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?
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?
3. How to Register for CA or CMA Foundation?
CA Foundation Registration Steps:
Visit ICAI’s official site: https://www.icai.org
Create your account and fill in the application
Upload scanned documents (Class 10th & 12th marksheets, photograph, signature)=
Pay the registration fee online
After registration, students will receive the hard copies of their study material by post.
CMA Foundation Registration Steps:
Visit ICMAI’s official site: https://icmai.in
Register under the student section
Upload the required documents (Class 10th & 12th marksheets, photo, ID proof)
Pay the registration fee
After registration, students will receive the hard copies of their study material by post.
Visit ICMAI’s official site: https://icmai.in
Register under the student section
Upload the required documents (Class 10th & 12th marksheets, photo, ID proof)
Pay the registration fee
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
4. Subjects to Study at Foundation Level
CA Foundation Subjects:
Principles and Practice of Accounting
Business Laws and Business Correspondence, and Reporting
Business Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, and Statistics
Business Economics and Business and Commercial Knowledge
CMA Foundation Subjects:
Fundamentals of Business Laws and Business Communication
Fundamentals of Financial and Cost Accounting
Fundamentals of Business Mathematics and Statistics
Fundamentals of Business Economics and Management
Fundamentals of Business Laws and Business Communication
Fundamentals of Financial and Cost Accounting
Fundamentals of Business Mathematics and Statistics
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:
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
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
7. Important Things to Keep in Mind During Preparation
Discipline > Intelligence: You don’t need to be a topper. You just need to show up and study every day.
Don’t Skip Mock Tests: They train you for time management and exam pressure.
Avoid Multitasking: Study with full focus – put your phone away.
Track Your Progress Weekly: Use a study tracker or planner.
Don’t Compare with Others: Everyone learns at a different pace. Stick to your plan.
Ask Questions: Don’t stay stuck — talk to teachers, mentors, or peers.
Health Matters: Don’t compromise on sleep and food. A healthy brain performs better.
8. Coaching or Self-Study – What’s 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.