Every year, thousands of students prepare for the CA Inter exam with dreams of becoming a Chartered Accountant. But in 2025, the numbers still tell a harsh truth — 78% of CA Inter aspirants fail.
It’s not because they aren’t intelligent or hardworking. Most failures happen because of avoidable mistakes. If you are preparing for CA Inter, understanding these mistakes can save you months — even years — of wasted effort.
Let’s uncover the 7 costly mistakes that still stop students from clearing CA Inter in 2025.
1. Starting Without a Clear Study Plan
Many students begin their CA Inter preparation with enthusiasm but no roadmap. They study randomly — one day taxation, another day audit — without knowing what to cover first or how much time to give each subject.
The fix: Break your syllabus into a daily plan. Keep a timetable that includes revisions and mock tests. Remember, in CA Inter, what you study is as important as when you study it.
2. Ignoring ICAI Study Material
In 2025, with so many coaching notes and YouTube videos available, students often skip the ICAI study material. This is a mistake. The exam is set by ICAI, so their material is the most reliable source.
The fix: Use coaching notes for quick understanding, but always revise from ICAI material before the exam. The wording of ICAI questions matters more than you think.
3. Not Practicing Past Papers
A large chunk of CA Inter failures happen because students know the concepts but can’t apply them in the exam. The reason? They don’t practise enough past papers and mock tests.
The fix: Practise at least the last 5–6 years’ papers. This builds speed, accuracy, and confidence — all of which you’ll need in the real exam.
4. Weak Time Management During Exams
Even bright students fail because they can’t finish the paper. They spend too much time on difficult questions and rush through the rest.
The fix: Follow the “first easy, then tough” approach. Attempt all the questions you know well first, then move to the harder ones. This way, you secure maximum marks before running out of time.
5. Underestimating Theory Subjects
Subjects like Law, Audit, and EIS-SM are often ignored until the last minute. Many students think they can manage them with a quick reading before the exam — but these subjects demand understanding, memory, and presentation skills.
The fix: Give theory subjects equal importance as practical ones. Write and revise answers — don’t just read.
6. Poor Revision Strategy
Some students study for months but don’t revise properly. By the time the exam arrives, they have forgotten 50% of what they learned.
The fix: Follow the 3-revision rule — first revision right after completing the syllabus, second revision a month before the exam, and final revision in the last 7–10 days.
7. Neglecting Health and Mindset
Long study hours without proper rest, exercise, or a healthy diet can lead to burnout. A stressed or tired mind won’t perform well in the exam hall.
The fix: Sleep at least 6–7 hours, take short breaks, eat healthy food, and stay active. A fresh mind remembers and writes better.
Conclusion
The CA Inter exam is not just a test of knowledge — it’s a test of planning, discipline, and smart execution. Avoid these 7 mistakes and you’ll be in the driving seat.
Never ever forget, it is not studying more, but studying well. If you study well, prepare well, and practice well, you can be one of the 22% clearing in 2025.
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)