I Will Pass

I Will Pass

Recent results of CA Finals shattered the dreams of so many students on the ground. Mere 8.26% results of both groups depict so many things. Whether result was moderated, students have not done thorough study, lack of conceptual clarity, lack of practical approach and many other reasons for the poor results.  Inspite of so many reasons I observed some things needs to be strengthened and must be addressed from ICAI part and student part as well.

Through my experience, judgment, intellect and interaction, I strongly observed the following areas needs to be looked and improve seriously.

1.       Sheep Race

2.       Lack of Patience

3.       Coaching Classes dependency

4.       Study Aspects

5.       Life Style

Sheep Race

Always take decision from your own conscience. I never understand why people follow others, why don’t they make their own way. I saw so many students appeared in exams because his/her friends are appearing for the same. You are following him, but what about your preparation level, have you compared it. He is appearing because he has prepared all subjects very well. But the thought in your mind that he will become CA earlier than me is the biggest reason of your not becoming CA. Remember energy and passion you have in your first attempt is much bigger than any attempt. But the sheep race takes you to the backfoot.

My sincere advice to my younger brothers and sisters is that instead of following others make your own way. Every person has its different preparation level. Decision for appearing in exams is totally depends on your preparation, circumstances, strategy etc.  I must say don’t become football of in foot of others, don’t let anybody to play with you. Don’t be part of sheep race.

Lack of patience

List of thoughts of students regarding exams shows lack of patience.

Ø  I have prepared well for one group, but my preparation level of other group is not up-to the mark but I will appear for both groups because I may cleared both the groups.

Ø  However my preparation is not so good but I am appearing for exams because I am excepting exemption in particular subject/s.

Ø  I  am appearing for both groups inspite of not so good preparation of one group because there are the cases of set-off and totaling of both groups come/exceeds to aggregate and I will pass.

Ø  It is my first attempt and I want to grasp the opportunity of becoming CA at very first shot because MNCs, BIG4’s give preference to first attempt cleared candidates.

Ø  All my colleagues are appearing this time so I decided to go for it because I don’t want to be last in race.

Ø  As I have taken coaching on all subjects, I have comparatively good chances to qualify.

Above listed reasons are famous one, but yes there are other silly reasons too. Listed reasons show the level of misguidance and lack of patience level among the youths.

If you are not prepared for any particular group, but still you appears for both groups, how can you expect the set off. Are you expecting 40+ in every subject of less prepared group where getting 40+ in well prepared group is very hard and tough.

Friends CA final is not a practice match, it is quiet surprising that students are appearing in exams to get exemption in particular subjects however they know in advance that they will not able to clear the group. Why not thinking of appear in next attempt with 60+ target in every subject, you might get rank.

There is myth that Big4’s, MNCs etc. give preference to first attempt cleared students, my experience says that they give preference to knowledgeable and professionally sound candidates. They have very unique hiring process, they checked the candidates on various attributes like technical knowledge, communication skills, adaptability, personality etc.

To win the race you require hardwork and patience, not first attempt. See yourself, not others.

Sir, coaching institutes are launching pads, but ultimately you have to launch yourself. My words are enough to understand you to role of coaching and self study.

 Friends make a rule in life that there is nothing between 0% and 100%, give your 100% to everything in life. Don’t appear in exams, unless and until your preparation level is more than 100%. Remove the word half heartedly from your dictionary. Do everything whole heartedly in full fledge manner. I personally feel that there should be counseling programmes by ICAI to guide students towards right direction.

Coaching Class Dependency

As discussed earlier, coaching classes are only launching pads but depending too much on these can be a curse for you. Swami Vivekanand Says “You are creator of your own destiny”. So how these helping hands can create the destiny. Also see institute practice manuals, modules, scanners, past year exam papers etc. along with your coaching notes. I really wondered when I saw students are taking coaching of all subjects. How they take it. Coaching is meant for students who don’t have time for study because they are undergoing through hardcore and rigorous articleship trainings. Develop a habit of self-study and self answering. Always see course content of subject before deciding to join any coaching class.

Students often waste time by joining amendment classes of taxation subjects. Amendments are readily available in market and on Internet.

