All About CMA CAT
Are you planning to dive into the vibrant and rewarding world of accounting after 12th class or an undergraduate degree? Then, the CMA CAT course (a 1-year course), introduced by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India, is an excellent opportunity for you that opens doors to entry-level opportunities. The CMA CAT course equips you with strong accounting skills, along with additional benefits. This blog has been curated with the CMA course details for beginners and everything you need to know about it.
Benefits & Eligibility of the CMA CAT Course
One of the key benefits of the CMA CAT is that after completing the course, you can jump straight to CMA Intermediate without doing CMA Foundation. The CMA CAT is also the first step towards completing the CMA, opening doors to employment opportunities. An advantage of the CMA CAT course is the 45-day internship under the guidance of an accounting professional. You can also learn Tally & MS Office within the course and avoid taking up a separate course for it. After completing the CAT course, Part 1, and the 12th class, students are eligible to register for the intermediate course in cost and management accounting.
The eligibility for the CMA CAT course is a 12th pass.
The CAT Course is aligned with the qualification pack BSC/Q8103—Accounts Assistant of the BFSI Sector Skill Council of India (BFSISSC).
CMA CAT Course & Exam Details
Foundation Course (Entry Level) Part I:
- Paper 1: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting.
- Paper 2: Applied Business and Industrial Laws.
- Paper 3: Financial Accounting-2.
- Paper 4: Statutory Compliance.
- Competency Level – Part II:
- Fundamentals of Computers.
- Filing of Statutory Returns.
- Introduction to Costing Principles and Preparation of Cost Statements.
- 5-day Orientation Program.
Duration and Program Components:
Foundation Course (Entry Level) Part I:
- Involves a total of 200 hours, comprising coaching and self-assessment, available both online and offline.
- Competency Level – Part II:
- Encompasses 100 hours, covering computer training, filing of returns, cost sheet preparation, and self-assessment. The sessions are conducted both online and offline.
- Additional Components:
- A crucial part of the CAT course is a 5-day orientation program.
- The program also includes a 3-month internship, providing practical experience and real-world application of the skills learned.
Looking to kickstart your career? Explore the CMA CAT course and unlock exciting opportunities in accounting and finance
Enroll NowCAT Course Part I: Exam Structure & Weightage
- 2 papers, 100 marks each (MCQ only, no negative marking)
- Duration: 2 hours per paper
- Passing Criteria: Minimum 40% in each paper and an aggregate of 50% overall
Paper I (100 marks, 2h)
- Section A: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting – approximately 60 marks
- Section B: Applied Business & Industrial Laws—approximately 40 marks
Paper II (100 marks, 2h)
- Section A: Financial Accounting‑2 – approximately 50 marks
- Section B: Statutory Compliance – approximately 50 marks
CAT Part‑II: Practical Training & Components
Part II is not an examination but includes:
- Computer Fundamentals (Microsoft)
- Computerized Accounting (Tally ERP)
- Employability Skills (Cambridge)
- e‑Filing training
- Introduction to Costing Principles & Preparation of Cost Statements
- A 5‑day orientation programme
- 45‑day internship from an accredited organization.
The CMA CAT examination is conducted twice a year.
Job Opportunities
After the CMA CAT course, the opportunities are:
- Accountant
- Junior Accountant
- Accounting Assistant
- Auditing Clerk
- Financial Reporting Assistant
- Financial Analyst
- Accounting Manager
- Senior Accountant
As a beginner, enrolling in a reliable and reputable institute offering the CMA CAT course is a good option. Experienced and qualified faculty can provide excellent guidance. Flexibility of the institute is also a key factor when it comes to offering online and offline CMA CAT coaching. Xylem Learning offers both online and offline CMA CAT coaching with exquisite study materials and PYQs covering the syllabus. Reach out to the best online and offline CMA CAT coaching institute in Kerala for more details.
FAQ
The Institute of Cost Accountants of India has launched a short-term course: Certificate in Accounting Technicians, also known as CAT, to meet the increasing demand for entry-level accountants. This course is designed for students who have passed the 12th grade (10+2) or are undergraduates.
Yes, the exam has a high level of difficulty.
CA is considered more difficult than CMA.
In India, CA earns more than CMA.
Yes, CMA-qualified professionals are in high demand in India.