How to Create a CA Exam Study Plan That Actually Works

Becoming a Chartered Accountant is one of the most respected career paths in India, but clearing the CA exams is not an easy task. With vast syllabi, lengthy preparation periods, and high competition, it is essential to follow a study plan that is practical, consistent, and effective.

A well-structured study plan is not just about covering all the topics — it’s about smart time management, consistent revision, and maintaining a healthy balance between study and rest. In this guide, you will learn how to create a CA exam study plan that actually works, ensuring you make the most of your preparation time.

Step 1: Understand the CA Exam Structure

Before you even think about creating your study plan, you must have a clear understanding of the CA course structure and exam pattern. The CA course in India is divided into three levels:

1. CA Foundation – Basic concepts of accounting, business, law, and economics.
2. CA Intermediate – Detailed application of accounting, taxation, corporate laws, costing, and auditing.
3. CA Final – Advanced concepts including financial reporting, strategic management, and professional ethics.

Each level requires a different approach in terms of time, effort, and strategy. So, your study plan should be tailored to your current stage in the CA journey.

Step 2: Assess Your Available Time

One of the most common mistakes students make is starting without a timeline. First, calculate how many months or weeks you have until the exam. This will help you divide the syllabus into manageable sections.

For example:

• 6 Months Left – You can afford multiple revisions and in-depth practice.
• 3 Months Left – Focus should shift towards quick syllabus completion and more revision cycles.
• 1 Month Left – Prioritise high-weightage topics and intensive mock tests.

Pro Tip: Keep at least 1–1.5 months for revision and mock papers, no matter how early you start.

Step 3: Break Down the Syllabus into Small Targets

The CA syllabus is vast, so attempting to study it in random order can be overwhelming. Instead, break it into smaller, daily or weekly targets.

Here’s how:

• Daily Goals – Number of topics or chapters to complete.
• Weekly Goals – Cover one subject entirely or a major chunk of two subjects.
• Monthly Goals – Complete one full revision of all subjects in your plan.

Example: If you are preparing for CA Intermediate with 8 subjects in 6 months, you can dedicate one week to each subject for the first round of study, then repeat the cycle for revision.

Step 4: Allocate Time Slots for Each Subject

Not all subjects are equally difficult for every student. Identify your strong and weak subjects and allocate time accordingly.

• Morning Slot (High Energy) – Keep your most difficult subject here. Your mind is fresh, and you can focus better.
• Afternoon Slot – Medium difficulty subject.
• Evening Slot – Lighter subjects or revision of what you studied earlier.

Sample Daily Schedule (6–8 hours)

Time	Task
6:30 AM – 9:30 AM	Difficult subject (e.g., Advanced Accounting)
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM	Medium difficulty subject (e.g., Costing)
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM	Easy subject or practical questions
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM	Revision and previous day’s recap

Step 5: Follow the 3-Phase Study Plan

A tried-and-tested way to prepare for CA exams is to divide your study time into three phases:

Phase 1 – First Reading

• Objective: Cover the entire syllabus once.
• Method: Read every topic in detail, make notes, and solve basic questions.
• Duration: 50–60% of your total preparation time.

Phase 2 – First Revision

• Objective: Strengthen concepts and solve more questions.
• Method: Go through your notes, solve mock tests, and attempt past year papers.
• Duration: 25–30% of your total preparation time.

Phase 3 – Final Revision

• Objective: Be exam-ready.
• Method: Focus on high-weightage topics, time yourself in mock tests, and polish weak areas.
• Duration: Last 15–20% of your preparation time.

Step 6: Make Use of the 50-10 Rule

Studying for long hours without breaks leads to fatigue and reduced concentration. The 50-10 Rule is simple:

• Study for 50 minutes.
• Take a 10-minute break to relax, stretch, or grab a snack.

This method helps you stay fresh and prevents burnout.

Step 7: Keep Revision Notes Handy

Your study plan should include the creation of short, crisp revision notes for every chapter. These should:

• Highlight key concepts, formulas, and case laws.
• Be easy to read within minutes.
• Include tricky points you tend to forget.

By the final week before the exam, you should be able to revise an entire subject in 1–2 days using these notes.

Step 8: Include Mock Tests in Your Plan

Mock tests are non-negotiable in CA preparation. They help you get familiar with the exam pattern, improve time management, and identify weak spots.

• Attempt at least 2–3 mock tests per subject before the exam.
• Simulate exam conditions: same timing, no interruptions.
• Analyse your mistakes after every test and work on them.

Step 9: Focus on High-Weightage Topics

Every CA subject has certain chapters that carry more marks. Identify these from past year question papers and ICAI’s suggested answers.

Example:

• CA Foundation – Principles & Practice of Accounting: Final Accounts, Partnership, Depreciation.
• CA Intermediate – Advanced Accounting: Consolidation, Amalgamation.
• CA Final – Financial Reporting: Accounting Standards, Ind AS-based questions.

Prioritise these in your revision plan, but don’t completely ignore low-weightage topics.

Step 10: Maintain a Balance Between Theory and Practical Subjects

CA exams have both theory-heavy subjects (like Law, Audit) and practical ones (like Accounts, Costing). Studying only practical subjects for too long can make theory difficult to absorb later, and vice versa.

Mix them in your daily schedule:

• Morning: Practical subject.
• Afternoon: Theory subject.
• Evening: Mixed revision.

Step 11: Track Your Progress Regularly

A study plan is useless if you don’t track whether you are following it. Use a study tracker or planner to check:

• Topics completed.
• Revisions done.
• Mock test scores.

If you notice you are falling behind, adjust the plan instead of stressing over lost time.

Step 12: Avoid Common Mistakes in CA Study Plans

Many students make errors that reduce the effectiveness of their preparation:

• Overloading the day with too many chapters.
• Skipping revision in favour of new topics.
• Not solving past year papers regularly.
• Studying without breaks, leading to mental fatigue.
• Ignoring health during preparation.

Avoid these, and you will automatically be ahead of many aspirants.

Step 13: Stay Consistent and Motivated

The CA journey is long and can feel exhausting. To stay motivated:

• Join a peer group for discussions.
• Set small rewards for completing targets.
• Remember your ultimate goal — becoming a CA.

Consistency is more important than perfection. Even if you can’t study for 8–10 hours every day, ensure that you do something productive towards your preparation daily.

Step 14: Take Care of Your Health

Your health will directly impact your performance. A good study plan must include:

• Adequate Sleep – At least 6–7 hours.
• Balanced Diet – Avoid heavy junk food before study sessions.
• Exercise – Even a 15-minute walk can boost your energy levels.

Sample 3-Month CA Exam Study Plan

Here’s an example of how you can structure your preparation if you have 3 months left for your CA exams:

Month 1 (Syllabus Completion)

• Morning: Advanced Accounting (3 hrs)
• Afternoon: Costing (2 hrs)
• Evening: Law (2 hrs)
• Night: Quick recap of the day (30 min)

Month 2 (First Revision)

• Revise subjects in the same order as you studied.
• Attempt one mock test per week.
• Start identifying high-weightage topics.

Month 3 (Final Revision)

• Focus on high-weightage areas and tricky concepts.
• Attempt full-length mock tests every alternate day in the last two weeks.
• Use only your short revision notes.

Final Thoughts

A CA exam study plan that actually works is one that suits your personal strengths, weaknesses, and available time. Avoid blindly copying someone else’s schedule — instead, customise it for yourself.

Break the syllabus into achievable targets, revise multiple times, solve plenty of mock papers, and take care of your physical and mental health. With the right balance of discipline and flexibility, you can face the CA exams with confidence and improve your chances of success.