30 July 2015
Hello everyone,my career is at a challenging state.I want to be a CA and trying to clear ipcc since last 3 years. I've done my graduation in bcom(hons). Please suggest me how can I improve my career? I've an interest both in tax and finance field. Please help me out :( Thanks in advance
30 July 2015
I think what u need is confident... Why don't u try for some more courses like CMA, MBA in finance, CS along with CA because once u started getting success in any other course.. it wil raise ur confident level.. which helps u to crack CA exams
Querist :
Anonymous
Querist :
Anonymous
(Querist)
31 July 2015
Thankyou so much sir n It seems like I'm not made for CA but after spending these precious years. I don't want to give up.Failed again. Got only 165 marks in group 1.Below expecation marks! :( what should I do now? :(
02 August 2025
You're clearly putting effort into your **CA journey**, and I can see how draining it is to face repeated attempts without the results you hoped for. Getting **165 in Group 1** — just short of the passing mark — is tough, but it’s also a sign that you’re not far off. Here’s an honest, strategic plan to help you move forward with clarity and purpose:
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## ✅ **1. Don’t Quit CA — But Change the Way You’re Preparing**
You said: *"It seems like I'm not made for CA, but I don't want to give up."* That’s **not failure** — that’s **resilience**, and it matters more than you think.
### 👉 You got **165**. That’s not far from 200 (the passing threshold).
Here’s what might be going wrong:
* Studying without strategy or right sources * Weak conceptual clarity in 1–2 subjects pulling the aggregate down * Lack of revision or mock test practice * Self-doubt affecting performance
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## 🔄 **What to Change in Your Next Attempt**
### 📚 **Study Approach**:
* **Use ICAI Modules** thoroughly (they’re your best weapon). * Practice **past 5 years’ question papers** — many questions are repeated. * Attend a **coaching/revision batch** for the paper you’re weak in (esp. Accounting or Tax if applicable). * Try **mock tests with time limits** — this alone boosts your score.
### 🧠 **Subject-Wise Tip**:
Since you like **Tax and Finance**, **leverage those** to push your total over 200. Secure 60+ in one subject (exemption) to reduce pressure on others.
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## 📈 **2. Parallel Career Plan (Backup, not Exit)**
While preparing for CA, you **can and should** build career value in parallel. Some options that complement CA:
| Course | Duration | Value | | ----------------------------------------------------- | ---------- | -------------------------------------------- | | **CMA (India)** | 2–3 yrs | Closer to CA; strong in costing & management | | **Certificate in Taxation** (NIFM, EduPristine, etc.) | 3–6 months | Enhances practical tax skills | | **Investment Banking/Financial Modeling** | 3–6 months | Opens finance roles | | **MBA in Finance (distance/regular)** | 2 yrs | Wider career path, with brand value | | **CS (Company Secretary)** | 2–3 yrs | Governance + Law + Finance combo |
You don’t have to **give up CA** — just **diversify your effort** to keep motivation alive and improve your job prospects.
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## 🧩 **3. Work While Preparing (Even Part-Time)**
If you're feeling stuck, **work experience** can give you:
* Confidence * Real-world application of theory * A better CV (regardless of exams)
* Talk to a **CA mentor** or someone who cleared after multiple attempts — you'll find you're not alone. * **Failure in CA doesn't mean failure in life**. You're not “less intelligent” — you’re in a **tough course**, and getting 165 shows you have potential.
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## 📌 **Final Plan Summary:**
| Area | Action | | --------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- | | CA IPCC | Retry Group 1 with a new strategy, aim for exemption | | Parallel Course | Choose CMA or finance certifications | | Work | Get part-time/internship in accounting or taxation | | Mindset | Focus on progress, not perfection |
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You’re not out — you’re in a **tough round**. If you want, I can help you:
* Make a **weekly study plan** * Choose the best **backup course** * Suggest **books/lectures** for your weak subjects