CA exam results are just out and we had the opportunity to interact with the toppers and bring to you their success stories and close sneak peek into their motivating secrets.
Let us find out what was their strategy and what helped them bust the stress. These are not just some motivational exam success stories, but the real essence and meaning of life is hidden somewhere in their words.
Abhishek is all India CA final topper of may 2012 exams,
he is
from Kolkata and have scored 608 marks. A very
ground to earth and calm person with high family values who
likes to hang out with friend in free time. He shared his
experience with CAclubindia.com of his journey from 7th to the
top, let us find out what he has to say -
Abhishek, First of all, many
congratulations to you from CAclubindia
Thank you very much
How are you feeling now?
I am feeling very happy, still trying to believe what has just happened. Just feeling on top of the moment now.
So, what was your first reaction after seeing your scores?
It was very hard to believe first time I saw the scores. I got very excited and called up my mom and informed her. My First reaction was that.
Great. So, how big is this achievement for you?
It is very big for me. I have never expected this. It was a very pleasant surprise.
What was your parents and friends reaction after they got the news?
They very happy and feeling very proud. My dad is calling up everyone. He has been attending the calls and feeling very proud when everyone is congratulating my parents for what I have achieved.
Right. When did you decide that this is your future, this is your line?
It was way back around 6 years ago when I was in class 11 That I decided that I want to pursue the course. So, I filled up my forms that time only. As soon as, I gave my class 12th exam, I appeared for CPT. I cleared CPT at one shot, then gave PCC, intermediate level, then final this time.
Who were your greatest support in this whole journey?
Greatest support for me were my parents and my family. First of all, they were the biggest support. After that everyone, my friends whoever I knew, members of the articleship, members from that firm, all those tuition teachers from whom I took tuition- all were supportive.
What was your strategy for the exams?
Before the exams, strategy was planning, study wise strategy was to balance all the subjects. I did not wish to get too involved in studies to avoid getting frustrated. So, I used to take out sometime for entertainment, definitely you need some rest also. I have to balance all the subjects. So, the first aim was to complete the entire syllabus once and take sometime at least 15-20 days just before the exams for revision. In between the exams I tried to revise the important portions in whatever small time I got.
What is the most important thing that one should keep in mind while preparing for the exams?
Most important thing is self-belief and hardwork. One should never lose belief in oneself. At some point of time, while studying, one might feel that it is not possible for you - you might want to give up. It had come to me as well at some point of time, but I never gave up.
That should be the spirit!
That’s the most important thing, spirit and one must know that to achieve, one has to work hard.
In a day, how many hours you used to study?
It varied from some 4 to 14 hours. There was no fixed scheduling, as such. As the exams approached, hours increased to 12-14 hours.
What were the hurdles and challenges that you faced in this whole journey?
The biggest hurdle was the time. I had got my leave from around 10th of February so full time preparation began at that time. Earlier I was studying, but I didn’t got that much time. I got study period of 2 or 3 hours, prior to that. Time management and planning is important because CA Final Syllabus is quite vast. To complete the entire syllabus, was the biggest hurdle. Sometimes, I faced low confidence as well. To overcome all those negative feelings and everything, that was the biggest challenge.
Abhishek? are you a member of CCI?
Ya, I am a member.
And what assistance have you got from our CAclubindia.com?
I have got regular updates from what I have subscribed. Every week, I get an update on my email inbox from CCI as well. I used to get regular updates plus certain specific notes which are available. Few notes I have also referred from CCI. It’s of great help. Then, there are certain discussions, I have also sometimes referred to them. Even during my articleship, I was stuck in certain queries at certain points of time, I then used to refer to CCI, used to check all those discussions from discussion forum as well. So, it is quite a help for us.
How was your overall journey till today?
It was very difficult that I have experienced it because I had to manage everything. I had to attend my graduation college, I had to do articleship as well. For me, it was the ultimate challenge. You can’t get more than that. All the hardwork paid off. Whatever I couldn’t achieve during those 4 years period, now I don’t have any regret for that.
How important is the articleship in one’s career?
Very important actually, because what we study and what actually happens in practical life, its completely different. One has to do this. And if not just for practical work aspect that we learn, everything that we learn, work, culture-view, how to present yourselves before a particular group of 10 people, how to communicate with them, how to tackle your clients, everything, all those things are part of learning. It’s not just we learn about work aspect, how to prepare balance sheet. It’s not the only thing. So, for me that is the most important thing.
What are your hobbies?
I like reading good story books, love watching cricket matches, hanging out with my friends, going for movies. Whenever I get free time, I hang out with friends.
Right, so you are quite active in social life also other than studies.
Yes definitely, one has to be.
Would you like to thank someone from your family, from your friends, teachers who have supported you?
I would like to thank my parents. They have supported me throughout these 4 years period, rather , throughout my life. I was under no pressure, I had complete freedom to choose whatever I faced in my life, to study whatever I wished. They had given me complete freedom in that. Whenever I felt low in confidence, they used to motivate me that you can do it. You have done it earlier also. You can do it once again. I am thankful mostly to my parents.
Now that you have achieved the milestone in your career what is the next plan for you?
Right now I haven’t decided anything. Till now trying to sink in whatever has happened. I am receiving phone calls and messages from everyone congratulating me. I will sit down and look ahead what is my future and everything. Right now, I am not in a position to think.
Would you like to give some message to the CCI members and the CA aspirants.
Particular message will be, never lose belief in yourself and never refrain from hard work. That would ultimately pay off.
So, now do you have any plans for celebrations?
Yes, plans are going on. May be a grand party would be round the corner.
Abhishek, it was really nice talking to you. And thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Once again I congratulate you from CCI team and wish you best of luck for your future also.
CAclubindia
