ICMAI CMA CAT Course: Your Guide to a Career in Accounting

To meet the huge demand for entry-level accountants in India, the Institute of Cost Accountants of India has launched a short-term course: Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT). This course is designed for students who have passed the 12th grade (10+2) or are undergraduates. The course was introduced in consultation with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. It equips students with skills in maintaining accounts, preparing tax returns, filing returns under the Companies Act, filing returns under Income Tax, GST, and Customs Act, and export and import documentation.

The CAT course is aligned with the Qualification Pack BSC/Q8103 - Accounts Assistant of the BFSI Sector Skill Council of India (BFSISSC).

Objective of Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT) Course

To develop in students the necessary skills to apply theoretical knowledge of accounting to practical situations across various functional areas of accounting:

• Exposure to the working environments of different organizations.
• Providing hands-on experience in practical aspects of accounting.
• Developing a disciplined attitude is required to become an accountant.

Eligibility

• A student who has passed the Class 10 examination conducted by a recognized examining body in India or an equivalent examination recognized by the Central or State Government may register for the CAT Course and simultaneously pursue senior secondary (10+2) studies.
• A student who has passed the Senior Secondary Examination (10+2) under a recognized board, an equivalent examination recognized by the Central Government, or specific diploma examinations is eligible to register for the course.

Duration

The course spans one year.

Fees

The course fee is ₹12,660 (all-inclusive).

Linkage with the Main Course

A student, after passing CAT Course Part-I and the Senior Secondary Examination (10+2), is eligible to register for the Intermediate Cost and Management Accounting course.

Job Opportunities

Students completing the CAT course will gain the skills required to take up entry-level accounting roles in various sectors, including:

• Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
• Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)/Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO)
• Retail Sector
• Panchayat Accounting and Bookkeeping
• Tax Return Preparation
• Filing of returns under the Companies Act, Income Tax, GST, and Customs Act
• Export and Import documentation

Course Structure

The course includes education, oral coaching, online/offline self-assessment, online examinations, computer training, a 45-day internship, and a 5-day orientation program.

Summary of the Course
 A) CAT Course Part-I (Entry Level)

• Paper 1: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting
• Paper 2: Applied Business and Industrial Laws
• Paper 3: Financial Accounting-2
• Paper 4: Statutory Compliance

B) CAT Course Part-II (Competency Level)

• Computer Fundamentals by Microsoft (45 hours)
• Computerized Accounting (Tally ERP 9.0) (45 hours)
• Employability Skills (30 hours)
• e-Filing by experts (30 hours)
• Introduction to Costing Principles & Preparation of Cost Statements (30 hours)

Internship

The 45-day internship includes recognized areas such as:

• Management Accounting
• Cost Accounting
• Financial Accounting
• Financial Management
• Auditing
• Regulatory Compliance
• Direct Taxation and Indirect Taxation
• Corporate, Industrial, and Commercial Laws
• Systems Analysis and IT (including ERP systems)
• Project Management
• Banking Operations, Insurance, Valuation, and Financial Services
• Teaching and Management Consultancy

Examinations

Examinations are conducted twice a year – in June and December.

CAT Course Part-I Examination Pattern

• The examination consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with no negative marking.
• The exam is held in two sessions daily (forenoon and afternoon).

Passing Criteria
A candidate must secure a minimum of 40% in each paper and an aggregate of 50% in the CAT Course Part-I Examination.

CAT Course Part-II Examination
The CAT Part-II examination is conducted online and computer-based.

Important Dates

• Last date for admission:
  • For June Term Examination: 31st January
  • For December Term Examination: 31st July

FAQs

1.    How is CMA CAT different from CMA Foundation?
The CAT course has fewer papers than the Foundation course. Students can bypass the CMA Foundation and directly enter the Intermediate level after passing CAT   Part-I.

2.     What are the key components of the CMA CAT course?

Part I: Theoretical subjects

Part II: Practical training

Additional components: 5-day orientation program and 45-day internship

3.     What is the passing mark for CMA CAT?
A minimum of 40% marks in each paper and an aggregate of 50% is required to pass.

4.     Who administers CMA CAT?
The Institute of Cost Accountants of India administers the course.

5.     Can CMA CAT be pursued after passing Class 10?
Yes, students can enroll in CMA CAT after passing Class 10.