Practical Training is mandatory only for CMA Final students. If you are appearing for the Foundation or Inter exams, you are not required to complete this training.

At the Final level, there are two groups – Group 3 and Group 4. Students have two options:

• Appear for both groups together

• Appear group-wise, i.e., one group at a time

According to ICMAI:

• If you're appearing for both groups together, you must complete the entire 15 months of training before filing your exam form.

• If you're appearing group-by-group, you can appear for one group without training, but for the other group, you must complete 15 months of training before submitting the exam form.

In simple terms, training is required only at the time of CMA Final exam, and not before that.

The total training duration is 15 months.

Let’s say you’re preparing for the December term exam:

• Exam forms are generally submitted in September.

• You must complete at least 10 months of training by August 31.

• The remaining 5 months should be completed by February 10, before the result is declared.

Why do these dates matter? 

ICMAI checks your training status at two points:

• During admit card generation (10 months check)

• Before result declaration (15-month check)

 Pro Tip: Instead of waiting till February, try to complete all 15 months by August 31 itself. That way, you can dedicate your entire time after that to revision and exam preparation without worrying about completing your training.

For the June term, the logic is the same: try to finish your 15 months by February, even though only 10 months are officially required then.

There are two primary options to complete your training:

1. CMA Firms – These are cost accountancy firms registered with the ICMAI.

2. Companies with Eligible Turnover:

• ₹50 Lakhs for manufacturing companies

• ₹25 Lakhs for service companies

This opens the door for literally any organization across the country (or even abroad) that meets this criterion. Even your family business could qualify if it’s officially documented.

If you’ve already worked in an eligible organization for 15 months or more, you don’t need to do fresh training. You just need to get your previous work experience validated and approved by the Institute.

However, during the revision phase (3 months for one group, 6 months for both groups ideally), it is highly recommended to take a break from training or work to fully focus on revision.

Lack of revision is one of the key reasons why students miss out on passing, even when they've completed training.

1. Search "Just Practical Training CMA" on Google – You'll find a dedicated ICMAI page.

2. List of Organizations – Click the link for "List of Organizations Providing Practical Training."

3. Annual Updated Lists – ICMAI updates the lists year-on-year.

4. Practicing Cost Management Accountants (PCMA) – City-wise list available.

5. Government Organizations – Compiled based on student placements.

Dummy training might look easy, but it's not worth it in the long run. Companies want to know what you did during training. If you have no experience to show, your interview performance suffers.

One of our students ranked in the Top 10 but took up real training immediately after exams – that’s what built credibility.

Approved training areas include:

• Cost, Financial & Management Accounting

• Financial Management & Auditing

• Direct and Indirect Taxes

• Regulatory Compliance

• Systems & IT (ERP, SAP, BI tools)

• Project Management

• Banking, Insurance & Insolvency

• Teaching (Finance, Tax, Cost)

• Engineering, Project Planning, Quality, SCM

• Any ICMAI-approved domain

Choose based on your career goals.

Once training begins, students must inform the Institute within 30 days by submitting 

• T-3 – For CMA firms

• T-4 – For non-CMA organizations

Have you already worked?

• T-3 – Declare past experience and get exemption 

If Completed :

• T-5B – Use to submit after 15 months

• • ICMAI recommends ₹10,000–₹25,000/month

  • Reality:

  • CA firms: ₹2,000–₹5,000/month

  • Companies: ₹10,000–₹15,000/month (if skilled)

  Upskill in Tally, GST, Excel, ITR – It improves stipend!

  Read this as well: CMA Exams over? Upskill yourself with Power-Packed Skill Courses.

1. Use ICMAI lists or other job portals

2. Keep applying actively

3. Improve your CV – add practical skills

4. Even unpaid internships count if they build your profile

Use ICMAI's request letter format to apply to new firms.

As you now know, CMA students are required to undergo 15 months of practical training after clearing their Intermediate level, as per ICMAI guidelines. However, one of the major challenges students face is finding a suitable company that meets the eligibility criteria for training.

While the Institute mandates that the training must be done in organizations with a turnover of ₹25–50 lakhs, students often find limited opportunities. As a result, many choose to work in CA firms or prefer roles in accounting and compliance-related fields.

To support students in this phase, SJC has launched a dedicated training initiative. This program is designed for CMA aspirants who wish to build their practical knowledge and skillset in areas like TDS, GST filings, payroll processing, and other real-world finance and compliance functions.

The training spans 2 to 3 months, with a commitment of 3 hours per day, 6 days a week. This structure ensures that students gain in-depth exposure to key concepts and practices. Upon successful completion of this program, SJC also facilitates guaranteed placements with stipends in students’ preferred cities or domains.

In addition to technical learning, grooming and soft skills sessions are provided to prepare students for real interviews and workplace expectations. Through this initiative, SJC aims to expand students’ career opportunities and help them explore practical roles beyond traditional CMA career paths. For any information regarding this opportunity get in contact with us at : 8100 11 2222.