Join mock tests of reputed coaching institutes, these will definitely helps you.

Study Aspects

For sure shot success, follow these points: -

Ø  Atleast write answers of questions of last ten attempts question papers and last six attempts ICAI’s Revision Test Papers. Don’t audit the questions, solve every question from your hand and compare with suggested answers, you will know where you are lacking. Reconcile the differences and keep on improving the solutions/answers.

Ø  Point out your all mistakes on paper, and check the status of your improvement on weekly basis.

Ø  Appear for mock tests of ICAI or premier coaching institutes and check your performance or you can do it in home by attempting any of the question paper / RTP of any last attempt. You have to put yourself in real exam situation and must adhere to time limit of three hours. Trying to get evaluate the answer sheet from any senior and get the genuine feedback and suggestions for improvement.

Ø   Recall applicable amendments of taxation and focus on practical questions and answers. Study provisions and rules from practical point of view. Check the latest famous case laws and remember the facts and decision of the case.

Ø  Practice, Practice and more Practice is the key of success. Don’t do audit, do book keeping.

Ø  Work on your presentation, assumptions and conclusions. Make a habit of comparing presentation as well.  

Ø  Trying to reflect the experience of your articleship training in answersheet.

Ø  In paper like ISCA, Practice Module of ICAI is Bible. Atleast read three times the bible. Work on your answers, trying to recall the points with content.

Ø  Always trying to get in to the shoes of ICAI/Examiner. Give him what he wants; he will give you what you want.

Ø  Do target based study. Give target to yourself and must achieve them.

Life Style

Technology

In the era of technology, youths are equipped with modern gadgets like smart phones, laptops etc. What is necessary – Balance. I must say keep yourself away from social media, entertainment, mobile phone etc.  in preparation days. Don’t allow Watsapp and facebook to be stronger than your dreams. 

Friends

Don’t discuss your preparation level with your friends, it only de-motivate you.

Stress Buster

Do some meditation and yoga on daily basis to keep you cool and calm in preparation days. Sudarshan Kirya of Art of Living is preferable.

Input-Output hours Ratio

Keep on improving the time put-in to time utilization ratio. How many hours study is depends on the time availability and your capacity? If you have three months time, 14-16 hours Input with 12-14 hours output is recommended. Yoga and Meditation will help to improve the concentration and input-output hours ratio

Hope I am able to guide my dearest brothers and sisters and they will follow the right path and top the charts.

Regards

Gaurav Arya

Chartered Accountant

Email-id – gaaurav.champion@gmail.com

Facebook: - gaurav.krazzy@rediffmail.com

Disclaimer:

Views expressed in the above article are personal in nature. These are based on my experience, knowledge, failures and understanding. Reader’s views may be different and suggestions are welcome. 

CIVIL SERVICES – MY CUP OF TEA – FINAL PART

In my previous article Civil Services – My Cup of Tea – Part I, I had discussed the factors to be considered for decision making, myths and realities of civil services. We can compare the Last article with the lamp which shows the way. Now how to walk on the way? What should be the strategy, methodology, approach, way and techniques?

Now you have analyse each and every factor and decided that you will go for civil services.

Or Are you still afraid? Than read Legendry Swami Vivekananda Words

“Always take risk in life. If you win you will lead, if you lose you will guide”

So what are you waiting for, take the step and come forward. Success is waiting for you.

Yes I have taken the step. ONCE AGAIN I AM IN LION RACE. I will remain Lion irrespective of the results.

The big question is how to proceed further. Hope all of you are aware about the Civil Service Syllabus.

Structure of Syllabus

 It’s a three stage programme comprised of

·         Preliminary Test (Part – I – General Studies and Part – II – Aptitude Test) – 200 Marks each. This test is objective test and conducted in a single day with a gap of three hours between both tests.

·         Mains Test – (4 General Studies Paper, 1 Essay, 2 papers of one Optional Subject and English Comprehension and precise writing along with one qualifying language subject) – Total 1750 Marks. This test is subjective in nature and conducted for number of days)

·         Interview or say personality test - 275 Marks.

After qualifying Mains Examination, UPSC calls successful candidates for Interviews. Interviews are conducted at Dholpur House, New Delhi.

