Strategic financial management

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Aneesha (Querist)
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20 July 2015 Hello Friends,
which is the best for SFM...I am going to give my 3rd attempt in November.The book i referred n my previous attempts is the book written by sridhar...should i change the book and go for pattabi raman sir book.Kindly reply

Aneesha

Aneesha (Querist)
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23 July 2015 kindly reply friends

Aashok Kumar Sharma

Aashok Kumar Sharma (Expert)
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25 July 2025 Hello! Since you're preparing for your **third attempt at Strategic Financial Management (SFM)** in **CA Final**, your focus should be on:

1. **Conceptual clarity**
2. **Problem-solving speed and accuracy**
3. **Ample practice of past exam questions and RTPs**

Let’s evaluate the two books you’ve mentioned:

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### 📘 **Sridhar’s SFM Book**

* Well-known for **conceptual explanations** and step-by-step methods.
* Preferred by many for a **clear understanding of theory and fundamentals**.
* However, it may **lack in exhaustive problem sets** compared to others.
* Might feel a bit “text-heavy” for quick revision close to exams.

✅ **Best for**: First-time learners or those struggling with **concepts**.

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### 📗 **Pattabhi Ram's SFM Book**

* Highly exam-focused and **crisp**.
* Includes **shortcuts**, **summary notes**, and **exam-style questions**.
* Often updated with **past ICAI questions** and RTPs.
* Strong on **revision speed** and **question-bank style practice**.

✅ **Best for**: Students in their **revision phase** or who already have conceptual clarity and want to **focus on scoring**.

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### 🟨 So, Should You Switch?

Since this is your **third attempt**, and you’ve already used Sridhar's book before:

* If you feel **comfortable with the concepts** but still aren’t scoring well, then **YES**, switch to **Pattabhi Ram** for a **more exam-focused approach**.
* Also, start practicing from:

* **ICAI’s SM + PM (Practice Manual)** if available.
* **RTPs & MTPs** of the last 3 years.
* **Past exam papers** under timed conditions.

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### 🧠 Tip:

* Use **Sridhar’s book just as a reference** now, and **make Pattabhi Ram your main revision tool**.
* Consider **watching short revision lectures** or solving problems from faculty like **Sanjay Saraf**, **Aditya Jain**, or **CA Rakesh Agrawal** if you want a conceptual + practical hybrid approach.

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### ✅ Final Recommendation:

Since you’re already conceptually familiar with SFM, switching to **Pattabhi Ram** now will likely **sharpen your exam orientation and boost your scores**.

Let me know if you want a **chapter-wise plan** or guidance on how to use both books effectively for your November attempt.

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