Presenting Answers in CA Exam

Hi Guys!!

This blog shares my views and experiences on how answers should be presented in examinations.It is very important to practice presentation. What follows is different types of questions and how they can be answered:

1)      Direct Theory questions

Direct theory questions are like Features of Audit of cooperative society, Benefits of Continuous auditing, Limitations of MIS, and Types of Bond in Excise etc.

In case of these questions to the point direct answer should be given. Attempt must be made to make sure the bold point of module (study material) matches with bold point of your answer. Language of explanation may be different.

2)      Short Note question

Though it may be covered in direct theory question but I have taken it separately since it is definitely asked last question in paper.

There is generally 4 mark for each short note. The best 4-8 points must be written that you know about the topic in such question. 

3)      Provisional Theory Questions

These questions are related to principles laid down in various provisions of law or SAs and are asked in Law related subjects such as Corporate Law, Auditing, DT and IDT. In case of such questions correctly write down the principles of section and provisions asked in question. Section numbers may be dealt with in manner provided in blog Learning Sections.

4)      Situational Theory Questions

Examples of this type are- You are appointed as VAT auditor of XYZ Ltd. How will you proceed? These questions though appear a case based but is actually a direct question asking VAT Audit Procedure. Care should be taken in identifying such questions. Once identified you can proceed as a direct theory question.

Another example of such question is- You are the auditor of company and have identified related party transactions not presented properly. How will you deal with same?

This question touches aspects of CARO, AS18 and SA 550. Now while attempting questions like this following approach should be used in writing answer:

a)      In first part of answer write about AS 18, Caro as well as SA550. - What is required under law?  (How much to write depend on marks of question)

b)      In second part write the scenario given in the question- What has been done in given situation?

c)       In third part write what you as an auditor will do?

5)      Case study based question

These questions are asked mainly in Indirect and Direct Taxation. One should thoroughly read case studies compiled by ICAI as relevant for exams for these questions.

The answer to such questions should also be in 3 parts:

a)      First part write down how the facts of question case are similar to the real case decided.

b)      Second part explain the judgment given in real case.

c)       In third part make conclusion for case asked in question.

Note again that writing principles narrated in judgment correctly is more important than writing the name of parties involved in real case. If you confidently remember the name do write but if you are doubtful don’t write the names. Better not writing than writing a wrong name.

6)      Practical Questions

In case of practical questions the answer should be divided into 2 parts. One will be main solution and other will be working notes. Main solution may proceed or it may succeed working notes but it must be compact form- All working notes should be together and not in between main solution.

Working notes are very important while giving a practical answer and sometimes carry up to 40-50% of marks of the question Never miss them.

Practical solution should as far as possible be always in excel format or tabular format. This saves time as well as makes it easier for examiner to evaluate.

Note:  One must solve at least 4-5 past exam question papers by hand in exam like situation and then the answers written should be compared to suggested answer provided by ICAI. Such comparison will help you find areas where you are lagging and need improvement.

       

Happy reading!!