CA-CPT classes are conducted by the ICAI as well as many other private coaching centres. The fees in the private CA institutes are slightly on the higher side than the ICAI classes. There is not much difference in the quality of teaching between the private tutors and the institute faculties. However, some students might want to opt for private classes due to few additional features provided by the private institutes. Most of the private institutes conduct CPT classes for a period of 4 months with regular weekly tests and module exams. The proximity to the classes and the fees play a major role in choosing the coaching centre.
Let us look at some of the common doubts that students have at the CA-CPT stage:
1) Should you attend classes for CA-CPT?
To attend or not to attend classes for CA-CPT is completely based on the individual student’s confidence and his or her past academic trend. However, the following points are to be considered before taking a decision on attending classes:
- If you are from a commerce background, it is highly likely that most of the portions covered in the CPT syllabus are already covered in the high school syllabus, thus making your understanding on the subject more easier. On the contrary, if you are from a non commerce background aspiring to do CA, then it is highly suggested to attend classes to have a stronger basics.
- It is also important to assess yourself before choosing self study. One quick and simple tip to assess this is to observe if you are able to sit and study in the same place for a minimum of 2 hours without distraction and with full concentration on the subject. Preparation for any exam requires discipline and consistency. If you are self confident on these aspects, you can very well proceed with self study. If you are not, you should consider going for classes as there is a tutor who monitors your performance and gives you the required guidance and motivation. Self study gives you more time to concentrate and prepare on the subject all by yourself . Of course, online tutorials are available in case you need more clarity on certain topics.
Even in case of self study, you have to still attend crash courses a month before the exam or appear for mock tests conducted by the institute to prepare and assess yourself for the main exams. The exam demands a lot of practice since it has to be completed within the specified time limit. However proficient you may be on the subject, what matters the most is how soon you are able to crack the questions within the specified time frame. Hence, it is incredibly important that you practice with lots of mock tests.
2) Is it important to get a rank in CPT ?
Scoring a rank definitely is a great achievement and helps you to boost your resume, gives you a sense of accomplishment and helps you land in a job with MNCs. However, it is not a mandate. All this still hold good, even if you do not get a rank. There are a lot of chartered accountants who are not rank holders, yet are in some of the most important positions in the board of companies or have made it big in CA practice. I have personally seen few students who skip their examination attempts in order to get more time to prepare for the exams and aim at scoring a rank. At the end of the day, your hard work and subject matter expertise is the one that matters the lot. If it rewards you with a rank, it is a great going. If it does not, there is nothing to feel defeated about.
3) How to study and prepare for the CA-CPT -Subject wise study tips
Each subject in the syllabus has to be handled with a separate and unique approach. Click on the links below to know the subject wise study tips: