The CMA Inter paper pattern gives students a clear idea of how the exam is designed. It explains the two groups, the subjects under each group, the marks given, the time allowed, and the passing criteria so by understanding the CMA Inter Paper Pattern, students can make a proper study plan, practice the right type of questions, and manage their time well during the exam. A clear knowledge of the paper pattern also reduces stress and helps in scoring better marks with confidence.
Key Highlights of CMA Inter Paper Pattern
- The CMA Inter Paper Pattern has two groups. Each group has four papers.
- Each paper is worth 100 marks.
- Time for each paper is three hours (one paper = three hours).
- You can sit for one group or both groups in the same exam.
- Pass rule: at least 40% in each paper and 50% in group aggregate.
List of Papers in CMA Inter Exam
Group One (Group I)
- Paper 5 — Business Laws and Ethics
- Paper 6 — Financial Accounting
- Paper 7 — Direct and Indirect Taxation
- Paper 8 — Cost Accounting
Group Two (Group II)
- Paper 9 — Operations Management and Strategic Management
- Paper 10 — Corporate Accounting and Auditing
- Paper 11 — Financial Management and Business Data Analytics
- Paper 12 — Management Accounting
How a Paper is Set (Question Type)
- As per the CMA Inter Paper Pattern, papers have both long answers and short answers. They may also have objective type bits.
- Some papers have a compulsory question. If you skip the compulsory question, your max marks may fall. So do not skip it. (This rule is in ICMAI exam tips.)
- Past papers and model question papers help you see the pattern. ICMAI gives MQP (model question papers). Use them to practice.
CMA Inter Paper Pattern – Key Facts Table
| Item | Value |
| Groups | 2 |
| Papers per group | 4 |
| Marks per paper | 100 |
| Time per paper | 3 hours |
| Mode | Centre-based (offline) |
| Question types | Descriptive + objective (mix) |
| Passing marks per paper | 40% |
| Passing aggregate per group | 50% |
Marking Scheme of CMA Inter Papers
A paper under the CMA Inter Paper Pattern may be split like this (this is a general idea — check each paper MQP for exact split):
- Part A: Short questions. These are quick. (Say 20–30 marks.)
- Part B: Long questions. These need steps and notes. (Say 50–60 marks.)
- Compulsory Question: Marks given. Do it to keep full marks.
- Objective questions: May be included in some papers.
Use ICMAI MQP and past papers to know the exact split for each paper.
Why the CMA Inter Paper Pattern matters
- The CMA Inter Paper Pattern tells you how to study.
- It tells you how to write answers in the exam.
- Helps you plan time for each question.
- Shows where marks are heavy, so you give more time to big marks.
Simple Study Plan for One Paper (3 months plan — small steps)
Week 1–2 – Read syllabus bits. See MQP. Mark big topics.
Week 3–6 – Study one big topic a week. Do small notes.
Week 7–9 – Do 2 full mock tests. Check time.
Week 10–12 – Revise notes. Do past year questions. Fix weak points.
Do this for each paper. When you have two groups, copy the plan for both. Use short study sessions. Rest well.
Answer Writing Tips for CMA Inter Papers
- Read the paper for five minutes first. Pick easy questions.
- Do the compulsory question first or as needed. Do not leave it blank.
- Show steps in accounting and cost papers. Examiners like neat steps.
- Keep time: divide hours by marks. For a 20-mark question give more time.
- Write clear headings and short lines.
Time plan example for a 100-mark paper
| Marks for question | Time to spend |
| 20 | 40–45 minutes |
| 15 | 30–35 minutes |
| 10 | 20–25 minutes |
| 5 | 8–12 minutes |
| Buffer for review | 15–20 minutes |
This plan helps you finish the paper and check answers.
Best Practice Tools for CMA Inter Exam
- ICMAI MQP (model question papers). They show real style.
- Suggested answers on ICMAI site. They show how answers can be written.
- Past year papers and exam guides like Careers360. They give tips and mark rules.
Stepwise CMA Inter Exam Preparation Plan
- Read syllabus → 2. See MQP → 3. Make small notes → 4. Practice past papers → 5. Do a mock test → 6. Fix weak topics → 7. Give exam
Final Note
This guide is made to help you know the CMA Inter paper pattern. Checked ICMAI pages and model papers to make sure facts are right. Use MQP and suggested answers from ICMAI to practice. Read the paper first in the exam. Do the compulsory question. Keep writing neat steps in account and cost papers. Practice a lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: Can I give one group now and another later?
Ans: Yes. You can give one group or both in the same session.
Ques: How many marks do I need to pass?
Ans: Get at least 40 in each paper and 50 in group total.
Ques: Is there negative marking?
Ans: No. (Most guides say so.)
Ques: Where to see real paper pattern?
Ans: ICMAI syllabus and MQP pages on icmai.in.
