Chartered Accountant is one of the best
professional courses in India and its a great honor to be a Chartered
Accountant (CA). Unbelievable marks are scored by most of the CA students. They
think that they attempted the full paper; but marks are not up to mark – even
40s were not allotted ! Since Nobody is there to discuss the matter, everyone
have their own perceptions and conclusions. Mostly, the same pattern/percentage of result has
been declared by ICAI. Those who have failed must require some corrections on
their part. Our mind has counter defense mechanism, provided if you have Confidence.
Let us recall a profound statement made by Maharishi
Patanjali some 2500 year ago:
" When you are inspired by some great purpose, some
extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bounds. your mind
transcends limitation, your consciousness expand in every direction, and you
find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties
and talents come alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far
than you ever dreamt yourself to be. "
But if you want to become a successful Person in your life,
you have to suffer a lot of pain. "
No pain No gain".
Facing failure not a shame, but learning lesson from that
and getting the way of success is basic of the words “Failure is the first step for Success”
"Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this
time more intelligently- By Henry Ford"
So here I am writing some guidelines/strategies
which are very important in each and every exam to tackle the exams
successfully.
Þ UNDERSTAND THE
STRUCTURE OF THE EXAM:
One important question you need to answer is – what is the
current exam pattern?
In other words understanding of
prevailing examination pattern in a proper manner is also very important for a
good start to your exam preparation. If you have good understanding of
Examination pattern then you can easily plan for exam paper according to your strength.
The most important aspect of clearing
an exam should be to understand the structure of the exam. Understanding the
structure of the exams, then its become possible to tackle the exam and be
successful. Based on the structure of exam planning should be made
Þ SELF STUDY Vs.
COACHING
As per my understanding your very first
step should be to decide whether to go for coaching or self study. Make up your
mind from the very beginning otherwise this question may be converted into a
big dilemma later on. It is vary from students to students what they think, either
they will opt for self study or coaching. That will totally depends upon your
own assessment and caliber.
Þ DESIGN A STUDY
SCHEDULE IN ADVANCE
It is really essential to develop a
study schedule before starting exam preparation to help you study effectively
without any stress. Prepare a list of Exam oriented important chapters with the
help of scanner and design your study schedule accordingly. Also, figure out
the length of course content that you need to prepare along with the time
required to cover the same.
Þ TIME MANAGEMENT –
A KEY FACTOR
Proper utilization of this time is
really essential to clear your exam in first attempt. So in this way and to
prepare an effective study schedule, time management is very important. You
have to allocate most favorable time to each and every subject. Also make
appropriate provision for revision of course. Noone will learn you how to
manage your valuable time, after all its your precious time. You need to
understand your utility of time. So rather asking about it, Keep learning and focusing
on time management.
“Don’t Waste Time otherwise Time will waste you.”
Þ ALLOCATION OF NO
OF HOURS FOR A WELL PLANNED STUDY
The most critical and complicated
questions asked by most of the students.
As per my personal opinion, it would be better for you to decide your
study sessions as per your own aptitude/capability.
But, In the beginning it is not
necessary that you will have to invest 10-12 hours a day but at least 6-8 hour
productive study would be enough. Remember, it is the quality and not the
quantity of study that is required.
Further, Quality of time spent on
studying is more important and not the amount of hours spend on studying! When
you are studying, have complete focus on the subject only and not elsewhere.
Þ SELF AWARENESS OR
SELF ANALYSIS
Self analysis is also essential to figure
out that everything is going as per your plan. A well defined study plan is not
a guarantee of success unless executed in proper way. So you may test your
preparation by attempting some previous exam paper under ultimate exam
condition or environment.
Later on check the result of your
effort and make necessary correction/modification to your study plan.
These kind of regular tests also helps
you to understand your strengths and weaknesses. If you are weak in any area,
you can remove that weakness easily by detailed study.
Þ HOW TO DEAL WITH
THEORY PAPERS
Normally, Most of students
are facing failure in professional
examination due to only theory papers. The main reason behind this is lack of
concentration in theory paper along with poor presentation and writing skills or
might be poor english.
For improved presentation and writing
skills I would suggest you to refer answer presented by ICAI in their suggested
answers/practice manual/revision test papers etc. Careful observation of ICAI suggested
answers is very important. Along with good study focus and observation is also
very important to succeed in professional examinations.
One more important thing if you are
conceptually very clear and strong but not able to present it, then there is
some problem indeed, which is required to be sorted out immediately. Good
conceptual knowledge with good writing and presentation skill is the key to
success.
Þ BOTH GROUP Vs. SINGLE
GROUP
It depends on your preparation and
availability of time along with your capability to handle both group at a time.
