Preparation for the Chartered Accountancy (CA) exams is not an easy job. It requires commitment, a strategic approach, and, above all, a well-formulated study plan. Whether you are a CA Foundation, Intermediate, or Final student, a daily, weekly, and monthly strategy can assist you in maximizing your time, being consistent, and enhancing your performance.
Here, we will take you through an entire CA study plan to make your preparation hassle-free, cut down on the stress, and ensure that you meet your academic aspirations. We will also cover key tips related to time management, revision, and balancing study with articleship or college.
Why Is a Study Plan Important for CA Students?
The CA syllabus is vast, involving several subjects that need to be understood conceptually, revised regularly, and practiced regularly. Without a strategy:
- You might miss crucial topics
- You might get inadequate time management
- You might feel overwhelmed nearer to the exam
- You might not revise sufficiently
A well-thought-out strategy enables you to concentrate on the correct subjects at the correct time, minimize burnout, and gradually gain confidence.
How Many Hours Should a CA Student Study in a Day?
A question that comes to every student’s mind is:
“How many hours should I study daily for the CA exam?”
Although the number of hours differs from individual to individual, a general rule of thumb is:
- CA Foundation: 6–7 hours/day
- CA Intermediate: 7–8 hours/day
- CA Final: 8–10 hours/day
But more crucial than the number of hours is the quality and regularity of your study.
Daily Study Plan for CA Students
A well-planned day is the key to good preparation. Following is a specimen daily schedule you can modify as per your requirement.
Morning Session (5:30 AM – 9:00 AM)
- Wake up early. Memory gets imprinted best during morning study sessions.
- Begin with a tough topic requiring more concentration (such as financial reporting or taxation).
- Study for 2–2.5 hours with regular breaks.
Mid-Morning Session (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
- Select a theory subject such as audit or law.
- Use active recall and revision methods such as flashcards or note summaries.
- Add 5-10 minutes for revising what you learned in the morning.
Afternoon Session (2:30 PM–5:00 PM)
- Practice MCQs or practical problems (costing, FM, accounts).
- Try mock questions or previous year papers.
- Use this time for analytical thinking subjects.
Evening Session (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
- Revisit what you learned earlier during the day.
- Watch video lectures or work on case studies.
- Close your day with a brief subject-wise progress check.
Tip: Apply the Pomodoro technique—25 minutes of intense studying with a 5-minute break afterwards — in order to remain productive and prevent burnout.
Weekly Study Plan for CA Students
A weekly plan assists you in setting medium-term goals. Here’s how to plan your week effectively.
Allocate Subjects Smartly
- Study 2–3 subjects a week.
- Alternate between practical and theory subjects to prevent fatigue.
- For instance:
| Day | Subject 1 (Morning) | Subject 2 (Afternoon) |
| Mon | Accounting | Law |
| Tue | Costing | Audit |
| Wed | Taxation | SM/FM |
| Thu | Law | Costing |
| Fri | Accounting | Audit |
| Sat | Taxation | Law |
| Sun | Mock Tests + Revision | Summary Notes |
Weekly Goals
- Make achievable weekly goals (e.g., “Finish 3 chapters of Accounts”).
- Monitor your performance on a planner or app.
- Spend weekends on mock tests and full-length practice papers.
Tip: Go through your weekly progress every Sunday. If you have missed something, carry it forward to the next week and make necessary adjustments.
Monthly Study Plan for CA Students
A monthly plan gives you the blueprint of your long-term progress. Here’s how to make one:
1: Syllabus Breakdown
- Divide your syllabus into month-wise milestones.
- Dedicate 60% of your time to studies, 25% to revisions, and 15% to practice.
2: Set Monthly Targets
- For example:
- Month 1: 50% syllabus coverage
- Month 2: Remaining 50%
- Month 3: Complete revision + mock tests of the syllabus
3: Include Buffer Time
- Always reserve 4–5 buffer days in case of any backlog or break.
- Use a calendar to pin topics, test dates, and revision classes.
