Meet Tanay Bhageria, a brilliant achiever from Ahmedabad who has clinched AIR-2 at the CA Intermediate level. His success stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication and hard work. The entire community joins in the celebration of this momentous achievement. Tanay's journey in the CA field has already showcased remarkable success and we are confident that he will continue to accomplish great feats.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Tanay for sharing his emotional experience and valuable insights. As he embarks on the next phase of the CA Final, we eagerly anticipate and cheer for his continued success.
Tanay, many congratulations to you from the entire team of CAClubIndia!
Thank you.
Could you share your emotional experience? Did you anticipate achieving a specific rank and what was your initial response upon learning that you secured the second position in the All India Rank (AIR) list?
Experiencing the surreal and indescribable moment when I received the news of my rank was truly unforgettable. Although I aimed for a top position and dedicated myself to achieving it, I deliberately avoided building expectations before or after the exams. My routine was to move on and not dwell on the results.
On the day the results were expected, I remained composed, thinking it might not have been declared yet. Despite various messages suggesting an 11 o'clock release, it was already 10:40, and I was ready to accept whatever the outcome for the next attempt.
Unexpectedly, at 10:45, an unknown number called. To my surprise, it was Aniket Talati Sir, the President of ICAI, on the other end. The realization that he only calls the top three or five rank holders left me dumbfounded. The moment was so overwhelming that it felt like the phone might slip from my hand. The joy and happiness were beyond words.
The time, 10:45, is etched in my memory. The voice on the phone conveyed the incredible news, and I was left shivering with excitement. After the call, tears of joy flowed freely as I hugged my parents tightly. The happiness spread, and it became a cherished moment for my family and me, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Is there any other CA from your family?
None of my close family members, including my parents, immediate uncle, and grandparents, are Chartered Accountants. However, on my mother's side, there is a distant cousin who recently became a CA. He successfully cleared the exams in the November 2022 attempt, as far as I can recall.
How big is this achievement for you?
While I am undeniably pleased with my achievement, I can't claim complete satisfaction. The initial goal was always set on securing the first rank, and falling short by just three marks stings a bit more. Nonetheless, I am not dwelling on this, acknowledging the immense effort I put in. I gave my all, pushing my limits, yet a lingering sense of something undone remains.
Maintaining a mindset of perpetual growth, I've ingrained in myself the notion of never being fully satisfied. Satisfaction tends to breed complacency, and I'm determined to stay sharp and motivated. The current joy is temporary, serving as a brief celebration before resuming the hard work.
In the upcoming days, my focus will shift back to the grind, as I believe there's always room for improvement. I look forward to reconnecting with all of you in the finals, hoping to share more successes in the journey ahead.
Great! Whom would you like to thank and who guided you throughout this entire journey?
Expressing my heartfelt gratitude is paramount, and there are several individuals and institutions to acknowledge. Foremost, my deepest thanks go to my parents, my brother and my entire family, whose unwavering support has been my bedrock.
Additionally, I extend my gratitude to Navkar Institute in Ahmedabad, where I received invaluable coaching. I express my thanks to the founder of Navkar Institute, Hitesh Shah Sir, as well as the director at the intermediate level, Nihar Nanavati Sir. Special recognition goes to other directors, CA Urvish Shah Sir and CA Dhaval Gandhi Sir, along with the many dedicated faculty members at Navkar Institute.
My appreciation also extends to my friends, who collectively formed an indispensable support system throughout my journey. They, along with my family and mentors at Navkar, have been the pillars of my success. It's a testament to the importance of each individual in shaping my path; the absence of even one would have altered my trajectory.
Every person I encountered, whether a family member, a mentor at Navkaror a friend, contributed to my growth. Therefore, I extend my sincere thanks to each and every person who played a role in my journey. I've learned something valuable from everyone, and their contributions have been instrumental in reaching this point.
Could you please outline the approach you took while studying for the CA intermediate level and share some insights into your strategy?
Let me walk you through the initial phase of my strategy. Up until the end of August, my schedule revolved around attending coaching classes, lasting 8 to 10 hours daily, with a slight reduction in August to around 6 or 4 hours on some days. This routine persisted for the first 7-8 months. Then, during the last 2 months of study leave at home, my approach shifted significantly.
For the initial period with coaching classes, my day started at 8 AM and concluded at 6 PM. Post that, a mandatory self-study session was ingrained in my routine. While I wouldn't claim a meticulously planned schedule, the idea was always in the back of my mind. Each day's class material had to be revised on the same day to avoid accumulating backlogs. Although I did have some backlogs, the plan was to catch up during the study leave.
During classes, after a brief 1 to 1.5 hour rest post-6 PM, I resumed studying until around 8 PM. I focused on revising the day's lessons, aligning with the upcoming tests. This pattern persisted consistently for 6-7 months. As the study leave approached in September and October, I adjusted my strategy based on the evolving circumstances.
Initially, I followed the class schedule for the first round of prelims during the study leave. However, I noticed a decline in productivity due to an exclusive focus on theory subjects throughout the week. Realizing this, I skipped the second round of prelims and adopted a more balanced approach.
For the last 21 days leading up to the exams, I meticulously planned each week, including waking hours, meal times and subject focus. Mixing theory and practical subjects each day enhanced my understanding. Morning sessions were dedicated to theory, afternoon to practical subjects and evenings to a final theory review.
Adhering to this schedule and meeting daily targets fueled my motivation. I maintained this routine through one last institute prelim, maintaining consistency with my strategy. Finally, in November, I confidently took my exams.
As you approach the exam period, could you provide insights on essential considerations and offer tips for effectively tackling the papers?
So, let's delve into the critical aspects to be mindful of, particularly during the exam period. Even before the exams, the foremost consideration is your health.
