ca inter preparation
Best CA inter tips to get exemption – According To AIR 1 (Complete Guide) Scoring an exemption (60+ marks) in a CA Intermediate paper is one of the smartest ways to secure success in this challenging exam. Not only does it boost your confidence, but it also reduces pressure in subsequent attempts (if needed). But how do toppers, especially All India Rank 1 holders, consistently score exemptions? Let’s dive deep into the exact mindset, techniques, and strategies followed by CA Inter AIR 1 rankers like CA Vijender Aggarwal Sir, who has achieved All India Rank 1 in both CA Intermediate and CA Final. With over 91% in CA Foundation and multiple Best Paper Awards in Taxation, his insights serve as a goldmine for every aspiring CA student. 🎓Understanding Exemption in CA Inter Before we explore the tips, let’s clarify what exemption means: Exemption: Scoring 60 or more marks in any paper of CA Inter gives you an exemption in that subject. Validity: The exemption remains valid for 3 attempts. Benefit: In the next attempt, you only need to focus on the remaining papers of that group. Toppers aim not just to pass, but to secure multiple exemptions, improving their overall group performance. 👉 Tip 1: Choose Your Target Paper Wisely Not every subject is equally easy or equally scoring for every student. Consider the following while choosing your target exemption paper: Your interest and comfort level Subjects with theory + practical balance (like Taxation or Costing) Faculty support and guidance Most common exemption-friendly subjects: Paper 1: Advanced Accounting Paper 3: Taxation Paper 4: Cost and Management Accounting Paper 6: Financial Management & Strategic Managment AIR 1 Insight: “Go with your strengths. Exemption is not luck; its strategy. Pick a subject you can enjoy revising multiple times.” 👉 Tip 2: Master Your Study Material Please ensure that the coaching notes made available by your faculty member incorporates a comprehensive coverage of ICAI’s study material. Remember: ICAI is the examiner. Questions will revolve around their material. Read and practice all ICAI illustrations. Don’t skip the theory in practical subjects. Your study foundation should include: Coaching Material/ICAI Study Modules RTPs (Revision Test Papers) MTPs (Mock Test Papers) Past 3-4 attempt papers AIR 1 Insight: “Your coaching notes incorporating the content of ICAI study material is the heart of your preparation.” 👉 Tip 3: Make a Smart Revision Strategy (3x Rule) To retain concepts and stay exam-ready, revision is non-negotiable. Most students read once and hope to remember it. That never works. Follow this simple 3x Revision Strategy: 1st Revision: Within 7-10 days after completing a subject 2nd Revision: 15-20 days later 3rd Revision: Before exams (within 1 week of the paper) Make short notes during your first reading. Use these notes during revision. AIR 1 Insight: “Don’t study for memory, study for revision. Only repeated revision makes you exam-ready.” 👉 Tip 4: Practice Full-Length Papers Many students are scared of writing. But writing practice is essential to score 60+. What to do: Solve at least 2 full papers before exams Practice in a timed manner (3 hours) Get your papers evaluated if possible Focus on: Speed & time management Organizing answers in the form of headings and sub-headings Using bullet points, and highlighting are the key-term Quoting section numbers, case laws where required AIR 1 Insight: “Your brain knows the answer. But the examiner will only mark what will be written. Get writing until it really is second nature 👉 Tip 5: Prioritize Scoring Chapters Not all chapters carry equal weight. Example: In Taxation, 5 heads of income (Salary, House Property, PGBP, Capital Gains & Other Sources) carry majority marks. Make a chapter-wise weightage chart and focus on high-yield areas first. AIR 1 Insight: “Prioritization is preparation. You can’t study everything equally. Be smart.” 👉 Tip 6: Presentation Can Earn You 5-10 Extra Marks Toppers don’t just write answers – they present them beautifully. Learn these presentation hacks: Use proper headings and sub-headings Write in points, not paragraphs Leave margins and space for neatness Highlight keywords, amounts, and sections In theory papers (like Law or Tax), this makes a huge difference in how your answer is perceived. AIR 1 Insight: “Write for the examiner’s eyes. A good presentation shows confidence and clarity.” 👉 Tip 7: Don’t Just Read – Teach, Discuss, Write Passive reading leads to forgetting. Convert passive learning into active learning: Teach a concept to a friend Discuss tough topics in a group Write summaries after completing topics Use tools like flashcards, charts, and whiteboards to reinforce memory. AIR 1 Insight: “If you can teach it, you’ve truly learned it.” Tip 8: Join the Right Guidance/Mentorship Your faculty can make a subject either your weakness or your strongest paper. For example, CA Vijender Aggarwal Sir is known for: Simplifying complex tax laws Giving real-life examples Focusing on case laws, MCQs & presentation Helping students score 60+ in Taxation consistently A good mentor helps with: Exam pattern understanding Regular tests and feedback Motivation & mental clarity AIR 1 Insight: “A good teacher not only teaches you the subject but also teaches you how to think.” 👉 Tip 9: Avoid Common Mistakes Here are common mistakes that pull you down from exemption: Ignoring RTPs and MTPs Leaving theory chapters for last Not revising enough Over-relying on random material circulating online Panicking before exams Avoid these by planning ahead and staying calm. AIR 1 Insight: “Exemption is not about being perfect. It’s about avoiding silly mistakes.” 👉 Tip 10: Stay Consistent, Not Overloaded Don’t study 14 hours in a day once a week and nothing the next. Instead: Study 10-12 hours daily consistently Take frequent breaks not to get burnt out Remember to keep healthy mentally Momentum and confidence are created by consistency. AIR 1 Insight: “CA is not a sprint. It’s a marathon. Pace yourself.” Conclusion: Exemption is a Planned Outcome ✅ Scoring 60+ marks in CA Inter is not a dream – it’s a planned outcome. By choosing the right subject,