CA Intermediate Topper Interview: Meet Anil Shah (AIR 2)- Combo of conceptual clarity & consistent study works
When you have a well planned strategy and a rooted dedication towards your goal, nobody can prevent you from attaining the top notch. Aforementioned words reflect the success story of Meet Anil Shah from Mumbai who secured AIR 2 in CA Intermediate 2019 May session. The topper believes that complete concentration over a handful of topics works more for a day than dealing with all subjects at once and ending up confused at the end. In an interview with Careers360, the Mumbai boy shares his path of success and his submissions for the future aspirants.
Excerpts from the Interview:
Careers360- How did you celebrate this grand achievement? Who was the first person you shared the news with?
Meet Anil Shah- My mother was the first person whom I called as soon as the results were out. This was followed by phone calls and messages to my sister (who was out of town that day) and one of my Professors. I also texted and informed some of my close friends. I celebrated with my family and close friends on this achievement.
Careers360- Tell something about your family background, schooling and key inspirations in life.
Meet Anil Shah- I reside with my family in Mumbai. I completed my schooling from St. Mary's High School S.S.C., Mazgaon, Mumbai. My mother and sister are my key inspirations in life. They are my best cheerleaders and worst critics at the same time. Apart from them, there is a professor who motivated me the most to study well with dedication. I owe a major part of my success to these souls!
Careers360- Share about your rank and score in CA Intermediate 2019.
Meet Anil Shah- So I bagged AIR 2 in CA Intermediate exams May 2019. I scored a total of 675 out of 800. My highest marks are in Paper no. 8- Financial Management and Economics in Finance.
Careers360- Were you sure of this success after completing the exams in May?
Meet Anil Shah- To be honest, I wasn't sure about securing the rank. I was sure about clearing with good marks but wasn't sure about how good they can be. It's obvious that nobody expects a rank as you never know if you will be able to meet the examiner’s expectations.
Careers360- Which Group did you find the easiest and which one the toughest?
Meet Anil Shah- When I started studying, I found the group 1 easier in comparison with group 2, as it had many practical subjects in contrast with theory subjects of group 2. However, later on I realized that, surprisingly group 1 papers were comparatively tougher.
Careers360- What is the right planning, study hours, time table and daily efforts which need to be put in during preparation for CA Intermediate?
Meet Anil Shah- I believe that Candidates should start with studying for 4 hours a day and gradually increase the study time and reach upto 10- 11 hours a day at least 20 days before their examinations. It is not advisable to study more than 3 subjects in one go or in a day. Also, candidates can start with that subject which they find the toughest so that there's no pressure left for the final days of preparation.
Careers360- While attempting the exams, what all factors need to be considered and what strategy works the best?
Meet Anil Shah- Time and marks are the most important factors to be kept in mind. The available time should be appropriately allocated between different questions carrying different marks. The strategy that would work with everyone would be attempting those questions first with which you are 100% confident, followed by difficult and confusing questions.
Careers360- What is more suitable according to you- Self Study or Coaching? What is the role of coaching under CA program?
Meet Anil Shah- Both have their own pros and cons. The reason why I would prefer coaching is because of the class mates. The doubts and questions everyone raises gives new direction to one’s thinking process and helps in opening up our minds. Besides, the CA Intermediate syllabus is vast and the time span is short. So a teacher can help you understand things better as compared to a person understanding a handful of concepts with self study.
Careers360- What books did you refer for CA Intermediate preparation?
Meet Anil Shah- I didn’t refer to any of the books while preparing for CA Intermediate exams. I believe that ICAI CA Intermediate study material is the bible for CA exams. That's what I personally referred during studies and that's what I would suggest for other future aspirants as well.
Careers360- When did you appear and qualify the entry level course? Tell us about your articleship training as well.
Meet Anil Shah- It was June 2018 when I appeared for and qualified my entry level exam, i.e., CA CPT. Coming to articleship training, as of now I'm still looking for it, in fact I'm evaluating different options for now.
Careers360- Did you ever refer to the mock tests, previous year questions or the summary of examiner’s comments?
Meet Anil Shah- The ICAI regional offices conduct 2 mock test series for each CA exam attempt. I didn't appear for them but I solved them online while being at my home itself. It gives the candidates a good picture of how they can manage their time during exams and how they should be writing the papers. I just went through previous 2 attempts of question papers to understand the type of questions asked. This practice gives an idea as to how the questions are put in and in what combinations.
Careers360- Any specific plan for CA Final?
Meet Anil Shah- I don't have complete knowledge about the CA Final syllabus. Hence, once my classes start, I can accordingly chalk out a plan for the further process.
Careers360- ICAI has recently made some changes in CA Intermediate and Final examination pattern, putting more focus on case studies and scenarios. What’s your take on this?
Meet Anil Shah- It's a great move by the institute which shall help bringing our curriculum with international standards across the globe. It would enable the students to apply their analytical skills which is an essential requirement when a CA actually starts working. From examination perspective, the change in CA Intermediate exam pattern should actually make scoring easier as it will completely be based on understanding and not on memory.
Careers360- Any message for the future aspirants?
Meet Anil Shah- I would like to suggest the upcoming candidates of CA Intermediate to study daily & conceptually. One should try not to just mug up the concepts. Following the ICAI study material religiously, particularly for practical subjects will help. You do your best, God will take care of the rest.
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.