Q1) "Hello CMA Pawan Dixit ji, we welcome you.

Could you tell us something about

yourself?"

ANS) "Hello, and thank you for the warm welcome. My name is Pawan Dixit, and I am
a practicing Cost and Management Accountant. I completed my CMA program in the
year 2014. I started my practice in the year 2015. In the year 2019, I served as the
Secretary of our institute's Noida chapter. During the COVID-19 period in 2020, I
obtained my Independent Director Certification. A few months ago, I cleared an
examination and received the certificate of Social Auditor. With the love and support
of my colleagues and CMA members, I am currently the President of our institute's
Noida chapter for the current term."

Q2) "During the CMA program, how was your journey as a student?"

ANS) "During the CMA program, my journey as a student was filled with
challenges. This course demands intense dedication from students. It's not
like your typical coursework that can be completed by studying a month
before the exam. In this course, students need to study consistently with
discipline. From morning till evening, you have to go to work, then attend
lectures for 2 to 3 hours after returning, and then revise it. Additionally, the
exam difficulty level is high, with a passing rate of around 7%. However,
after overcoming all these challenges, you transform into a new person.
You gain a new self-confidence, a surge of new energy within you. This
course completely transforms your way of thinking and your thought
process."
Q3) "What is CMA? What is the CMA program?"

Ans) "Consider CMA as a financial specialist for businesses. They excel in understanding costs,
budgets, and financial data. CMAs assist companies in making intelligent financial decisions, reducing
unnecessary expenses, and crafting development strategies. They are financial guides who instill
confidence in businesses to stay on the financial track and make smart financial choices. The CMA
course is a professional degree program offered by the Institute of Cost and Management
Accountants of India, which conducts professional examinations twice a year. Based on a student's
performance in the institute's examinations and other programs, they determine whether a
candidate is eligible for the professional degree. The CMA course is divided into three levels:
Foundation, Intermediate, and Final. The CMA program is a dynamic educational journey that
empowers young minds with the strategic and financial skills necessary to excel in today's business
world. Just as Chandrayaan-3 explores new horizons in space, the CMA program is a journey into the
universe of management accounting and financial decision-making."
Q4 )It seems interesting. Can you elaborate on why the CMA program is especially important for
young people, particularly for those who have recently passed their 12th-grade exams?

Ans) Absolutely. The CMA program equips young individuals with tools to understand the
complexities of modern business. It serves as a pathway to become financial explorers, assisting
organizations in making informed decisions in competitive global markets. The CMA program is not
just about numbers; it's about providing insight and strategies to shape the future. This is
particularly crucial for those youngsters who have recently cleared their 12th-grade exams, as the
CMA program empowers them with the skills and insights required to excel in the dynamic world of
business.

Q5) There are many career paths available in the market. Why should a young student consider the
CMA program?

Ans) Excellent question. In today's industry, there is a demand for skilled and employable
professionals, and the CMA qualification enhances employable skills through technical and industrial
training. The CMA program unlocks the door to exciting careers in finance. It's a passport to a world
of opportunities – from becoming financial analysts who understand economic trends to strategic
planners guiding organizations towards success and growth. The CMA designation is not just a title
or a post; it's a golden tool that shapes the path for businesses and contributes to the economic
prosperity of the nation.

Q6) What are the eligibility criteria and registration process for the CMA program?

Ans) When it comes to the registration process and eligibility criteria for the CMA program, there are
variations at each level of the course. At the Foundation level, a person can start the process after
completing the 10th or 12th grade. However, to sit for the Foundation level exam, one must have
completed the 12th grade from a recognized board in India. The next level is Intermediate, where
you either pass the Foundation level and then enroll in the program, or you need to have a
bachelor's degree or have cleared the ICSI Foundation or ICWAI Intermediate. For the final level,
there's only one route, which is after passing the Intermediate level. For registration at any level of
the CMA program, there are two methods available: online and offline. In the online mode, you can
directly visit the nearest chapter of your city's institute and start the process. For example, if Noida
students want to enroll in the CMA program, they can visit the Noida Chapter located at C-42,
Sector-62, Noida. The nearest metro station to our institute is Noida Sector-59. In the case of online
registration, you simply need to choose the nearest chapter of your city.

Q7) What career paths are available for students who pass the CMA exam from a business
perspective?

Ans) There are several possibilities for students who pass the CMA exam. After obtaining the
qualification, they have three options: starting their own practice, working in private jobs, or
government employment. Let me explain each of these options one by one within the realm of CMA
eligibility. If a student chooses to start their own practice, they can work in fields such as costing,
audit for organizations, taxation, financial planning, risk management, and various other areas of
consultation. In the private job sector, they could become business analysts, finance managers,
CFOs, CEOs, or COOs, to name a few roles. In the government sector, they are eligible for roles such
as IAS officers, ICoAS, Indian Revenue Services, Indian Audit and Accounts Services, and many
others. Some noteworthy past students of our CMA program include CMA Subhash Chandra Garg,
former Finance Secretary of India; CMA Subodh Gupta, Director (Finance) at BHEL; CMA Pomila
Jaswal, Director (Finance) at ONGC; CMA Ashutosh Aroda, Chief General Manager (F&A) at National
Fertilizers Limited; CMA K. Biswal, Director (Finance) at NTPC; CMA Suraj Prakash, Director (Finance)
at BEML Limited, and the list goes on.

