How to complete CA paper in 3.25 hours?

The Race against Time

Hi Guys!!

I have written this blog to address some queries relating to completion of paper- specially Costing in time. What follows is some tips that will help the cause:

1.       Practice a lot

It is very important that you practice a lot of questions by writing them. Students generally develop the habit of reading out the questions and their solutions. But this habit is dangerous as it reduces the speed because students find it difficult to proceed with solution in exams. Practice makes sure that you can answer the question quickly and correctly on the first occasion itself.

2.       Time bound practice

Mere practicing is not sufficient. Make sure that even when you are practicing at home you finish the solution in expected time. It is simple to calculate expected time to finish the question. In exam we have to attempt 100 marks in 180 minutes which makes it 1.8 minutes per mark. So try and solve a 20 marks question while practicing in 30-35 minutes.

3.       Format of Solution

Try and answer the practical question in a format that is easy to understand, neat and avoids duplication. Generally Excel format or Tabular format should be preferred for same.Make this habit right from beginning, ie while practicing itself.

Theory answers should be to the point. There are no extra marks for a story.

4.       Mock papers

Give some mock papers. There can be a test series in tuition Centre or Institute’s Mock Papers or simply some past exam papers. This is like a Match Practice and always prove useful in improving speed.

5.       Use reading time effectively

See I have written above 3.25 hours and not 3 hours. Reason we get 15 minutes reading time before each paper. One should try and use it effectively.

• Read all the questions and decide which question to leave.
• Give a brief thought on how each question is to be started.
• Then decide which question to attempt first.
• Read it thoroughly and be set to start as soon as writing time starts. 

6.       Handy Calculators

Make sure you use calculators effectively. And use the same model with which you practice.

7.       Practice during Exam Timings

Generally exam timing is 2-5. So develop the habit of practicing during this time of the day. It will make you agile and habitual. Moreover a point of caution- Don’t develop the habit of taking a nap during this time.

8.       Change mindset

The most important one. Change the mindset. The paper is not designed to make students leave. Believe that paper can be completed. Stop cursing.

All these points seems quite mediocre at first but I assure you putting all these in practice will help you achieve desired results.

I will soon come back with revision strategies.

Thanks

Sanjay Nawandhar