(Source – www.upsc.gov.in. Kindly check it for details)

Preliminary test is known as screening test and is of qualifying nature. Its marks are not counted anywhere. Candidates are selected on the basis of accumulated score of mains test and interview. Every year near about 5 lacs students fill the examination form for Preliminary Test. Out of that only 70% students appear in the exam i.e.3.50 lacs and near about 30% students backout in very first battle.

UPSC selects students on the basis of cut off determined by it. In preliminary examination generally students are selected of 13-15 times of total vacancies. In year 2012 approx. 13,000 students cracked the Preliminary test.

UPSC selects approximately candidates 3 times of total number of jobs for the interview. Interview is basically focused on student’s personality and general awareness. Various questions about current affairs, hometown, background, social issues are asked. Knowledge is already checked at mains level and now it is time to check the personality.

Civil services exams calendar

Examination	Period
Preliminary	May
Mains	October / November
Interview	February / March
Final Result – The Doomsday	April / May

The above discussion is about the syllabus, selection and cut off. What should be the study methodology?

How to proceed?

The question is how to proceed. Well it’s a blessing if you have a good people around  who can guide you. Guide plays a vital role in success of a person especially in Civil Services.

But if you don’t have a guide than what is the solution. Than let me tell you very frankly everybody cannot have a godfather, only few people on the earth have godfather. In that case become your own guide or godfather. Learn from the mistakes, surroundings, people etc. Use your past experience.  Mould yourself according to the nature.

The next question is of Self Study V/S Coaching Classes. What to do?????????

Analyse these points to get your answer.

1.       Availability of Time.

2.       Level of your general knowledge. Assess yourself. Give yourself marks out of 10.

3.       Financial and Family Background.

4.       Your Age

5.       Mental Preparedness.

6.       Guidance – seniors, Parents, Friends, Relatives etc.

Above factors determine whether you have to go for self-study or coaching classes. Yes if you are less than 25 years and have plenty of time with a good blend of general knowledge and good maturity level than you must go for self-study. Please consider your family and financial background before taking decision. Be ensured that you have a person to guide you so that you know what to do and how to do.

No doubt coaching classes provide anybody a good base. Course of Civil Services is too vast and somehow favourable to Science Students (Two Subjects for Science based – General Science and Science and Technology. While former one is basic science of up to X class level latter is related to latest innovations and discoveries. Prelims 2013 had almost 25-30 questions from that field.). There is only economics for commerce students and yes we can say polity too because we people have a good hand in law and constitution. That’s the reason coaching institutes play a vital role.

Factors to be considered while deciding to join coaching institute

1.       Course Coverage

2.       Past Results

3.       Faculty

4.       Completion of Course – Plan in that way that it should be complete six months prior to examination

5.       Timings of Class – Please check timings of extra classes as well

6.       Fees, Reputation and distance from your place.

Coaching Institutes are launching pads. Ultimately you have to fly. They only guide you and tell you what to study and how to study. But who has to study. Yes its you. So take this thing out of your mind that coaching means success.

While Coaching + rigorous self-study means success.

Read “The Hindu” newspaper you will get lot of advertisement of coaching institutes. Check the above details.  Leading coaching institutes are Vajiram and Ravi, ALS, Rau’s IAS Study Circle, Sriram IAS, Khan Study Group, Insight IAS academy, Chankaya IAS Academy, Chronicle IAS Academy etc.

In year 2013 UPSC has made changes in mains curriculum. To remove the dependency of optional subjects and a same playing field for all, now there are four general studies paper and two papers from one optional subject. Undoubtedly it’s a welcome move. Now more weightage of General Studies papers. Earlier there were two optional subjects which decided the fate of the candidates. Candidates use to score majority of marks in these subjects and to some extent it defeated the purpose of UPSC

Mains exam tests your knowledge and Interview tests your personality. Ranks are based on aggregate marks of Mains and Interview / Personality test. Mains play a vital role because it contains 1750 marks while interview is of only 275 marks. So the epicentre of entire civil service exams is mains. Mains is king maker.

From very first day of preparation be ensured that your preparation should be mains examination oriented.

