What Is the Current Pass Rate for the US CMA Exam?
The CMA pass percentage serves as a critical benchmark for commerce aspirants assessing the competitiveness and trends for the Certified Management Accountant exam in India. The latest data from the December 2024 session reveals notable differences across groups: Intermediate Group I recorded a pass rate of 16.10%, Group II achieved 28.69%, while at the Final level, Group III stood at 14.72% and Group IV marked a high 50.95%. Careful analysis of these figures — along with a breakdown of success rates for candidates attempting single/multiple groups — helps students calibrate efforts for the 2025 attempt.
CMA Pass Percentage Meaning & Calculation Explained
The term CMA pass percentage describes the proportion of candidates who successfully clear a given group or both groups in a CMA exam session. It's calculated as (Number of candidates passed ÷ Number appeared) × 100. These rates often fluctuate each year depending on exam toughness, syllabus updates, candidate volume, and evaluation rigor. For instance, in December 2024, less than one in five cleared Group I at the Intermediate level, illustrating the exam’s selectivity.
| Session | Intermediate Group I | Intermediate Group II | Final Group III | Final Group IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2023 | 15.3% | 21.6% | 13.8% | 48.2% |
| June 2024 | 17.0% | 24.0% | 14.0% | 45.5% |
| Dec 2024 | 16.10% | 28.69% | 14.72% | 50.95% |
Key Registration Dates and Result Announcements for CMA 2025
Aspirants must monitor registration and result timelines to align preparation efficiently with CMA exam cycles. For the December 2024 session, the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) advanced result declaration to 11th February 2025 (originally set for 21st February).
- June 2025 exam registration closes: 10th April 2025 (tentative)
- June 2025 exam dates: 11–18 June 2025 (expected)
- Results (June 2025): ~August 2025
- December 2025 registration: window opens July 2025, closes October 2025
| Event | Date (Expected) |
|---|---|
| December 2024 Result | 11th February 2025 |
| June 2025 Registration Deadline | 10th April 2025 |
| June 2025 Exam Dates | 11–18 June 2025 |
| June 2025 Result | August 2025 |
CMA Pass Percentage Data: Five-Year Trends and Insights
Historical analysis highlights a steady pass rate in CMA Intermediate and Final exams, with Group IV consistently showing higher results than the other groups. Over the past five years, Intermediate pass percentages ranged from 14% to 29%, revealing examination consistency with periodic dips linked to syllabus revisions or stricter evaluations.
- 2020–2021 (pandemic years): Slight uptick in pass rates due to exam mode changes
- 2022–2024: Gradual return to pre-pandemic selectivity, higher Group IV Final success
- 2025 projections: Stable trends expected barring major policy change
This analysis assists aspirants in setting realistic goals and understanding the persistence required for success in professional commerce certification exams.
Exam Difficulty and Factors Influencing CMA Pass Rates
Multiple elements impact the CMA exam success rate: evolving syllabus content, exam structure, answer presentation, and candidate self-study discipline. Recent years show a growing emphasis on case studies, analytical questions, and practical applications, increasing overall difficulty for first-time and repeat candidates alike.
- Syllabus updates (e.g., inclusion of GST or new regulatory topics)
- Changing paper patterns and marking schemes
- Shifts in evaluation leniency/strictness cycle
- Rising competition amid larger candidate pools
ICMAI experts stress the importance of practice, time management, and clarity in presenting answers to optimize performance, especially after new assessment rubrics are introduced.
CMA, CA, and CS Exam Pass Percentage Comparison
A balanced overview compares CMA pass percentage with other major commerce certifications such as Chartered Accountancy (CA) and Company Secretary (CS). Generally, the CA pass percentage for Intermediate and Final levels in India hovers between 9–20%, often slightly lower than CMA’s 15–29%. CS success rates commonly fall in the 15–25% window.
| Exam (2023-24) | Intermediate Pass % | Final Pass % |
|---|---|---|
| CMA (India) | 16–29% | 14–51% |
| CA (India) | 11–21% | 9–15% |
| CS (India) | 16–22% | 18–25% |
| US CMA | 45–50% (per part) | — |
This context positions CMA as challenging yet slightly more accessible than its CA counterpart, with pass rates heavily influenced by candidate background and preparation intensity.
CMA Passing Score & Minimum Qualifying Marks for 2025
To pass the CMA exam, candidates must score a minimum of 40% in each subject and achieve an aggregate of 50% across all papers in a group. Both CMA Intermediate and Final levels maintain this benchmark. Failing to meet either the subject-wise or aggregate requirement means not qualifying, regardless of high marks elsewhere. This structure ensures broad subject proficiency over single-paper excellence.
Career Implications of CMA Exam Pass Rates
A lower CMA pass percentage tends to elevate the reputation of the qualification, thus making those who qualify more valuable in the job market. Observational data shows that fresher CMAs can command starting packages ranging from ₹5.5–8.5 lakh per annum, with higher scores and all-India ranks often leading to premium placements, especially with Big 4 audit firms and top corporates. The rigorous selection reflects trusted skills in cost management, financial analysis, and strategic planning.