Most of students get confused whether to give both the groups or one group at a
time. No point in discussing with friends or taking advise from others.
Remember you and you only are the best judge. You are fully aware of your
strengths and weakness. If you can cope up both groups at a time, excellent
otherwise even one group is fine.
I want to draw your kind attention,
it's better to give one group rather giving both group and facing failure again
and again. Opting for both group is not a guarantee for success. This is not
for those students who are preparing for rank. This is strictly for a average
kind of students.
“In the
middle of difficulties lie opportunities”- Albert Einstein.
Þ EFFECTIVE METHOD OF
STUDIES
Please understand the concept
underlying the problems. The institute will not ask any irrelevant questions.
All the questions are based on the concept. This correction you need to be made
during the time of study. The surprise questions has the same concept but with the
better question which may be outside from the ICAI module , suggested answer or
scanners. The clarity in the concept will help you for dealing such type of
questions.
Following steps to be followed :-
Step No. 1
|
Understand the concept underlying the
problems
|
Step No. 2
|
Read the problems and try to solve it
by using the concept rather than referring to the solutions. If you are going
to refer directly to the solution, it means that you are not allowing your
brain to work. The same is the situation of those who under gone for coaching
classes. This will enhance your thinking process and the same practice will
surely help you for finding the solution for surprise gift i.e. questions given
to you by the institute.
Note:
The above practice will consume your
time. But if you are not doing in the above manner , you cannot handle the
surprise questions in the exam. At the exam hall , your feelings are like a
pressure cooker.
|
Step No. 3
|
Refer the practice manual, revision test papers, scanners
and suggested answers for Past years, this will give you variety type of
questions.
|
Step No. 4
|
Making a good notes of concept
|
Step No. 5
|
Good time management skills
Surprise and lengthy questions requires good time
management tact. First steps towards this are to allocate the time according to
the mark allocated. Write the question that you feel more confidents and
comfortable.
|
Þ BOOKS TO BE
REFERRED FOR STUDY and COVERAGE OF STUDY:
First of
all, here is basic questions with answers that will beneficial for every
students.
Q1)
|
To whom before are we giving examinations?
|
Answer
|
ICAI
|
Q2)
|
Which books are to be followed for getting success in
examinations?
|
Answer
|
But Obvious, All ICAI's materials like
Study Materials,
Revision test papers (to the extent available),
Suggested Answers (to the extent available),
Mock test papers (to the extent available),
Practice manual etc.
After doing all you can also refer some good reference book like
padhuka and suchitra prakasan. Personally, I recommend you to refer padhuka.
|
Q3)
|
One big question, How to write in CA examination?
|
Answer
|
First of all, try to learn writing pattern/style of ICAI in
various papers then only you can able to answer in a good way. After all ICAI
will be awarded you marks. So, simply follow them along with your add on.
No wonder if you find the same or almost same question in your
exam. Do pay attention on the content and presentation of answers.
|
Q4)
|
One another big question, should we cover all syllabus and
attempt all questions in examination?
|
Answer
|
Personally my opinion is covering or attempting all syllabus /
questions is not a guarantee for success in exam.
So, First identify relevant topic along with mark allocations. Even
if any papers has total of 15 chapters then also you need not to cover all
chapters. Just 10 chapters will do your work if you Keep the following points
in your mind.
a) Learn and understand the concept of chapters
b) Solve/ Read from all ICAI materials which has been mentioned
in above question no 2.
c) Refer others books from various authors.
d) Practice to write answers without referring solution and assess
your answer level with the answers issued by The ICAI.
Note:-
I am trying to convey that whatever you will cover , try to
cover it in the best possible manner that will able you to secured a good
marks in the exam and believe me this is not a impossible task, practically I
had applied it and got very good marks.
|
One
should go for in depth study at first reading; it would make you to learn all
the topic of the subjects. None of the topic should be escaped by saying “it
can be done at a day prior to exam or I will leave it or it’s too tough to
prepare”. I think in such a case you should ask doubt and understand the topic
from your teacher or friends.
Þ PRACTICE BEFORE
THE EXAM:
Practice makes perfect.
Normally, students study before the 2
or 3 months prior to exams and think its quiet enough for them, but they need
to practice a lot for completing the exam successfully. Students who are going
to appear in an exam should make sure that he/she practices before the exam in
the same environment in which the exam will be conducted.
Þ LEARN FROM MISTAKES:
Everyone do make mistakes, but one who learns
from that mistake can see the success.
Unfortunately, students studying prior
to 2 or 3 months before the exam and by then they don't have much time left to
do revision for the exams and as a result they are not be able to score as per
their expectations. Make your proper plan which consisting coverage of studies and
also get time to do revision for mock up or modules. By the time of proper
revision, you will start to feel lots of confidence in you and will not make
mistakes in exam.
