CMA course structure and duration

CMA vs CA: Which is Better in 2025? CMA vs CA is a frequent comparison, as both CA (Chartered Accountant) and CMA (Certified Management Accountant) are two of the most popular professional certifications in finance and accounting. Both these certifications lead to well-paying careers and career growth, but they suit different career prospects. Assume that you are uncertain whether to study CA or CMA in 2025. In this scenario, this article will give you a step-by-step comparison based on exam difficulty level, course structure, job opportunity, pay, global acceptance, and many more. Upon reading this blog, you will have a clear idea of which career path is suitable for you. 1. What are CA and CMA? What is a CA (Chartered Accountant)? CA is a highly respected Indian professional qualification in the area of accounts & finance granted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). A  Chartered Accountant is a professional expert in auditing, taxation, corporate finance, and financial reporting. A CA must be responsible for financial documents, conducting audits, handling taxation, and complying with financial laws. They may be independent practitioners, corporate finance experts, or government department officials. What is a CMA (Certified Management Accountant)? CMA in India is a professional certification awarded by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI). A CMA is an expert in cost accounting, financial management, budgeting, pricing strategy, and overall cost control. CMAs focus on improving internal cost efficiency and supporting management in strategic decision-making. Their role is especially crucial in manufacturing sectors, PSUs, infrastructure industries, FMCG companies, and large-scale organizations where managing costs is key to success. 2. Course Duration and Exam Difficulty CA Course Structure & Duration The CA course is divided into three levels: Foundation Course: Paper 1: Accounting                                           (100 Marks) Paper 2: Business Laws                                    (100 Marks)       Paper 3: Quantitative Aptitude                         (100 Marks) – Business Mathematics – Logical Reasoning – Statistics Paper 4: Business Economics                           (100 Marks) 👉 Check out detailed guide of CA Foundation Papers  Intermediate Course:                                                     Group I             Paper 1:  Advanced Accounting                       (100 Marks)             Paper 2: Corporate and other Laws                 (100 Marks)             Paper 3: Taxation              Section A – Income-Tax Law                     (50 Marks)             Section B – Indirect Taxes                          (50 Marks)             Group II             Paper 4:  Cost and Management Accounting  (100 Marks)             Paper 5: Auditing and Ethics                               (100 Marks)             Paper 6A: Financial Management                  (50 Marks)             Paper 6B: Strategic Management                        (50 Marks) 👉 Check out detailed guide of CA Intermediate Papers  Final Course:                                                                        Group I              Paper 1: Financial Reporting                                (100 Marks)              Paper 2: Advanced Financial Management     (100 Marks)              Paper 3: Advanced Auditing, Assurance, and Professional Ethics                                                                                    (100 Marks) Group II               Paper 4: Direct Tax Laws and International Taxation (100 Marks)               Paper 5: Indirect Tax Laws                                   (100 Marks)               Paper 6: Integrated Business Solutions             (100 Marks) The most important requirement of the CA course is 2 years of mandatory Articleship with a practicing CA. This makes the total duration of the CA course 3.5 – 4 years, depending on whether you pass all levels on the first attempt. CMA Course Structure & Duration The CMA course is also divided into three levels: Foundation Course:                                                        (400 Marks) Paper 1: Fundamentals of Business Laws and Business Communication (FBLC) Paper 2: Fundamentals of Financial and Cost Accounting (FFCA) Paper 3: Fundamentals of Business Mathematics and Statistics (FBMS) Paper 4: Fundamentals of Business Economics and Management (FBEM) Intermediate Course:                                                    (800 Marks) Group I             Paper 5: Business Laws and Ethics (BLE)             Paper 6: Financial Accounting (FA)             Paper 7: Direct and Indirect Taxation (DITX)             Paper 8: Cost Accounting (CA) Group II             Paper 9: Operations Management and Strategic Management (OMSM)             Paper 10: Corporate Accounting and Auditing (CAA)             Paper 11: Financial Management and Business Data Analytics (FMDA)             Paper 12: Management Accounting (MA) Final Course:                                                                       (800 Marks) Group III              Paper 13: Corporate and Economic Laws (CEL)              Paper 14: Strategic Financial Management (SFM)              Paper 15: Direct Tax Laws and International Taxation (DIT)              Paper 16: Strategic Cost Management (SCM) Group IV               Paper 17: Cost and Management Audit (CMAD)               Paper 18: Corporate Financial Reporting (CFR)               Paper 19: Indirect Tax Laws and Practice (ITLP)               Paper 20: One of the following subjects Paper 20A: Strategic Performance Management and Business Valuation (SPMBV) Paper