Have you cursed your memory for not being able to recall the SA number you read just 15 minutes ago, or not being able to figure out if the formula for forward rate is Spot Rate × (1 + Domestic Interest Rate) / (1 + Foreign Interest Rate) or if it is Spot Rate × (1 + Foreign Interest Rate) / (1 + Domestic Interest Rate)?
For those of you wondering, it is the first formula which gives you the correct result.
Most of us face this all through our CA journey. And, it scares us the most when it happens close to the exam dates. But, don't worry, we are here to figure out how to reduce this from happening.
While we are preparing for exams, we are either passively reading through our syllabus or we are actively recalling what we've learnt so far. Let's first understand what these actually mean.
What is Active Recall?
Active recall is when we try to intentionally recall information that we have already come across. We don't just glance through the information we have already learnt here, instead we try to retrieve it from our memory.
When you close your book and try to write down or explain what you've studied, you are strengthening your brain's ability to retrieve that knowledge later.
Does this mean you simply have to force yourself to memorise things? No. But, you need to learn things "by heart."
Wait! Aren't those two statements contradicting each other? Not really.
When you learn things "by heart," it means that you are learning it at your own will. You are trying to understand how it works, why it works that way and all the nuances. So, once you understand a concept in depth at your own will, it is almost impossible for you to forget it.
Now remember, I said 'ALMOST' impossible. Is it still possible for you to forget things that you learn "by heart?" Yes. If you don't recall it at frequent intervals, it is possible for you to forget it.
So, how do we actively recall and how frequently do we have to do it?
2-7-30 is a memory technique that talks about this. It uses a spaced repetition schedule of 2 hours, 7 days, and 30 days after initial learning to significantly improve retention and move information from short-term to long-term memory.
- After 2 Hours: Summarize the concept you just learned or create flashcards.
- After 7 Days: Test your knowledge, take a short quiz or explain the concepts to someone else.
- After 30 Days: Conduct a final review, focusing on essential passages and key takeaways.
What is Passive Reading?
Passive reading is when you go through textbooks, notes, or modules without actively engaging your brain to recall or apply what you've read. Even when you are rereading, underlining, or highlighting text, you are only passively reading through concepts. It does feel comfortable and gives a sense of progress, but the retention is not great.
You may feel like you have read that highlighted paragraph over 5 times now, so you will be able to recall it. But it is quite possible that you may struggle to reproduce the same information in an exam setting.
Why CA exams demand active learning
The Chartered Accountancy exams are not memory tests alone. They evaluate application, interpretation, and structured answer writing under time pressure. Passive reading may help you feel familiar with concepts, but in the exam hall, you are required to:
- Apply standards and sections to practical case scenarios.
- Recall provisions quickly without referring to material.
- Present logical, well-structured answers in writing within a limited time.
Active recall mirrors these demands. By practising retrieval, writing mock answers, and simulating exam conditions, you train your brain to perform the exact tasks ICAI expects. This is why ICAI's own study guidance emphasises solving practice questions, attempting past papers, and writing answers regularly and not just reading the study material.
Practical techniques & templates for CA students
Just knowing that active recall is what you need to do would not help much if you don't implement it in your study. Here are a few ways in which you can incorporate active recalling in your schedule.
The 10-Minute Recall Routine
- Two hours after finishing a concept, close your book.
- Spend 10 minutes writing down key points from memory.
- Compare with the text to check gaps.
- Revise errors immediately, and re-test yourself the next day.
Daily & Weekly Mix of Retrieval
- Daily: Create 3-5 flashcards or questions from that day's study.
- Weekly: Attempt one past ICAI question paper under timed conditions.
- Teach-back: At week's end, explain one concept that you are not confident about to a peer or even to yourself.
Turn Reading into Retrieval
- While reading, jot potential exam questions in the margin.
- Convert highlighted text into Q&A form.
- End each session by answering your own questions without looking.
The Takeaways
- Active recall beats passive reading for long-term retention and exam performance.
- Passive reading creates familiarity, not mastery-dangerous for CA exams.
- Practise retrieval daily (flashcards, writing answers, teaching back).
- Use mock tests and past ICAI papers to build exam stamina.
- Convert every study session into a test-yourself opportunity.
Remember, marks are earned by what you can recall and apply under time pressure; not what you have merely read.
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