Hi Guys,
On Jan 21st, 2013 I became a qualified Chartered Accountant. It was a great feeling to see the happiness in the eyes of my parents. I just want to share my story here.
PE-I (1st Stage)
It all started in May 2004 when I cleared my PE-I in 1st attempt. I did not know much about CA and all other stuff. I took up CA along with my B. Com. So after the results the next day I went to college then I realized that it was difficult thing to pass the exam as everyone in my class started congratulating me and my other friends who also cleared in 1st attempt. In the whole class, only around 6 guys had taken up CA course.
PE-II (2nd Stage)
Then started the downturn. My first attempt in PE-II was horrible. Didn’t know what to make of the CA course. Everything went overhead. When you fail there is this question of, did I do the right thing by taking up CA. One of the worst phases of my life was during PE-II stage. That time BPO craze was going on. In my college many companies came for campus selection. I got selected for HP (Hewlett Packard). But since I was doing CA, I had to reject the offer. Till today I have that offer letter with me. This was during 2005. That was my first offer letter. It was a great feeling to get a job.
I cleared my PE-II in 5th attempt, clearing 2nd Group in 3rd attempt, got exemption in Accounts in Group I in 4th attempt and cleared the pending 2 papers in Group I in 5th attempt. I was so frustrated to sit at home. Everyone of my friend had started his Articleship and I was the only one sitting at home. I didn’t feel like going anywhere, neither to any function nor with friends. I had almost gone into depression. Then after my 4th attempt, I decided to join a CA firm as Direct Tax Assistant from July 2007 onwards. It was tough to make a balance between studies and work. My first Tax Audit was so horrible that my manager said, Pathetic. I literally cried and felt like running away. Then in Nov 2007 attempt, I cleared my PE-II and started my 3 years of Articleship in the same firm. I worked hard. Earlier, you had to finish PE-II to start your Articleship.
CA Final
I worked very hard proving my capabilities in that firm. My first attempt was in May 2010. I cleared my CA Final in 6th attempt. I didn’t prepare well for my first attempt. There were some major personal issues at home that prevented me from preparing well for my 2nd, 3rd & 4th attempts. I started going to CA Library from 5th attempt onwards. I studied well but lost in aggregate. It was heartbreaking for me. I didn’t know where my life was going, no job, not able to qualify.
5th Attempt Marks:
Group I: 186
Group II: 187
Then I motivated myself and said to myself that I will prepare better for the next attempt, which was the 6th one. I gave it all and sacrificed a lot. Then on Jan 21, 2013 I cleared CA Final. During the period between PE-II & CA Final, I cleared my CS exams, CS Inter in 3rd attempt and CS Final in 3rd attempt.
6th Attempt Marks:
Group I: 206
Group II: 194
Silver Lining
More than sharing my story, I wanted to give a message. Even though past so many years were very tough, I did learn a lot of lessons. I realized the value of 1. Value of 1 mark and value of 1 rupee and I am glad that I could learn so many lessons at this age. It all depends on how you want to look at things. It’s all about your perception.
CA course is a tough one. No matter how many attempts you take, always try to become a good Chartered Accountant. Recently, I have come across some qualified CAs who is very poor in English, knowledge and presentation skills. They have just read from books and passed the exams. Accept the fact that not everyone will become CA in first attempt even though that should be main goal. As a student our job is to keep on trying till we reach the destination.
Finally I want to say one thing, never give up on yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself then who will? There are no shortcuts to achieving your goals you need to toil hard. People will ask you some uncomfortable questions, some will disrespect you but you should never lose faith in yourself. Just remember that CA exam is just part of so many exams which you will face in your lives. Always be optimistic and think positive. During depression, positive thoughts are your best friend. I would like to conclude by saying that,
“Never give up on yourself because, Success tastes much better if you have experienced Failure”
CAclubindia