For sure shot success in civil services, you should follow these advices.

·         Focus on thought process and articulation skills. Your presentation skills should be of good level. You can be asked question where you have to answer by taking into consideration word limits. You should be master of skills of completing your stand in given period of time. You have to expand and contract your answers as per requirement.

·         Be practical in nature. Don’t cram anything only understand. It will benefit you. Try to give your own views as well but it should be in conformity of questions as well. This is one of the reason why the toppers are not able crack the civil services exam instead back benchers and average students top the charts.

·         Your level of general awareness and how you present and express yourself matters. Improve it. Start working on it.

·         You should be jack of all trades along with master of your subject as well.

·         Set daily targets, weekly targets and monthly targets. Determine milestones to achieve destiny. Analyse your performance and modify your plans accordingly.

·         Do yoga, meditation, listen music etc. for removing stress and keep your mind cool.

·         Read from quality text books like NCERT books and good books of every subject suggested by your teachers like History of Modern India by Bipan Chandra.

·         Develop your reading and writing skills. Try to write a page daily.  Change your habits and be mature in approach.

·         Do more practice and practice. Appear in mock tests. Do mistakes and learn from them. Ensure that this will not be repeated in future. Focus on your efficiency and accuracy.

There is a very good and inspiring message from Bournvita Advertisement-

“ Mummy kehti hain jitni galti karni hain practice main karlo, warna tu kahan jaane wala hain, abhi toh poori raat baaki hain bidu”

Civil Services and Chartered Accountants

There is an Indian Engineering Services (IES) for Engineers, Indian Medical Services (IMS) for Doctors. Unfortunately there is no Indian Chartered Accountants Services (ICAS) for CAs whatsoever reason may be.

Also a large number of Engineers are entering in the Civil Services and many of them also cracking the exam. Now the problem arises when they are place in technical departments like Revenue i.e. Income Tax, Service Tax etc.

They get a good training but they lack practical experience and resultantly who are sufferers

Yes, those who deal with these departments i.e CAs and Lawyers.

I don’t know what our Council Members and Government of India are doing. Why they are still sleeping?  A lot of untapped potential remain untapped because of fractured government policies and a weak council.

Its high time to introduce schemes for direct entry of Chartered Accountants to Civil Services. CAs in Civil Services is need of the hour. Hope they people will awake soon.

However the answer to the question is why CA should go for Civil Services????

·         If CAs are not in Civil services, than who will be in the Civil Services. The wisdom you gain, knowledge you acquire is the right time to utilise towards the betterment of the society. And that can be possible through entering into the world of civil services. Recognise your potential; you have the capability to change the world.

·         It’s not untrue to say that Indian CA is the Brand Ambassador of Indian Taxation. If there is CA is in Revenue Services, undoubtedly he will work well and by taking interest in that work as well. Also he will be able to do more Value addition in the society. Undoubtedly Revenue is perfect place for CAs. Their logical and tactical thinking will bring unexpected results. Don’t know when our government will awake.

·         Three years article ship makes their approach more practical and logical. Main advantage with CA Fraternity is that they have the vast experience of working along with their studies. In their training period they ge experience of dealing with various government officials like Income Tax, Customs and Excise etc. In short they know about their way of working, problems of government department and importantly how to get their work done from them.

·         CAs have open mind. Their approach towards problems is fully and totally different from others. Their way of working is awesome. The beauty of their work is that while solving problem they consider every aspect by taking into consideration the further and prior effects.

·         World knows that CA is unique blend of hardwork, smartwork, sincerity, passion etc.

·         As per our motto “We are partner in Nation Building”. We can setup new milestones by qualifying Civil Services.

To Sum up I would like to say Yes,CIVIL SERVICES IS OUR CUP OF TEA

Regards

Gaurav Arya

Chartered Accountant

Email Id: - gaaurav.champion@gmail.com            

Facebook: - gaurav.krazzy@rediffmail.com

Disclaimer

Views expressed in the above article are personal in nature. These are based on my experience, knowledge and understanding. Reader’s views may be different and suggestions are welcome.

