CA Intermediate Topper Interview: Darshan S. (AIR 3) – Revision test papers play critical role in your success
They say if you run after two hares, you will catch neither, however, there are some who chase two hares and are still able to catch both of them. Darshan S. has proved that while completing his B.Com General programme and cracking CA Intermediate (Old Syllabus) May 2019 Exam simultaneously. Securing an All India Rank 3, the topper was flabbergasted to know that he has been able to secure a spot among the top 3 rank holders of CA Intermediate. It was not in his list of things-to-do, however, a simple conversation with his father made him decisive about pursuing CA. Let’s see whether his journey unto cracking the exam was smooth-sailing or full of hiccups.
Excerpts from the Interview:
Careers360: How did you celebrate this grand achievement? Who was the first person you shared the news with?
Darshan S: When I received a call from the ICAI President, I took it for a prank. However, later on when I checked my result, I immediately understood that it was actually the ICAI President and I have had actually secured AIR 3 in CA Intermediate Exam of May 2019. So, I went to the temple and had some good time with family and friends, celebrating my victory.
Careers360: What inspired you to opt for CA?
Darshan S: It was a simple discussion with my father one fine day, which acted as a game changer for me. I was in a bit dilemma about the future, but my father shared that CA is a good profession. He just shared his experience with me, as he too had cracked the Intermediate stage in his time, however, could not continue due to some personal issues. So, this inspired me to give it a try. Though it all started with that conversation, however, it was completely my own decision, my father didn’t urge me to do it. As I am good with numbers ad maths, I decided to go for it.
Careers360: Tell something about your family background, schooling and key inspirations in life.
Darshan S: I have studied in GSJJB School, Chennai (CBSE). I was the topper in Business Studies and Mathematics in my school. Then I joined Royala College for my graduation in B.Com General and completed it with distinction. I had cleared CPT before I joined the college for graduation.
Careers360: What were the challenges along, especially during preparation?
Darshan S: I had no other challenge, but family pressure sometimes to learn our family business. We have our jewelry business, so the family would sometimes pursue me to learn the alpha and omega of the business. Apart from it, I did not experience any challenge.
Careers360: Which Group and subject did you find the easiest and which one the toughest?
Darshan S: Costing, Accounts, etc. were easier for me, as I am good with numbers. I got 70s in all arithmetic subjects. The toughest subject for me was IT.
Careers360: Would you like to share with us about planning, study hours, time table and daily efforts which you had put in during preparation for CA Intermediate?
Darshan S: I don’t believe in long hours of study. More than quantity, it’s the efficiency of your preparation. So, I would suggest that your preparation should be effective whatever time you prepare. I would like to point out here that my case was a bit different, as I was simultaneously pursuing my B.Com course, which helped me in cracking the exam. Apart from a couple of hours which I would study (for 6 months) for CA Intermediate, it’s was my B.Com studies only which contributed to my preparation and success. 70 percent of my CA Inter syllabus was from B.Com only. Plus I had the advantage of time – 2 years of my graduation wherein I got time to revise the topics time and again. But, yes, planning is critical. You have to prioritise the topics and make a study plan as per the time you have.
Careers360: While attempting the exams, what all factors need to be considered and what strategy works the best?
Darshan S: You get access to the test paper 15 minutes before the exam starts, so it’s very important that you reach the exam centre well in advance. Secondly, in my view, revision outside the exam centre or just before the exam is not a good idea. Third, go through the paper carefully and begin with only those questions which you are confident about. Leave the rest to be attempted later on. Only mention the relevant points, it should not be vague. Avoid answering anything wrong/incorrect. Also, arrange your stationery items, keep them in some order. Don’t keep it messy around your seat, save time, even if some seconds.
Careers360: What is more suitable according to you- Self Study or Coaching? What is the role of coaching under CA programme?
Darshan S: I had taken a 9 months coaching, however, I would not suggest for coaching. Only those people should take coaching who have no study routine or discipline, as there are fixed timings of classes at coaching. In addition, coaching is good only if you are stuck in terms of understanding some topics. As per my personal experience, you would only remember 20 percent of whatever you learn at coaching.
Careers360: Which books did you refer for CA Intermediate preparation?
