CA / CMA Foundation After Class 12th? Here's How You Should Prepare for your Attempt.

23-05-2025 11:31:50 Comment(s) By Team SJC

CA / CMA Foundation After Class 12th? Here's How You Should Prepare for your Attempt.

I just finished Class 12th and am considering becoming a Chartered Accountant( CA) or a Cost and Management accountant (CMA). That’s a smart move!

Both CA and CMA are professional courses that can give you a solid, high-paying, and respected career in accounting, finance, audit, taxation, or cost management. But your journey begins with the Foundation level, and how you start matters a lot.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to start your CA or CMA Foundation preparation after Class 12th, and help you to know about the course & most importantly, how to stay on track.

1. ​Why Choose CA or CMA After Class 12th?

Many students opt for CA or CMA because these professions offer:

  • High job stability and respect

  • Strong career growth

  • Opportunities in the public and private sectors

  • Roles in finance, taxation, auditing, cost accounting, and consultancy

2. ​CA/CMA Foundation: Overview of the Courses

Aspect

CA Foundation

CMA Foundation

Conducted by

ICAI (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India)

ICMAI (Institute of Cost Accountants of India)

Minimum Eligibility

Class 12th (Commerce/Any stream)

Class 12th (Commerce/Any stream)

Registration Period

Before 1st January (for May exam) / 1st May (for Sept exam)/ 1st September ( for Jan exams )

Before 31st Jan (for June) / 31st July (for Dec)

Exam Mode

Offline

Offline

Subjects

4 Subjects

4 Subjects

Pass Criteria


Exam Pattern

40% in each paper & 50% aggregate


2 Papers are subjective, and 2 papers are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

40% in each paper & 50% aggregate

All 4 papers are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

3. ​How to Register for CA or CMA Foundation?

CA Foundation Registration Steps:

  1. Visit ICAI’s official site: https://www.icai.org

  2. Create your account and fill in the application

  3. Upload scanned documents (Class 10th & 12th marksheets, photograph, signature)=

  4. Pay the registration fee online

  5. After registration, students will receive the hard copies of their study material by post.

Note: The study material for CA Foundation is included in the registration fee.

CMA Foundation Registration Steps:

  1. Visit ICMAI’s official site: https://icmai.in

  2. Register under the student section

  3. Upload the required documents (Class 10th & 12th marksheets, photo, ID proof)

  4. Pay the registration fee

  5. After registration, students will receive the hard copies of their study material by post.

Note: The study material for CA Foundation is included in the registration fee.

4. ​Subjects to Study at Foundation Level

CA Foundation Subjects:

  1. Principles and Practice of Accounting

  2. Business Laws and Business Correspondence, and Reporting

  3. Business Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, and Statistics

  4. Business Economics and Business and Commercial Knowledge

Paper pattern & Marking Scheme: Papers 1 & 2 are subjective papers, and Papers 3 & 4 are objective-based. There is negative marking in the objective papers. You must score at least 40% in each and 50% aggregate to pass. For instance, you must score at least 40 marks in each subject individually, and your total should be a minimum of 200 out of 400.

CMA Foundation Subjects:

  1. Fundamentals of Business Laws and Business Communication

  2. Fundamentals of Financial and Cost Accounting

  3. Fundamentals of Business Mathematics and Statistics

  4. Fundamentals of Business Economics and Management

All papers are objective, with no negative marking, and you score 2 marks for each right answer. You must score at least 40% in each and 50% aggregate to pass. For instance, you must score at least 40 marks in each subject individually, and your total should be a minimum of 200 out of 400.

5. ​Ideal Time to Start:

  • Right after your board exams — no long breaks!

  • Starting early gives you time to understand concepts instead of rushing with last-minute mugging.

6. ​How to Study Effectively: Smart Tips for Success

Here’s how toppers approach their Foundation exam:

1. Stick to ICAI/ICMAI Study Material

These are your main books. Everything in the exam is based on these. Use coaching notes only as a supplement.

2. Make a Realistic Timetable

Students who think that making a timetable is a waste of time are making a blunder. Instead of wasting time every day thinking about what to study or where to start, make a proper plan.Set daily targets instead of just counting hours.


3. Learn, Revise, Test – the Golden Formula

  • First, understand the concepts (don't mug up blindly).

  • Then, revise weekly using self-made notes.

  • Finally, test yourself regularly through short quizzes and mock papers.

4. Writing Practice

Especially for descriptive papers like Law and Accounting. Improve speed and presentation.

7. ​Important Things to Keep in Mind During Preparation

  1. Discipline > Intelligence: You don’t need to be a topper. You just need to show up and study every day.

  2. Don’t Skip Mock Tests: They train you for time management and exam pressure.

  3. Avoid Multitasking: Study with full focus – put your phone away.

  4. Track Your Progress Weekly: Use a study tracker or planner.

  5. Don’t Compare with Others: Everyone learns at a different pace. Stick to your plan.

  6. Ask Questions: Don’t stay stuck — talk to teachers, mentors, or peers.

  7. Health Matters: Don’t compromise on sleep and food. A healthy brain performs better.

8. ​Coaching or Self-Study – What’s Better?

It depends on your learning style:

  • If you're self-motivated and disciplined, → Self-study is possible.

  • If you need structure, mentorship, and clarity, opt for a trusted coaching institute.

At SJC Institute, we offer:

  • Full recorded courses for CA & CMA Foundation

  • Mock Test series

  • 1:1 doubt-solving and performance tracking

  • Guidance & Orientation classes 

Choosing CA or CMA after Class 12th is a wise and future-secure decision, but only if you start early, plan smart, and stay disciplined. With the right guidance and preparation, you can clear the Foundation exam in your first attempt.

If you're ready to start your journey but still have doubts, reach out to us at SJC Institute at 8100 11 2222, 33 3524 2700.

9. FAQs

Q1: Can I do CA or CMA without a Commerce background?
Yes, Class 12th from any stream is accepted.

Q2: Is Maths necessary for CA/CMA Foundation?
Maths is helpful but not compulsory.

Q3: How much should I study daily?
Start with 6 hours a day. Gradually increase it to 8-10 hours during peak months.

Q4: Can I do both CA and CMA together?
It’s possible, but not recommended at the Foundation level. Focus on one.

Q5: How many attempts are allowed?
Unlimited. But our goal is to clear in the first attempt.

Team SJC

Items have been added to cart.
One or more items could not be added to cart due to certain restrictions.
Added to cart
Your cart has item(s).
- Can't add this product to the cart now. Please try again later.
Quantity updated
- An error occurred. Please try again later.
Deleted from cart
- Can't delete this product from the cart at the moment. Please try again later.