So you’ve decided to go for CA and have your eyes set on clearing the CA Foundation exam. First of all – kudos to you. It’s a big step.
But let’s be real – this journey isn’t just about how many hours you study or how many books you read. It’s also about what NOT to do.
Yes, you read that right.
A lot of students who fail or struggle with CA Foundation didn’t necessarily study less – they just made small mistakes that cost them big.
So let’s talk about those mistakes and how you can avoid them.
What most students do:
They only study from coaching notes or random YouTube channels. They think ICAI books are boring or too long.
Why that’s a problem:
ICAI often takes direct questions from its own material. If you skip it, you’re missing the main content.
What you can do:
Use ICAI books as your main source.
Coaching notes are helpful, but don’t depend only on them.
Solve the examples and questions given in ICAI books.
What most students do:
They just read and think, “Okay, I understood this.”
Why that’s a problem:
Understanding is one thing. Writing under exam pressure is another. You won’t realise your mistakes unless you actually write.
What you can do:
Practice writing answers, especially for Law and Accounts.
Solve questions from past papers.
Make writing a habit.
What most students do:
They don’t give enough time to practice MCQs or Revision Test Papers (RTPs).
Why that’s a problem:
These carry a big weightage in marks, especially in subjects like Business Economics.
What you can do:
Solve at least 50 MCQs for every topic.
Go through ICAI RTPs.
Remember: Many RTP questions are repeated in exams.
What most students do:
They take classes from different teachers for the same subject, or binge-watch 100 YouTube videos.
Why that’s a problem:
Too many sources = too much confusion. Also, no time left for self-study.
What you can do:
Choose one teacher or one set of notes.
Focus on understanding.
Spend more time on revision & practice.
What most students do:
They leave topics for the end or plan to “do revision later.”
Why that’s a problem:
Last-minute panic = stress, silly mistakes, and poor performance.
What you can do:
Finish your syllabus at least 1 month before exams.
Use the last month only for revision, mocks, and practice.
What most students do:
They write in a hurry, no headings, no format – just one big paragraph.
Why that’s a problem:
Even if your answer is correct, poor presentation = fewer marks.
What you can do:
Write neatly.
Use points & headings.
Underline important words.
Make your paper easy to read.
What most students do:
They spend too much time on the subject they love and ignore the ones they dislike.
Why that’s a problem:
You need to pass all subjects. One bad paper can spoil the entire result.
What you can do:
Give extra time to weak subjects.
Don’t postpone them – face them early.
Practice more where you’re least confident.
What most students do:
Some think, “I’ll easily pass.” Others feel, “No matter what, I’ll fail.”
Why that’s a problem:
Both mindsets are harmful. Overconfidence = careless prep. Underconfidence = panic.
What you can do:
Stay balanced.
Trust your hard work.
Believe you can do this – but only with smart, consistent effort.
Passing CA Foundation isn’t about being a genius. It’s about being smart, consistent, and focused.
Avoid these common mistakes and you’ll already be ahead of many others.
???? And hey, you don’t have to do this alone. If you need help, guidance, or a proper study plan – we’re here for you.
Ready to take your CA prep seriously?
Join Achievers Academy today – and let’s crack CA Foundation together! ????
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