- Major recruiters: Reliance, ITC, Deloitte, PwC, TCS, and more
- Campus placement: Highest offers up to ₹17 lakh/year (recent years)
- State-wise trends: Kerala continues to produce a high number of top scorers
Error Patterns and Effective Tips to Boost CMA Exam Success
Many students fall short due to predictable mistakes: inadequate conceptual clarity, insufficient mock test attempts, or time mismanagement. To elevate your pass prospects, adopt the following evidence-based strategies:
- Prioritize practice with previous year papers and ICMAI mock exams.
- Break syllabus into daily modules with revision buffers.
- Focus on clarity and presentation, especially in case study and theory answers.
- Track changes in exam pattern via official notifications.
- Attend expert-led webinars hosted post-result cycles.
Students are encouraged to consult the CMA Exam Preparation Tips page for detailed guidance on sharpening both technical and exam-day strategies.
CMA Pass Percentage: Summary and Essentials Checklist
| Takeaway | Details |
|---|---|
| Latest Intermediate Pass % (Dec 2024) | Group I: 16.10%, Group II: 28.69% |
| Latest Final Pass % (Dec 2024) | Group III: 14.72%, Group IV: 50.95% |
| Passing Score | 40% per subject, 50% aggregate per group |
| Preparation Tip | Daily practice, mock tests, revision modules |
| Career Boost | Score rank improves placement |
Tracking the CMA pass percentage is essential for setting smart goals and benchmarking your readiness. Insights from exam trends, group performance gaps, and real career impact data empower 2025 aspirants to plan, prepare, and achieve success in this competitive certification landscape.
FAQs on CMA Exam Pass Percentage & Difficulty for 2025-26
1. What percentage do you need to pass the CMA?
CMA exams in India require a minimum of 40% marks in each paper and an aggregate of 50% marks in each group to pass. This applies to Foundation, Intermediate, and Final levels.
2. What are the odds of passing the CMA exam?
The chance of passing the CMA exam varies by session and group. For recent sessions (2024), the pass percentage for CMA Intermediate ranged from 16% to 29%, while CMA Final ranged from 14% to 51%. Overall, fewer than 1 in 4 candidates typically clear both groups together.
3. What is the pass rate of US CMA?
The US CMA exam (offered by IMA) has an average global pass rate of about 45%-50% for Part 2 and 35%-40% for Part 1 in recent years, according to IMA data (2023-2024).
4. Is passing the CMA exam hard?
CMA exams are considered challenging due to their comprehensive syllabus and analytical focus. The low pass percentages (often 20%-30% for Intermediate and less than 20% for both-group clears) reflect high standards and examination rigor.
5. What is the latest CMA pass percentage for Intermediate and Final?
For the December 2023 and June 2024 sessions, CMA Intermediate pass rates were typically in the 16%-29% range, while CMA Final pass percentages varied from 14% (both groups) up to 51% (single group clears).
6. How does the CMA pass percentage compare to CA and CS exams?
CMA pass rates are generally slightly higher than CA but lower or similar to CS. For example, recent CA Intermediate pass rates are around 10%-15%, while CMA Intermediate is around 16%-29%. CS Executive often falls in a similar range to CMA.
7. Is CMA exam getting harder each year in India?
While the overall pass percentage fluctuates with each session, the exam pattern and syllabus changes can temporarily lower pass rates. In recent years (2021–2024), there has been stricter evaluation, leading to modestly lower group-wise clears, especially after syllabus updates.
8. What factors impact the CMA exam pass rate?
Several factors influence CMA pass rates:
- Syllabus updates and new paper patterns
- Increased complexity of case studies and MCQs
- Quality of student preparation
- Strictness in evaluation and moderation policies
- Change in eligibility or exam attempt rules
9. Does scoring higher improve CMA career prospects or salary?
Scoring higher in CMA exams can help secure rank-holder status and better campus placements. While basic qualification is the entry point, higher marks may increase shortlisting chances for top jobs and reputed firms, especially for freshers.
10. What is the CMA pass percentage in Kerala compared to the all-India average?
As per public data, CMA Kerala zone pass percentages are generally close to or marginally higher than the national average, thanks to strong coaching infrastructure. Exact figures are not always officially published state-wise.
11. What are some effective tips to clear the CMA exam on first attempt?
To increase your CMA pass odds:
- Follow a strict study timetable aligned with the syllabus
- Attempt all mock exams and solve previous year papers
- Revise core concepts regularly for all subjects
- Practice writing full answers as per ICAI/ICMAI exam pattern
- Use mentor feedback to target weak areas
- Focus on time management during the exam
12. Does the CMA Institute offer reassessment or special options for marginal fails?
Currently, ICMAI does not offer any formal reassessment or stray-vacancy opportunities for students who narrowly miss the passing mark. However, candidates can request rechecking of marks according to official procedures.
