- Hi, my name is Anshul Kulwal and I am a CA Final student from Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
- Even after scoring a mere 9 marks in 12 grade Math exam I still registered for CPT and cleared the same on the 1st attempt.
- The journey of becoming a Chartered Accountant is full of roadblocks and challenges.
- I am here to share my journey of failing multiple times yet not giving up on my dream of achieving the prefix CA.
Backstory
I was a very average student.
But when I was in the 9th grade I dreamed about becoming a Chartered Accountant. So, after 10th grade I chose Commerce.
In 12th standard, I scored a mere 9 marks in Mathematics but I still registered for CPT (1st level CA exam) and cleared the same on the 1st attempt.
CPT journey
After clearing CPT I started preparing for CA – IPCC (2nd level CA exam which consists of Group 1 & Group 2).
Here is how it went:
- IPCC 1st attempt to 4th attempt – The main reason I kept failing was a lack of practice. I attended classes and used to study 8-10 hours a day.
- However, I did not write even a single mock test till my IPCC 4th attempt. But after I started taking mock tests before my 4th attempt, it helped me greatly. I realized where I was lacking and improved on my mistakes.
- Also, another big mistake that I made was using 2-3 references in Accounting Subjects. I should have stuck with only one book and ICAI Study materials.
- One more important thing – Go through all the previous attempt exam papers to have knowledge about the paper patterns, and the kind of questions asked. Try solving them and then compare your answers with the answers suggested by The ICAI for every attempt. That way you can analyze yourself better.
- Theory subjects were always a hurdle for me to score well. However, practicing writing helped me so much. I, in fact, got an exemption in Audit due to this.
- IPCC 5th attempt – Cleared Group 1 in Nov 2012 with an exemption in Audit then I started with my articleship.
- IPCC 6th and 7th attempt – Failed Group 2
- IPCC 8th attempt – Finally cleared Group 2 and passed IPCC in the May 2014 attempt. What a great relief it was!
Just before the results, I decided to quit CA and go for an MBA instead. Surprisingly, the day my MBA course was going to start my IPCC Group 2 results were out and I had cleared Group 2 on that attempt.
Looks like the whole universe did not want me to leave CA. I took it as a positive sign from God, dropped my MBA, and started my CA Final preparation immediately as my CA Final attempt was nearing.
So the main reasons why I took so long for IPCC were:
- Lack of practice.
- Using too many reference books
- Not attempting to write even a single mock test
- Presentation and handwriting issues
CA Final journey
During this CA Final phase, I met a lot of people and made friends for life, and also fell in love with a very nice girl.
As my CA Final Exams were nearing I worked hard but kept failing attempt after attempt.
Also, things between me and that girl did not work out and we eventually broke up. I went into depression. The frustration was just increasing and I was shattered from within.
I had made 5 attempts at passing the CA Final and May 2018 was my 6th attempt. I had both groups to cover and did not have any other passion except becoming a CA.
Despite all the broken hopes, getting underweight, and excessive hair fall I still tried hard to achieve the prefix CA.
My family has always supported me. Whenever I fail they always encourage me to give one more attempt and try again. I know many people who are younger than me are already CAs, earning handsomely and all set in life but I never think of giving up.
With each and every attempt I am becoming more determined to be a Chartered Accountant. I know one day I will achieve the prefix CA and I will make my parents proud.
It has been 10 years on this journey. But when I think of my dream I feel young, energetic, and determined to be a Chartered Accountant.
My Learnings from the CA Final
- Lack of writing practice, especially Audit and ISCA.
- Even after concentrating on both groups, at times not being able to give my best
- Lack of Confidence
- Lack of Proper Planning
Lessons learned from my journey
I finally qualified as a CA, by the way.
I never blame luck for my failures. Every time I failed I prepared with more Focus and Determination.
Sometimes one can’t do well in a particular paper. Do not let it affect the other papers as well.
Failures had a positive impact on me, as they helped me to better myself. Sometimes when we fail, it means we need to put in a little more effort maybe into our study strategy or to enrich ourselves mentally.
Have to enjoy the journey. Relax on Sundays and chill with friends and family.
Because of the failures, I have grown in so many areas. I have learned to analyze my mistakes, improve, and face challenges.
I seek opportunity in every failure. It’s not easy but this journey did prepare me for an amazing future.