I have made every possible effort to give my level best and disseminate knowledge. I have not discussed the suggested books and magazines to read. Please drop me a mail or message for that. If you still have confusion or doubts please contact with me. I will do my best possible efforts to guide you and if possible, meet you or talk on phone.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a guide I am here to help you.

You can join me on facebook and send me your queries on gmail. I will do best possible help.

CIVIL SERVICES – MY CUP OF TEA – Part 1

When the result of Civil Services – 2012 was declared it brought a huge smile on the face of the whole CA community reason being a Chartered Accountant coming up with flying colours in that examination. The 3^rd rank holder of CA Examination 2010 secured 176^th Rank in Civil Services exam 2011 and the ice breaking moment came when Civil Services 2012 ranks were declared. She topped the charts with 5^th rank.  It was her 2^nd Attempt, in her first attempt she secured 176^th rank and got IPS cadre. But the burning desire doesn’t end there. To get IAS she appeared again this time, the sitting IPS officer broke all the shackles and grabbed 5^th rank. The girl from Rohtak (Haryana) having an outstanding academic record, an Alumni of SRCC not only made her parents and city proud but made entire professional arena very proud. Yes, you have rightly recognised her she is RUCHIKA KATYAL.

A name which is on the mouth of every civil service aspirant is Ruchika Katyal. Now she is a source of inspiration for every civil service aspirant especially CAs and CA Students. It can be a dream of anybody to become a civil servant because it is a very glamorous job with full of power, status and money.  To be a civil servant is not less than be a king.

However it is not untrue to say that to pursue for civil services is not less than putting your hands in fire. Bulky Course, Technical examination, low percentage of results, every time beginning from start and only limited four attempts (for general class) are the bitter realities of Civil Services. Entry is very easy but once you enter either you will conquer the world or you will lose everything.  My experience says that Aura of Civil Services can take anybody inside but coming outside of it is very difficult.

Here I am discussing factors which need to be considered especially by CAs and CA students while deciding to go for the civil services

1       Memory

After studying a lot in CA curriculum, whether you have enough memory to grasp and retain the course which seems to equivalent to CA Course and vast in nature.

2       Own Decision

Your decision must be your own decision which is with the consent of your Intuition. If it is not self-decision or imposed decision i.e. decision of your parents, friends, relatives etc. Don’t go for it. Also I would like to say go for it with whole heart. Make proper plan. Discuss with your seniors and parents. Go with a strong mind makeup. Don’t go for it half-heartedly as It will only frustrate and depress you.

3       Opportunity Cost

To be very frank think twice or thrice while deciding for Civil Services after CA because opportunity cost is too high. After qualifying CA there are lot of expectations of your family that you will earn money and support them, do marriage and give your parents happiness of playing with their grandchildren.

Please check your family conditions as well. Whether still your parents are able to support you and wait for you for more two years because its general saying that everybody must try two attempts in Civil Services which means at least two years.

4       Responsibilities

Don’t ignore your responsibilities. Consider responsibilities as well while taking such kind of hard decisions. Try to arrange some alternative source of finance so that danger of insolvency or lack of funds remains far from you. Writing, teaching, part time jobs can be good options for you. But arrange in advance.

5        Emotions and Flexibility

 Please check your nature first. Civil services mean frequent transfers and strict decisions. You have to remain far from your family for undefined period and sometime you have to take decisions which are against your nature and emotion. If you are an emotional person and less flexible in nature don’t go for it. It is better to be a HAPPY CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT THAN a DEPRESSED IAS OFFICER.

6        Intelligence Level and General Knowledge

You should have a good IQ level and better General Knowledge. Your heart must beat for the country. You must live in a world outside Accounts and Taxation. Your nature must be like that you are aware about the problems of society and have ideas to curb them.

MYTHS ABOUT CIVIL SERVICES

·         Comfortable Life: - One of the top most myths is Life of Civil Services is comfortable Life. Sorry sir, you are wrong. IAS/IPS officers have 24hours duty. Their duty is to administer and manage. They have to perform their duty without taking care of day and night. There is a very good example of Alex Paul Menon, Deputy Commissioner of district of Odisha who was kidnapped by Naxalites and they kept him in custody for near about one week. Recent killing of a DSP in Uttar pardesh by the politician Raja Bhaiya and its goonda elements very well explain the hard life of Civil Servants.

