Navigating the CA Intermediate Exams: My Journey with the 2018 New Syllabus

Preparing for the CA Intermediate exams, especially in the new syllabus format in 2018, was a challenging yet rewarding experience. My journey was filled with moments of confusion, pressure, and self-reflection. In this article, I will share my experience and the strategies I employed to navigate this demanding academic path.

Deciding on the Course of Study

The decision to enroll in both Group 1 and Group 2 was not an easy one. Initially, I was uncertain whether to opt for the single subject or both groups. After a few months of coaching, further group 2 coaching started, giving me a taste of both. Initially, the coaching sessions were 6 hours long, but as time progressed, they extended to 9-10 hours, covering the entire syllabus of both groups.

Embracing the Intensive Schedule

Feeling overwhelmed by the 9-hour coaching sessions, I started to question my ability to handle both groups. However, the collective pressure from friends also influenced my decision to continue with both. Despite feeling drained and unable to concentrate in the afternoon classes, especially those on audit and economics, I pressed on.

Transition to Self-Study

With the end of coaching classes in February, I shifted to self-study, aiming to increase my study time to 7-8 hours daily. However, my concentration began to deteriorate in March, and pressure started to take a toll on my mental health. Whenever I attempted to study, my mind would wander, and my heartbeat would race.

A Turn in the Journey

My father advised me to choose between the groups carefully, but I refused to give up on both. Eventually, he decided to support me and suggested focusing solely on Group 1. This decision was pivotal in improving my concentration and reducing overall stress. Unfortunately, during mid-April, I had to take a brief break due to a skin condition, which further disrupted my study routine.

Exams and Results

The exam period was intense, and I was relieved to have performed well in accounts and cost. However, law was a different story, and I was uncertain about clearing it. Despite my concerns, I was confident about scoring an exemption in accounts and cost.

The result day was a rollercoaster of emotions, and it took a while for the ICWA to announce the results. On the night of the result announcement, the servers were down, but fortunately, my brother managed to open the results page and see that I had passed the exams.

Lessons Learned

This experience taught me the importance of prioritizing one's mental health and academic performance. While it was difficult to juggle both groups, focusing on the right subjects and managing stress effectively were crucial in achieving success. My journey with the 2018 new syllabus was a testament to the fact that with careful planning and a supportive system, one can overcome the challenges of a demanding academic path.