CMA Exam Dates 2026: Foundation, Intermediate & Final Schedule, Registration Last Date & Exam Timeline
Every CMA aspirant reaches a point where one question takes over every other worry: when exactly is my exam. If you are searching for CMA Exam Dates 2026, you are probably trying to plan your study months, your registration, or your exam form submission around a calendar that keeps shifting between "confirmed" and "tentative." This guide puts everything ICMAI has officially confirmed in one place, and clearly marks what is still an estimate so you are never caught off guard.
Quick Answer: The CMA June 2026 term (Foundation, Intermediate, Final) is already over - Foundation results came out on July 9, 2026, and Inter/Final results are due by August 5, 2026. The CMA December 2026 term registration closes July 31, 2026, with exams tentatively expected in the second week of December. ICMAI has not yet released the official December 2026 date sheet, so treat exam dates as provisional until confirmed on icmai.in.
Quick Overview Table
| Detail | Status |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) |
| Exam Terms in 2026 | June 2026 (completed) and December 2026 (upcoming) |
| December 2026 Registration Last Date | July 31, 2026 |
| December 2026 Exam Form Deadline | Tentatively third week of October 2026 (not yet confirmed) |
| December 2026 Exam Dates | Tentatively second week of December 2026 (not yet confirmed) |
| December 2026 Admit Card | Expected late November to early December 2026 |
| December 2026 Result | Expected around February 2027 |
| June 2026 Foundation Result | Declared July 9, 2026 |
| June 2026 Inter & Final Result | Expected by August 5, 2026 |
| Mode of Exam | Offline, centre based (OMR for Foundation, descriptive for Inter and Final) |
| Official Website | icmai.in |
Complete Exam Calendar
| Level | June 2026 Term | December 2026 Term |
|---|---|---|
| CMA Foundation | June 14, 2026 (held) | Tentatively mid-December 2026 |
| CMA Intermediate | June 11-18, 2026 (held) | Tentatively December 10-17, 2026 |
| CMA Final | June 11-18, 2026 (held) | Tentatively December 10-17, 2026 |
ICMAI runs the Foundation exam in OMR-based offline mode, while Intermediate and Final are conducted as descriptive, centre-based papers spread across multiple non-consecutive days to allow revision gaps between subjects.
CMA Foundation Exam Dates 2026
CMA Foundation is the entry-level exam for anyone who has passed Class 12, and it forms the base of the entire CMA journey. For a complete breakdown of what the four papers cover, our CMA Foundation syllabus guide is a useful companion to this timeline.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| June 2026 Foundation exam | June 14, 2026 (held) |
| June 2026 Foundation result | July 9, 2026 (declared) |
| December 2026 registration closes | July 31, 2026 |
| December 2026 Foundation exam | Tentative, mid-December 2026 |
Students who missed the June 2026 attempt, or who did not clear it, have the December 2026 window open through registration by July 31.
CMA Intermediate Exam Dates 2026
CMA Intermediate has eight papers split into two groups. Students can appear for one group or both together, depending on how prepared they are. If you are weighing that decision, our CMA Inter tips for the first attempt covers exactly this trade-off.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| June 2026 Intermediate exam | June 11-18, 2026 (held) |
| June 2026 Inter result | Expected by August 5, 2026 |
| December 2026 registration closes | July 31, 2026 |
| December 2026 exam form deadline | Tentative, third week of October 2026 |
| December 2026 Intermediate exam | Tentative, second week of December 2026 |
Students entering CMA Intermediate through Direct Entry after graduation, or after clearing Foundation, should register well before July 31 since late registration typically pushes eligibility to the next term.
CMA Final Exam Dates 2026
CMA Final is the last academic milestone before practical training completion and ICMAI membership. This level demands both technical accuracy and answer presentation, something we cover in depth on our CMA Final coaching page.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| June 2026 Final exam | June 11-18, 2026 (held) |
| June 2026 Final result | Expected by August 5, 2026 |
| December 2026 registration closes | July 31, 2026 |
| December 2026 exam form deadline | Tentative, third week of October 2026 |
| December 2026 Final exam | Tentative, second week of December 2026 |
Candidates must have cleared both groups of Intermediate and satisfied practical training requirements before appearing for Final.
