Passing the CA exam is not as difficult as it is made out to be.

Several students clear it in the first attempt and even bagged ranks.

Why then, are others unable to crack it?

The reasons are several.

• General study

Start preparing for the examination immediately on joining the course.

Study regularly and conscientiously. It does not matter how many hours

you study, but how much you understand. Qualitative study is

important. In addition to the student journal, subscribe to the journal of the Institute.

It helps to keep you updated. Keep track of the latest in all the subjects:

Accounting Standards, Auditing and Assurance Standards, amendments to

Company Law and other laws, Finance Act and Income-Tax law.

Contribute and subscribe to a good business newspaper. Essays on

capital markets, tax matters and other subjects will be helpful.

• Study material

Your study material is the most important. Supplement it with a good standard textbook.

For a professional, self-study and getting to the root of the subject is essential.

• Attitude

Subjects such as Law require repeated reading. Candidates often complain of

not being able to remember the provisions/sections. Now, this is a

matter of attitude. When one can remember film songs, sequences,

dialogues, phone numbers, why not the section numbers?

Students tend to read out of compulsion. Examinations are imposed on them.

Apply the attitude you have towards play to studies. The world will look different.

Students can overcome the fear of the examination by following a regular and

systematic study routine

• Strategies

Follow a strategy of study. Remember, you cannot study accounts

independent of company law. Incometax cannot be studied independent of

accounting. Thus, these subjects are inter-related. You have to study all the

subjects for the examination. For example, the issue of shares by a company. Read

provisions of company law – from Sec. 55 onwards – prospectus, contents,

liabilities for misstatements, and so on – till Sec.108. You would have grasped

the legal requirements. Then work out problems in accounting on issue of

shares – at par, premium, discount, for consideration in other than cash,

etc. Follow it up with audit of issue of share capital, resolutions to be

passed, documents to verify, and so on. Study the tax provisions for

allowability of share issue expenses, etc. Thus, you would have covered the

issue from all points of view. This may look cumbersome in the beginning, but

once you get used to it, things become interesting. This way you will have

covered a part of company law, a part of income-tax, part of auditing, as well

as a part of accounting.

• All subjects are important

One should realise that the candidate should pass in all subjects and secure

50 per cent in the aggregate to clear the examination. Scoring 90 per cent

in one and 10 per cent in another, will lead you nowhere. Distribute time

judiciously for all subjects.

• Other activities

Each of us has hobbies. Spare some time

for that. This will help you unwind. It increases productivity. A light game, for

instance, or a crossword puzzle. At the same time, know when to

stop. Get your priorities right. A student should be physically fit,

spiritually sound and mentally alert. Also, spare some time for

fitness. You should be strong enough to withstand the stress

and strain of hard work. Endurance is important.

• Writing

Practise writing. What you read will prove futile if you cannot reproduce it on the Dday.

• Eligibility tests

Eligibility tests are conducted by the ICAI to orient students for the exam. To

secure the eligibility the students have to clear the papers. But that does not

restrict them from writing more. A student can write as many papers as he wishes.

This will add to his or her confidence. The student should take the eligibility tests

seriously. This will help you know your pitfalls.

• The final charge

There is a lot anxiety, nervousness, and tension. If a candidate is well prepared,

last minute blues can be avoided. The candidates should learn how to tackle

each subject and perform accordingly. Passing the CA examination should

become a routine, much like other examinations. Passing in the first attempt

should be the rule and not an exception.

Source:

Dr N.K. Agrawal

Ex-Jt. Director Studies, Board of

Studies, ICAI