This post has already been read 194 times!
Complete CMA Fee Structure 2024: Foundation, Intermediate & Final
Understanding the CMA Fee Structure
If you’re planning to pursue the Cost and Management Accountancy (CMA) course in India, understanding the fee structure is crucial for your financial planning. The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI) has a well-defined fee system that varies based on the course level (Foundation, Intermediate, Final) and your student category (Inland or Foreign).
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the complete fee structure for 2024, explain what each fee component means, and provide tips on how to manage your CMA course expenses effectively. Whether you’re just starting with the Foundation course or preparing for the Final exams, this article will give you a clear picture of all the costs involved.
Key Takeaway
The total cost of completing the CMA course can range from approximately ₹40,000 to ₹70,000 for inland students, depending on the coaching method and exemptions you may qualify for. Foreign students pay fees in US Dollars, with total costs typically between $1,500 to $2,500.
CMA Course Stages & Eligibility
The CMA course is divided into three main stages, each with its own fee structure and requirements:
Foundation Level
Entry-level course for 10+2 graduates. Four papers covering fundamentals.
Intermediate Level
After Foundation or graduation exemption. Eight papers in two groups.
Final Level
After clearing Intermediate. Eight papers plus practical training.
Important Note
Fees are subject to change by ICAI. Always check the official ICAI website for the most current fee structure before making any payments. Additionally, all fees mentioned here are exclusive of GST, which is applicable as per current tax regulations.
Complete CMA Fee Structure 2024
Below is the detailed amalgamated fee structure for CMA students as prescribed by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India. The table includes fees for Foundation, Intermediate, and Final levels for both inland and foreign students.
| Sl. No. | HEADS | General Fees | FOUNDATION | INTERMEDIATE | FINAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inland (₹) | Foreign (US $) | Inland (₹) | Foreign (US $) | Inland (₹) | Foreign (US $) | |||
| 1. REGISTRATION FEES | ||||||||
| 1.1 | Cost of Prospectus | 250 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1.2 | Students Registration Fee | – | – | – | 500 | 20 | – | – |
| 1.3 | Denovo Registration Fee | – | – | – | 5,000 | 80 | 5,000 | 80 |
| 1.4 | Practical Training Registration Fee | – | – | – | 2,500 | 40 | – | – |
| 2. TUITION FEES | ||||||||
| 2.1 | POSTAL (E-LEARNING) Tuition Fees* | – | – | – | 23,100 | 1,100 | 25,000 | 800 |
| 2.2 | ORAL Coaching Fees* | – | – | – | 23,100 | – | 25,000 | – |
| 3. COACHING REVALIDATION FEES | ||||||||
| 2.3 | Single Group Revalidation | – | – | – | 800 | 40 | 1,000 | 50 |
| 2.4 | Both Groups Revalidation | – | – | – | 1,600 | 80 | 2,000 | 100 |
| 4. EXEMPTION FEES | ||||||||
| 3.1 | Subject Exemption Fee (per paper) for Qualified CS | – | – | – | 1,000 | 100 | 1,000 | 100 |
| 3.2 | Subject Exemption for Engineering Graduates/Students and LLB | – | – | – | 3,000 | 100 | – | – |
| 3.3 | Practical Training Exemption Fee | 4,500 | 100 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 3.4 | Change of Principal/Employer for Practical Training (each time) | 1,000 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 5. EXAMINATION FEES | ||||||||
| 5.1 | Cost of Examination Form | FREE | ||||||
| 5.2 | Examination Fee (Single Group) | – | – | – | 1,500 | 100 | 1,800 | 100 |
| 5.3 | Examination Fee (Both Groups) | – | – | – | 2,800 | 150 | 3,200 | 150 |
Important Notes on Fee Table
*Installment Facility: Intermediate and Final students (except foreign students) can avail of the installment facility for tuition fees. Refer to page 120 of the prospectus for details.
