1. Understand the CA Foundation Syllabus

The CA Foundation exam comprises four papers:

2. Allocate Time Effectively

Aim for a daily study routine of 6–8 hours:

• Accounting & Law: 2 hours each
• Mathematics & Economics: 1.5 hours each

Use a weekly schedule to rotate focus areas. Allocate Sundays for mock tests and revisions.

3. Focus on Conceptual Clarity

Avoid rote learning. Use ICAI study material for each subject. For Accounting, practice journal entries, ledgers, final accounts, and rectification of errors. For Business Law, understand the logic behind acts and legal principles. For Math and Statistics, practice problems regularly with calculator shortcuts.

4. Prepare Handwritten Notes

Summarize key formulas, principles, definitions, and concepts in a notebook. This will become your go-to tool for final revision.

5. Practice with Mock Tests

• Solve 1 full paper every alternate day in the last month.
• Focus on solving within the time limit.
• Use mock results to identify weak areas and revise accordingly.

6. Revise Strategically

• First revision: 4 weeks before exam
• Second revision: 2 weeks before exam
• Final revision: 1 week before exam

Incorporate daily recaps of 30–60 minutes at the end of each day.

7. Avoid Common Mistakes

• Don’t skip foundational chapters
• Don’t ignore numerical practice
• Don’t neglect mock exams
• Don’t spend too much time on one subject

1. Choose Group Strategy

• If time permits and you’re confident, prepare for both groups together.
• If short on time, target one group with full focus.

2. Suggested Study Hours

Aim for 10–12 hours of daily preparation:

• Accounting: 3 hours
• Taxation: 2 hours
• Law & Auditing: 2 hours
• FM, Costing, Others: Balance as per your weak points

3. Practical vs. Theory Balance

• Morning: Focus on practical subjects like Accounting, FM, Costing
• Afternoon: Study theory subjects like Law, EIS-SM, and Audit
• Evening: Revision and question solving

4. Use ICAI Material Religiously

Make ICAI’s modules, RTPs, MTPs, and past-year questions your primary sources. Use coaching notes only for clarification or alternate explanations. Official ICAI Resource: https://www.icai.org

5. Regular Mock Tests

Attempt mock exams every 15 days. Practice solving questions with time limits. Evaluate performance and redo incorrect questions to build accuracy.

6. Focused Revision

In the last 45 days:

• Prepare concise summary notes
• Revise subjects 2–3 times
• Focus on weak areas identified through mock tests

7. Keep Yourself Healthy

Don’t ignore sleep, diet, and exercise. A tired mind cannot perform well even if it’s well-prepared.

1. Group Strategy

• Both groups if you can commit 12–14 study hours daily
• Single group if work pressure is high

2. Time Allocation

Dedicate 12–14 hours per day:

• FR (Financial Reporting): 3 hours
• SFM & DT: 2 hours each
• SCMPE & Electives: 1.5–2 hours
• IDT & Audit: 1.5–2 hours

Plan your week to rotate focus across all subjects.

3. Leverage Articleship Experience

Use your practical experience to understand audit procedures, tax filings, and other practical applications. This will help you in subjects like Advanced Audit and Direct Tax.

4. Use ICAI’s Case Study-Based Approach

Final exams emphasize application-based learning. Practice full-length case studies and use ICAI’s Case Study Digest. Focus heavily on RTPs, MTPs, and past-year questions.

5. Mock Tests and Feedback

• Take one full mock paper per subject every month.
• Seek feedback from mentors and make necessary corrections.

6. Final Month Revision Strategy

• Compile summary notes of formulas, provisions, and key concepts
• Prioritize high-weightage chapters
• Refrain from studying new topics
• Practice MCQs for IDT, DT, and electives

7. Maintain Balance

• Sleep at least 6 hours
• Eat balanced meals
• Avoid burnout through breaks and stress management

1. Create Your Own Timetable

Generic study plans rarely work. Customize your timetable based on your routine, speed, and strengths.

2. Use Digital Tools Wisely

Apps like Testbook, CA Exam Foundation Planner, or CA Tracker can help manage revisions and mock schedules.

3. Set Milestones and Rewards

Break down your study plan into milestones (e.g., finish chapters, revisions, mock tests) and reward yourself after completing each.

4. Avoid Burnout

Don’t try to study 14 hours every day. Instead, maintain 6–8 hours regularly and increase only during revision time.

5. Stay Away from Comparison

Every student is different. Don’t compare your schedule with others. Stick to what works for you.

6. Stay Motivated

Keep a vision board, watch success stories, or join a peer study group. Mental motivation is just as important as discipline.