CMA Final Dec 2024 Topper Interview AIR 2, Lakkimsetty Vagdheva: "Be Calm and Confident"

It was a moment of great elation and happiness for Lakkimsetty Vagdheva as he secured All India Rank 2 in the recently announced CMA Final Dec 2024 results. Success is not a new thing for Lakkimsetty Vagdheva who also secured AIR 1 in his CMA Inter exams. Hailing from a business family from Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, the CMA Inter Dec 2024 topper is keen to expand his father’s business and use his expertise as a Cost Management Accountant for business endeavours. Vagdheva is also pursuing his Chartered Accountancy dreams and is looking forward to taking the CA Final Nov 2025 exams.

Careers360 got in an exclusive conversation with CMA Final Dec 2024 topper Lakkimsetty Vagdheva where he reflected on his journey, future ambitions, tips for future CMA Final aspirants and a lot more. The excerpts from the conversation are given below.

Careers360: Tell us a little about yourself?

Vagdheva: Hi, this is Lakkimsetty Vagdheva. I hail from a small place called Tatipaka near Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh. I come from a business family and my father is also a businessman.

Careers360: What was your reaction on seeing your CMA Final results?

Vagdheva: It was indeed a very happy moment for me and the whole of my family. The happiness on my father’s face made me happier.

Careers360: How many marks did you secure in your CMA Final exam in total? Was it your first attempt?

Vagdheva: I scored 631 marks in the CMA Final Dec 2024 exam. This was my first attempt at the CMA Final and I managed to clear both groups at once, so I am feeling really good about it.

Careers360: Why did you decide to pursue CMA in the first place? When did you decide to appear for CMA exams? Any particular reasons for choosing CMA?

Vagdheva: I chose to become a CMA to achieve my goal of expanding my father’s business. I believe courses like CA and CMA are best suited for me in terms of taking the business forward. So I eventually decided to complete both CA and CMA. Currently, I am a CA Final student and I am going to give my first attempt in Nov 2025. I also secured All India Rank 1 in the CMA Inter examinations

Careers360: How challenging was the whole preparation process? What was your basic preparation routine?

Vagdheva: I prepared for CMA exams through coaching. My coaching took place for almost 7 months in Masterminds- Guntur and I followed their schedule as presented to me. I also joined Masterminds revision exams and used to study 8 hours daily consistently after my coaching for 3 months.

Careers360: How relevant were CMA mock exams and practice questions for your preparation?

Vagdheva: I preferred Masterminds revision exams and they helped me a lot in Achieving AIRs in CMA Inter and Final.

Careers360: What are some of the best books that you would suggest for good preparation of CMA Final exams?

Vagdheva: Again, I mostly preferred Masterminds material for CMA Inter and for Final I referred both Masterminds material and CA Final Materials of some renowned faculties.

Careers360: What is the next step after the CMA Final and what is your dream? Are you planning to pursue something more academically?

Vagdheva: I want to complete my CA Final and want to take over and expand my father’s business. That is pretty much what I am focused on right now.

Careers360: What advice would you give students who will be giving CMA exams in the next session?

Vagdheva: To future aspirants I would advice be clear about concepts rather than just reading the books. It is important that candidates learn the concepts and understand how to apply them. Understanding the practicality and applicability of things make learning very simple. Be calm and confident during exams and do not forget sleep also impacts your preparation, so having a good sleep is also very important.

Careers360: What did you like to do during free time amid your preparation? Any special thing that gave you relaxation?

Vagdheva: My hobby is watching movies. I also got a lot of happiness and relaxation after talking to my parents about everything I do.

Careers360: Who is your idol or biggest inspiration in life and why?

Vagdheva: I believe in God Sri Raghavendra Swamy and my inspiration is my father.