·         Meant for Toppers: - Civil services needs following attributes.

1.       Dedication.

2.       Strong thought process and articulation skills.

3.       An open mind having good general knowledge.

4.       A heart which beats for the country.

5.       Good hold on your core subjects.

6.       Practical approach towards problems.

7.       Undoubtedly a combination of hardwork and smartwork.

It’s not compulsory that every topper have the above attributes resultantly even toppers are not able to crack the exams while bank benchers and average students break records.

·         Money Making Job

If you have perception in the mind that Civil Services is a money making job than CA is best for earning money. Earning money in Civil Services means corruption interlinked with lot of tensions while for CA's money making is a combination of tricky mind, convincing power, hard work and wider thinking.

·         Puppet of Politician

Politicians have tenure of five years. They come and go but Civil Servants have a tenure upto the date of retirement. Undoubtedly there are cases where Civil Servants are caught while serving and fulfilling illegal demands of the politicians but these types of cases happen when the civil servants have some ulterior motives which cannot be fulfilled without the help of politicians. Honest civil servants never indulge in corrupt practices. Yes there is a myth they serve politicians because they are afraid of transfers that’s totally wrong in today’s scenario because now there are strict rules and regulations on transfers like minimum three years postings, Transfer of Husband & wife (Both are Civil Servants) in same place.

·         Part time Study

Preparation of Civil Services requires full time study of at least one year with 6-8 hours in a day. It’s better to give 100% in one year instead of giving 20% for five years. Course looks easy but its bulkiness makes it difficult.

And the Realities are

                                                        i.            Discretionary Power

Beautiful aspect of Civil Servants is that they have discretionary powers in their hand. They can take decisions of their own. However decision should be in conformity of law. It is not untrue to say that Civil Service is crown of thorns. One wrong decision can spoil the life of many.

                                                      ii.            Transferable Job

Problem with Civil Services is that their job is transferable. Irony is that we can compare their lives with nomads. Ashok Khemka, Senior IAS officer of Haryana was transferred 44 times in 22 years. [Ashok Khemka had raised the issues of irregularities in land dealings between DLF and Robert Vadhera (Sarkari Damad) in Gurgaon Haryana].

It is not untrue to say that “More the loyal an officer is, more are the chances of transfer is”

                                                    iii.            Glamorous and powerful Job

Job of a civil servant is a glamorous one. Let me tell you some things about civil servants.

§  Powers given to Civil Services Officers are enormous. We can compare their powers with powers of Lord Hanuman. Whole law and order and administration are in their hands.

§  They have the power to take decisions. These decisions are essential for policy implementation. They are one of the part of the Government i.e. Executors.

§  They have judicial powers as well. In some posts they can conduct their own courts and Janta Darbars. Duty Magistrates, Sub Divisional Magistrates and Superintendent of Police use to do that.

§  They are always given preference. They are chief guests of the various functions of societies, schools, colleges etc. of the city.

§  CTC of Civil Servant is not less than Rs. 5 lacs per month. (It Includes Accommodation, Car, Cook, Drivers etc.)

Now let me tell you something which is very attractive. For newly recruited Civil Servants Government of India

o   Conducts training programmes and interactive sessions on general administration at centres located at Mussorrie, Faridabad, Hyderabad (Depend on Cadre and Service). They have been provided there world class lectures by eminent professors and interaction sessions with the stalwarts of various fields.

o   Conducts training programme in foreign country to understand the administration culture outside India.

o   Conducts an all India tour to understand about the India.

                                                                   To Be Continued……………..

Thanks

Gaurav Arya

Email Id: - gaaurav.champion@gmail.com    

Facebook: - gaurav.krazzy@rediffmail.com

Disclaimer

Views expressed in the above article are personal in nature. These are based on my experience, knowledge and understanding. Readers’ views may be different and suggestions are welcome.

Main Purpose of the article is to guide students towards Civil Services. In next part I will discuss the methodology, role of coaching institutes with a light on their teaching methodologies, life after civil services, options available after civil services, a motivation write up for CAs.

You can join me on facebook and send me your queries on gmail. I will do best possible help.