Darshan S: I would recommend ICAI books only. That’s enough study material. I only purchased one book on Auditing by Vikas Ostwal, for understanding purpose only. But ICAI material is more than enough to crack the Intermediate Exam.
To check detailed CA Intermediate study material – Click Here
Careers360: When did you appear and qualify the entry level course? Tell us about your articleship training as well.
Darshan S: I am in still in the process of planning for my articleship. At present, I am pursuing my 15-day orientation classes. This is a mandatory training wherein we are taught about aspects like personality development, etc. It’s a certified course which is mandatory to start articleship and is organised by ICAI itself.
Careers360: Tell us something more about the articleship.
Darshan S: After completing 2.5 years of articleship (but you have to complete 3 years), you are eligible for attempting the Final Exam. There are two channels here.
1. In the first channel, take Foundation Exam, then after a 9 months gap, you can appear for IPCC. Then 2.6 years articleship and you can appear for Final Exam, and then finally again 6 months of articleship.
2. In the second channel, with a UG degree, take 9-months articleship training and you become eligible for appearing in CA Intermediate Exam. Post your clearing the Intermediate Exam, you have to complete the remaining 2.3 years of the articleship.
Careers360: Do you think mock tests and previous years question papers are critical for preparation?
Darshan S: Most important are revision test papers (RTPs), which ICAI releases 2 months before the Intermediate Exam. RTPs are too important for two reasons – first that any latest changes or amendments are available in the RTPs, which are quite important for you to be aware about, secondly 70 percent of the questions in the paper come from the RTPs only. And yes, mock tests and previous years question papers too play vital role. ICAI also provide mock tests at their regional centres, so candidates can take those there.
To get access to CA CPT Sample Papers – Click Here
Careers360: Tell us about the registration process (stage-wise), its validity period and application process as per the different stages.
Darshan S: Registration is a one time process - once you register, you get a registration number, which they also call SRO number in official language. Thereon, every time there’s an exam, you have to fill the application form which is released 2-months before any stage exam. Post filling the application form, you get a roll number, which is different for all the stages.
Also Read:
CA IPCC Topper Interview 2019: Jyoti Agrawal (AIR 2) - With dedication, you will sail through
CA Intermediate Topper Interview 2019: Akshat Goyal (AIR 1) - Consistency is the key to success
Articles
Browse Finance Colleges by State
Explore Career Options (By Industry)
Budget Analyst
Budget analysis, in a nutshell, entails thoroughly analyzing the details of a financial budget. The budget analysis aims to better understand and manage revenue. Budget analysts assist in the achievement of financial targets, the preservation of profitability, and the pursuit of long-term growth for a business. Budget analysts generally have a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a closely related field. Knowledge of Financial Management is of prime importance in this career.
Data Analyst
The invention of the database has given fresh breath to the people involved in the data analytics career path. Analysis refers to splitting up a whole into its individual components for individual analysis. Data analysis is a method through which raw data are processed and transformed into information that would be beneficial for user strategic thinking.
Data are collected and examined to respond to questions, evaluate hypotheses or contradict theories. It is a tool for analyzing, transforming, modeling, and arranging data with useful knowledge, to assist in decision-making and methods, encompassing various strategies, and is used in different fields of business, research, and social science.
Underwriter
An underwrite plays crucial roles in the finance and insurance industry and works for mortgage, loan, and insurance companies. He or she analyses applications for insurance policies and assess the risk capacity to decide whether to approve application or reject. He or she assesses and evaluates the risk of another party for a fee in the form of commision or premium.
Underwriters have strong analytical skills and they understand the insurance principle to evaluate the health of potential clients. They collaborate with agents, brokers, and to their clients to collect information and explain the insurance product details. They work on all kinds of insurance like mortgage, health insurance, life insurance, automobile, and several other kinds of insurance.
Finance Executive
Finance Executives manage money, overseeing a company's income, expenses, and investments. They monitor financial transactions, create and assess reports like cash flows, and strategies to enhance profit margins and reduce expenses. Their role is crucial for staying competitive and making wise market decisions in response to current dynamics.
Finance Executives establish strategic financial goals, objectives, and performance criteria. Strong accounting and analytical skills are fundamental to this role. While often working fixed hours, they may extend their work hours to meet deadlines. This career is well-suited for individuals with a keen understanding of finance, attention to detail, and the ability to navigate complex financial landscapes.
