Last Week Strategy for CA Exams: What to Do and What Not to Do

The last week before your CA exams is very important. It can make a big difference in your results. Many students feel stressed, confused, and even scared during this time. Some students try to study new topics, while some spend the whole week revising old notes. But not every method works.

This article will give you a clear plan of what to do and what not to do in the last week before your CA exams. If you follow these steps, you can revise properly, reduce stress, and enter the exam hall with confidence.

Why the Last Week Matters in CA Exams

The CA exams are tough, and ICAI expects you to know both concepts and practical applications. The last week is not for learning new things, but for:

• Revising important topics.
• Strengthening your confidence.
• Avoiding silly mistakes.
• Keeping your mind and body fresh.

If you use this week wisely, you can improve your score by 10–15 marks easily. But if you waste it, your hard work of months may not give full results.

What to Do in the Last Week Before CA Exams

1. Revise, Don’t Learn New Topics

This is the golden rule. The last week is for revision only. If you try to learn new chapters now, you may waste time and feel more confused.

• Go through your short notes and summary books.
• Revise important formulas, provisions, and case laws.
• Focus on quality of revision, not quantity of study hours.

2. Make a Daily Revision Plan

Divide the remaining 7 days wisely.

• Allocate 2–3 subjects per day depending on your exam level (CA Foundation, Intermediate, or Final).
• Keep more time for difficult subjects like Tax, FR, or Audit.
• Give at least 2–3 hours for your strong subjects too, so you don’t forget them.

Example Plan for CA Intermediate Students:

• Day 1–3: Revise Accounts, Tax, and Law.
• Day 4–5: Revise Audit, Costing, and FM.
• Day 6–7: Revise EIS-SM and elective subjects.

3. Practice Past Papers and RTPs

ICAI’s Revision Test Papers (RTPs) and Mock Papers are very useful. Many times, similar questions come in the exam.

• Solve at least one paper every day.
• Don’t just read the answers; write them as if it’s a real exam.
• After finishing, check your mistakes and revise those topics again.

4. Revise Important Amendments

For subjects like Taxation and Law, ICAI makes amendments every year.

• Go through ICAI amendment notes.
• Revise them from your teacher’s summary notes or ICAI website.
• Don’t skip them – questions are often asked from amendments.

5. Prepare Quick Reference Notes

Keep 1 notebook or 10–12 A4 sheets for:

• Key formulas.
• Section numbers.
• Case law names.
• Important adjustments in Accounts and FR.

Use this notebook for a quick glance just before the exam.

6. Revise Presentation Style

ICAI gives marks not only for correct answers but also for good presentation.

• Write answers with headings, sub-headings, and points.
• Underline section numbers and keywords.
• Practice at least 2 answers daily in exam-style format.

7. Take Care of Your Health

Good health is as important as good revision.

• Sleep at least 6–7 hours.
• Eat light, healthy food. Avoid heavy junk food.
• Do small stretching or walking for relaxation.
• Don’t overuse tea or coffee – it may disturb sleep.

8. Stay Positive and Confident

The last week is not just about studies, but also about your mindset.

• Avoid comparing with friends.
• Don’t panic about what you don’t know.
• Tell yourself daily: “I have prepared well, and I will do my best.”

What Not to Do in the Last Week Before CA Exams

1. Don’t Start New Books or Coaching Videos

New material at this stage will only confuse you. Stick to your own notes, summary books, and ICAI material.

2. Don’t Study 15–18 Hours a Day

Some students try to study day and night in the last week. But this reduces memory power. Instead, study smartly for 10–12 hours with proper breaks.

3. Don’t Ignore Sleep

Lack of sleep reduces concentration and speed. At least 6–7 hours of proper rest is a must.

4. Don’t Discuss Syllabus with Friends

Many students waste hours discussing what they studied or missed. This creates stress. In the last week, focus on your own plan only.

5. Don’t Revise Randomly

Random revision wastes time. Follow a structured plan subject-wise. Make sure every subject gets attention.

6. Don’t Panic About Unprepared Topics

It’s common to leave some small topics. Don’t worry about them in the last week. Focus on what you already know well.

Exam Day Strategy (Bonus Tips)

• Sleep early the night before.
• Reach the exam centre on time.
• Read the question paper carefully.
• Start with questions you know well.
• Manage time – don’t spend too much time on one question.
• Revise answers in the last 15 minutes.

Sample One-Day Before Exam Plan

• Morning (7–11 AM): Revise key chapters of the subject.
• Afternoon (1–4 PM): Revise summary notes and formulas.
• Evening (5–7 PM): Do a quick mock test or practice questions.
• Night (8–10 PM): Revise your “quick notes notebook.”
• After 10 PM: Relax and sleep well.

FAQs on Last Week Strategy for CA Exams

Q1. Should I study new topics in the last week?
No. The last week is only for revision. New topics may confuse you.

Q2. How many hours should I study in the last week?
Study around 10–12 hours a day with breaks. Don’t over-stress yourself.

Q3. Is it necessary to solve mock tests in the last week?
Yes. Solving RTPs and mock tests improves speed and confidence.

Q4. What if I forget everything before exams?
This is normal stress. Revise your short notes and stay calm. You will recall in the exam hall.

Q5. How can I stay positive during the last week?
Avoid negative people, keep a healthy routine, and motivate yourself daily.

Conclusion

The last week before CA exams is the most sensitive time. If you revise smartly, follow a proper schedule, and take care of your health, you can perform at your best. Remember, don’t try to learn everything – revise what you already know well. Enter the exam hall with a calm mind, confidence, and trust in your preparation.