Registration Last Dates
| Term | Registration Last Date |
|---|---|
| June 2026 term | January 31, 2026 (passed) |
| December 2026 term | July 31, 2026 |
| June 2027 term | Expected January 31, 2027 (unconfirmed) |
Registration and the exam form are two separate steps. Registering with ICMAI enrolls you in the course; the exam form is a later, separate application that books your seat for a specific term.
Exam Form Dates
| Term | Exam Form Window (Typical) |
|---|---|
| June term | Usually opens February, closes around April 10 |
| December term | Usually opens August, closes around the third week of October |
The exam form fee is paid separately from the registration fee. Missing the exam form deadline means you stay registered for the course but cannot sit for that specific term's exam, even if your registration is valid.
Admit Card Release
ICMAI typically releases the CMA admit card about 10 days to 2 weeks before the first paper, separately for Foundation, Intermediate and Final. For the December 2026 term, based on this pattern, expect release in late November or the first week of December 2026, but only once ICMAI has locked the exam dates. Carrying a printed admit card along with a valid photo ID to the exam centre is mandatory; ICMAI does not allow entry without it.
Result Dates
| Term | Result Status |
|---|---|
| June 2026 Foundation | Declared July 9, 2026 |
| June 2026 Intermediate | Expected by August 5, 2026 |
| June 2026 Final | Expected by August 5, 2026 |
| December 2026 (all levels) | Expected around February 2027 |
If you are checking your June 2026 Foundation outcome, our CMA Foundation Result 2026 guide explains the exact steps to view and download your scorecard.
Important Events Timeline
| Event | Approximate Timing (December 2026 Term) |
|---|---|
| Registration window closes | July 31, 2026 |
| Exam form window opens | Around August 2026 |
| Exam form window closes | Tentative, third week of October 2026 |
| Admit card release | Tentative, late Nov to early Dec 2026 |
| Exam dates | Tentative, second week of December 2026 |
| Result declaration | Expected around February 2027 |
Eligibility for CMA Exams
| Level | Minimum Qualification |
|---|---|
| CMA Foundation | Passed 10+2 from any recognized board, any stream |
| CMA Intermediate | Cleared Foundation, or graduate in any discipline except Fine Arts (Direct Entry) |
| CMA Final | Cleared both groups of CMA Intermediate |
For a full breakdown of age limits, direct entry rules and required documents, see our detailed CMA course eligibility 2026 guide.
Important Instructions Before the Exam
- Confirm your exam centre address at least a week in advance; ICMAI does not usually permit centre changes after the exam form is locked.
- Keep your admit card and one valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, school or college ID) ready together.
- Check paper timings carefully. Foundation papers typically run in two sessions, morning and afternoon, on the same day.
- Reach the centre at least 30-45 minutes before the reporting time mentioned on the admit card.
- Carry only permitted stationery; calculators must match ICMAI's allowed specifications where applicable.
Exam Day Guidelines
- Reporting time is strict; late entry beyond the permitted window is not allowed.
- Mobile phones and smart devices are prohibited inside the exam hall.
- OMR sheets for Foundation must be filled with the specified pen only; incorrect marking can void a response.
- For Intermediate and Final descriptive papers, attempt questions in the sequence you are most confident in, but number your answers clearly to avoid evaluation errors.
- Do not leave the hall before the minimum time specified by the invigilator, even if you finish early.
Preparation Timeline
| Phase | Recommended Duration | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | 6-8 months | Build basics in accounting, law, maths, economics |
| Intermediate | 8-10 months | Cost accounting, financial management, taxation, laws |
| Final | 8-10 months | Strategic subjects, case studies, answer presentation |
If you are just starting and want a structured roadmap rather than a fixed timeline, our CMA course duration guide breaks this down level by level, and our CMA study techniques page covers how to actually use that time well.
How to Check Official Exam Dates
- Go to icmai.in, the official ICMAI website.
- Click on the "Students" tab in the main menu.
- Select "Examination" from the dropdown.
- Open the latest "Time Table & Programme" notification for Foundation, Intermediate or Final.
- Download the PDF and cross-check paper-wise dates, timings and instructions.
- Bookmark the "Announcements" section, since ICMAI posts date-sheet updates, centre changes and admit card releases there first.
Official ICMAI Notifications
ICMAI is the only authoritative source for exam dates, admit card release, and results. Third-party portals, including this one, can only report what ICMAI has already published or reasonably estimate based on past patterns. Whenever a date on any website, including ours, is marked "tentative," it means ICMAI has not issued an official circular for it yet. Always cross-verify time-sensitive dates directly on icmai.in before making travel, leave, or study-plan decisions around them.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Assuming the registration deadline and the exam form deadline are the same thing, and missing the second one.