I can emphasize the significance of this because, just before my law exam on the 3rd of November, around 6:30 in the evening, I found myself battling high fever, persistent sneezing and a relentless cough. I could hardly keep my eyes open to read the books. It was a tense moment since appearing for the paper with such health issues would have been challenging. Despite taking medication – a cautious move, given the drowsiness associated with certain drugs like paracetamol – I forged ahead. My health was a concern, not due to negligence, but the susceptibility to seasonal illnesses during weather transitions.
So, prioritizing your health is non-negotiable. Additionally, while I may have compromised on sleep during the earlier months, I ensured that, especially during the exams, I never slept less than 6 hours. Inadequate sleep might work for some, but for many, it leads to drowsiness during the exam, hindering clarity and potentially causing mental blank-outs.
Maintaining a consistent sleep pattern, not skipping meals, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and any necessary snacks is crucial. Temporary weight gain can be addressed later; sacrificing meals during this crucial period could have severe repercussions.
Moving on to exam times, having a well-thought-out plan is imperative. Some individuals excel at structured studying throughout the 10-month journey but falter when it comes to the last 1.5 days of preparation, leading to chaos. A meticulously planned strategy for those 1.5 days is essential to avoid panic. These are fundamental points to consider during the entire exam season, spanning 15-17 days. Sustaining focus throughout this period is challenging, but by addressing these smaller aspects, one can endure the entire 17 days successfully.
During low moments, when quitting seems tempting, remember the profound satisfaction of seeing those four letters PASS on your mark sheet when the results are declared. Now, shifting to exam-writing tips, it's crucial to practice writing, preferably three full prelims, or at least two if three is not feasible. This practice helps you understand time management, crucial for the 3-hour paper and the 15-minute reading time.
Effectively using those 15 minutes is paramount. Identifying the questions you're confident about, those you're partially confident about and those requiring guesswork should guide your strategy. Attempting questions in a strategic order prevents confusion and enhances overall performance.
In practical subjects like accounts or costing, if certain amounts tally at the end, it indicates potential correctness. However, if amounts don't reconcile, don't dwell on it. Move forward and return if time permits. I experienced a similar situation in my accounts paper but managed to rectify it in the last few minutes.
Regarding MCQs, clarity on whether to attempt them at the beginning, middle, or end is vital. A clear strategy prevents time wastage and ensures both MCQs and the descriptive part receive due attention.
These tips, from health considerations to exam-writing strategies, can significantly contribute to a successful exam experience.
What are your other hobbies apart from studying?
Certainly! Sports, especially cricket, has never been my keen interest or hobby. However, I have a deep love for playing badminton and even received training in it.
Lawn tennis also holds a partial appeal for me. On the creative front, I am heavily invested in art and crafts. Drawing, painting and crafting with paper have always been passions of mine.
Drama and theatre are two pursuits that genuinely excite me. While not professionally, I have a history of participating in numerous school-level competitions, where I've not only taken part but also emerged victorious. Recently, I showcased my cultural talents in dance at the International Contest for CA students in Ahmedabad. Indeed, these are the activities that bring me joy and fulfilment.
Can you share your plans for articleship and also your upcoming CA Final preparation?
Sure. Regarding my preparation for the CA Final, I must admit that I haven't finalized my approach yet. The primary reason is that I haven't decided where I'll be pursuing my articleship. The recent overhaul of the final course has added a layer of complexity to my decision-making process. I've chosen to give it some thoughtful consideration over the next 10-15 days before making any decisions. This is a significant two-and-a-half-year journey and rushing into a decision without proper contemplation could lead to unforeseen challenges.
At the moment, I haven't mapped out my path for the CA Final journey. However, when it comes to articleship, I find myself in a bit of a dilemma. While I don't have a strong inclination towards Audit, I do have a greater affinity for finance and numbers. Ideally, I would like to pursue articleship in the finance department, if possible. Nevertheless, I remain open to opportunities in any field. As of now, I haven't committed to either a Big Four or a mid-size firm.I'm currently in the process of finalizing these decisions, and it will take another two to three days to arrive at a conclusion.
Do you have any additional advice or tips you'd like to offer to your juniors?
Absolutely. One piece of advice that I consistently share when asked about my journey, whether during CA Foundation or Intermediate, is a belief that holds true for me: Consistency is the key.
From January to November until the exams concluded, I can confidently say there wasn't a single day when I didn't engage with my books. Even on those days when I felt exceptionally low - and trust me, there were many such moments in this journey – moments when quitting seemed tempting, when self-doubt crept in, as is common for every aspirant.
However, succumbing to that feeling and giving up for the day wasn't the solution. On those challenging days, I ensured that, even if it was minimal, I revisited the material, maintaining a connection with the topic. If there was a test, regardless of my mental state, I made sure to prepare. Yet, I recognized the importance of occasional breaks. Sometimes your mind craves rejuvenation and motivation, which books alone may not provide. Still, I never went on a complete break for three or four consecutive days, not touching the books at all during those 10 months. This dedication, I believe, played a pivotal role in covering the entire syllabus multiple times and instilled the confidence to face the exams. It's not that I never felt low; there were countless instances when I felt so disheartened that tears were not far off. The night before my Audit examination; I found myself sobbing in front of my mom. She, recognizing the importance of boosting my confidence, provided the necessary support and, coupled with hard work, I unexpectedly excelled in the Audit paper.
This journey is undoubtedly demanding and moments of exhaustion and self-doubt will surface. Yet, my advice is simple: Don't Stop. Maintain consistency and trust that with determination, the divine is on your side.
Once again, heartfelt congratulations from the entire CAclubindia team! We eagerly look forward to reconnecting with you when you achieve success in your CA Final. Best wishes for the journey ahead!
Thank you so much!
CAclubindia
