Earning the US CMA from India costs about US$1,088 (roughly ₹1.03 lakh) if you qualify for IMA student rates, or US$1,685 (roughly ₹1.59 lakh) as a working professional. These figures assume you pass each exam part on your first attempt within one membership year.
That total covers the three fees every candidate pays to the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA): annual membership, a one-time CMA entrance fee, and a fee for each of the two exam parts. It does not include a review course, retakes, or rescheduling, which are covered further down.
IMA charges all fees in US dollars. Rupee figures in this article use the FBIL reference rate of ₹94.48 per US dollar on 5 November 2026 and are rounded to the nearest ₹10. Your actual cost will move with the exchange rate on the day you pay.
IMA Membership Fees
You must be an IMA member before you can enroll in the CMA program, and your membership must stay active while you test and after you certify. IMA membership is billed every year.
- Student membership: US$49 per year (about ₹4,630)
- Professional membership: US$295 per year (about ₹27,870)
- Academic membership (full-time faculty only): US$160 per year (about ₹15,120)
According to IMA, professional membership includes:
- CMA eligibility: The right to enroll in the CMA program
- Continuing education: Free webinars, a free continuing education library, and tools to track your CPE credits
- Discounts: Member pricing on IMA courses and conferences
- Networking: Local chapter events, Shared Interest Groups, the global member directory, and opportunities to mentor others
- Research: Access to IMA research and the chance to take part in it
Student membership also gives you access to career resources and mentoring.
Your membership type matters beyond the annual fee. Student and academic members also pay lower CMA entrance and exam fees, so confirm whether you qualify on IMA's student membership page before you join.
If your exams stretch past 12 months, budget for a second year of membership.
CMA Program Entrance Fee
The entrance fee formally enrolls you as a CMA candidate. It is a one-time, nonrefundable payment, and you must buy it before or together with your first exam part.
- Student and academic members: US$225 (about ₹21,260)
- Professional members: US$300 (about ₹28,340)
The entrance fee is valid for three years from the date you buy it. You must pass both exam parts within that window. If you do not, any part you passed expires and you must pay the entrance fee again.
The entrance fee covers more than enrollment. According to IMA's CMA Handbook, it includes:
- Exam support package: Access to IMA's CMA exam support package, starting on the date you enter the program
- Final score report: A report of your results once you complete the exams
- Credential review: IMA's review of your education and experience qualifications
- Public verification: A listing on IMA's website once you are a CMA in good standing, so employers can confirm your status
IMA advises using the support package alongside a formal study plan, not in place of one.
CMA Exam Fees
The CMA exam has two parts, and you register and pay for each one separately. You can take them in either order.
- Student and academic members: US$407 per part (about ₹38,450), or US$814 for both parts (about ₹76,910)
- Professional members: US$545 per part (about ₹51,490), or US$1,090 for both parts (about ₹1,02,980)
Each registration covers one attempt in one testing window. IMA offers three windows a year: January to February, May to June, and September to October. Indian candidates book their appointment through Prometric, IMA's testing partner.
Other Costs to Plan For
These costs are not part of the base total, but many candidates pay at least one of them.
- Retakes: If you do not pass a part, you pay the full exam fee again to retake it. That is US$407 (about ₹38,450) at student rates or US$545 (about ₹51,490) at professional rates per attempt.
- Rescheduling within the same window: Prometric charges no fee if you change your appointment 46 or more days ahead. Changes made 5 to 45 days ahead cost US$70 (about ₹6,610). Inside 5 days, or if you miss your appointment, you forfeit the full exam fee.
- Switching to the next testing window: IMA charges US$150 (about ₹14,170). You must cancel your Prometric appointment first, submit IMA's Exam Switch Form at least five days before your appointment, and you can switch only once per exam part.
- Repaying the entrance fee: If three years pass before you finish both parts, you pay the entrance fee again.
- Keeping your CMA active: After you certify, you renew your IMA membership each year and pay a US$30 CMA annual maintenance fee (about ₹2,830).
- Exam preparation: A review course is not an IMA fee, but most candidates budget for one. Becker's CMA Exam Review is available to candidates in India through Simandhar Education.
- Payment charges: Because IMA bills in US dollars, your bank or card issuer may add foreign exchange charges. Check the final total in your IMA cart before you pay.
Total Estimated Cost
This table shows the minimum you will pay IMA: one year of membership, the entrance fee, and one attempt at each exam part.
| Fee | Student (USD) | Student (INR, approx.) | Professional (USD) | Professional (INR, approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IMA membership (first year) | $49 | ₹4,630 | $295 | ₹27,870 |
| CMA entrance fee | $225 | ₹21,260 | $300 | ₹28,340 |
| Exam Part 1 | $407 | ₹38,450 | $545 | ₹51,490 |
| Exam Part 2 | $407 | ₹38,450 | $545 | ₹51,490 |
| Total | $1,088 | ₹1,02,790 | $1,685 | ₹1,59,190 |
If you are still a student, joining IMA at student rates saves you US$597 (about ₹56,400) compared with the professional path. Add your review course and any retakes or rescheduling to this figure to get your full budget.
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Simandhar Education is the exclusive provider of Becker's CMA Exam Review in India. With Becker's CMA Exam Review, you'll get structured, exam-aligned content, unlimited personalized practice questions, simulated exams, and instant support with Newt, Becker's AI support tool. In addition to the leading exam review, you'll also get expert instruction and career support to help you move forward once you earn your certification.
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