Everyone tries to score well in the exams, but only a few manage to outscore others in a perfect way. It demands a lot of hard work, dedication, patience, and most importantly CONSISTENCY to clear the examination in one shot.
It is said that - “If you fail to plan well, you are planning to fail”.
Here are some tips for self-study which will help you to plan your studies well.
In this blog, we have answered the frequently asked questions that students generally face during self-study after their tuition classes are over:
The blanket rule for time required to revise a subject is 30% of the duration of the coaching class of that subject.
Alternatively, to complete the self study before exam, you may prepare yourself in this way
(a) Sum up the days left for self study leaving one month before exam i.e., count the days till March if your exam is in May.
(b) Calculate Total Effective Hours - 10 hours of effective study x No. of days left before exam
(c) Divide the total effective hours with number of subjects so as to give equal time to each subject.
(d) Say. after the above steps, you have 10 days for a subject. Then, you can allocate 10 days for a subject at once, or you can allocate two slots of 5 days per subject and do one round of all the subjects and revise the subject again in next slot of 5 days. Revising one subject in two slots of 5 days is better than revising one subject all the 10 days. Similarly if you have 15 days per subject you can choose to divide the days in 3 slots - e.g. 7:5:3.
Pro Tip: Doing multiple revisions are more fruitful. If by chance you miss to revise some chapters in first revision, you may pick up that chapter in 2nd Revision.
The sequence can be selected in any of the following methods -
Method 1 - Important Chapters first (that carry more marks weightage)
Method 2 - Small Chapters first (Gives a lot of motivation as you tend to complete more chapters in less time)
Method 3 - Large Chapters first (Gives you time to practice it more. Doing it at the end may be compromising sometimes)
Method 4 - Sequence followed in Tuition
Method 5 - Sequence instructed by your Tuition teacher for revision purpose
Pro Tip: Do not just start from the Chapter 1 of your Institute Material.
Option 1: One subject at a time
Option 2: One Practical Subject and One Theory Subject at a time
Option 3: One Subject in Morning, One Subject for Day and One Weak subject for Evening
Pro Tip: Do not pick up all 8 subjects at once. If you are appearing in both groups, prefer to pick one subject from Group 1 and another from Group 2 alternatively(Option 1) / simultaneously (Option 2 or 3)
After one week, evaluate whether you have accomplished your target according to your plan.
If you are unable to complete any chapter in the specified time,
- Work that day hard to complete it on the same day or maximum by the next day
- If it is still taking time, switch to the next chapter and come back to it if time is saved from another chapter.
Read More : 3 Mistakes to Avoid in CA - CMA - CS Preparation
These points will help you to know whether you are on right path or not -
(a) Read all the notes taught by your tutor during the class which includes theory, examples, questions and solutions.
(b) Summarise your notes in a separate notebook for each subject.
Pro Tip: Prefer doing it after every chapter.
(c) Mark tricky questions and Solve all questions from Institute Material, Past term papers, RTPs, MTPs,
If you are successful in achieving this, you are surely on track.
Many a times, you prepare schedules and plans for self-study but you fail to achieve target because of these reasons -
(a) Do not know the steps of completion
Refer above.
(b) Mental Distractions
Sometimes, your own thoughts distracts your from the track of studying which drives you to some other topic unrelated to your study.
To overcome this,
Method 1: Write all your thoughts in a page so that it will not disturb you in future. Motivate yourself to achieve your dreams.
Method 2: Close your eyes and recall how happy your parents, near and dear ones would be once you become a CA/CMA/CS. That moment will be your boost to restart. It has worked for many.
(c) Physical laziness/tiredness
An unhealthy diet and disturbed sleep can be an obstacle to achieving your target. You should have a healthy diet (no junk foods, eat limited, drink plenty of water) and sleep for an ample amount every day. It will help you to start a new day with refreshments. You may also do a bit of exercise anytime in the day. Prefer to take a 10-15 mins walk. Try to move from your desk after every 3 hours.
Read More :
You think you are forgetting the previously read chapters as and when you are moving to the new chapters.
The only way to get rid of this thought is to revise all your learnings of the previous day from the summary notes before starting the next day.
You may call a friend who is also studying the same course and discuss some points.
Repeat to yourself by closing your eyes. Try to use your break time for this, while doing your daily chores.
Write down the points on a blank piece of paper.
May listen to several revision videos already available on YouTube.
If you follow this robust plan consistently, you will surely get a sure shot success in your first attempt itself.
You must watch this playlist of 4 videos to plan your study well.
Remember, Consistency is the key for success.
All the best !!