Deepanshi Agarwal, a resident of Hyderabad, achieved the All India Rank 1 in the January 2025 CA Intermediate examinations conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). She scored 521 out of 600 marks, resulting in an impressive percentage of 86.83%.
Reflecting on her success, Deepanshi credited her parents for their unwavering support. She also emphasized the importance of managing exam stress effectively. Notably, her father had aspired to become a Chartered Accountant but had to discontinue his studies due to family circumstances. He now runs a clothing business.
The January 2025 CA Intermediate examinations saw a pass percentage of 14.05% for candidates appearing in both groups. Group I had a pass rate of 14.17%, while Group II had a higher pass rate of 22.16%.
Deepanshi’s remarkable achievement stands out in this challenging examination cycle and serves as an inspiration to aspiring Chartered Accountants across the country.
Success came after studying for 12 hours daily
Deepanshi said that she used to study for 7 to 10 hours and sometimes even 12 hours daily. Apart from studies, she could hardly concentrate on other things and this is the reason why her parents ensured that she never slept hungry.
Focused only on studies…parents used to feed her
According to the information and reports available on the internet, 19-year-old Deepanshi (ICAI CA Topper 2025 Deepanshi Agarwal) told that her parents supported her a lot in her studies. She used to focus only on studies throughout the day. The CA topper told that during the exam time she often forgot to eat due to stress and her father used to bring food to her room.
Likes to listen to motivational videos and songs
To reduce stress during studies, Deepanshi said that she used to watch motivational videos of CA faculty. Apart from this, Deepanshi also likes to listen to songs. Deepanshi is fond of writing poems and she says that during the preparation of the exam, this kept the mood right and she did not feel much stress.
Mock test is necessary to score well
Good preparation for any exam ensures its success. Deepanshi told that before giving CA exam, she focused as much as possible on mock test. Apart from coaching, she told the important role of mock test in preparation. After writing mock test in the exam, it is easy to assess how your preparation is for the exam you are going to give.
Here are some tips to help you prepare and pass the CA exams successfully:
1. Create a Study Plan
- Organize your syllabus: Break the syllabus down into smaller, manageable sections and allocate time for each.
- Set realistic goals: Aim for daily, weekly, and monthly goals to track your progress.
- Time management: Balance study time with breaks to avoid burnout. Follow a disciplined routine.
2. Understand the Syllabus
- Know the topics: Don’t just focus on what’s easy, but understand the entire syllabus thoroughly. Know which chapters are more scoring.
- Study from ICAI Materials: Always prioritize study materials provided by ICAI like the study material, practice manuals, and previous exam papers.
3. Focus on Conceptual Clarity
- Concepts over rote learning: Understand the core concepts, especially for subjects like Accounting, Law, and Audit.
- Clear doubts immediately: Don’t wait too long to clarify your doubts—ask a mentor, join group discussions, or refer to additional resources.
4. Practice, Practice, Practice
- Solve past year papers: Try to solve as many previous exam papers as possible to understand the exam pattern and types of questions.
- Mock tests: Take mock exams to simulate real exam conditions and assess your readiness.
5. Focus on Important Subjects
- Prioritize based on marks distribution: Focus on scoring subjects like Accounting, Taxation, and Auditing.
- Focus on weak areas: If a subject or topic feels difficult, spend extra time on it to improve your understanding.
6. Time Management During Exams
- Attempt easier questions first: In the exam, start with the questions you’re confident about, then move to more difficult ones.
- Allocate time for revision: Leave enough time at the end to revise your answers and double-check calculations.
7. Stay Updated with Amendments
- Keep track of recent updates: For subjects like Taxation and Law, ensure you are aware of the latest amendments and developments in the syllabus.
8. Stay Positive and Manage Stress
- Maintain a positive mindset: Avoid feeling overwhelmed. Break tasks into smaller, achievable steps.
- Exercise and relax: Physical activity helps reduce stress and keep you focused. Take regular breaks during study sessions.
9. Stay Healthy
- Proper diet and sleep: Don’t compromise on sleep or nutrition. A well-rested mind is more efficient.
- Stay hydrated: Drink enough water to stay focused and energized during your study sessions.
10. Stay Consistent
- Consistency is key: Stick to your study schedule and don’t procrastinate. Small, consistent efforts yield better results than last-minute cramming.
By following these tips and maintaining discipline in your studies, you’ll be well on your way to successfully passing the CA exams! Good luck!