- Relying on last year's exact dates as this year's confirmed schedule instead of checking ICMAI's own notification.
- Waiting until the admit card is released to plan travel or accommodation near the exam centre.
- Not saving a copy of the registration and exam form payment receipts.
- Ignoring the practical training requirement before Final registration, which can delay eligibility even after clearing Intermediate.
Expert Tips
- Set two separate reminders each term: one for registration, one for the exam form. They are easy to conflate and equally easy to miss.
- Start Final-level preparation with case-study practice early; ICMAI's Final papers reward structured, presentation-heavy answers more than they reward speed.
- If you are attempting both groups of Intermediate or Final together, build a week-by-week revision map rather than studying subject by subject in isolation, since papers fall on alternate days and need switching between subjects quickly.
- Cross-check your exam centre and admit card details the day they are released; correction windows are usually short.
Key Takeaways
- The CMA June 2026 term is complete; December 2026 is the next opportunity.
- December 2026 registration closes July 31, 2026 - this is confirmed.
- December 2026 exam dates are still tentative and expected in the second week of December.
- Always confirm exact dates on icmai.in before finalizing your study or travel plans.
FAQs
Latest CMA Exam Dates 2026
As of now, ICMAI has confirmed one full term and is yet to publish the complete date sheet for the second.
June 2026 term (completed):
- CMA Foundation exam: June 14, 2026
- CMA Intermediate exam: June 11 to June 18, 2026
- CMA Final exam: June 11 to June 18, 2026
December 2026 term (upcoming, largely tentative):
- Registration last date: July 31, 2026 (confirmed)
- Exam form submission: tentatively third week of October 2026
- Exam dates: tentatively second week of December 2026
- Based on past-year patterns, CMA Intermediate Group 1 could fall on December 10, 12, 14 and 16, with Group 2 on December 11, 13, 15 and 17. This is an estimate built on previous December cycles, not an ICMAI-confirmed date sheet.
If you are reading this close to when ICMAI publishes the official Time Table & Programme notification, treat any date not marked "confirmed" above as subject to change until you see it on icmai.in yourself.
Complete Exam Calendar
| Level | June 2026 Term | December 2026 Term |
|---|---|---|
| CMA Foundation | June 14, 2026 (held) | Tentatively mid-December 2026 |
| CMA Intermediate | June 11-18, 2026 (held) | Tentatively December 10-17, 2026 |
| CMA Final | June 11-18, 2026 (held) | Tentatively December 10-17, 2026 |
ICMAI runs the Foundation exam in OMR-based offline mode, while Intermediate and Final are conducted as descriptive, centre-based papers spread across multiple non-consecutive days to allow revision gaps between subjects.
CMA Foundation Exam Dates 2026
CMA Foundation is the entry-level exam for anyone who has passed Class 12, and it forms the base of the entire CMA journey. For a complete breakdown of what the four papers cover, our CMA Foundation syllabus guide is a useful companion to this timeline.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| June 2026 Foundation exam | June 14, 2026 (held) |
| June 2026 Foundation result | July 9, 2026 (declared) |
| December 2026 registration closes | July 31, 2026 |
| December 2026 Foundation exam | Tentative, mid-December 2026 |
Students who missed the June 2026 attempt, or who did not clear it, have the December 2026 window open through registration by July 31.
CMA Intermediate Exam Dates 2026
CMA Intermediate has eight papers split into two groups. Students can appear for one group or both together, depending on how prepared they are. If you are weighing that decision, our CMA Inter tips for the first attempt covers exactly this trade-off.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| June 2026 Intermediate exam | June 11-18, 2026 (held) |
| June 2026 Inter result | Expected by August 5, 2026 |
| December 2026 registration closes | July 31, 2026 |
| December 2026 exam form deadline | Tentative, third week of October 2026 |
| December 2026 Intermediate exam | Tentative, second week of December 2026 |
Students entering CMA Intermediate through Direct Entry after graduation, or after clearing Foundation, should register well before July 31 since late registration typically pushes eligibility to the next term.
