If you are planning your attempt and want to know How to Score Exemption in CMA Intermediate, you are not alone. Many students try to score 60+ marks in one or more papers so they don’t have to reattempt them. And honestly, scoring an exemption is not as hard as it looks. You just need the right method, the right planning, and some smart habits.
In this guide, you will learn how to study, what to avoid, how to revise, and how to write the exam so you can actually score an exemption without stress.
What Does “Exemption” Mean in CMA Intermediate?
Before learning how to score exemption in CMA Intermediate, you must know what it means.
- You need 60+ marks in a subject.
- If you score 60 or more, that paper gets exempted in the next attempt.
- You only need to clear the remaining papers.
This is why students aim for exemptions—because it reduces pressure and increases the chance of passing the whole group.
Also Read: How to Crack CMA Inter in First Attempt
How to Score Exemption in CMA Intermediate (The Real Strategy)
Let’s break it down step by step so you can follow it easily.
1. Know the Syllabus First
You cannot score exemption if you don’t know what to study. So before anything else, take a notebook and write:
- Full syllabus
- Every chapter name
- Weightage
- Easy chapters
- Hard chapters
Indeed, this step helps you see the entire journey clearly.
Many top scorers say they scored exemption just because they understood the chapter weightage and didn’t waste time on unimportant areas.
2. Start With the Easiest Chapters
Many students start with the toughest subject. It looks great but does not work for most people.
If you want to know how to score exemption in CMA Intermediate, start with the easiest and scoring chapters first. Why?
- You get confidence
- You finish more syllabus fast
- You build momentum
- You stay motivated
Moreover, easy chapters help you score straight marks, which push you toward 60+.
3. Make Notes in the Simplest Way
Notes should be so simple that even a child can understand. Your notes should have:
- Small points
- Small examples
- Simple words
- Formulas
- Easy steps
Avoid writing long paragraphs. You don’t need fancy language. You need clear memory. Good notes help you revise fast. And fast revision helps you score exemption.
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4. Solve Previous Year Questions Daily
If you want to know the truth—this is the biggest reason why students score exemptions.
Solving previous year questions (PYQs) helps you:
- Understand the exam pattern
- Know the most repeated topics
- Learn how questions are framed
- Improve speed
- Improve accuracy
Indeed, PYQs act like a mirror. They show you exactly where you stand. Most toppers suggest solving at least 5 years of PYQs for every subject.
5. Solve the Institute’s Study Material Fully
The Institute’s material is not optional. If you skip it, you reduce your chance of scoring exemption.
The exam paper comes mostly from Institute material, RTPs, MTPs, and case studies. So make sure you:
- Complete the theory questions
- Complete the practical sums
- Mark important ones
- Revise them twice
If you follow this, scoring 60+ becomes much easier.
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6. Test Yourself Again and Again
Mock tests help you learn how to write. Your focus should not only be on studying but also on presenting answers.
To score exemption in CMA Intermediate:
- Give at least 5 mock tests per subject
- Write answers within time
- Check where you lose marks
- Improve step by step
Mock tests prepare you for real exam pressure. Moreover, they teach you time management.
7. Do Smart Revision (Not Long Revision)
Revision is the real game. If you don’t revise, you forget. If you forget, you cannot score exemption. Follow the 3-level revision rule:
First Revision (Take time and understand again)
Complete it within 20–25 days.
Second Revision (Faster)
Complete in 10–12 days.
Third Revision (Very fast)
Just 2–3 days before exam. Indeed, this pattern helps your brain remember and recall everything.
8. Follow a Fixed Time Table
A timetable gives you control. You don’t need a complicated timetable. You just need a clear one.
Example:
- Morning: Theory
- Afternoon: Practical
- Evening: PYQs
- Night: Revision
Make a simple routine and follow it daily. Consistency is what creates exemption-level marks.
9. Give More Time to Practical Subjects
Most exemptions are scored in practical subjects like:
- Financial Accounting
- Cost Accounting
- Direct Tax
- Operations Management
- Company Accounts
Because practical subjects give straightforward marks. If your steps are correct, the examiner gives marks.
So follow this rule: “Theory needs remembering. Practical needs practice.” Practice daily for practical papers.
10. Use Short Notes for Last-Day Revision
Last day revision should take only 4–5 hours per subject.
So create a last-day file containing:
- Formulas
- Key points
- Journal entries
- GST rates
- Sections
- Concepts
- Summary charts
This last-day file is very important for exemption.
11. Focus on Presentation in Theory Papers
Many students study well but lose marks in theory because they write poorly.
Here’s how to write better:
- Use headings
- Use points
- Use examples
- Highlight keywords
- Keep answers clean
- Don’t write long stories
If your writing looks neat, the examiner feels good and gives marks. Indeed, good presentation = higher marks.
12. Improve Your Calculation Speed
Slow calculation leads to lost marks.
To score exemption in CMA Intermediate, keep these habits:
- Do mental maths daily
- Use your calculator like a pro
- Practice fast entries
- Reduce silly mistakes
Even 1 extra sum can help you cross 60.
13. Don’t Leave Any Chapter
Many students skip chapters thinking they will not come in exam.
But CMA exam papers are balanced.
If you leave topics, you reduce your score.
If you study everything, your chances go up.
Furthermore, small chapters often give quick marks.
14. Stay Away From Shortcuts
Stop:
- Watching random “quick revision videos”
- Learning shortcuts from unknown sources
- Avoiding practice
Exemptions come from solid study, not from hacks.
15. Write the Exam Smartly
How you write the paper decides your marks. Follow this during exam:
- Attempt the easiest questions first
- Keep answers neat
- Don’t use long sentences
- Show steps in practical papers
- Never leave blanks
- Use margins for working notes
Even if you don’t know an answer fully, write whatever you know. Partial marks help you reach 60.
16. Stay Calm During the Exam
Your mind decides your marks. When you stay calm:
- You think better
- You write better
- You recall better
Don’t panic if you don’t understand a question. Move to the next one and come back later. Moreover, a calm mind performs 5 times better.
Final Words
Scoring exemption is not magic.
It is a simple mix of:
- Clear planning
- Smart study
- Regular practice
- Simple notes
- Revision
- Good writing
If you follow this guide step by step, you can easily score 60+ in one or even multiple subjects.
Your aim should be simple: “Understand well. Revise well. Write well.” That’s the real formula for How to Score Exemption in CMA Intermediate.