Example: If your exam is in May, start in December and follow a 5-month plan:
- Dec–Jan: Syllabus completion
- Feb: 1st revision + chapter-wise tests
- Mar: 2nd revision + full-length mock tests
- Apr: Final revision + speed-building practice
- May: Light revision, mental prep, and confidence boosting
How to Balance Studies with Articleship or College?
Intermediate and degree students usually have some trouble in balancing their studies with articleship or college. Here are some tips to successfully manage:
Time-Saving Tips
- Get up early and make the most of the morning hours.
- Review your study materials on your commute or if you are in a break, either in audio notes or study videos.
- Make your weekends and holidays for long continuous study sessions.
Weekly Planning
- Study the theoretical subjects on weekdays and the practical subjects on weekends.
- Use apps like Todoist or Notion to build your time plan.
Tip: Try to study smarter – make the most of summaries, capsule notes, revision charts.
How to Revise Effectively for CA Exams?
Revision is the secret to retention. Use this strategy:
3-Tier Revision Plan
- 1st Revision – right after you completed the chapter (should be done in 24-48 hours).
- 2nd Revision – within a week (summarize the topic and remember the important points).
- Final Revision—Before the exam, focus on your weaker areas and practice them.
Use Summary Notes
- Create your own one-pagers or mind maps.
- Get colorful pens, or sticky notes; be creative so your summaries are easy to remember.
Practice with Mock Tests
- You should do full-length mock tests under timed conditions.
- Practice the past 5 years’ question papers and ICAI sample Paper.
Best Time Management Techniques for CA Students
Time is your most important asset. Here’s how to use it efficiently:
- Urgent + Important: High-priority study (e.g., upcoming exam)
- Important but Not Urgent: Long-term planning (e.g., syllabus preparation)
- Urgent but Not Important: Admin tasks (e.g., emails, coaching schedule)
- Neither: Steer clear (social media scrolling)
Weekly Review
Put aside 30 minutes every Sunday to review your week and then plan the next week. Adjust strategies where required.
Best Tools and Apps for CA Students
Here are some apps and tools that can make your study life easier:
- Google Calendar: Plan your daily and weekly study sessions.
- Notion/Evernote: Take notes of each subject and create to-do lists.
- Anki: Practice spaced repetition.
- CA Foundation/Intermediate/Final ICAI app: Use it to refer to modules, practice tests and the syllabus.
Tips to Stay Consistent and Motivated
- Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely).
- Reward yourself for getting to milestones (movie night after mock test).
- Join in study groups/coaching discussions (like CICA’s student forums).
- Visualize your outcome. Chartered Accountant!
Final Thoughts
Time to pass your CA exams is not about hard work but about smart work. Using a daily, weekly and monthly approach helps you stay on track, avoids the last-minute “studying” and “day of” jitters, and takes your preparations and knowledge with conviction and clarity. It is possible to pass not just the exam but also receive an amazing mark using the right tools, mindset and commitment.
If you’re looking for expert advice, systematic coaching and individual coaching then join a reputable institute like CICA Kota, which has shown proven results, has successful coaching and has dedicated people that can help you with your CA and ACCA coaching.
FAQs
Q- 1. What is the ideal daily study time for CA students?
Ans- At present, a minimum of 6–10 hours depending on the level (Foundation, Intermediate, Final), but it should be on regularly being there and comprehending, not on putting in hours.
Q- 2. How do I make time for study during articleship?
Ans- Utilize early morning and weekends judiciously. Divide tasks into shorter chunks and focus on high-value material.
Q- 3. How often should I revise a subject?
Ans- Follow a 3-stage strategy: revise once upon completion, then after one week, and lastly before the exam. Make use of summary notes and practice tests to reinforce.
Q- 4. Can I clear CA in the first attempt with a study plan?
Ans- Yes, through disciplined implementation, timely revision, and well-balanced strategy, first-time success is definitely achievable.
Q-5. What is the best time to start CA Final preparation?
Ans- Ideally, 5–6 months before the exam with structured planning, but if you’re balancing articleship, begin at least 7–8 months in advance.