CMA Final Exam Dates 2026
CMA Final is the last academic milestone before practical training completion and ICMAI membership. This level demands both technical accuracy and answer presentation, something we cover in depth on our CMA Final coaching page.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| June 2026 Final exam | June 11-18, 2026 (held) |
| June 2026 Final result | Expected by August 5, 2026 |
| December 2026 registration closes | July 31, 2026 |
| December 2026 exam form deadline | Tentative, third week of October 2026 |
| December 2026 Final exam | Tentative, second week of December 2026 |
Candidates must have cleared both groups of Intermediate and satisfied practical training requirements before appearing for Final.
Registration Last Dates
| Term | Registration Last Date |
|---|---|
| June 2026 term | January 31, 2026 (passed) |
| December 2026 term | July 31, 2026 |
| June 2027 term | Expected January 31, 2027 (unconfirmed) |
Registration and the exam form are two separate steps. Registering with ICMAI enrolls you in the course; the exam form is a later, separate application that books your seat for a specific term.
Exam Form Dates
| Term | Exam Form Window (Typical) |
|---|---|
| June term | Usually opens February, closes around April 10 |
| December term | Usually opens August, closes around the third week of October |
The exam form fee is paid separately from the registration fee. Missing the exam form deadline means you stay registered for the course but cannot sit for that specific term's exam, even if your registration is valid.
Admit Card Release
ICMAI typically releases the CMA admit card about 10 days to 2 weeks before the first paper, separately for Foundation, Intermediate and Final. For the December 2026 term, based on this pattern, expect release in late November or the first week of December 2026, but only once ICMAI has locked the exam dates. Carrying a printed admit card along with a valid photo ID to the exam centre is mandatory; ICMAI does not allow entry without it.
Result Dates
| Term | Result Status |
|---|---|
| June 2026 Foundation | Declared July 9, 2026 |
| June 2026 Intermediate | Expected by August 5, 2026 |
| June 2026 Final | Expected by August 5, 2026 |
| December 2026 (all levels) | Expected around February 2027 |
If you are checking your June 2026 Foundation outcome, our CMA Foundation Result 2026 guide explains the exact steps to view and download your scorecard.
Important Events Timeline
| Event | Approximate Timing (December 2026 Term) |
|---|---|
| Registration window closes | July 31, 2026 |
| Exam form window opens | Around August 2026 |
| Exam form window closes | Tentative, third week of October 2026 |
| Admit card release | Tentative, late Nov to early Dec 2026 |
| Exam dates | Tentative, second week of December 2026 |
| Result declaration | Expected around February 2027 |
Eligibility for CMA Exams
| Level | Minimum Qualification |
|---|---|
| CMA Foundation | Passed 10+2 from any recognized board, any stream |
| CMA Intermediate | Cleared Foundation, or graduate in any discipline except Fine Arts (Direct Entry) |
| CMA Final | Cleared both groups of CMA Intermediate |
For a full breakdown of age limits, direct entry rules and required documents, see our detailed CMA course eligibility 2026 guide.
Important Instructions Before the Exam
- Confirm your exam centre address at least a week in advance; ICMAI does not usually permit centre changes after the exam form is locked.
- Keep your admit card and one valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, school or college ID) ready together.
- Check paper timings carefully. Foundation papers typically run in two sessions, morning and afternoon, on the same day.
- Reach the centre at least 30-45 minutes before the reporting time mentioned on the admit card.
- Carry only permitted stationery; calculators must match ICMAI's allowed specifications where applicable.
Exam Day Guidelines
- Reporting time is strict; late entry beyond the permitted window is not allowed.
- Mobile phones and smart devices are prohibited inside the exam hall.
- OMR sheets for Foundation must be filled with the specified pen only; incorrect marking can void a response.
- For Intermediate and Final descriptive papers, attempt questions in the sequence you are most confident in, but number your answers clearly to avoid evaluation errors.
- Do not leave the hall before the minimum time specified by the invigilator, even if you finish early.
Preparation Timeline
| Phase | Recommended Duration | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | 6-8 months | Build basics in accounting, law, maths, economics |
| Intermediate | 8-10 months | Cost accounting, financial management, taxation, laws |
| Final | 8-10 months | Strategic subjects, case studies, answer presentation |
If you are just starting and want a structured roadmap rather than a fixed timeline, our CMA course duration guide breaks this down level by level, and our CMA study techniques page covers how to actually use that time well.
How to Check Official Exam Dates
- Go to icmai.in, the official ICMAI website.
- Click on the "Students" tab in the main menu.
- Select "Examination" from the dropdown.
