From Engineering to Accountancy: My Journey to CA CPT Success

As an Electronics and Communication Engineer, I had already cleared both groups of IPCC and never attended any coaching classes. My success in the CA CPT exam is a testament to the power of sheer hard work, passion, and a determination to succeed. My story may seem depressing, inspiring, motivating, or even a bit of a showoff, but it is definitely worth reading. If I, as a science student with no commerce background, can achieve this, I believe all other commerce students can too.

Initial Ignorance and a Chance Discovery

It was the second year of my engineering studies, and my summer vacation was approaching. Unbeknownst to me, I had forgotten to prepare for an important university exam and had instead focused on a subject that wasn’t even on the syllabus.

One of my roommates had just cleared the CA CPT, and he generously lent me some of his study materials. I started with Economics, and in a week, I managed to go through the entire syllabus. My roommate was surprised and impressed by my knowledge, which led me to request the next book on Mercantile Law. This process continued for four days, and I managed to complete the book with a thorough understanding.

My roommate’s initial skepticism turned to support when he saw my grasp of the material. He admitted that reading, understanding, and then writing exams are very different, especially for the CA CPT exam where only 30 students get selected. With renewed confidence, I decided to give it a try, and that’s exactly how it happened.

Breaking Barriers: Learning Accounting

Accounts, a complete unknown territory for me, became my next challenge. I consulted a relative who taught Accounts at various coaching classes and spent about five days learning the basics. This cover was enough to give me the foundation I needed to tackle the CA CPT syllabus.

During the summer, a promotional offer at NAVKAR coaching classes caught my attention. I decided to join their classes to improve my understanding and prepare better for the exams. The first 15 days were mostly focused on mathematics, which I found quite straightforward.

Law and Economics were next, with a brief refresher on economics. However, the real challenge began with accounts, which I found incredibly difficult. My initial attempts to understand company accounts and partnership accounts were met with frustration. As I tried to learn from my favorite faculty member, he mocked me in front of the staff, saying that I was an obstacle. This experience highlighted the importance of seeking help only from those who genuinely want to assist you.

Self-Study and Success

The severe case of chicken pox led me to take a two-month leave from my studies. During this time, I was confined to my home, and when I returned, most of the coaching sessions had already concluded. Revise lectures were in progress, and I realized that I would have to rely on self-study.

My roommate, who had bet with me earlier, continued to support my efforts. He helped me understand important topics, cleared my doubts, and guided me on the best path to success. I focused on accounts and statistics, devoting almost 10 hours a day to studying. I had not even stepped outside my home for an entire month, sun or no sun.

The day of the exam finally arrived, and despite the challenging circumstances, I managed to clear the exam. The results were impressive, given that the pass ratio was only 14% in November 2014. It was a remarkable achievement, and the journey from just a fun time pass to a serious interest in pursuing further studies in commerce was truly rewarding.

Lessons Learned and Future Goals

My experience is a testament to the value of perseverance and the right guidance. Here are some key lessons:

No matter how good the coaching classes are, they won’t support you if you are not deemed extremely intelligent by the faculty. Seek help from willing and well-intentioned individuals.

Self-study can be incredibly effective, especially when you have previously covered basic concepts.

Continuous support from peers can make a significant difference in your preparation.

What started as a casual interest has evolved into a serious pursuit, and I am now eager to further my studies in the field of commerce. My journey is a reminder that with the right mindset and dedication, even the most challenging goals can be achieved.