CMA

CMA Exam Pattern 2024: Exam Duration & Marking Scheme

For the CMA (Certified Management Accountant) 2024 exams, the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI) has outlined the exam pattern for the Foundation, Intermediate, and Final courses. The exam pattern for both the December and June sessions will be available on the official ICMAI website. The exams for all three levels will be held as offline, center-based tests. Unlike the previous year, where the Foundation course exam was conducted remotely, the Intermediate and Final courses will return to the traditional in-center format. Familiarity with the CMA Exam Pattern 2024 enables candidates to approach the exams with confidence and maximize their performance.

CMA US Exam Pattern

CMA Exam Pattern for 2024 includes all the levels – Foundation, Intermediate, and Final. The exam pattern helps aspirants plan the preparation process accordingly. Objective and descriptive questions are a part of the examination. It focuses on both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Each paper consists of 100 questions. Candidates will have 120 minutes to complete the Foundation course exam and 180 minutes for both the Intermediate and Final course exams.

  • Mode of Exam: The CMA exams are computer-based, with proctors if the applicant is attending the exams from their home.
  • Duration: The exam is for 3 hours with an additional 15 minutes as reading time.
  • Total Marks: Every exam paper is for 100 marks.
  • Question Paper Type: The question paper is divided into two sections, and each section carries 50 marks with Descriptive and Numerical questions.
ParticularsDetails
Mode of Exam Online, i.e., Computer- Based Test (CBT)
Duration3 Hours + 15 Minutes Reading Time
Total Marks 100
Type of QuestionsObjective, Descriptive and Numerical Questions

The students are advised to go through the CMA Exam Syllabus 2024 thoroughly to better understand the topics and contents of each subject and the mark distributions for each section.

CMA Exam Pattern Foundation Course

The CMA Foundation Course exam pattern consists of four papers. Each focuses on fundamental concepts such as Economics and Management, Accounting, Laws and Ethics, and Mathematics and Statistics. The exam is conducted in an objective, multiple-choice format, ensuring a clear understanding of core principles. The space below mentions the CMA 2024 exam pattern for foundation courses:

Exam FeaturesCMA Exam Details
Mode of CMA Foundation examOffline Centre-Based Test
Type of questions in CMA Foundation examMultiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Total marks in each subject paper100
Duration of CMA Foundation exam120 minutes
Number of subject papers4

What is CMA Sectional Weightage for Foundation Course?

The CMA Foundation Course is divided into four sections. Each subject carries equal importance, helping students build a strong base for advanced levels. These help in understanding core principles and practical applications. The weightage of each paper in the CMA courses will be distributed according to the syllabus structure.

Foundation Course Paper 1: Fundamentals of Economics and Management

Paper 1 introduces students to the basic principles of economics and management. This emphasizes economic theories and managerial practices. Thus, preparing students to understand market dynamics and effectively manage business operations.

SectionsTopicsWeightage
Section A – Fundamentals of EconomicsBasic concepts of Economics20 marks
Forms of Market20 marks
Money and Banking10 marks
Section B – Fundamentals of ManagementManagement Process50 marks
Total100 marks

Foundation Course Paper 2: Fundamentals of Accounting

Fundamentals of Accounting is a core paper in the Foundation Course, introducing basic accounting principles, concepts, and practices. Paper 2 builds a strong foundation for understanding financial transactions. 

SectionsTopicsWeightage
Section A: Fundamentals of Financial AccountingAccounting Fundamentals35 marks
Accounting for Special Transactions20 marks
Preparation of Final Accounts25 marks
Section B: Fundamentals of Cost AccountingFundamentals of Cost Accounting20 marks
Total100 marks

Foundation Course Paper 3: Fundamentals of Laws and Ethics

Paper 3 introduces students to the basics of laws and ethical practices essential for professional conduct. It covers key legal principles, contracts, company laws, and ethical frameworks. It helps students understand legal obligations and fosters ethical decision-making.

SectionsTopicsWeightage
Section A: Fundamentals of Commercial LawsIndian Contracts Act, 187240 marks
Sale of Goods Act, 193020 marks
Negotiable Instruments Act, 188110 marks
Section B: Fundamentals of EthicsEthics and Business30 marks
Total100 marks

Foundation Course Paper 4: Fundamentals of Business Mathematics & Statistics

Paper 4 introduces students to essential mathematical and statistical concepts used in business decision-making. The CMA course syllabus forms a solid foundation for advanced studies in finance and management.

