How to Crack CA Intermediate in Your First Attempt

Cracking CA Intermediate in the first attempt isn’t about studying 12–14 hours a day, it’s about studying smart, staying consistent, and being exam-oriented.
With the ICAI New Scheme, the syllabus is more concept-focused and practical, so your preparation strategy must focus on understanding, revising, and practising.

This guide shares a simple, human-friendly strategy that actually works for Jan/May 2026 aspirants.

Before planning your preparation, get clear about how ICAI’s New Scheme is structured.

Group 1

• Advanced Accounting
  
• Management Accounting & Cost Accounting
  
• Taxation (Income Tax + GST)
  

Group 2

• Corporate & Other Laws
  
• Auditing and Ethics
  
• Financial Management & Strategic Management
  

The New Scheme emphasizes:

• Conceptual clarity
  
• Logical application
  
• Case-based questions
  
• Realistic analysis
  

A strong understanding of the syllabus helps you divide time effectively and plan your studies confidently.

Many students fail CA Intermediate not because the syllabus is difficult, but because their approach is unplanned. The most common reasons include studying without a timetable, relying too much on passive reading, skipping ICAI material, and not solving enough mock tests. Some students also rush through concepts without building proper understanding, which becomes a problem during exam-oriented questions. To avoid these mistakes, follow a structured study plan, revise consistently, focus on ICAI modules, and practice MCQs, RTPs, and MTPs regularly. When your preparation is strategic, not randomly cracking CA Inter in the first attempt becomes much more achievable.

Here’s a simple and realistic 4-month plan for first-attempt students.

Focus on:

• Completing lectures
  
• Making short notes
  
• Practising ICAI module questions
  
• Starting MCQs
  

Goal: Finish at least 70–75% of the syllabus.

Shift your approach to:

• ICAI Study Material
  
• Case studies
  
• RTPs & MTPs
  
• Chapter-wise revision
  

Goal:
✔ Strong concepts
✔ Improved writing speed
✔ Better problem-solving

Your final, most crucial month:

• Full syllabus revision
  
• Minimum 3 mock tests per subject
  
• Past papers
  
• Time-bound writing
  

This month defines your result.

A high-scoring paper with practice.

• Focus on Accounting Standards
  
• Solve full-length questions
• Keep formats neat

Often challenging due to calculations.

• Practise 3–4 sums per chapter
  
• Master marginal costing, process costing
  
• Use calculator shortcuts

Consistency is key.

• Study Income Tax daily
  
• Build clear GST concepts
• Solve MCQs regularly

Theory + case-study oriented.

• Write structured answers
  
• Learn keywords
• Practise legal case scenarios

Conceptual, simple if revised well.

• Make one-page summaries
  
• Learn auditing standards
• Understand “Why is this procedure done?”

FM is scoring; SM is straightforward theory.

• Practise numerical questions daily
  
• Revise formulas and ratios
• For SM, focus on frameworks and presentation

This is a flexible adjustment based on your energy patterns.

A minimum of 3 revisions is essential:

Revision 1

Complete syllabus + all ICAI questions.

Revision 2

Focus on weak areas + mock test corrections.

Revision 3

Exam polishing — formulas, standards, summary charts.

Important:
Don’t skip ICAI RTPs, MTPs, and past papers. ICAI often repeats concepts, formats, and difficulty levels.

Clearing CA Inter in your first attempt is completely achievable with the right planning, consistent revision, and exam-oriented practice. When you build concepts instead of memorizing, solve ICAI material regularly, and improve your writing speed, your confidence naturally grows.

If you want structured guidance, clear explanations, and regular practice support, Amit Bachhawat Training Forum offers a teaching approach that many students find simple, effective, and easy to follow. Their concept-driven style and revision support can make your CA Inter journey smoother and more manageable.

Stay consistent, trust the process, and your first attempt can easily be your best attempt.