The CA IPC Nov 2016 examination results have been unveiled, and once again, we’re thrilled to bring you the success story of this year’s toppers. These stories serve as motivation and inspiration for everyone. Allow me to introduce Rekha Ghevarram Suthar, who has secured the coveted All India Rank 1 in CA IPC May 2016. Rekha, hailing from Pune, is not only a confident and determined individual but also possesses a diverse range of interests, including sketching, music, cooking, and stitching.
What makes her achievement even more remarkable is that she comes from a rural background, and she is the first in her family to embark on the journey to become a Chartered Accountant. Let’s delve into her strategy and journey:
Interviewer: Hi Rekha, first and foremost, heartfelt congratulations to you!
Rekha: Thank you!
Interviewer: Can you share with us your emotions at this moment?
Rekha: It’s a bit hard to believe. This achievement is truly monumental, and I’m absolutely delighted.
Interviewer: How significant is this achievement for you?
Rekha: It holds immense importance for me. Coming from a rural background, each stage of this journey felt like a stepping stone to the next. Clearing the IPCC with outstanding marks was pivotal to boosting my confidence and preparing for the final exam.
Interviewer: Were you expecting to secure the All India Rank 1?
Rekha: I must admit, I wasn’t expecting the 1st rank. My expectations were more in the range of 36-37. So, securing the 1st rank came as a delightful surprise (smiles).
Interviewer: What was your reaction when you first learned that you had achieved AIR 1?
Rekha: I was in my hometown when the results were announced. A friend called to convey the news of my 1st rank. Initially, I found it a bit unbelievable. However, after verifying with a few more friends, I came to realize that it was indeed true.
Interviewer: You didn’t check the result yourself?
Rekha: Unfortunately, the place where I was didn’t have an internet connection, which prevented me from personally verifying the result.
Interviewer: How did your parents and relatives react when you shared this news with them?
Rekha: My grandmother (nani) was overjoyed upon hearing the news. My parents were equally ecstatic. Although my nani may not have fully comprehended the complexities of IPCC and the CA journey, witnessing my 1st rank and my happiness made her understand that it was a significant accomplishment (smiles).
Interviewer: Whom would you like to express your gratitude to for guiding you through this remarkable journey?
Rekha: I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my teachers. Their guidance played a pivotal role in my exam preparation. I also want to express my gratitude to my parents, who put in equal efforts to support me. My father had high expectations and constantly motivated me to aim for a rank. My mother’s sacrifices were equally commendable. She stayed up late with me, even when I studied for long hours. My success is not solely due to my hard work; it was a collective effort, with many others contributing to my achievement.
During this journey, I faced challenges that were both academic and personal. After the classes ended and the study-leave began, I often felt quite lonely. It felt as if the entire burden was resting solely on my shoulders. So, that phase of the 3-month study-leave was a bit challenging for me.
Interviewer: How did you manage to cope with the stress during that time?
Rekha: Typically, I would share my feelings, worries, and thoughts with my parents whenever I felt stressed. My mother provided me with invaluable moral support. She would tell me to focus on my studies and have faith that I would excel. My father, too, was supportive and advised me not to stress too much. So, my parents played a significant role in helping me manage stress. In addition to this, I would read inspirational thoughts that kept me motivated.
Interviewer: Could you shed light on the strategy you followed during your IPCC journey?
Rekha: My strategy involved attending classes regularly and, after each lesson, returning home to revise the topic using the study modules and practice manuals. This process was something I rigorously adhered to. I noticed that some of my friends weren’t following a similar approach, and I believe that this made a significant difference. I felt that as soon as the class concluded, I needed to work through the module and revise the content properly. This allowed me to be well-prepared when the study-leave phase began.
As for the study-leave period, I started my preparation with the Audit paper in the first three months. Since it also had elements of company law, I included law in my study. Once I completed law, I focused on Accounts. I prepared for Accounts and Advanced Accounts simultaneously, as there were common elements in both subjects. It took me around a month to cover all four subjects thoroughly. I then made it a point to revise everything within the next 10 days. I divided these 10 days to complete two full revisions of these four subjects.
Subsequently, I shifted my focus to ITSM and CAFM, following a similar procedure. In just two months, I had completed my preparation. Afterward, I revised the entire syllabus again. In the final month, I aimed to complete two more revisions. I split the revision into two parts, dedicating 10 days for each. In the last 10 days, I would go through RTPs (Revision Test Papers), practice manuals, previous year’s question papers, and my own notes. I began collecting information from various sources. The practice manuals and modules were covered in the first two and a half months. I had 10 days remaining, during which I focused on RTPs, last year’s RTPs, question papers, and any recent amendments. This is how I structured my entire schedule.
Interviewer: Can you offer some tips on what candidates should be mindful of during the exams and how to approach paper attempts?
Rekha: When writing the papers, it’s crucial to remain calm. Every candidate possesses the capability to tackle the papers. Stress can cloud one’s judgment during the examination, so maintaining composure is vital. To illustrate, in the case of the Accounts paper, the day before the exam, I’d first study for Accounts in the morning. Then, during revision, I’d focus on identifying mistakes and areas for improvement. The following day, I’d revise all the lessons of Accounts. This method allowed me to thoroughly review the content. I believe that completing at least one revision, even if not entirely comprehensive, is essential before appearing for the exam. I personally created notes for each subject, and I consider this a crucial aspect of the preparation process.
Interviewer: How important is self-learning and e-learning in CA, considering it is a correspondence course?
Rekha: Self-learning is, in my opinion, the most effective approach. It’s only when you sit down to analyze the content from your perspective that you can truly understand and solve it. While teachers provide explanations, it’s your personal analysis that ensures full comprehension. I find the study modules to be incredibly helpful when preparing for the exam. The institute provides these materials, and since they are the ones setting the questions, they are well-attuned to the expected level of difficulty. So, I highly recommend utilizing the institute’s materials, including the modules and RTPs. In my view, self-study is critical.
Interviewer: Lastly, could you share some of your hobbies and other areas of interest?
Rekha: I enjoy drawing; in fact, I even participated in drawing competitions during my school days. I also have a passion for singing, cooking, and stitching. Even during my exam leave, I made it a point to cook at least one meal a day.
Interviewer: What are your plans now, both for CA Final and articleship?
Rekha: My next step is to join a well-established firm for my articleship, as I need to specialize in a specific area. I’m determined to secure the All India Rank 1 in CA Final as well. I’ll seek guidance from my mentors and advisors, as I’m not entirely familiar with the Big-4 firms. Their suggestions will be valuable in guiding my career path while balancing my commitments.
Interviewer: Once again, heartfelt congratulations to you from the entire team. We hope you continue to achieve excellence in your CA Final, and we wish you all the best for your future endeavors.
Rekha: Many thanks!
