Self studying indirect taxes
This query is : Resolved
02 May 2013
Dear Expert(s),
I'm a CA-Final student my attempt is due in May 2014. For that I've started my preparations. I want to study Indirect Taxes myself without any help of classes.
Please suggest me how to go about with it.
1. Which book to be referred.
2. As the subject is amended regularly, what to do to cope up with amendments.
3. Some tips and valuable inputs from you to score higher marks in this subject.
I'm a CA-Final student my attempt is due in May 2014. For that I've started my preparations. I want to study Indirect Taxes myself without any help of classes.
Please suggest me how to go about with it.
1. Which book to be referred.
2. As the subject is amended regularly, what to do to cope up with amendments.
3. Some tips and valuable inputs from you to score higher marks in this subject.
02 May 2013
Dear Vaibhav
It is good to know that you want to self study indirect tax.
for this you should get two books, V S Datey's book for studying and scanner for understanding question pattern.
Also while studying IDT just remember that it is on products and services as when they occur and not straightforward like DT.
Rest Mr Datey has explained perfectly in his books.
Best of luck and happy studies.
It is good to know that you want to self study indirect tax.
for this you should get two books, V S Datey's book for studying and scanner for understanding question pattern.
Also while studying IDT just remember that it is on products and services as when they occur and not straightforward like DT.
Rest Mr Datey has explained perfectly in his books.
Best of luck and happy studies.
02 May 2013
Thank you sir for your reply.
If I purchase now V.S. Datey's book would I've to purchase it again for my attempt as till then the amendments will occur ?
Please tell me more about this subject keeping in view my attempt.
If I purchase now V.S. Datey's book would I've to purchase it again for my attempt as till then the amendments will occur ?
Please tell me more about this subject keeping in view my attempt.
23 July 2025
Great question—and it's smart of you to plan ahead. Since **Indirect Tax Laws** (IDT) is one of the most amendment-heavy subjects in CA Final, your concern about timing and study material is very valid.
Here's a structured plan tailored to your **May 2014** attempt (based on the historical timeline and approach, still applicable conceptually today):
---
### ✅ 1. **Books to Refer**
* **Main book**:
🔹 **V.S. Datey** – For concept clarity, flowcharts, and practical understanding. His explanations are student-friendly, even for self-study.
🔹 Alternative: **Bangar’s IDT** – Also good, more exam-oriented, with plenty of examples.
* **Practice + Questions**:
🔹 **IDT Scanner** (e.g., from Taxmann or CA Shuchita Prakashan) – Past RTPs, suggested answers, and exam trend analysis.
🔹 ICAI’s **Module** & **Practice Manual** (if available for your year) – Don’t ignore this, especially for exam-style questions.
---
### ✅ 2. **Handling Amendments**
* Yes, **amendments** are frequent. So here’s how to stay on top of them:
🔸 Buy the main book **close to your exam cycle** (around Jan–Feb 2014), as publishers issue **amended editions**.
🔸 Meanwhile, you can start now with a current edition to build **core conceptual clarity**.
🔸 Follow:
* ICAI **RTPs** (Revision Test Papers) – Most important for amendments.
* ICAI **Supplementary Module** (usually released \~2–3 months before exams).
* Use websites like **Taxmann**, **IDT Blogs**, or **Caclubindia** to track amendments.
---
### ✅ 3. **Tips to Score High in IDT (Self-Study Mode)**
* 📌 **Concepts First**: Don’t mug up sections. Understand the structure of **Excise**, **Customs**, and **Service Tax** (or GST if applicable).
* 📌 **Use Charts & Flow Diagrams**: Especially for input credit, valuation, abatements, exemptions.
* 📌 **Practice MCQs** & case-based questions – These are scoring and often repeated.
* 📌 **Write short notes** on:
* Threshold limits
* Exemptions
* Time/place/value of supply (if GST applies in your syllabus)
* Penalties & interest
* 📌 **Do at least 2 past RTPs and 2 Mock Tests** before your exam.
---
### ✅ Timeline Suggestion
* **May–Aug 2013** – Read V.S. Datey for concepts (1–2 hours/day)
* **Sep–Oct 2013** – Start past questions, practice modules, scanner
* **Nov–Dec 2013** – Identify weak topics, solve case studies
* **Jan–Feb 2014** – Buy updated material (for latest amendments)
* **Mar–Apr 2014** – Full-fledged revision + mock tests + RTPs
---
### ✅ Final Tip
Don't fear self-study for IDT. It’s **logical, rule-based**, and scoring once you understand the tax flow and structure. Keep a habit of **daily revision** and writing short answers.
Would you like a **topic-wise breakup plan** for how to cover IDT in 60 days? I can share that too.
Here's a structured plan tailored to your **May 2014** attempt (based on the historical timeline and approach, still applicable conceptually today):
---
### ✅ 1. **Books to Refer**
* **Main book**:
🔹 **V.S. Datey** – For concept clarity, flowcharts, and practical understanding. His explanations are student-friendly, even for self-study.
🔹 Alternative: **Bangar’s IDT** – Also good, more exam-oriented, with plenty of examples.
* **Practice + Questions**:
🔹 **IDT Scanner** (e.g., from Taxmann or CA Shuchita Prakashan) – Past RTPs, suggested answers, and exam trend analysis.
🔹 ICAI’s **Module** & **Practice Manual** (if available for your year) – Don’t ignore this, especially for exam-style questions.
---
### ✅ 2. **Handling Amendments**
* Yes, **amendments** are frequent. So here’s how to stay on top of them:
🔸 Buy the main book **close to your exam cycle** (around Jan–Feb 2014), as publishers issue **amended editions**.
🔸 Meanwhile, you can start now with a current edition to build **core conceptual clarity**.
🔸 Follow:
* ICAI **RTPs** (Revision Test Papers) – Most important for amendments.
* ICAI **Supplementary Module** (usually released \~2–3 months before exams).
* Use websites like **Taxmann**, **IDT Blogs**, or **Caclubindia** to track amendments.
---
### ✅ 3. **Tips to Score High in IDT (Self-Study Mode)**
* 📌 **Concepts First**: Don’t mug up sections. Understand the structure of **Excise**, **Customs**, and **Service Tax** (or GST if applicable).
* 📌 **Use Charts & Flow Diagrams**: Especially for input credit, valuation, abatements, exemptions.
* 📌 **Practice MCQs** & case-based questions – These are scoring and often repeated.
* 📌 **Write short notes** on:
* Threshold limits
* Exemptions
* Time/place/value of supply (if GST applies in your syllabus)
* Penalties & interest
* 📌 **Do at least 2 past RTPs and 2 Mock Tests** before your exam.
---
### ✅ Timeline Suggestion
* **May–Aug 2013** – Read V.S. Datey for concepts (1–2 hours/day)
* **Sep–Oct 2013** – Start past questions, practice modules, scanner
* **Nov–Dec 2013** – Identify weak topics, solve case studies
* **Jan–Feb 2014** – Buy updated material (for latest amendments)
* **Mar–Apr 2014** – Full-fledged revision + mock tests + RTPs
---
### ✅ Final Tip
Don't fear self-study for IDT. It’s **logical, rule-based**, and scoring once you understand the tax flow and structure. Keep a habit of **daily revision** and writing short answers.
Would you like a **topic-wise breakup plan** for how to cover IDT in 60 days? I can share that too.
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