Passing the CA Inter exams requires not just hard work, but smart work. And the foundation of smart work is a realistic, achievable, and comprehensive study plan tailored to your needs. This blog post will guide you through creating the best study timetable for CA Intermediate September 2025 attempt under the New Scheme, along with essential tips to stick to it.
Why is a Study Timetable Your Best Friend for CA Inter?
- Structured Approach: It breaks down the enormous syllabus into manageable daily and weekly tasks.
- Effective Time Management: It ensures you allocate adequate time to all subjects, preventing last-minute cramming or neglecting certain areas.
- Reduces Stress & Anxiety: Knowing exactly what you need to study each day brings clarity and reduces the overwhelm.
- Tracks Progress: A timetable helps you monitor your completion rate and identify if you are on track.
- Builds Discipline: Adhering to a schedule builds the self-discipline crucial for the CA course.
Understanding the CA Intermediate Syllabus (New Scheme)
Group 1:
- Paper 1: Advanced Accounting
- Paper 2: Corporate and Other Laws
- Paper 3: Taxation (Income Tax Law & GST)
Group 2:
- Paper 4: Cost and Management Accounting
- Paper 5: Auditing and Ethics
- Paper 6: Financial Management and Strategic Management 1
Each paper demands dedicated attention. Some are practical, others theoretical, and some a mix. Your timetable must reflect this diversity.
Crafting Your Personalized CA Inter Study Timetable
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- Are you attempting one group or both?
- How much of the syllabus have you already covered?
- Which subjects/topics do you find challenging?
- How much time do you have available daily (considering articleship, classes, etc.)?
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- CA Inter requires significant dedication. Aim for 8-12 hours of focused study per day, depending on your capacity and the number of groups.
- Identify your most productive hours – are you a morning person or a night owl? Schedule your toughest or most concentration-demanding subjects during these peak hours.
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- Avoid studying only practical or only theory subjects back-to-back.
- Mix them up throughout the day to keep your mind engaged and prevent monotony. For example, pair a practical subject like Advanced Accounting or Costing with a theory subject like Law or Auditing.
- Give more time to subjects or topics that have higher weightage in the exams or those you find difficult.
- Don’t neglect the “easier” subjects, but optimize your time allocation.
- Life happens! Don’t jam-pack every minute. Include small buffers for unexpected delays or to extend a study session if you’re in flow.
- Revision is NON-NEGOTIABLE. Allocate dedicated slots daily, weekly, and monthly for revising previously studied topics. Spaced repetition is key to retention.
- Solving mock tests is crucial to evaluate your preparation level, practice time management under exam conditions, and get familiar with the paper pattern. Schedule mock tests regularly, especially in the last 1-2 months.
- Burnout is real and counterproductive. Include short breaks (10-15 minutes) between study sessions and longer breaks (30-60 minutes) for meals.
- Ensure you get 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. A fresh mind grasps concepts better.
Sample Timetable Structure (Adaptable)
- Morning Slot (e.g., 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM): Practical Subject (e.g., Advanced Accounting / Costing) – Your mind is fresh, ideal for problem-solving.
- Break (9:00 AM – 10:00 AM): Breakfast, freshen up.
- Late Morning Slot (e.g., 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM): Theory Subject (e.g., Corporate and Other Laws / Auditing and Ethics) – Focus on understanding concepts, reading provisions.
- Lunch Break (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)
- Afternoon Slot (e.g., 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Another Subject (e.g., Taxation / Financial Management & SM) – Could be practical or theory depending on your mix.
- Tea/Short Break (5:00 PM – 5:30 PM)
- Evening Slot (e.g., 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM): Practice/Revision/Theory Reading – Solve problems, revise topics from the day, or read theory chapters again.
- Dinner Break (8:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
- Night Slot (e.g., 9:00 PM – 10:30 PM): Revision / Law Reading / Light Subject – Quick revision of formulas, sections, or reading relatively lighter theory topics.
- Beyond 10:30 PM: Wind down, prepare for the next day, ensure sufficient sleep.
Phase-wise Preparation Strategy Leading to Sept 2025
1. Phase 1: Conceptual Clarity & Syllabus Completion (May – July 2025)
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- Focus on attending classes (if any) and understanding each concept thoroughly from the ICAI Study Material.
- Make concise notes, especially for theory subjects and important practical concepts/formulas.
- Aim to complete the initial coverage of the entire syllabus (or your chosen group’s syllabus).
- Start solving questions from the ICAI Study Material, RTPs (Revision Test Papers), and MTPs (Mock Test Papers).
- Begin your first full revision of all subjects. Focus on applying the concepts you learned.
- Identify your weak areas and dedicate extra time to them.
- This is the most critical phase. Aim for multiple revisions (at least 2-3).
- Solve past exam papers under timed conditions.
- Take full-syllabus mock tests to simulate the exam environment and work on speed and accuracy.
- Refine your answer writing skills for theory papers.
Tips for Sticking to Your CA Inter Study Timetable
- Be Realistic: Don’t create an overly ambitious plan you can’t sustain.
- Find Your Ideal Study Environment: Choose a quiet place free from distractions.
- Minimize Distractions: Keep your phone away during study sessions.
- Track Your Progress: Tick off topics as you complete them. This gives a sense of accomplishment.
- Stay Consistent: Even short, consistent study sessions are more effective than erratic long ones.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Adjust: If a topic takes longer than planned, adjust your schedule for the following days. Don’t let one setback derail your entire plan.
- Stay Healthy: Eat nutritious food, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. Physical and mental well-being are crucial for focus and performance.
- Stay Positive: The CA course is challenging, but your effort will pay off. Stay motivated and believe in yourself.
Conclusion
Start planning today and take the first concrete step towards clearing your CA Inter exams in September 2025!