SectionsTopicsWeightage
Section A: Fundamentals of Business MathematicsArithmetic20 marks
Algebra20 mark
Section B: Fundamentals of Business StatisticsStatistical representation of Data10 marks
Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion30 marks
Correlation and Regression10 marks
Probability10 marks
Total100 marks

CMA Exam Pattern for Intermediate and Final Courses

The CMA exam pattern for both Intermediate and Final courses consists of two groups. Each group consists of four papers. The exams are conducted in descriptive mode, requiring analytical and problem-solving skills. The following section outlines the exam pattern for the CMA Intermediate 2024 and Final courses:

Exam FeaturesCMA Exam Details
Mode of CMA Intermediate and Final examsOffline test from centre
Type of questions in CMA Intermediate and Final examsDescriptive
Total marks in each subject paper100
Duration of CMA Intermediate and Final exam180 minutes

CMA Exam Pattern Intermediate Course Topics

The course is divided into two groups: Group 1 and Group 2. Each group includes four papers, with Group 1 covering Papers 5 to 8 and Group 2 covering Papers 9 to 12.

Group IGroup II
PAPER 5: Business Laws and Ethics (BLE)PAPER 9: Operations Management and Strategic Management (OMSM)
PAPER 6: Financial Accounting (FA)PAPER 10: Corporate Accounting and Auditing (CAA)
PAPER 7: Direct and Indirect Taxation (DITX)PAPER 11: Financial Management and Business Data Analytics (FMDA)
PAPER 8: Cost Accounting (CA)PAPER 12: Management Accounting (MA)

CMA Exam Pattern Final Course Topics

The CMA Final Course is divided into two groups: Group 3 and Group 4. Each group includes four papers, with Group 3 covering Papers 13 to 16 and Group 4 covering Papers 17 to 20.

Group IIIGroup IV
PAPER 13: Corporate and Economic Laws (CEL)PAPER 17: Cost and Management Audit (CMAD)
PAPER 14: Strategic Financial Management (SFM)PAPER 18: Corporate Financial Reporting (CFR)
PAPER 15: Direct Tax Laws and International Taxation (DIT)PAPER 19: Indirect Tax Laws and Practice (ITLP)
PAPER 16: Strategic Cost Management (SCM)PAPER 20: One of the following subjects.PAPER 20A: Strategic Performance Management and Business Valuation

(SPMBV)PAPER 20B: Risk Management in Banking and Insurance

(RMBI)PAPER 20C: Entrepreneurship and Start Up (ENTS)

In conclusion, understanding the CMA Exam Pattern for 2024, including the exam duration and marking scheme, is crucial for the preparation of CMA certification. Each paper’s duration and the associated marking scheme are designed to assess candidates’ knowledge and skills across various topics. By familiarizing themselves with these details, candidates understand CMA Eligibility, plan their study approach, manage their time during the exam, and focus on areas that will maximize their performance. This preparation will ultimately help them achieve success in the CMA examinations and advance their careers in management accounting.

CMA Exam Pattern FAQs

Q1: How many questions are there in each paper of the CMA exam?

There are two parts in the CMA exam syllabus. Each part is 3 hours long for 100 multiple-choice questions, representing 75% of the exam score. The second section is essay writing, representing the remaining 25%. You will be given 30 minutes for each of the two essays. 

Q2: What is the marking scheme for the CMA exams?

The marking scheme for CMA exams generally follows a system where each question carries equal marks. The exact distribution of marks may vary depending on the specific paper and its format.

Q3: Are there negative markings in the CMA exams?

No, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers in the CMA exams.

Q4: How is the total score calculated for each paper?

The total score for each paper is calculated based on the number of correct answers provided by the candidate, with each correct answer contributing to the total marks.

Q5. What is the minimum passing score for each paper?

The minimum passing score for the CMA (Certified Management Accountant) Examination is 360 for both parts of the exam. The exam score range is 0-500.

Recent Posts

How Do Firms Behave in Oligopoly: Meaning & Characteristic

The question how do firms behave in oligopoly sheds light on the strategic and complex…

8 hours ago

Elasticity and Expenditure: Meaning, Factors & Relationship

The concept of elasticity and expenditure is fundamental to understanding market behavior, consumer decision-making, and…

9 hours ago

Difference Between SEBI and Stock Exchange: Functions & More

The difference between SEBI and the Stock Exchange starts with their very fundamental roles in…

11 hours ago

Difference Between Great Depression and Recession: Causes & More

The difference between Great Depression and Recession lies in their severity, duration, and economic impact.…

11 hours ago

Difference Between Wholesale Price Index and Consumer Price Index

The Difference Between Wholesale Price Index and Consumer Price Index lies in their scope, purpose,…

13 hours ago

Difference Between Demand Deposit and Term Deposit: Features & More

The difference between demand deposit and term deposit lies in their purpose, liquidity, and returns.…

13 hours ago

This website uses cookies.