How to Practise and Improve Speed in CA Practical Papers

Preparing for CA exams is not just about knowing concepts; it is equally about solving questions within the limited time given. Many aspirants struggle to complete practical papers even when they know the answers. The problem is not lack of knowledge but lack of speed and practice.

If you also find yourself running out of time during mock tests or past year papers, this guide will help you. Let’s break down effective strategies on how to practise and improve speed in CA practical papers without compromising accuracy.

Why Speed Matters in CA Practical Papers

CA practical papers are usually lengthy. They test your application of concepts, calculation skills, and presentation. Even if you know everything, incomplete answers can reduce your marks drastically.

Some key reasons why speed matters:

• Limited time: 3 hours for 100 marks means less than 2 minutes per mark.
• Lengthy sums: Practical questions often require multiple steps and detailed working.
• Presentation: Writing and structuring answers neatly consumes time.
• Accuracy vs. speed balance: Working fast without making mistakes is the real challenge.

Step 1: Build Conceptual Clarity First

Before worrying about speed, ensure that you are conceptually clear. Speed comes naturally when you do not have to stop and think about every formula or adjustment.

• Revise formulas and short concepts daily.
• Maintain a formula/adjustments notebook for quick recall.
• Solve small concept-based questions before attempting full-length sums.

When your basics are strong, you save precious minutes during exam time.

Step 2: Practise with a Timer

One of the best ways to train yourself is to simulate exam pressure at home.

• Pick one practical question and set a timer according to marks (e.g., 16 marks = 30 minutes approx.).
• Try completing it within that time.
• Even if you cannot, continue the question but record the extra time taken.

With consistent practice, you will notice a reduction in the time taken for each sum.

Step 3: Write Full-Length Mock Papers

Many CA aspirants only solve individual questions. But in the exam, the challenge is solving multiple questions back-to-back without breaks.

• Attempt at least one full-length paper every week.
• Sit for 3 hours in exam-like conditions.
• Avoid using your phone, books, or notes.

Mock practice improves stamina, speed, and mental focus. It also gives you an idea of how to allocate time per section.

Step 4: Learn Smart Presentation

Speed is not just about solving quickly but also writing efficiently. Presentation can save time:

• Use working notes instead of lengthy paragraphs.
• Draw proper tables for accounts, costing, or FM sums.
• Avoid overwriting—strike neatly and move ahead.
• Use step marking to your advantage; even incomplete answers fetch marks.

The neater and structured your answers are, the less time you spend rewriting or correcting.

Step 5: Develop Shortcuts and Techniques

In practical subjects, some shortcuts can save you valuable time.

• Standard formats: Memorise standard formats (like balance sheets, cash flow, cost sheets). Do not waste time rethinking structure.
• Abbreviations: Use approved short forms like ‘Dr.’, ‘Cr.’, ‘b/d’, ‘c/d’.
• Mental maths: Practise small calculations mentally instead of relying on the calculator for every step.
• Calculator tricks: Learn calculator functions like GT, memory, and bracket use. ICAI allows calculators, so use them effectively.

Step 6: Prioritise Questions During Exam

Not every question needs equal time. Learn to pick and choose smartly.

• Start with the questions you are most confident about.
• Allocate rough time limits (30–35 minutes for 16-mark questions, 15–20 minutes for 8-mark questions).
• If stuck, move ahead and come back later.

This strategy ensures you attempt maximum marks, improving your chances of clearing.

Step 7: Practise Daily Writing

CA aspirants often focus on reading solutions but skip writing practice. In exams, only writing speed matters.

• Dedicate 30–45 minutes daily to handwritten practice.
• Work on neatness and handwriting speed.
• Avoid erasing repeatedly; focus on continuous writing flow.

Daily writing builds muscle memory and reduces hesitation in the exam.

Step 8: Analyse Past Year Papers

ICAI papers have a pattern. Analysing them helps in targeted practice.

• Identify frequently asked topics.
• Note the average time those sums take.
• Practise them repeatedly until you can solve comfortably within time.

This not only improves speed but also builds confidence.

Step 9: Group Study and Peer Practice

Sometimes practising with friends can push you harder.

• Set a question paper and solve it together.
• Compare answer sheets and time taken.
• Discuss shortcuts and calculation methods.

Peer learning makes you aware of better ways to approach questions.

Step 10: Work on Stamina and Focus

Writing for 3 hours continuously requires stamina. If your hand aches or your mind slows down, speed drops.

• Write at least one question daily without breaks.
• Increase sitting hours gradually.
• Eat light before practice; avoid drowsiness.

Strong focus and stamina ensure your speed remains consistent throughout the exam.

Common Mistakes That Reduce Speed

While preparing, many students unknowingly adopt habits that slow them down:

• Spending too much time on one tough question.
• Rechecking every calculation excessively.
• Writing lengthy explanations where short points are enough.
• Not using calculators efficiently.
• Ignoring revision of formulas and formats.

Avoiding these mistakes alone can save you 20–25 minutes in the exam.

A Practical Plan to Improve Speed

Here’s a weekly plan you can follow:

Day 1–3:

• Revise concepts and solve short questions.
• Practise calculator tricks.

Day 4–5:

• Solve one medium-length sum with a timer.
• Focus on presentation and step marking.

Day 6:

• Attempt one full-length paper.
• Analyse where time was wasted.

Day 7:

• Revise mistakes, reattempt tough questions.
• Work on writing and speed drills.

Repeat this cycle until exams. You will see improvement not just in speed but also in confidence.

Importance of Balance Between Speed and Accuracy

Remember, speed without accuracy is dangerous. Wrong answers do not fetch marks even if attempted quickly. The real aim is:

• Maintain accuracy in calculations.
• Speed up only where steps are repetitive.
• Always leave working notes for examiner’s clarity.

Balancing both ensures you score well while completing the paper.

Motivational Note for Aspirants

Every CA student feels time pressure in exams. Even rank holders once struggled with speed. What helped them was practice, planning, and persistence. If you practise consistently and follow a disciplined approach, you will improve.

Don’t fear incomplete papers. Work towards gradual improvement—first attempt 70 marks, then 80, and aim for 100. With steady effort, finishing the paper becomes possible.

Conclusion

Improving speed in CA practical papers is not about last-minute tricks. It is about:

• Building strong concepts.
• Practising regularly with time limits.
• Using smart presentation and calculator techniques.
• Writing full-length mock tests.
• Balancing speed with accuracy.

If you dedicate time daily to writing practice and timed solving, you will definitely notice faster performance in exams. Consistency is the key.

So, take out your notebook, set a timer, and begin today. The earlier you start practising, the more confident you will be in the exam hall.