How to Revise Entire CA Syllabus in the Last 30 Days Before Exams

The last 30 days before a CA exam can feel like the most crucial and challenging phase of preparation. With multiple subjects, a vast syllabus, and limited time, students often struggle to strike the right balance between speed and retention.
The key lies in strategic revision—not studying everything from scratch, but reviewing concepts smartly to maximise recall during the exam.

In this guide, we’ll break down effective strategies to revise the entire CA syllabus in just 30 days without burning out.

1. Understand the Real Goal of the Last 30 Days

These final weeks are not for learning new topics from zero unless they are extremely important and easy to cover.
The main focus should be to:

• Strengthen already prepared areas.
• Quickly brush up on weaker sections.
• Practice exam-style questions.
• Build confidence in recalling concepts.

Remember—coverage and recall matter more than perfection at this stage.

2. Create a Practical 30-Day Revision Plan

A good revision plan should be balanced between subjects, yet flexible for adjustments.

Step 1 – Break Down Days

• 20 days for revising all subjects at least once.
• 7 days for second revision and targeted practice.
• 3 days for final brush-up and mock tests.

Step 2 – Allocate Time Per Subject

If you are a CA Final student with 8 papers:

• Revise two papers in parallel—one practical (e.g., FR, SFM, Costing) and one theory-heavy (e.g., Law, Audit).
• Give 2–3 days for large subjects and 1–2 days for smaller subjects in the first round.

Step 3 – Use Time Blocks

Study in 3–4 hour focused sessions with short breaks.
For example:

• Morning: Practical subject
• Afternoon: Theory subject
• Evening: Mixed practice or MCQs

3. Prioritise According to Weightage

Not all chapters have equal importance.
Refer to:

• ICAI past papers
• RTPs (Revision Test Papers)
• Suggested Answers

Mark the chapters with high exam frequency and revise them first.
Example:

• In Audit, Standards on Auditing have high weightage.
• In FR, Ind AS questions dominate the paper.

4. Avoid Starting New Material

Many students get tempted to learn untouched topics in the last month.
This often:

• Wastes valuable time.
• Creates confusion.
• Affects confidence.

If a topic is completely untouched and low weightage, skip it.
Instead, perfect the topics you already know.

5. Use Active Recall Instead of Passive Reading

Simply reading notes won’t help in the exam. Use active recall techniques:

• Close the book and write down everything you remember about a topic.
• Teach the concept aloud as if explaining to a friend.
• Attempt a few questions without looking at the solution.

This method strengthens memory and exposes weak areas.

6. Practice Exam-Oriented Questions

The ICAI exams test application of concepts, not just memory.
So in these 30 days:

• Solve at least 2–3 past papers per subject.
• Attempt MCQs and case-based questions for subjects like Audit, EIS-SM, Law.
• Write answers in exam format with proper presentation.

7. Use Summary Notes and Charts

If you have prepared short notes or flowcharts, now is the time to use them.
Advantages:

• Quick revision in minutes.
• Better visual memory.
• Easy to carry anywhere.

If you don’t have your own, refer to trusted summary books or notes from your coaching institute.

8. Combine Similar Subjects for Efficiency

Studying two theory-heavy papers back-to-back can be tiring.
Instead:

• Pair a practical paper with a theory paper in the same day.
• Example: Morning – SFM, Evening – Law.

This keeps your brain active and prevents fatigue.

9. Simulate Exam Conditions

At least once per week, attempt a mock test:

• Set a timer for 3 hours.
• Write answers without referring to notes.
• Evaluate honestly or get it checked by a mentor.

Benefits:

• Improves time management.
• Reduces exam anxiety.
• Highlights areas needing urgent revision.

10. Manage Theory Subjects Smartly

Theory subjects like Law, Audit, EIS-SM, and DT require exact language in answers.
Tips:

• Focus on headings and keywords.
• Revise sections, clauses, and standards from ICAI material.
• Use mnemonics for remembering lists and provisions.

11. Manage Practical Subjects Strategically

For practical papers like FR, SFM, Costing, and Accounts:

• Focus on standard question types from past RTPs and mock tests.
• Revise formulas and working notes daily.
• Keep a formula sheet handy for daily review.

12. Daily Revision Routine Example

Here’s a sample daily schedule for the last month:

Time Slot	Activity
6:30 AM – 7:00 AM	Quick review of formulas/lists
7:00 AM – 10:30 AM	Practical subject revision
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM	Break
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM	Theory subject revision
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM	Lunch + rest
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM	Mixed question practice
6:00 PM – 6:30 PM	Short break
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM	Second subject’s lighter topics
8:30 PM – 9:15 PM	Dinner
9:15 PM – 10:30 PM	Revise charts/summary notes

13. Keep Reviewing Frequently Tested Topics

Some topics are always tested in exams.
For example:

• Audit – SA 200, SA 230, SA 500.
• FR – Consolidation, Amalgamation, Ind AS 115.
• Law – Directors, Audit & Auditors, Companies Act provisions.
• Taxation – GST Input Tax Credit, Income from Salary, PGBP.

Revisit them at least 3–4 times in the last month.

14. Don’t Neglect RTPs and MTPs

ICAI often repeats questions from Revision Test Papers (RTPs) and Mock Test Papers (MTPs).
Plan to:

• Solve at least past 2 attempts of RTPs for each paper.
• Attempt recent MTPs in exam mode.

15. Use the Last Week for Final Polishing

The final 7 days should be for:

• Quick second/third revision.
• Solving tricky problems again.
• Memorising important provisions, formulas, and formats.
• Reducing stress—avoid learning new material now.

16. Manage Stress and Energy

Revision is not just about books—it’s also about keeping your mind sharp.

• Sleep 6–7 hours daily.
• Eat light but nutritious food.
• Avoid excessive caffeine—it causes crashes.
• Take short walks or stretch between sessions.

17. Stay Disciplined with Distractions

Social media and random internet browsing can eat away hours.
In the last 30 days:

• Keep your phone away during study hours.
• Limit screen time to essentials.
• Use focus apps if needed.

18. Quick 30-Day Subject Allocation Example

For CA Final:

Days 1–20:

• FR – 3 days
• SFM – 3 days
• Audit – 2 days
• Law – 2 days
• Costing – 2 days
• DT – 3 days
• IDT – 3 days
• Elective – 2 days

Days 21–27:

• Second revision – 1 day per subject

Days 28–30:

• Rapid revision, formula sheets, mock papers.

19. Mindset Matters

It’s easy to panic when you see how much is left.
Instead:

• Focus on one chapter at a time.
• Trust your preparation so far.
• Avoid comparing with others.

20. Final Takeaway

Revising the entire CA syllabus in 30 days is possible if you plan smartly and stick to the schedule.
Prioritise high-weightage topics, revise actively, practise exam-style questions, and keep your health in check.
Your goal is not to learn everything perfectly, but to be ready to recall and apply what you know under exam pressure.