Chartered Accountancy exams are very demanding. Most important, the exams require a single headed focus and consistent efforts.
Since May 2019 exams are around the corner, I thought of sharing some valuable tips. I have written these tips from my experience during preparation of CA Intermediate exams.
1. Focus on ICAI material: Many students tend to study from their coaching material and neglect the Institute's material. I would share an instance from my experience. In my attempt, Law paper was tough, especially ethics and communication part. I based my preparations on coaching books and a scanning of practice manual. Certain questions in exam were asked from study material and not covered in the material I referred. You should check it if the reference book/ coaching material covers all the topics of Institute's material. Cover Institute's material once.
2. Stick to a routine: It is very important to have a written plan of targets. I used initial days for experimenting to find a right schedule. I changed my revision plan 2- 3 times to find the one that works for me. Once you come up with a plan, stick to it. Make a plan with realistic targets. If you come up with unrealistic plans, you will become frustrated and lose motivation. Consistency is the key to clear exams.
3. Equal importance to all subjects: We all love certain subjects and dread some. I loved Accounting and Taxation. I would always spend extra time reading them in initial days of revision. Give equal importance to theory subjects. Keep this in your mind that you have to get passing marks in all the subjects, be it your strong subjects or weak subjects. Balance them by apportioning right amount of time. You should begin your study daily by tackling tough subjects first.
4. Have enough written practice: Writing mock papers is the key to improve speed and ensure that you complete paper in time. Another benefit is that it helps to increase your confidence. If you are not confident about any subject, write previous year exams. You will be able to assess yourself better and get the hang of questions asked by the Institute. You can attempt them at ICAI centre, join a test series or do it at your home.
5. Maintain a buffer time: I did not keep a margin of 4- 5 days during the last month of preparation. Some event occurred 15 days prior to exams and I couldn't concentrate. My revision plan got disturbed to an extent. You can't control everything. Keep a margin to be safe.
6. Do not ignore health: I used to have migratory pain during revision time. Then, I started going for walks on a daily basis. Take good care of your health. Eat at proper intervals. Have a good and sound sleep. Have a time on daily basis for yourself. These are extremely important.
7. Don't worry about previous exams: I did this after my Law exam. The paper didn't go very well. I came back home worrying about it and scrounging for answers. Please don't ever do that. That's a deadly mistake. You can't change what has happened. It will eat up your time for the next paper's revision.
8. Manage yourself: You might not accomplish your target on some days, you might get stuck at a single question for hours: it's okay. Don't give up. Have that friend, sibling, parent, diary or anything that can lift your spirits. Keep distractions aside as far as possible. Practice time management.
Hope that these tips help you. Shine in your exams!
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