — in June and December — in offline mode. If you have passed Class 12 from a recognized board, you already meet one of the basic requirements. However, you must prepare all CMA Foundation registration documents required to ensure your application is accepted without delays.

CMA Foundation Eligibility Criteria

To apply, candidates must fulfill certain academic conditions:

1. Class 10 Qualification – Completion of Class 10 from a recognized board.
   
   

2. Class 12 Pass with Minimum Marks – At least 50% in Class 12 (10+2) from a recognized board or equivalent examination approved by the government.
   
   

3. No Age Limit – The course is open to all age groups, making it suitable for both students and professionals.
   
   

4. Exemptions –
   
   

   • ICSI Foundation Exam qualifiers are exempt.
     
     

   • ICAI Intermediate or CPT pass-outs can skip the Foundation stage.
     
     

   • Certain qualifications allow direct Intermediate entry without the Foundation exam.
     
     

Meeting these conditions is important, but having the CMA Foundation registration documents required ready is equally crucial to avoid last-minute issues.

CMA Foundation Exam Date 2025 & Important Deadlines

ICMAI follows a strict timeline, and missing it can delay your CMA journey.

• December 2025 Session
  
  

  • Registration Deadline: 31st July 2025
    
    

  • Exam Form Submission: 30th September 2025 (without late fee) / 10th October 2025 (with late fee)
    
    

• June 2026 Session
  
  

  • Registration Deadline: 31st January 2026
    
    

  • Exam Form Submission: 31st March 2026 (without late fee) / 10th April 2026 (with late fee)
    
    

Knowing the CMA Foundation exam date 2025 and related deadlines allows you to plan study schedules effectively.

CMA Foundation Registration Fees

• Domestic Students: ₹6,000
  
  

• Foreign Students: $250

CMA Foundation Registration Documents Required

Before beginning the registration process, arrange the CMA Foundation registration documents required in advance:

• Attested copy of Class 10 certificate
  
  

• Attested copy of Class 12 certificate or marksheet (or equivalent diploma)
  
  

• Three passport-size photographs (one for the application form, one for the ID card, one extra)
  
  

Attestation can be done by:

• A member of ICMAI, ICAI, or ICSI
  
  

• A Member of Parliament or State Legislative Assembly
  
  

• A Gazetted Officer or College Principal
  
  

By keeping the CMA Foundation registration documents required ready, you avoid application rejections or delays.

How to Register for CMA Foundation Dec 2025

1. Visit the ICMAI Student Portal.
   
   

2. Select “Foundation Course” and click “Apply.”
   
   

3. Enter personal and academic details.
   
   

4. Upload the scanned CMA Foundation registration documents required.
   
   

5. Pay the applicable fee online.
   
   

Once registered, your application is valid for seven years, allowing multiple attempts to clear the exam.

CMA Foundation Exam Pattern 2025

• Type: MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)
  
  

• Number of Papers: Four (100 marks each)
  
  

• Total Marks: 400
  
  

• Duration: 2 hours per session, two sessions daily
  
  

• Negative Marking: None

Preparation Tips for CMA Foundation

• Understand the Syllabus – Download ICMAI’s official syllabus and note high-weightage topics.
  
  

• Make a Study Plan – Distribute time equally among all subjects and stick to deadlines.
  
  

• Practice Mock Papers – Helps improve speed and accuracy.
  
  

• Join Study Groups – Encourages discussion and concept clarity.
  
  

• Track Updates – Regularly check the ICMAI site for changes in the CMA Foundation exam date 2025 or pattern.

Final Thoughts

Starting your CMA journey begins with fulfilling the eligibility conditions and preparing the CMA Foundation registration documents required well before deadlines. Equally important is knowing the CMA Foundation exam date 2025 so you can align your study plan accordingly. Early registration, proper documentation, and disciplined preparation will ensure you enter the exam hall with confidence — and take the first strong step toward becoming a Certified Management Accountant.