Product Manager
A product manager is a professional who determines what a product should do and how it should look like. A product manager analyses customer needs and combines them with company goals to develop a product that satisfies everyone. He or she works in coordination with different departments like engineers, salespersons, and product designers to ensure everyone works towards achieving the company's goals.
A product manager develops strategies and plans to help the employees work towards a common goal that is to develop a product that the customers demand. He or she plays the role of the first point of contact in the organisation for anyone who needs to know about the product. Concerning larger programmes, they work with Technical Program Managers to deliver results.
Operations Manager
Operations manager is tasked with supervising the financial and business experts involved in the production of goods and services. A career as operations manager needs to supervise many divisions and coordinate daily activities. The role of operations manager is to oversee and manage diverse activities which is part of a profession as an operations manager.
All levels of an organisation's operational activities are overseen by an operations manager. He or she is in charge of selecting candidates, imparting instruction, and managing quality control programmes. Operations managers also develop plans for process improvements to ensure that everyone finishes their work on schedule. He or she must regularly evaluate budgets, manage costs, and analyse data and statistics.
Stock Analyst
A stock analyst is an individual who analyses and evaluates various stocks and securities in the financial market. He or she in the stock analyst career forecasts stock market results, normally with an emphasis on the securities that a company or firm invests in. He or she also prepares scientific reports on financial forecasts, predictions, and recommendations based on a stock's expected profit.
Individuals who enjoy learning and data processing, are good problem solvers, and have a strong work ethic will excel in the stock market analyst sector. Students can pursue a BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration), MBA (Master of Business Administration), M.Stat (Master of Statistics) to opt for a career in stock market analysis
Researcher
A Researcher is a professional who is responsible for collecting data and information by reviewing the literature and conducting experiments and surveys. He or she uses various methodological processes to provide accurate data and information that is utilised by academicians and other industry professionals. Here, we will discuss what is a researcher, the researcher's salary, types of researchers.
Welding Engineer
Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues.
QA Manager
A Quality Assurance (QA) Manager, synonymous with a Quality Assurance Manager, holds a pivotal role in ensuring products meet predefined standards. Responsible for planning, directing, and formulating control policies, the QA Manager safeguards company efficiency and profitability. By scrutinizing products for flaws and ensuring compliance with internal and external requirements, they uphold quality, validating the effectiveness of quality assurance teams in maintaining high standards before product release.
Quality Controller
A quality controller plays a crucial role in an organisation. He or she is responsible for performing quality checks on manufactured products. He or she identifies the defects in a product and rejects the product.
A quality controller records detailed information about products with defects and sends it to the supervisor or plant manager to take necessary actions to improve the production process.
Production Manager
A Production Manager oversees manufacturing processes, ensuring timely and budgeted delivery of products. Responsible for safe, cost-effective production meeting quality standards, their role adapts to the production system. Also known as an Operations Manager, they manage human and material resources, contributing to efficient production and service delivery.
Product Manager
A product manager is a professional who determines what a product should do and how it should look like. A product manager analyses customer needs and combines them with company goals to develop a product that satisfies everyone. He or she works in coordination with different departments like engineers, salespersons, and product designers to ensure everyone works towards achieving the company's goals.
A product manager develops strategies and plans to help the employees work towards a common goal that is to develop a product that the customers demand. He or she plays the role of the first point of contact in the organisation for anyone who needs to know about the product. Concerning larger programmes, they work with Technical Program Managers to deliver results.
QA Lead
A QA Lead is in charge of the QA Team. The role of QA Lead comes with the responsibility of assessing services and products in order to determine that he or she meets the quality standards. He or she develops, implements and manages test plans.
Structural Engineer
A Structural Engineer designs buildings, bridges, and other related structures. He or she analyzes the structures and makes sure the structures are strong enough to be used by the people. A career as a Structural Engineer requires working in the construction process. It comes under the civil engineering discipline. A Structure Engineer creates structural models with the help of computer-aided design software.
Process Development Engineer
The Process Development Engineers design, implement, manufacture, mine, and other production systems using technical knowledge and expertise in the industry. They use computer modeling software to test technologies and machinery. An individual who is opting career as Process Development Engineer is responsible for developing cost-effective and efficient processes. They also monitor the production process and ensure it functions smoothly and efficiently.