INTRODUCTION :
Professional examinations are conducted through written answers from the candidate. Answering questions is a test of what the candidate has learnt, how he can express his understanding extemporily and the extent to which he has developed a skill in presenting his answers. The candidate has to complete the answers within a limited time without referring to books, manuals or notes. He is, therefore, advised to develop his memory and power to express his views in writing at a high speed.
PRE-EXAMIMATION PREPARATION:
Studying the subject :
i) The candidate should study the syllabus and understand the scope of each subject.
ii) He should study the books suggested for each subject thoroughly. Study should be supplemented with
reference books also. Brief notes should be prepared to help in refreshing the memory just before the
examination.
iii) First, one book which covers the subject should be selected. It should be studied intensively till the
fundamentals are grasped. Usage of correct definitions, formulate and terminology get additional weightage in the written answer. Hence, these should be properly understood and remembered for extempore use.
iv) In addition, the candidate should widen his knowledge on latest developments in related field by studying
newspaper, professional magazines, various legislations and by attending if possible, seminars, lectures,workshops, etc..
v) The candidate should study past question papers and mentally check, if he can answer them. This will help him in knowing how he will be tested, particularly, in coverage, depth of knowledge and skills in
communicating spontaneously.
vi) The study material normally contains two parts-theory
and Practical problems i.e.,application of theory in
specific cases. Practical problems should be understood
properly with examples to master the art of applying
theory even in totally different problem areas.
Practice :
i) To assess grasp of the subject, it is essential that the candidate practices in writing whatever has been
studied.
ii) An average candidate is normally expected to write about 2500 words in just three hours. Unless he has practiced properly, it will be difficult to write this much accurately to pass the examination. It is,
therefore, suggested that the candidate should practice to write atleast 3,000 words and to solve atleast 2-3 practical problems in a week. For this purpose, the candidate should prepare his own answers to various questions, and compare the suggested answers with his own answers.
iii) He should see how many points of similarity and differences are there between the two.
iv) It is human nature to be easily bored by writing out lengthy solution. It is, therefore, suggested to
attempt full written solution to a few question, in order to gain experience and familiarity with the
task of producing solutions within the time allowed in the examination itself. It will also help in.
a) Writing faster.
b) Writing legibly;
c) Forming better sentences;
d) Organising thoughts cogently; and
e) Communicating to the examiner grasp and understanding of the subject.
f) This is equally true of accounting, cost accounting and mathematical problems.
g) For other questions, an answer plan should be prepared. Answer plan is a list of points that will be
used in the situatation preferably, in the order in which it will be written.
h) While preparing the answer plan, in the beginning, reference books, notes or study materials may be used! Gradually, as better grasp of the subject is developed, use of such materials should be discontinued.
Difficult subjects :
Occassionally, a candidate may find a subject difficult, Actually, no topic or subject is difficult.
It only means that the candidate is not familiar with it. More practice would make the subject easy.It is,
therefore, suggested to
i) Revise the topics often;
ii) Understand the inter-relation between subjects and even between topics in the same subject; (This is very important in legal matters).
iii) Be regular in study and in practice; six hours a week for twenty weeks is definitely more effective than
eighteen hours a day for four weeks.
iv) Simulate examination conditions by writing answers at the rate of 1.5 minutes per mark - no less. Otherwise,
answers are not being written in examination conditions.
PLEASE REMEMBER, PRACTICE IS A REHEARSAL FOR EXAMINATION.
DURING THE EXAMINATION (AT THE HALL)
A. Reading the Question paper :
First of all, please read the question paper quickly, and-
i) Select the questions that you will answer;
ii) Decide the order in which the answers are to be attempted; and
iii) Plan, how you will answer the questions.
B. Selecting the Questions :
You are the best judge, while selecting the question or its part, underline key words in the questions and understand
them well.
C. Order for Answering Questions :
i) Please remember that a serious attempt at one question is more valuable than casual attempt at
two.
ii) First answer the questions in which you are more confident to answer correctly. It will reveal your best to the examiner. This will also allow you more time to answer difficult questions.
iii) Generally, compulsory question is better attempted last; unless you are confident to answer it properly.
iv) Mathematical questions should be decided as per your strength; if there is slight mistake - it may make you nervous. On the otherhand, correct answer to such question gets more marks compared to theoretical and general questions.
D. Answering a Question :
i) First of all, note main points on a separate paper to help in covering all aspects of the answer.
ii) Answers should be concise but comprehensive without unnecessary examples or explanations`.
iii) Question should not be repeated ! Instead, give correct reference number to question and its part with a small title like - "Different Budgeting methods" or "Materiality test", etc.
iv) Divide the answers in paragraphs with sub-titles to each paragraph, if possible.
v) Do not use abbreviations - give full names.
vi) Time is of essence in the examination. Therefore, plan a time budget for each answer in proportion to marks
allotted.
vii) Wherever necessary, use charts, linear diagrams, formats or examples from real life to emphasise your
view points. A diagram can present your views immediately as compared to many written words.
viii) Explain your assumptions by way of foot notes while solving practical problems, if necessary.
ix) While solving problems or practical questions, give the principle or formulate first and than proceed to solve
it. This will help the examiner in assesing your answer instantly.
x) Normally, answers are expected on the basis of position prevailing a few months before the examination. However, you should add latest developments in your answer by way of 'underlined' notes to demonstrate your professional skills,
xi) If necessary, give a conclusion, recommendation, observation or personal comment in the end with a proper heading.
xii) If you have completed all your answers before the closing time, don't leave the hall but use the remaining time in revising and improving your answers and to ensure that all main points have been covered.
E. Presenting your answer :
The examiner has to read many answer papers. please help him to help you by -
a) Writing clearly in good, easily readable handwriting;
b) Leaving sufficient space on all the sides of the answer sheet for recording his observations;
c) Lastly, communicating in simple language while using proper terminology.
IMPORTANT WORDS IN QUESTION PAPERS
Some of the important instruction words with their meaning are as under :
Advise/recommed Present information, opining or recommnda- suggest tions to someone to enable that receipient to
take action. Amplify Expand or enlarge upon the meaning of a statement. Analyse Determine and explain the constituent parts of Appraise/assess Judge the importance or value of evaluate Clarify Explain more clearly the meaning of
Compare (with) Explain similarities and differences between Contrast Place in opposition to bring out differene(s)
Criticise Present the faults in a theory or policy or opinion Demonstrate Show by reasoning the truth of
Describe Present the details and characteristics Criticise of Discuss Explain the opposing arguments
Explain/interpret Set out in detail the meaning of Illustrate Use an example - chart, diagram, graph
Explain/interpret or figure as appropriate to explain something Justify State adequate grounds for Itemwise List
MOST IMPORTANT
A professional is expected to assist his/her clients in adversity or in difficult situations. The candidate appearing at the
professional examination should possess confidence to face even a 'DIFFICULT' examination. Hence, never panic or be nervous at the hall. Calmness helps in adverse circumstances to tide over the problem boldly.
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