If you are preparing for CMA Inter, you already know one thing. Direct tax CMA inter is not just a subject. It is a scoring tool if studied the right way. Many students fear tax. But honestly, once you understand the syllabus and chapter weightage, half the fear goes away.
In this guide, you will get a clear, simple, and complete explanation of the direct tax CMA inter syllabus, along with chapter-wise weightage, exam pattern, and smart study tips. Everything is explained like one student talking to another. No heavy words. No confusion.
Moreover, if you are enrolled in a CMA Inter coaching, this guide will help you align your classes with self-study in a better way.
What Is Direct Tax in CMA Inter?
Direct tax CMA inter mainly focuses on Income Tax and basic International Taxation. It teaches you how tax is calculated, who pays it, when it is paid, and how it is charged under Indian law.
Indeed, this subject builds a strong base for:
- CMA Final
- Corporate taxation
- Practical tax work
- Professional decision-making
The paper tests both your concept clarity and your ability to apply the law.
CMA Inter Direct Tax Paper Overview
Before going deep into chapters, let’s understand the paper structure.
- Paper Name: Direct Taxation
- Paper Code: Paper 7
- Level: CMA Intermediate
- Marks: 100
- Exam Duration: 3 Hours
- Question Type:
- Objective questions
- Descriptive questions
- Case-based problems
- Objective questions
Furthermore, amendments up to the relevant assessment year are always tested. So, updated study is very important.
Also Check: CMA Exam Dates
Direct Tax CMA Inter Syllabus – Complete Breakdown
Below is the full direct tax CMA inter syllabus as prescribed by ICMAI. Each unit is explained in very simple words.
1. Basic Concepts of Income Tax
This is where everything starts.
What You Study:
- Meaning of Income
- Gross Total Income
- Total Income
- Assessment Year vs Previous Year
- Person, Assessee
- Residential Status
Why It Matters:
Every chapter depends on these basics. If this part is weak, the whole subject feels hard.
Weightage:
10–12 Marks
2. Income Which Does Not Form Part of Total Income
Here, you learn about incomes that are fully exempt.
What You Study:
- Section 10 exemptions
- Agricultural income
- Certain allowances
- Tax-free incomes
Weightage:
5–6 Marks
Indeed, this chapter is small but very scoring.
3. Heads of Income – Salary
This is one of the most important parts of direct tax CMA inter.
What You Study:
- Meaning of salary
- Allowances
- Perquisites
- Retirement benefits
- Deductions from salary
Weightage:
10–12 Marks
Moreover, questions are usually direct and practical.
4. Income from House Property
Simple logic-based chapter.
What You Study:
- Self-occupied property
- Let-out property
- Annual value
- Deductions under Section 24
- Loss from house property
Weightage:
6–8 Marks
5. Profits and Gains from Business or Profession (PGBP)
This chapter decides your rank.
What You Study:
- Business income meaning
- Allowable expenses
- Disallowances
- Depreciation
- Speculative business
Weightage:
15–18 Marks
Furthermore, this chapter often comes as long practical questions.
6. Capital Gains
A concept-heavy but very important unit.
What You Study:
- Short-term capital gain
- Long-term capital gain
- Transfer
- Cost of acquisition
- Exemptions under Sections 54, 54EC, etc.
Weightage:
10–12 Marks
Indeed, once formulas are clear, this chapter becomes easy.
7. Income from Other Sources
This chapter covers leftover incomes.
What You Study:
- Interest income
- Dividend income
- Casual income
- Deductions allowed
Weightage:
5–6 Marks
8. Clubbing of Income, Set-Off and Carry Forward
This part checks your understanding.
What You Study:
- Clubbing provisions
- Set-off of losses
- Carry forward rules
Weightage:
6–8 Marks
Moreover, questions are mostly logic-based.
9. Deductions from Gross Total Income
Very scoring and easy.
What You Study:
- Section 80C to 80U
- Conditions and limits
- Practical application
Weightage:
8–10 Marks
10. Assessment of Individuals
This is where everything comes together.
What You Study:
- Computation of total income
- Tax liability
- Rebate
- Surcharge and cess
Weightage:
8–10 Marks
11. Assessment of Other Persons
Covers non-individual cases.
What You Study:
- HUF
- Firms
- Companies
- Trusts (basic level)
Weightage:
6–8 Marks
12. International Taxation – Basics
Small but important.
What You Study:
- Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA)
- Transfer pricing basics
- Residential status for global income
Weightage:
4–6 Marks
Chapter-Wise Weightage Summary (Quick View)
- Basics & Exempt Income: 15–18 Marks
- Salary & House Property: 18–20 Marks
- PGBP & Capital Gains: 25–30 Marks
- Other Sources & Deductions: 15–16 Marks
- Assessment & International Tax: 12–16 Marks
Indeed, focusing on high-weight chapters can easily push you above 60.
How to Study Direct Tax CMA Inter Smartly
Let’s be practical.
- Start with basic concepts
- Then finish salary, house property, and deductions
- Move to PGBP and capital gains
- Revise using full computations
- Practice past exam questions
Moreover, always write working notes clearly in exams.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Skipping amendments
- Ignoring theory questions
- Not practicing full computations
- Relying only on memory
Avoid these, and your marks will improve automatically.
Also Read: CMA Inter Question Papers
Final Words
To crack direct tax CMA inter, you don’t need magic. You need clarity, practice, and the right direction. Understand the syllabus. Respect the weightage. Revise often. Write clean answers.
If you stay consistent and follow a structured plan, this subject can become your strongest scoring paper in CMA Inter.
Study smart. Trust the process. You’ve got this.