To crack the CMA Foundation exam in the first attempt, the first and foremost thing one should do is to choose a good institution, mentor, and study material. 

To clear the CMA Foundation exam with good marks requires proper strategy with a positive mindset. Also, knowing subject wise preparation tips will play an important role in clearing the CMA Foundation exam.

Also, there are a few students who are unaware of the exam pattern and have no idea where to start preparation, In such cases, it is advisable to get guidance from experts/mentors so that they can help you to clear the exam by providing strategies, and it is necessary to choose that test series that gives you feedback and proper remarks so that you can work on those areas in which you are weak.

Always remember, success has to do with deliberate practice. Practice must be focused, Determined, and in an Environment where there’s feedback.

CMA Foundation Exam Pattern

To clear the CMA Foundation exam, it is necessary to know the examination pattern. The CMA Foundation consists of four papers, which have only objective-type questions. All these four exams take place on the same day.

In session 1, Paper 1 and Paper 2 conducted together and the duration of this session is 2 hours while in session 2, Paper 3 and Paper 4 conducted together and the duration of session 2 is 2 hours. Both sessions are of 200 marks in which 100 questions are of 2 marks each. Knowing the timing for each paper helps students make a study plan for their exam.

There is no negative marking for an incorrect answer, and to pass the CMA Foundation exam it is necessary to get at least 40% marks in each subject and an overall of 50% marks.

It is important to note that in the CMA Foundation exam there is no exemption rule, and if any student gets a score less than 40% in any of the CMA papers then he/she will have to attempt all the papers again in the next attempt.

Subject-wise preparation tips to clear the CMA Foundation

Paper 1: Fundamentals of Business Laws and Business Communication

Fundamentals of business laws contain 80% weightage of marks, while business communication contains 20%.

It is advisable to give more attention to the different acts like the Indian Contract Act, the Sale of Goods Act, and the Negotiable Instrument Act because all three chapters cover almost 70% of marks and make a study plan to cover all the topics in the strict allocated time.

In contract law, focus on topics like essential elements of offer, acceptance, consideration, capacity, and free consent. Understand the different concepts, like different types of contracts, their formation, performance, and breach.

 In the sale of Goods Act, learn about the implied warranties and conditions, rights and duties of sellers and buyers, and remedies for breach.

Understand the different elements of effective communication, including verbal, non-verbal, and written communication. In addition to this, learn the formats and style for different business memos, letters, reports, and emails.

Paper 2: Fundamentals of Financial and Cost Accounting

Fundamentals of Financial Accounting section contain 70%, while Cost Accounting section contains 30% weightage of marks.

One should start with basic topics like Accounting principles, Bank Reconciliation statements, Rectification of errors, and depreciation. 

Candidates should practice to understand the concept of cost sheets deeply.

Prepare the subject by doing rough calculations because at the time of the exam they will have to tick only options. Practice questions as many as possible to make a grip on calculation so that you can attempt many questions in a short period of time during exam time.

Do not forget the theory portion and deeply understand the topics like Cost unit, Cost Centre, Capital, Revenue and so on.

Paper 3: Fundamentals of Business Mathematics and Statistics

The Fundamentals of Business Mathematics section contains 40% marks while Fundamentals of business statistics contains 60% weightage of marks.

Business Statistics:

Start with Statistics because it contains 60% of the marks. Give more attention to the topic like mean, median, and mode. 

Understand the concept related to correlation and regression analysis.

Learn how index numbers construct and interpret.

Practice time series and understand the methods of forecasting.

Business Mathematics:

In Algebra, grasp the important topics like linear and quadratic equations, functions, and equations.

Practice questions related to trigonometric ratios and their applications

Understand the concepts of factorial, permutation, and combination. 

Practice probability concepts and theorems.

It is important to note that there are a lot of questions that come from topics like compound interest, permutation, and combination. 

We can expect 2-3 questions related to calculus.

To get good marks in this subject, one should practice as many questions as possible to understand the concept deeply.

Paper 4: Fundamentals of Business Economics and Management

Fundamentals of Business Economics contain 70% weightage of marks, and it is advisable to start your preparation with basic concepts like theory of demand and supply, theory of production, and forms of markets which carry maximum weightage. 

It is important to note that the syllabus of Paper 4 of the CMA Foundation is the same as higher secondary levels.

During preparation, highlight the topics in which questions have repeatedly been asked and practice mock test papers to understand the topic deeply.

Conclusion:

Clearing the CMA Foundation exam is not that tough because in this there are basic-level topics which you have already studied in your school time. 

By following the aforementioned tips, hard work, and an effective study plan, you can definitely crack the CMA Foundation exam in your first attempt.

But if you are still confused about your studies, then get guidance from a mentor or expert and get solutions to your problems.

Also Check:

• How to clear CMA Inter in First attempt?
• How many attempts are allowed in CMA?