My greetings all CAC Members. After seeing the Club activities for a few months I gathered the courage to address you all, specially persons who have been in similar situations and those seniors who think they are in a position to advise me. My grateful thanks to all in advance. My situation follows.

First my brief profile. I am basically from science background with specialized knowledge of Mathematics (being a M.Sc. in Maths.).  Studying though out in English medium have mostly scored above 60-70% as a student till M.Sc. Due to the gap have lost the habit of studying as a student but due to nature of work do ahave to study a lot (not for exams of course).  I hate to take tuitions and in my life never have gone for it, nor wish to do so now. For self studying I can do as much labour as may be needed. Have good  knowledge of subjects related to basics of  business studies specially project management and IT (due to my nature of job since last 20 years, first teaching for a few years and then developmental projects management ).Obviously going by the average age of the members my age is on much  higher side.

Now, after reading every word of various relevant posts and comments about doing CA and its requirements (not only the entry requirements but needs in terms of attitude, studies, success & failure and above all the ‘magnificence’ of the profession – the associated knowledge and work) and giving it a deep thought I have decided (certainly not a whimsical one)to pursue the CA course and, God willing, aim to be a CA by 2015. Therefore, I need your help and guidance in whatever manner you think it may relate to my aim, specially with regard to the following:

a)      Being a mature learner I wish honest and frank advise /opinion (don’t mind even if it sounds negative) as to whether I should be going for it at so late stage, and if yes, will I be able to complete (of course with due diligence and dedicated preparation) in about 4 years?

b)      Where do I have to start and when for starting the journey to be a CA? (The ICAI site is bit confusing as under students- structures- it talks of CPT & PCC elsewhere CPT & IPCC etc.

c)       Since I have no technical knowledge in accounting (almost nil as far as attempting questions from exam point of view because never formally did any accounting studies or tasks) how to go about it and where to start?

d)      Is some sort of introductory course in Accounting essential  for starting with the course or specific book(s) will be enough?

e)      Similar query is related to Cost Accounting & Taxation (other subjects / topics seem to be manageable).

Thanks for your input.