Q8) As I've mentioned, you mentioned that you're a social auditor. Could you explain to our youth
what a social auditor is and how they can become one?

Ans) A "Social Auditor" is someone who is responsible for measuring, understanding, reporting, and
ultimately improving the social and ethical performance of an organization. To become a social
auditor, the first step is to be registered with a recognized body. In India, there are several
organizations, but the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of India (ICMAI) is leading the
way and establishing standards for others to follow. Secondly, you need to pass the Social Auditor
exam conducted by the National Institute of Social Audit (NISM). This exam assesses your knowledge
and skills related to social auditing principles and practices.

Q9) Before drawing a conclusion, could you provide an example of how the strategic skills of CMA
are relevant in today's world, like in recent missions such as Chandrayaan-3?

Ans) Certainly, let's consider the Chandrayaan-3 mission as an analogy. Just as careful planning,
precise calculations, and informed decision-making are crucial for space exploration, they hold true
for the business world as well. CMAs are navigators in the financial cosmos, ensuring that
organizations make the right decisions, allocate resources wisely, and achieve their objectives with
accuracy. Similar to the objective of Chandrayaan-3 being a successful mission outcome, CMAs guide
businesses towards success through their strategic financial expertise. As our institution's motto
aptly puts it, "Behind every successful business decision, there's always a CMA."

Q10) Thank you for your kind words. Looking ahead, what are your thoughts on the future of the
CMA profession, both in India and on a global scale?

Ans) The future of the CMA profession is remarkably promising. In India, as businesses diversify and
seek cost-effective solutions, CMAs will play a crucial role in shaping their financial strategies. On a
global scale, as companies expand beyond borders, the CMA qualification opens doors for
international recognition and excellence in the field of finance for professionals around the world.
The CMA designation is not merely a qualification; it's a ticket to a dynamic and rewarding career in
the realm of finance.
Q11) The Indian economy is experiencing rapid growth. How can CMAs align themselves with this
development?

Ans) A valid concern. CMAs are well-equipped to adapt to the evolving economic landscape.
Continuous professional growth is the cornerstone of the CMA profession. CMAs stay updated with
the latest industry trends, regulations, and technologies. This ensures that they consistently provide
strategic insights in line with India's dynamic economic growth.

Q12) Considering the diversity of our economy, how can CMAs play various roles in different
sectors?

Ans) Great question. CMAs possess a versatile skill set that extends beyond industries. From
manufacturing to services, startups to established corporations, CMAs are equipped to navigate the
complex financial landscapes of various sectors. CMAs are financial and cost management navigators
who tailor strategies to fulfill the unique requirements of each sector, fostering growth across the
board.

Q13) Thanks for sharing this information. Since I'm not well-versed in this area, I'm curious about
one thing - can you simplify how CMA contributes to a company's success in a concrete way?

ANS) "Exactly, let's put it this way - CMAs are financial architects. Just like architects design a
building to ensure its sustainability. CMAs design financial strategies that ensure company growth
and profitability They analyze costs to guide investments and navigate through financial challenges,
ensuring that a company's 'financial structure' is as strong and resilient as a well-constructed
building.

Q15) “Many young students have an entrepreneurial spirit. How can CMA course empower them in
their entrepreneurial journey?

ANS) Absolutely, Entrepreneurship and CMA go hand in hand. Entrepreneurship requires managing
limited resources efficiently, planning for growth, and ensuring financial stability. These are exactly
the skills that CMAs bring to the business. By understanding costs, analyzing financial risks and
devising growth strategies. CMAs serve as the financial backbone for entrepreneurs, helping them
overcome challenges and transform their visions into successful businesses."
Q16) How does CMA Institute associate with national initiatives like Skills India and Make in India?

ANS) To make CMA aspirants future ready we have included skill training programs where they learn
software like SAP, Microsoft Office. Soft skill training is also included in the skill training programmes.
Our institute also provides courses like CAT after 12th. After this course, students become proficient
in maintenance of accounts, preparation of tax returns, filing returns under Companies Act, Income
Tax, GST, Customs Act, export and import documents etc.

Q17) In a society that is becoming increasingly cost and price conscious, how do you see the growing
need for CMA in the future?"

ANS) "Indeed, the role of CMAs in creating cost and price awareness in society is crucial. As financial
architects, CMAs excel in cost analysis, helping businesses optimize expenses without compromising
quality. In this context, CMAs become motivating forces behind strategic decisions, ensuring that
businesses remain competitive and consumer-centric. Their expertise in designing efficient cost
structures, managing resources, and streamlining pricing strategies positions them as guardians of
value creation in the fast-paced world of budget-consciousness."