A conversation with
Divyang Bhandari
2nd Rank Holder, CA Final Course (Member of CAclubindia)
A 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.
Divyang Bhandari, is All India 2nd ranker of the CA final May 2012 exams , He is from Chennai and has scored 600 marks, very positive and enthusiastic person for CA profession who also is a big fan of IPL, let us find out what he has to say -
Many congratulations to you Divyang, from the entire Team of CAclubindia.com.
How you are feeling?
I am feeling good. The feeling has still not sunk in.
What was your first reaction after seeing your scores?
I couldn’t believe my scores and then around 3-4 O'clock I realized it was true when I started getting calls.
How big is this achievement for you?
Huge, I think for anyone its huge. It’s a land mark in their career or life, it’s a big achievement. This is what you are aiming for your entire life - that you want to do CA and once you get a rank in your final exams and that too in top 3 this is really something big.
When did you decide that you wanted to do CA?
I think when I was in the 8th or 9th grade. My late grandfather , Shri S.H. Bhandari and my father have been my inspiration.
What has been your strategy behind this achievement?
I started my preparations from the 1st of January, before which I used to read a little. I basically took one subject at a time, set targets for completion of each subject to enable me to complete one full reading along with two revisions. I attended coaching for practical subjects which helped me approach the subjects in a structured manner. I used to make notes for larger topics so that I could revise them easily later. I appeared for model exams which are generally conducted one month before the actual exams, they gave me a understanding as to where I stood and which areas I had to concentrate on.
So what is the most important thing that one should keep in mind for the exams?
I think the most important thing is CA is all about smart study. Basically, you need to know what to read, how to read and when to read it. There are some topics which are very important which are frequently asked and there are some topics which are very minuscule, which keep getting asked in every exam but people ignore, for example in a subject like Financial Reporting there are a few topics like value added statements, accounting for share based payments, economic value added etc., I made sure that I covered all these topics in a appropriate manner, as these topics for a major chunk in the examination. I suggest that for a few topics one can make notes which one can revise later. I realized after giving my exams writing is a key to remembering.
So preparing notes and revising it again and again is the most important thing.
My experience says the same, complex topics on repeated reading after regular intervals eventually result in simplification.
You mean focus should be there!
Focus should be there but I won’t suggest anyone to study for 14 hours or 15 hours or 20 hours a day. Number of hours you study is nowhere related to focus on the subject.
How many hours would you study in a day?
Maximum 10 hours a day. Initially I started with 8 hours. If you target 12 hours you will touch 10 that’s what I used to do- I used to target 12 and I used to touch 10, if I used to target 10 hours I would touch 8. So you should always set the target two hours more what you are planning to achieve. I used to get 7- 8 hours of proper sleep, used to watch the television and go out at times. These act as good diversions and help you concentrate better when you get back to study. You don’t have to compromise on normal life, just need to devote that 8 to 10 hours for studies. I think you shouldn’t get disturbed and concentrate that’s the key. Putting in 10 hours every day for 4 months is more than enough, however attending classes is also important.
What are the challenges and hurdles you have faced?
It was a pretty smooth ride, my family, teachers and friends always supported me when I thought it wasn’t possible. There was no pressure of performing from my family. In a few exams when academic knowledge failed practical knowledge came in to play. I think if you have had proper training for the 3years, it would help you a lot in answering the questions.
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