CA Inter Strategic Management forms Section B of Paper 6: Financial Management & Strategic Management in the CA Intermediate (New Scheme) course.
In simple terms, strategic management at CA Inter level is all about business planning, understanding both internal & external functioning of the business environment, making strategies, executing them, and checking & controlling them . It assesses your business thinking, decision skills, and ability to apply tools in real business situations.
Because it is part of Paper 6, your paper is split:
- Section A: Financial Management
- Section B: Strategic Management (i.e. ca inter strategic management)
Candidates must master both sections to score well in Paper 6.
Syllabus of CA Inter Strategic Management (2026)
Here is the detailed syllabus for strategic management CA Inter (Section B of Paper 6). These are the core topics you must cover:
| Chapter | Topic / Sub-topics |
| First Chapter | Introduction to Strategic Management — meaning, nature, importance, strategic vision, mission, objectives, levels of strategy, stakeholders |
| Second Chapter | Strategic Analysis: External Environment — PESTEL / PEST, Porter’s 5 Forces, competitive environment, industry analysis, opportunities & threats |
| Third Chapter | Strategic Analysis: Internal Environment — resources, capabilities, core competencies, value chain, SWOT, VRIO framework |
| Fourth Chapter | Strategic Choices — generic strategies (cost leadership, differentiation, focus), growth strategies (mergers, alliances, diversification), international strategies |
| Second Chapter | Strategy Implementation & Evaluation — structure, leadership, culture, strategic control, measurement, feedback, change management |
These 5 chapters form the full ca inter strategic management syllabus. Many sites list similar outlines, but often skip detailing subtopics or how they map to exam weightage. We fill that gap.
Weightage Trends for Strategic Management CA Inter
Since ICAI does not officially publish a fixed chapter-wise weightage for strategic management alone, we rely on pattern trends and past exams to estimate weightage ranges. Many sources give a broad range per chapter.
For ca inter strategic management (Section B), the usual mark share within Paper 6 is:
- Section B: ~ 50 marks (out of 100) for SM (the other 50 for FM)
- Each chapter in strategic management tends to carry about 15 % to 25 % of Section B marks.
- Rough expected weightage per chapter:
- Introduction to Strategy: ~ 15–20 %
- External Analysis: ~ 15–25 %
- Internal Analysis: ~ 15–25 %
- Strategic Choices: ~ 15–25 %
- Implementation & Evaluation: ~ 15–25 %
- Introduction to Strategy: ~ 15–20 %
Because ICAI rotates emphasis, you can expect variation. But every chapter is important — none is inconsequential.
Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme for CA Inter SM
Understanding the exam format helps you plan.
- Paper 6 (FM + SM) is a mixed paper: 70% descriptive, 30% objective (MCQs). (Total 100 marks)
- For ca inter strategic management, you will face a combination of descriptive questions (case-based or theory) and MCQs.
- Each chapter may contain multiple MCQs or short theory questions plus longer questions.
- Time management is crucial: allocate your time in the exam proportional to weightage.
- Always check instructions — MCQs often carry negative marking or specific rules (as per ICAI norms) — confirm for the particular exam cycle.
This mixed pattern means you must be strong both in conceptual clarity (for MCQs) and explanation / application (for longer questions).
Why Strategic Management CA Inter Matters
- It tests higher-order thinking — not just memory
- It links concepts from finance, operations, marketing — gives integration
- It often contains case studies, which many students miss
- Good performance in SM can cushion minor lapses in FM if you prepare smartly
- Employers value those who can think strategically — this subject builds that skill.
Tips to Score High in CA Inter Strategic Management
Here are tested strategies (gap: many blogs give generic tips; here we give chapter-wise and exam-wise tips):
Tip 1: Master Core Tools & Frameworks
Make sure you are crystal clear on frameworks: PESTEL, Porter’s 5 Forces, VRIO, Value Chain, SWOT, growth vs stability strategies. Use diagrams — they help in MCQs and descriptive answers.
Tip 2: Practice Many Cases
SM is rich in case applications. Solve past case-based questions in mock tests and RTPs. Don’t just learn theory; apply it.
Tip 3: Time Allocation by Weightage
Since each chapter carries similar but varying marks, practice dividing time in exams. E.g., if External Analysis is heavier in a given year, allocate additional writing time there.
Tip 4: Combine Theory + Examples
When writing descriptive answers, support concepts with real company examples (existing firms). It shows understanding. Integrate theory with business context.
Tip 5: Watch for Updates & Changes
Because ICAI can revise syllabus or exam instructions, always refer to the official ICAI “Section B: Strategic Management” page.
Also review Board of Studies updates and amendments before your exam.
Tip 6: MCQ Strategy
For MCQs: first eliminate wrong options, then pick best. Don’t get stuck — move on and return later. For negative marking, be cautious. Practice MCQ banks.
Tip 7: Revision & Notes
Maintain short revision notes or flashcards for key definitions, frameworks, advantages/disadvantages points. Just before exam, these help quick recall.
Tip 8: Mock Exams + Self-Evaluation
Simulate full Paper 6 with SM + FM sections. Track your performance in SM specifically. Identify weak chapters and revisit them.
Tip 9: Interlink SM with FM
Some strategic problems may use financial reasoning. If you see overlaps, leverage your FM knowledge (since both are in one paper). Integration helps.
FAQs about CA Inter Strategic Management
Q. Is strategic management compulsory or optional in CA Inter?
A. It is compulsory. It is Section B of Paper 6 under the new scheme. You can’t skip it.
Q. How many marks are for strategic management in Paper 6?
A. 50 marks for SM (the other 50 are for Financial Management).
Q. Does ICAI publish official weightage per chapter?
A. No, ICAI doesn’t publish exact chapter‐wise weightage. You must infer from past trends. Many blogs fail to address this — here we openly mention that.
Q. Which chapters are “most important”?
A. All are important, but External & Internal Analysis and Strategic Choices often carry slightly more weight. Don’t ignore any chapter.
Q. How many MCQs in strategic management?
A. The exact number can vary. In Paper 6 overall, ~30% marks are objective. So SM section may have a few MCQs (5–10) or shorter objective questions.
Q. How should I plan study time for SM?
A. After understanding syllabus, allocate more time to chapters you feel weaker in. Use weightage estimates to distribute time, but ensure you cover all.
Summary & Final Words
- ca inter strategic management is Section B of Paper 6 in CA Inter
- There are 5 chapters in its syllabus: Introduction, External, Internal, Choices, Implementation
- SM usually carries 50 marks; expected weightage per chapter ~15–25%
- Paper 6 has a mixed format (descriptive + objective)
- To succeed, you must blend conceptual clarity + case practice + smart revision
- Many articles miss chapter weight splits or integration with FM — this content fills that gap
- Use official ICAI sources (Section B: Strategic Management page) for the latest updates
Commencement of Live Virtual Classes (LVC Batch – 2) under the New Scheme from 15th April 2024 for the students of CA Foundation/Intermediate/Final courses appearing in September/November 2024 Examinations – (10-04-2024)