**Foreign Students: Students from foreign countries should remit the requisite fee in US$ only to the Kolkata Office of the Directorate of Studies along with copies of documentary evidence of domicile (Outside India).
Payment Method: Tuition fees will NOT be collected in cash or demand drafts for admission/registration/enrolment under postal and oral coaching schemes.
Calculating Your Total CMA Course Cost
Now let’s break down the total cost for a typical CMA student. The actual amount you’ll pay depends on several factors including your entry route, exemptions, and coaching preferences.
For Foundation Course Students:
If you’re starting with the Foundation course after 10+2, your costs will be relatively lower. The main expenses include the prospectus cost (₹250) and examination fees. Since Foundation doesn’t have mandatory coaching, many students opt for self-study or affordable coaching options outside the ICAI system.
For Intermediate Course Students (via Foundation route):
If you’ve cleared the Foundation exam and are registering for Intermediate, your approximate costs would be:
- Registration Fee: ₹500
- Postal/Oral Tuition Fees: ₹23,100
- Examination Fees (Both Groups): ₹2,800
- Total (approx): ₹26,400 + GST
For Final Course Students:
After clearing Intermediate, your Final course expenses would include:
- Tuition Fees (Postal/Oral): ₹25,000
- Examination Fees (Both Groups): ₹3,200
- Total (approx): ₹28,200 + GST
Direct Entry Route (Graduates):
If you’re entering through the direct entry route (after graduation), you skip the Foundation but pay additional exemption fees. The total cost would be higher due to exemption fees for each paper you’re exempted from.
Payment Methods & Important Instructions
Critical Payment Guidelines
1. No Cash/Demand Drafts: ICAI does not accept tuition fees in cash or demand drafts for postal and oral coaching admissions. You must use online payment methods or bank challans.
2. Foreign Student Payments: Foreign students must pay in US Dollars only to the Kolkata office with proof of foreign domicile.
3. GST Applicable: All fees are subject to GST as per current rates. The fee table shows base amounts exclusive of GST.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Online payment through debit/credit cards
- Net banking
- Bank challans (for some fee components)
- UPI payments
Installment Facility:
ICAI offers an installment facility for Intermediate and Final course tuition fees (excluding foreign students). This can significantly ease the financial burden. The installment plan typically allows you to pay the tuition fee in 2-3 installments over the course duration. Check the current prospectus for specific installment terms and deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions About CMA Fees
Q1: Can I get a refund of CMA fees if I discontinue the course?
A: ICAI has a specific refund policy. Generally, registration fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees may be partially refundable if you withdraw within a specified period (usually 30 days from registration). Always check the current refund policy before making payments.
Q2: Are there any concessions or scholarships available?
A: Yes, ICAI offers fee concessions for certain categories including SC/ST students, students with disabilities, and wards of martyrs. You’ll need to provide appropriate documentation to avail these concessions. Some state governments also offer scholarships for professional courses.
Q3: What is the “Denovo Registration Fee”?
A: Denovo registration is required if your registration has expired (validity is usually 5 years for Intermediate and 7 years for Final). If you don’t complete the course within this period, you need to re-register by paying the Denovo fee.
Q4: What’s the difference between postal and oral coaching fees?
A: Postal coaching (now mainly e-learning) is self-study with study materials provided by ICAI. Oral coaching involves classroom teaching at ICAI-affiliated institutions. The fees are the same for inland students, but foreign students can only opt for postal/e-learning coaching.
Q5: Are examination fees included in tuition fees?
A: No, examination fees are separate and must be paid each time you apply for an examination. The examination form itself is free, but you need to pay the exam fee based on whether you’re appearing for single group or both groups.
Disclaimer
The fee structure presented here is based on the latest available information from ICAI sources. While we strive to keep this information accurate and up-to-date, fees are subject to change by ICAI without prior notice. This article is for informational purposes only. Always refer to the official ICAI website and prospectus for the most current and authoritative fee information before making any payments. CMAKNOWLEDGE.IN is not affiliated with the Institute of Cost Accountants of India.
