Aug 25 2014 : The Times of India (Delhi)
TOPPERTALK - `Hard work is the key'
As told to Sarah Zia
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Sanjay Nawandhar, all-India rank one in the CA final exam, shares tips for success
I have been studying papers related to chartered accountancy for three years now. I secured the sixth position nationally in the institute's Common Proficiency Test and the second rank in the Integrated Professional Competence Course exam, which is at an intermediate level.The final exam is the toughest, with the difficulty level of questions scaling up at every stage.My study schedule included five to six hours of rigorous study every day.I have consistently followed this pattern for nearly three years now, while preparing for other exams. Unlike others who enrol for coaching classes at centres, I learnt from individual specialists of different papers. One needs to prepare eight modules for this exam and I prepared for seven of them under different private tutors. I felt confident about tackling the costing paper with self-study alone. I studied commerce at DAV School, Jaipur, following which I pursued a BCom at the University of Rajasthan while preparing for the chartered accountancy exam.
I followed a three-pronged strategy for preparation: I set clear, achievable targets, planned actions which helped me achieve them and then worked hard towards those goals. Hard work is the key to success, yet discipline is equally important. One has to discipline oneself against any distraction or wastage of time. To manage time better during the exam, I suggest that aspirants practise previous years' papers which will also help to familiarise them with their pattern.
Now that I have cleared the final stage, I am looking to work in the finance sector. Most people suggest that I start practising as a chartered accountant (CA) immediately, but I would first like to work in different roles for some time. It is a myth that people who clear this exam only work as CAs. While being a full-time CA is a well-paying career, one can go for other roles such as a finance controller, tax controller and account manager, among others.
I followed a three-pronged strategy for preparation: I set clear, achievable targets, planned actions which helped me achieve them and then worked hard towards those goals. Hard work is the key to success, yet discipline is equally important. One has to discipline oneself against any distraction or wastage of time. To manage time better during the exam, I suggest that aspirants practise previous years' papers which will also help to familiarise them with their pattern.
Now that I have cleared the final stage, I am looking to work in the finance sector. Most people suggest that I start practising as a chartered accountant (CA) immediately, but I would first like to work in different roles for some time. It is a myth that people who clear this exam only work as CAs. While being a full-time CA is a well-paying career, one can go for other roles such as a finance controller, tax controller and account manager, among others.