Do proper planning to get success in
exam with high score and negligible mistakes.
Þ CONFIDENCE:
While exams time students lose their
confidence/temperament due to unwanted fear or thinking. A good study routine
and adequate preparation are essential factors for becoming confident.
Challenge your negative thoughts with your ability to perform well in exams.
Yes, its true, if you failed in this
exam then don’t worry you can get rank in next examination, by preparing hard
with confidence to crack exams with a rank. Here I have given examples of
peoples who were failed in their first attempt but got rank in next exams.
1.
Nitin Gupta – Failed in CA Final, May 10 – Got Rank 1 in CA Final Nov ’10
2.
Sujoy K. N. – Failed in CA Final, Nov ’09 & May 10- Got Rank in CA Final
Nov 10
3. Sonia Rakheja – Failed in CA Final,
Nov 09 & May 10- Got Rank in CA Final Nov 10
4. Shailee Chaudhary- Failed in CA
Final Nov 14 - Got Rank 1 in CA Final May 15
“Never
confused a single defeat with a final defeat”- F. Scott. Fitzgerald
Þ OTHER
IMPORTANT POINTS SPECIALLY FOR THOSE WHO ARE NOT ABLE TO ACHIVE THEIR GOALS:
Many students can't complete the paper
due to slow writing speed. So boost up your handwriting speed.
If you failed more than three times, I
prefer you to replace your all the old books with new books preferably new authors.
"No
One Can Motivate You If You Are Not Willing To Do Yourself"
Make a habit of reading student news
letter and journal of ICAI at least for taxation and Law matters.
If you are facing unwanted failures
then must obtain certified copies from ICAI and check your answers with
suggested answers. You will find deficiencies.
"When
you blame others, you give up your power to grow."
Just count the days you have, rather
counting the number of days you have wasted. Follow "what can be done
approach"!
Forget all other works for the day.
Just say to yourself "let no thought enter into my mind other than study"
Give no place
for Interruption during serious and concentrated study. For this you
need to switch-off your mobiles at any cost. i know it is tough but
not impossible.
Please keep these points in your mind
while studying --a) Eat less food, heavy food induces sleep
b) Avoid conversations with friends, specially unnecessary talks.
c) Vulgar thought should not be encouraged
d) Avoid Roaming to relatives, friends, pubs, parties etc. for time being
Pray to your soul to increase your
concentration and make most out of every Day. If possible do meditation,
breathing exercises, chanting and yoga. These have profound impact on your mind
and help you to maintain focus and improve your concentration.
While Studying have faith in yourself
that you can complete assigned work with in allotted time
Arrange your sitting area and surrounding
environment should be peaceful with out any disturbance.
Give yourself proper breaks during
studying. This would keep you physically and mentally fresh. Ideally studying in
the early mornings is great as our mind is fresh. I advise students to study in
gardens or in open spaces probably in terraces or balconies so that they can
enjoy the early morning sunshine, fresh air along with their studies. One can
take short nap in afternoon after lunch to rejuvenate themselves for the next
session.
In exams days don’t unnecessarily
stress out yourself. Take adequate rest. Also eat nutritious food and fruits.
These would keep you alert and fresh. Avoid spicy, oily and junk food.
Also remember one thing. Once you are
thorough with your first paper, please don’t discuss with your friends. Most of
the time we waste precious moments in discussing our papers. What is done,
cannot be undone. Study for the next paper.
Revision is the vital step that you
must fulfill. Keep revising whatever you read in whole week in Sunday. This
will lead you to crack the CA exams for sure.
Avoid overwriting. Where they
become inevitable, strike off and write again. Clarity is more important than
neatness.
Always leave left hand
page for showing workings, assumptions and notes. Workings are a must
for the answer to be valid and should be fairly elaborate. Present
them parallel to the question concerned. Use last page of the booklet
for rough work.
State necessary assumptions and
notes wherever possible rather than wherever you feel essential. It is not
a serious error if you write some extra assumptions, than miss
some important ones.
Underline key words in your
answers. This is a must to enhance of your point being noticed by the valuator.
"Risk
toh Spiderman ko bhi lena padta hai.
Main toh
phir bhi CA Student hoon”
"Mehnat
itni khamoshi se karo, k Safalta shor macha de"
Finally want to say, be confident and
nothing can stop you to get success.
Further, if you will need any kind of help,
please ping me thru mail or facebook.
(Author can be reached at caagrawalpankaj@gmail.com)
Thanks and
Regards
CA Pankaj K
Agrawal
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