CA Foundation exams, the entrance or first exam after 12th (and stream) for commencing your CA journey. This exam is divided into four subjects and 6 papers and some of the papers are subjective while others are objective. Students face many challenges while studying for CA Foundation exam as it’s a mix of both and thorough conceptual clarity is required for clearing it which can’t be achieved overnight but can be done through consistent hard work, conceptual clarity, self-study etc. Let’s dive into the blog more to understand the entire CA Foundation course and how a student needs to conquer it.
CA Foundation has 4 papers:
Subjective papers:
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Accountancy | 100 marks |
| Paper 2 | Business Laws | 100 marks |
Objective papers:
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 3 | Quantitative Aptitude | 100 marks |
| Section A: Mathematics | 40 marks | |
| Section B: Statistics | 40 marks | |
| Section C: Logical Reasoning | 20 marks | |
| Paper 4 | Business Economics | 100 marks |
Subjective papers are to be answered descriptively. So, you need to have thorough practice of all the concepts of Accountancy and Business Laws.
For Accountancy first understand the concepts of each chapter and then practice each and every question of Accountancy from the notes. You need to practice each problem by yourself so that you understand the tricky points of the questions. Concentrate on important topics such as basics of Accountancy, Company Accounts, Partnership Accounts etc.
Then for Business Laws, firstly read the entire notes unit wise, then practice writing the answers of questions. At last revise the units from Chart book and revise definitions and case laws from the respective books. This shall be really useful. Generally, the questions asked in Business Laws are of two types: direct questions and case study-based questions. Direct questions need to be answered point wise. Underline the important points always. Answer the case study-based questions in four-point program manner viz, Facts, Provision, Analysis and Conclusion. You shall sail through this paper.
Quantitative Aptitude and Business Economics both are objective papers, where you have to answer 100 questions and you get 1 mark for the right answer and negative 0.25 for the wrong answer. So, choose to answer the questions wisely. Attempt those questions which you are confident about rather than answering every question. Revise every concept from the book then solve MCQ’s chapter wise to fetch good marks.
Few tips before your CA Foundation May 2025 exam:
-
- MTP’s, RTP’s and past exam question papers are a must to solve.
- Revising everything before the exam is mandatory.
- Give at least 2-3 test series before your exam.
- Attempt the entire paper for subjective papers.
- Strategically attempt the objective papers as they carry negative marking.
- Be confident while solving the paper.
- Carry your own stationery to avoid last minute hassle.
- Don’t panic, your preparation shall fetch you good marks.
- Create a realistic study plan. Creating an overwhelming and unachievable study plan won’t fetch you any results. Take appropriate breaks while you study so that you don’t get lethargic.
- A day before the exam is really crucial. Please don’t be affected by your performance in the paper that’s gone. Don’t even think about it. I know it is easier said than done but this shall help you concentrate on your next paper.
- Utilize 15 minutes of reading time of the question paper effectively.
- The 3 hours of paper solving are most crucial; they can either make you or break you. Calm yourself down before the exam. Concentrate on just your writing and ignore everyone else. Be confident that you have prepared enough for your exams and that nobody can defeat you in your goal.
- Your stationery, calculator, pen etc. are really crucial. I would suggest you to use the stationery, calculator etc. which you wish to use in the exam for your self study and CA Foundation classes as well. This shall be very beneficial for you as you develop a sense of control on the stationery better. Also, you have to use black ball point pen only to answer questions for the CA Foundation.
After getting an overview of the CA Foundation curriculum you must have understood that each and every subject is important and you must be well versed with each subject as the passing criteria is 40% in individual subjects and 50% overall. Keeping this in mind no subject can be ignored and hence keep a balance in studying all the subjects. Regarding a student’s struggle in MCQ or Theory, theory papers are obviously more difficult and require a student to practice more and understand the concepts thoroughly. Attending the classes thoroughly and regularly, consistent self-study, revision etc. shall really work wonders for a student.
I hope all these points have prepared you to prepare better for your CA Foundation exams. May you get the desired results and your efforts get paid off.