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.