My CA Journey - AIR 1 CA Final May'24

Summary

Shivam Mishra’s inspiring journey through the CA exams, from Foundation to Final, demonstrates the power of perseverance and strategic planning. Initially aiming for a career in graduation and MBA, he shifted to CA after his 12th result and faced numerous challenges, including COVID-19 disruptions and intense pressure. Despite not ranking highly in Foundation, he pursued a clear strategy of consistent revision and mock tests. His efforts culminated in securing All India Rank 2 in the CA Final, showcasing the importance of disciplined preparation and overcoming setbacks with determination.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start with a clear plan: Shivam initially planned for an MBA, but due to setbacks in 12th grade marks, he pivoted to CA, proving that a change in direction can lead to success.
• 😀 Consistent effort leads to progress: Despite early struggles, Shivam’s consistency in attending coaching and focusing on his CA exams paid off in the long run.
• 😀 Overcome distractions: During the pandemic, Shivam found himself distracted by social media and movies, but he regained focus by realizing the importance of his goal.
• 😀 Embrace challenges: Shivam faced multiple challenges, including COVID-19 and uncertain exam schedules, but stayed resilient and focused on his ultimate goal.
• 😀 Rank isn’t everything, but it’s a powerful motivator: While initially aiming just to pass, Shivam used mock tests and practice exams to aim for an All India Rank, which became a key motivator in his journey.
• 😀 Time management is essential: Shivam’s use of Excel trackers and specific study plans helped him manage his time efficiently and stay on track with his preparation.
• 😀 Revision is key: A major factor in Shivam’s success was his relentless focus on revisions, including multiple rounds of mock tests and subject-specific revisions leading up to the final exams.
• 😀 Self-study combined with coaching: Shivam balanced both coaching and self-study, showing the importance of blending structured learning with independent study.
• 😀 Mental toughness matters: Working at a Big Four firm, Shivam learned that corporate life requires mental resilience, which is developed through the ups and downs of the CA journey.
• 😀 Never give up on your goal: Even when initial results weren't as expected, Shivam never lost sight of his ultimate goal and kept pushing forward, demonstrating the importance of perseverance.

Q & A

What was Shivam's initial career plan before he decided to pursue CA?

Shivam initially planned to pursue a B.Com degree from SRCC followed by an MBA. However, after scoring 94.6% in Class 12 (lower than expected), he decided to switch to CA.

How did Shivam feel about his CA Foundation results?

While Shivam scored good marks in CA Foundation, he never made it to the top ranks. He felt confident about clearing it but didn’t expect to get a rank.

What challenges did Shivam face during his CA Intermediate preparation?

During his CA Intermediate preparation, Shivam struggled due to the COVID-19 lockdown. He became distracted, spent time on other activities, and found it hard to focus during the first few months of 2020.

What key decision did Shivam make in June 2020 regarding his preparation?

In June 2020, Shivam decided to take his preparation seriously and start focusing on his studies, realizing that time was running out and he needed to commit fully.

What was Shivam's strategy for the CA Intermediate exams, and how did it pay off?

Shivam decided to focus on completing his coaching and exams for the CA Intermediate in November 2020. His focused effort resulted in him securing an All India Rank of 50.

How did Shivam's experience at the Big Four impact his perspective on work and career?

While Shivam joined KPMG after his CA Intermediate exams, he learned that working in the Big Four can be challenging. He emphasized the importance of having a supportive team and a good manager for success in the corporate world.

What was Shivam's approach to preparing for the CA Final exams?

Shivam focused on intensive preparation for the CA Final exams. He dedicated an entire year to studying, completing all subjects and revisions, tracking his progress with an Excel sheet, and taking regular mock tests.

How did Shivam manage his time during the final stage of preparation?

Shivam was extremely disciplined with his time. Even during family functions or late work hours, he prioritized his studies, sometimes studying until 2 AM to meet his targets.

What role did mock tests and revision play in Shivam's final preparation?

Mock tests were crucial to Shivam's preparation. He regularly took mock exams and revised every subject multiple times. His mock test performance helped him build confidence and fine-tune his exam strategy.

How did Shivam’s mindset change as he prepared for the CA Final exams?

Initially, Shivam's goal was simply to pass the CA Final exams. However, as his mock test scores improved, he set higher goals, aiming for a top 20 or even a top 10 rank. He remained focused and motivated throughout the process.