The journey to becoming a certified Chartered Accountant in India begins with first appearing for the CA Foundation exam. Each year, lakhs of aspirants choose to appear for this highly competitive exam alongside their Pre-University Course (PUC) studies.
Balancing both can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can excel in both. This blog will guide you on how to manage your time effectively, stay focused, and succeed in your CA Foundation journey while pursuing your PUC.
The CA Foundation exam consists of four papers:
Since some topics overlap with PUC subjects, especially in Commerce, you can integrate your preparation to reduce redundancy.
Juggling two critical examinations requires astute time management. Allocate time for both PUC and CA Foundation subjects. A broadly workable timetable that you can consider and adjust to your schedule and needs are:
Using a planner or digital calendar can help you track your progress. You can find the timetables of successful CA Foundation aspirants and even mock timetables on the internet to guide you better.
While you have to memorise formulas, rules and theories, it is important to understand concepts, especially for subjects like Accounting, Mathematics, and Law. Avoid memorising without comprehension.
Refer to ICAI study material and practice problems to strengthen your understanding. It will help you when there are tricky entries, or a mathematical problem is framed unusually.
For PUC, follow your prescribed textbooks and notes. For CA Foundation, refer to:
There are ample online resources including videos and PDFs to explain concepts.
Start with solving previous years’ CA Foundation papers to familiarise yourself with the exam pattern. Take as many regular mock tests as you can find to improve speed and accuracy. Revise frequently to retain concepts for both PUC and CA Foundation. Even as you are completing the syllabus, spare some time each day to revise the syllabus that you have completed.
CA Foundation is not an exam that can be cleared by studying at the last minute. For that matter, even your PUC studies require regular revision and practice from the beginning of 12th grade.
Track your progress every day, even if it’s just an hour of study. Consistency is key to completing the syllabus, attempting practice tests, revising the entire syllabus more than once and building your understanding of the subjects.
It is challenging to prepare and appear for two critical exams. It entails long study hours that can be exhausting. So, take breaks, exercise, and ensure a proper sleep schedule.
A healthy mind and body will improve your concentration and efficiency. Spare some time each day to pursue some hobby or interest, play some sport and completely disconnect from your studies so that you can refresh your mind and return to your routine.
If you struggle with any topic, don’t hesitate to ask your teachers, join a coaching class, or seek help from mentors and peers. Study groups are beneficial as you will be among students who are undergoing the same journey.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, you can switch off from the study and learning mode for some time till you feel calmer. Talk to your parents, friends, siblings or teachers about your stress or anxiety, without bottling up your fears. You can even get professional help from certified counsellors who can teach you techniques to cope with your stress.
Preparing for the CA Foundation alongside PUC is demanding, but don’t get overwhelmed. Set small goals, reward yourself for achievements, and stay motivated by keeping your career aspirations in mind. You will have tough days and days when you will be filled with doubts or fear of competition. Take time to analyse your fears and then dive right back into your studies.
The most important part of preparing for something challenging is appearing for the CA Foundation and board exams simultaneously to stay self-motivated, even ignoring any discomforts we feel.
With a well-structured plan, the right resources, and consistent effort, you can successfully prepare for the CA Foundation exam without compromising your PUC studies. Stay focused, believe in yourself, and take one step at a time toward your goal of becoming a Chartered Accountant!
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