Qualifying the CA Final exams on your very first attempt is a remarkable achievement, and securing an All India Rank (AIR) is the cherry on top. Every six months, thousands of students undertake this rigorous examination, which bestows upon a fortunate few the prestigious title of ‘chartered accountant.’
The journey to success in this exam demands unwavering perseverance and hard work. HT Horizons interviewed some of the top performers from the June 2009 attempt to uncover the secrets of their success.
Akram Jamal
All India Rank 2
CA Final, June 2009
Age: 24
Akram, who clinched the second rank, emphasized that dedicating four months (or even three-and-a half months) to intensive preparation before the exams is sufficient to conquer the CA Final. He was fortunate to receive a four-month study leave from his office to focus on the tests. Before that, he attended coaching classes covering accounts, costing, direct taxes, and MICS (management information and control systems).
According to Akram, studying at a coaching institute is beneficial, especially when balancing articleship and studies, which can be quite challenging. Coaching not only saves precious time, but it also enhances your understanding of auditing, accounts, and direct taxes during your internship. Akram’s unwavering commitment to preparation, combined with his confidence, was instrumental in his success. He firmly believes that with 100% dedication, cracking the CA Final exam is well within reach.
So, why do many students struggle to clear the CA exam? The syllabi of CA Final subjects are extensive, requiring dedication and consistent revision to conquer. Completing the syllabus is just the first step; the real challenge lies in revising all the topics within a single day during the exams.
Akram’s winning strategy involved studying six subjects every day, a practice some may not recommend but one that worked for him.
Giriraj Ajmera
All India Rank 1
CA Final, June 2009
Age: 22
Giriraj, who secured the first rank, believes that success in the CA exam is achievable by dedicating around seven to eight hours every day for at least five months leading up to the exam. He also emphasizes the importance of consistent study in the two to three months preceding this intensive period, which can be managed alongside articleship.
In Giriraj’s case, those few months leading up to the exam were pivotal. He balanced his articleship at Karnavat and Co in Mumbai with his studies, making the most of his time. Prior to the crucial five months, he received coaching in accounts, direct taxes, and financial management, handling the rest independently. He strategically allocated study time for each subject based on its difficulty level and his proficiency.
For Giriraj, focusing on subjects with amendments in the last six months, along with strong preparation in operational research (OR), paid off. He suggests that students can achieve high scores in OR. He also highlighted the importance of efficient time management, studying one subject a day, and revising thoroughly.
Regarding study materials, Giriraj recommends using only one book per subject to avoid confusion. During the exams, he advises providing factual and concise answers, as simply filling pages won’t yield results.
So, why do many students find it challenging to clear the CA exam? Giriraj emphasizes the importance of planning and sticking to a study schedule. Devotion and regularity are the keys to success.
Ruchika Katyal
All India Rank 3
CA Final, June 2009
Age: 22
Ruchika’s journey to success began during her second year of articleship when she joined coaching classes for direct tax, indirect tax, and financial management. For accounts, she relied on the notes from a renowned coaching academy.
With a busy articleship schedule, Ruchika attended one coaching class at a time. In January, she obtained study leave from her office, marking the commencement of her focused preparation. To maintain engagement, she studied one theory and one practical subject daily, as dedicating the entire day to a single subject became monotonous.
Ruchika’s approach to study materials involved referring to two or three books for each subject, ensuring her comprehensive understanding. She stressed the importance of using study modules, as examination questions often align with module topics, especially for theory subjects.
In Ruchika’s view, one should not neglect any subject. According to her, four months of proper study should be sufficient to succeed.
Ruchika’s success secret lies in the balance between preparation and revision. Given the extensive syllabus for each subject, she revised the entire syllabus twice before the exams.
In conclusion, the CA Final toppers provide valuable insights into achieving success in this challenging examination. They underscore the significance of dedication, time management, and effective study strategies to conquer the CA Final and secure top ranks.
