Tips to prepare study time table for CA exams

Dear Friends,

I have already shared my thoughts and tips on the subject How to prepare for CA exams? in my earlier article. Today we are going to discuss in details about a very important part of our study strategy, which is 'Time table'.

The moment you hear the word 'Time table' or 'Time schedule', a typical tabular presentation emerges in your mind listing dates/days/time in one column and activities to be completed in the next columns. Our normal tendency is, we follow the time table only when we are compelled to do this by someone else. But when you prepare the time table on your own and follow it, believe me, you get amazing results. We have to use this power of time table in our CA exam preparation, or for that matter, any academic or professional exam. 

Why one should have a study time table?                             

We all know that each one of us has 24 hours in a day, but the person who manages his/her time in the best manner, can generate best results and achieve great things. Time table develops discipline in a person to start and complete a task in a logically pre-decided time slot. It helps to direct your efforts towards the goal. It helps you to allot a proper time to a particular topic/chapter and it ensures that no important topic/chapter remains unattended. All these points are important and applicable when you start preparing for CA exams.

So now let's discuss some helpful tips for preparing and following a good time table.

(1) Time table is all about estimating the time required to complete a particular topic/subject. For this, it is very essential that you have a realistic idea about the volume, complexity and practice requited for a particular topic/subject.

(2) For that purpose, you should have an idea about the course content of each and every subject. You should go through the index of the chapters, refer your books and study notes. By doing this, you can estimate the theory and practical portion involved in it and also estimate the time required to complete it.

(3) We all have a time table in our minds and we work accordingly, but until you put it on paper, you don't realize that it is incomplete and still requires some improvements and modifications. Therefore, always, put your time table on paper. Prepare the first draft, then second draft and may be then the final one. This exercise will boost your confidence in your time table and you will enthusiastically follow it.

(4) Make sure that this time table is for your self-study and it does not include the time you devote to your coaching classes/lectures, because ultimately CA is all about self study.

(5) First of all, divide total available time among all the subjects. Thereafter, allot time to each and every chapter of different subjects.

(6) Prepare a time table in such a way, that you can finish one complete study and at least two perfect revisions. The method of A B C grading of questions/examples, discussed in the earlier article, will help you complete your revision fast and efficiently.

(7) Try to combine one theory and one practical (including calculations) subject to avoid monotony.

(8) Always go for group-wise preparation. For example, first complete the study of all the subjects of one group and then go for all the subjects of second group. You should do revision also in the same manner. Never combine two subjects of different groups while doing preparation or revision, because we know that clearing all the subjects of a group simultaneously has its own benefits. 

(9) In the starting phase of your reading vacation (first 7 to 10 days), try to study for 6 to 8 hours in a day and try to expand your study hours gradually in your comfortable time zone.

(10) Your time table should have a dedicated time slot for paper writing practice for each subject. This is very important. You should write at least two papers of each subject before you appear for final exams.

(11) Have a provision for two-three days margin in your time table for each subject, for anything which is not in your control. Remember, deviation of 4 to 5 days or more in your time table can disrupt your entire study schedule.

(12) Take help of someone for preparation of time table, if you feel so, or you can show the time table prepared by you to someone for their suggestions. First come your parents. No matter how educated they are, they are the best judge of your strengths and capabilities and you should always discuss it with them. Then come your teachers, seniors in the profession and one or two selected friends, who believe in preparing and following time table.

(13) Follow your time table strictly. It is all about self-discipline. You have to push yourself for that and stick to your study schedule.

(14) Last but not the least, always revisit your time table and modify it whenever necessary. For example, if you find that you will require some more days to complete a subject than you estimated earlier, then make necessary modifications in your time table to allot that time for that subject and at the same time, not reducing the time allotted to other subjects too.

I hope this article will help you to use this tool of time table to manage, control and utilize your study time effectively to generate the best results out of your preparations. 

Have a happy reading to all !!!