🤷🏻♂️How To Prepare For CA Intermediate In 10 Months After Clearing CA-Foundation Exams
Congratulations on clearing your CA Foundation exam! You’ve crossed the first milestone on your Chartered Accountancy journey. Now it’s time to gear up for the CA Intermediate level—a crucial and challenging stage. Under the new syllabus, you have 6 subjects divided into 2 groups, and 10 months to master them.
This blog will guide you on how to prepare ca intermediate smartly within the limited time and make the most of your study period.
🤷♂️What’s New In CA Intermediate (New Syllabus)?
Under the latest CA curriculum, the Intermediate level has been restructured with 2 groups and 6 subjects:
Group I:
- Advanced Accounting
- Corporate & Other Laws
- Taxation
Group II:
4. Cost and Management Accounting
5. Auditing and Ethics
6. Financial Management & Strategic Management
Fewer subjects mean more focused preparation, but the difficulty and depth of topics remain high. So let’s see how to prepare efficiently within 10 months.
Month-Wise Study Plan (8-Month Strategy)
Here’s how you can divide your 8 months smartly:
|
Month |
Focus Area |
|
Month 1–6 |
Complete all subjects reading with conceptual clarity and notes |
|
Month 7–8 |
First revision + Solve ICAI RTPs, MTPs, PYQs |
|
Month 9 |
Second revision + Start mock tests |
|
Month 10 |
Final revision + Full syllabus test papers and quick revision notes |
⏱️ Aim for at least 8 -10hours of daily study, increasing gradually if needed.
💁♂️Tips for Subject-Wise Preparation
Advanced Accounting
- Focus on accounting standards and practical adjustments.
- Practice from ICAI modules and mock tests.
- Make your own summary notes for standards and important formats.
Corporate & Other Laws
- Focus on conceptual clarity and presentation.
- Read bare acts or simplified summaries.
- Practice case-based questions and scenario-type MCQs.
Taxation
- Split study time between Direct Tax and GST.
- Focus on logic + presentation + timely updates.
- Refer to concept-focused teachers (like CA Vijender Aggarwal Sir) for better clarity.
Cost and Management Accounting
- Practice numericals daily.
- Prepare summary notes for formulas and costing techniques.
- Solve ICAI illustrations and MTPs.
Auditing and Ethics
- Understand the logic behind auditing procedures.
- Use charts/flow diagrams to remember standards and ethics points.
- Focus on keywords and presentation for theory answers.
Financial Management & Strategic Management
- FM: Focus on time value of money, capital budgeting, ratios, etc.
- SM: Make short notes, diagrams, and learn real-life business strategies.
- Practice is key in FM; conceptual understanding is key in SM.
🤔One Group or Both Groups?
Since there are only 6 subjects now, preparing for both groups in 10 months is achievable if:
- You are consistent with daily study
- You complete at least 2 full revisions
- You attempt mock tests seriously
If your schedule is tight due to other responsibilities, it’s okay to go for one group first—clearing with confidence matters more than appearing for both with uncertainty.
🕵️♀️Smart Study Techniques
- Use flowcharts, color-coded notes, and mind maps for revisions
- Maintain a revision tracker to avoid missing any chapter
- Regularly attempt ICAI mock tests and past papers
Keep Yourself Mentally and Physically Fit
Preparation is not just about books—your mind and body must stay in sync. So,
- Take breaks and avoid burnout
- Exercise or walk for at least 20 minutes a day
- Maintain proper sleep and hydration
-
Stay positive, even when topics feel tough
😊Final Words: Stay Consistent, Stay Focused
CA Intermediate under the new syllabus is intense—but with 10 months, 6 subjects, and a plan in place, success is very much within your reach.
Remember:
🔹 Concept clarity > Rote learning
🔹 Consistent revision > Last-minute cramming
🔹 Smart effort > Just long hours
📌 Pro Tip: Start now. Don’t wait for the “perfect time.” Consistency from Day 1 will make your last month less stressful and more productive.
I hope you get the best results in your CA Intermediate exams. While preparing for the exams, you are also building a brighter future for yourself.💼✨
How many months is the gap between CA Foundation and CA-Intermediate?
After passing the CA Foundation exam, ICAI gives you 10 months to prepare before you can appear for the CA Intermediate exam. For example, if a student has appeared for CA-Foundation exams in May 2025 attempt, the results of which are declared in July 2025, such a student can appear for CA-Intermediate exams in May 2026 attempt giving the student 10 months to prepare (July 2025 – May 2026)
Is there negative marking in CA Intermediate MCQs Paper?
No, there is no negative marking in CA-Intermediate MCQs exams.
When can I give a CA Intermediate exam after foundation?
Once you pass the CA Foundation exam, you can register for the CA Intermediate course. After registering, you need to complete 8 months of study before you can appear for the Intermediate exams.
For example, if you clear Foundation in January 2025 and register right away, you’ll become eligible for the Intermediate exams in September 2025 — after finishing your 8-month study period.