To prepare for the CA Foundation exam, you must put in at least 5-6 hours of self-study every day, even if you attend coaching classes. If you choose to save the time spent in coaching on self-study, it is still possible for you to achieve high scores. There are ample digital resources and textbooks to help you study concepts and get explanations on topics through video lectures, discussion boards, eBooks and more. So, if you are motivated and consistent, you can score high in the CA Foundation without coaching. Through this blog, we will understand the CA Foundation course syllabus and structure and discuss some tips and strategies for effective self-study to score high without attending coaching classes.
CA Foundation exams are conducted thrice a year in January, May/June and September. It has 4 papers, which are –
Paper-1: Accounting
Paper-2: Business Laws
Paper-3: Quantitative Aptitude -
Part A: Business Mathematics
Part B: Logical Reasoning
Part C: Statistics
Paper-4: Business Economics
| Paper 1 | Paper 2 | Paper 3 | Paper 4 | |
| Duration | 2 hours | 2 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Question type | Subjective | Subjective | Objective | Objective |
| Marks | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Marking Scheme | No negative marking | No negative marking | ¼ mark will be deducted for every wrong answer | ¼ mark will be deducted for every wrong answer |
| Language/Medium | English/Hindi | English/Hindi (Section ‘b’ will be English only) | English/Hindi | English/Hindi |
| Exam Mode | Offline | Offline | Offline | Offline |
The most important aspect of preparing for the CA Foundation course is to start early. Most aspirants who successfully cleared the CA Foundation recommend six months for preparation.
You have to complete studying the entire syllabus once in the first two months so that you have ample time for revision and solving mock tests, past question papers and question banks.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) conducts the CA Foundation exams, and they upload study materials, mock test series and previous exams’ question papers. Here are recommended books for the CA Foundation that you can use as textbooks –
A comprehensive and actionable timetable will help you be regular with your studies, keep track of your progress and execute a sound study plan. Students preparing for the CA Foundation exams dedicate 6 to 8 hours daily to their studies. Utilise the time you would spend on commuting to and attending coaching classes effectively for self-study. Your CA Foundation study timetable must include some elements –
You will find some tough topics or need guidance in learning certain concepts, solving problems or having doubts that need clarification. Connect with seniors or professors who can help you in college or among your peer group. There are online discussion groups, and you can even connect with study groups of CA Foundation aspirants.
Strengthen your concepts for topics that you find easy or subjects that you have mastery of so that you do not miss any opportunities to score. Identify subjects or topics that you are weak at and make note of these. Get timely help to resolve your doubts and move forward. Check the weightage assigned to these topics and accordingly decide if it is worth it to sacrifice more time to learn them.
Take care of your physical and mental health. The preparation journey for CA Foundation exams is stressful and isolating if you plan to do it without coaching. Exercise, eat well, and spend some time socialising by stepping outside the house every week. Don’t spend too much idle time on the phone or television. Screen time-offs are important to help you improve your concentration and reduce stress. Eat healthy, exercise, and if you need help in managing stress or anxiety, ask for it.
Although completing the entire syllabus would be ideal, it is alright if you haven’t been able to do it. Identify and study topics of high weightage in-depth. If you have learned the key concepts and completed more than 70% of the syllabus, you can still score well in the exams. Solve previous years’ question papers and mock tests to become familiar with the topics that you haven’t studied. This will help you have some idea of the topics that you haven’t studied.
CA Foundation exams test your conceptual clarity, knowledge and understanding of the subjects. They also test your organisational skills, time and stress management skills. Hence, don’t simply focus on completing the syllabus, but simultaneously work on –
ICAI releases updates on changes to the syllabus, question paper format, important dates etc. Regularly check the website and stay updated on the latest circulars so that your preparation is not adversely affected.
The total mark for the CA Foundation is 400. The passing marks are at least 40% on each paper and 50% in overall exams. Set your target scores, even if it is 100% and start working towards your goal. If you keep your target high, you will mentally begin planning towards achieving it, which in turn will help you score high.
The CA Foundation exam is challenging, but for someone focused, and has the aptitude and will to succeed, it isn’t an insurmountable challenge. If you don’t want to join a coaching institute but would like help, you can consider the CA-integrated PU programmes, such as the one offered by JAIN PU College for students in Commerce streams. Their classes for the CA Foundation are conducted by ALLEN Institute at the JAIN college campus during regular college hours. Thus, you benefit from their special guidance and study material and save time on commuting. Visit the JAIN PU College website to learn more.
JAIN PU College, a part of the renowned JGI Group, is committed to empowering students with quality education.
Beyond academics, the college ensures its online content reflects the same standard of excellence. Every blog and article is meticulously vetted and proofread by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy, relevance, and clarity. From insightful educational topics to engaging discussions, JAIN PU College's content is crafted to inform, inspire, and add value to its readers, reflecting the institution's commitment to intellectual growth and innovation.
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