- Open the latest "Time Table & Programme" notification for Foundation, Intermediate or Final.
- Download the PDF and cross-check paper-wise dates, timings and instructions.
- Bookmark the "Announcements" section, since ICMAI posts date-sheet updates, centre changes and admit card releases there first.
Official ICMAI Notifications
ICMAI is the only authoritative source for exam dates, admit card release, and results. Third-party portals, including this one, can only report what ICMAI has already published or reasonably estimate based on past patterns. Whenever a date on any website, including ours, is marked "tentative," it means ICMAI has not issued an official circular for it yet. Always cross-verify time-sensitive dates directly on icmai.in before making travel, leave, or study-plan decisions around them.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Assuming the registration deadline and the exam form deadline are the same thing, and missing the second one.
- Relying on last year's exact dates as this year's confirmed schedule instead of checking ICMAI's own notification.
- Waiting until the admit card is released to plan travel or accommodation near the exam centre.
- Not saving a copy of the registration and exam form payment receipts.
- Ignoring the practical training requirement before Final registration, which can delay eligibility even after clearing Intermediate.
Expert Tips
- Set two separate reminders each term: one for registration, one for the exam form. They are easy to conflate and equally easy to miss.
- Start Final-level preparation with case-study practice early; ICMAI's Final papers reward structured, presentation-heavy answers more than they reward speed.
- If you are attempting both groups of Intermediate or Final together, build a week-by-week revision map rather than studying subject by subject in isolation, since papers fall on alternate days and need switching between subjects quickly.
- Cross-check your exam centre and admit card details the day they are released; correction windows are usually short.
Key Takeaways
- The CMA June 2026 term is complete; December 2026 is the next opportunity.
- December 2026 registration closes July 31, 2026 - this is confirmed.
- December 2026 exam dates are still tentative and expected in the second week of December.
- Always confirm exact dates on icmai.in before finalizing your study or travel plans.
FAQs
1. When is the CMA Exam Dates 2026 December term expected?
Tentatively in the second week of December 2026, though ICMAI has not released the official date sheet yet.
2. What is the CMA registration last date for December 2026?
July 31, 2026, for Foundation, Intermediate and Final.
3. Has ICMAI announced the CMA December 2026 exam date sheet?
Not yet, as of this writing. Check icmai.in for the official Time Table & Programme notification once released.
4. When was the CMA June 2026 Foundation exam held?
On June 14, 2026, across ICMAI's OMR-based offline centres.
5. When was the CMA June 2026 Foundation result declared?
On July 9, 2026.
6. When is the CMA June 2026 Intermediate and Final result expected?
By August 5, 2026, as per ICMAI's own communication.
7. What is the CMA exam form deadline for December 2026?
Tentatively the third week of October 2026; this is an estimate based on past cycles and not yet officially confirmed.
8. When will the CMA December 2026 admit card be released?
Expected in late November or the first week of December 2026, roughly 10 days to 2 weeks before the exam.
9. Is CMA registration and the CMA exam form the same thing?
No. Registration enrolls you in the course. The exam form is a separate, later application that books your seat for a specific term.
10. What happens if I miss the July 31, 2026 registration deadline?
You become eligible for the following term's exam, typically June 2027, rather than December 2026.
11. Can I appear for only one group of CMA Intermediate or Final?
Yes, ICMAI allows candidates to appear for a single group or both groups together in the same term.
12. What is the mode of the CMA exam?
Offline, centre-based. Foundation uses OMR sheets; Intermediate and Final are descriptive papers.
13. How many papers are there in CMA Foundation, Intermediate and Final?
Foundation has 4 papers, Intermediate has 8, and Final has 8, totalling 20 papers across the course.
14. How can I stay updated on the exact CMA December 2026 exam dates?
Check icmai.in's "Students" then "Examination" section regularly, or follow updates through your coaching institute, such as our CMA Intermediate coaching program at Sachin Ajmera Classes, where date-sheet updates are shared with enrolled students directly.
15. What is the registration fee for each CMA level?
CMA Foundation registration costs approximately Rs. 6,000, Intermediate approximately Rs. 20,000-23,100, and Final approximately Rs. 17,000-25,000, payable directly to ICMAI. Full details are in our CMA course fees 2026 guide.
CA Sachin Ajmera is a Fellow Chartered Accountant with 23+ years of teaching excellence, having mentored over 50,000 students and produced 89+ AIRs.
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