Very often we come across a lot of CA Foundation students speaking with dread about the Maths and Statistics Paper. While it is quite understandable that this paper is not a piece of cake, there are several ways by which students can definitely ensure that they clear this paper with high marks without having to break their heads.
For students of science background or commerce students who have done mathematics in class 12, this paper might be a bit easier. In any case, students are advised to follow the techniques listed below to emerge successful in this paper.
Competent coaching vs self study
Adequate preparation is crucial for subjects like mathematics and statistics. It is not compulsory to attend classes, although it is highly recommended that you sign up with a good teacher. However if you wish you could study by yourself, with the required support material, which includes the ICAI study material, a good reference book, as well as free videos that are available on Youtube to aid our understanding and clear any doubts that we might have.
Timetable
The basis for all preparation is the timetable which needs to be set out from scratch by each one of you. Studying should be done as per the timetable drawn out. I will publish a post separately on this topic.
Initial detailed preparation
In the initial few months you should focus on covering all the chapters in a detailed manner, paying special attention to the concepts. Wherever you have doubts, you need to list them down separately so that you do not lose track of these much later. Every minute devoted to studies should be accounted for and studies in general should not be aimlessly done without a plan. Chartered Accountancy is a professional course, and hence the approach to this course should be accordingly structured.
Consistent preparation
For subjects such as mathematics and statistics, consistency of preparation is the key. Studying very hard for 15 days and then taking a break for the next one week will not get you anywhere.
Formula list
You need to prepare a list of all formulae learnt to use as a ready reference at all times. Having this in your own handwriting will be very handy as the formulae will get registered in the memory better when they write it by themselves.
Second round of preparation
Subsequent rounds of preparation should be focused on fine tuning the preparation and summarising the topics through fast track revision notes. This is a long process and should be systematically completed.
Practice
It is 100% essential that you practice problems extensively over the course of your preparation. Simply looking at the solutions will not help. Problems need to be solved by hand every single day, including from the ICAI study material, past exam papers, RTP as well as mock test papers. Only practice will give you the confidence as well as the skills that are needed by you to tackle the paper competitively.
Calculator
You need to practice problems using the calculator, and make yourselves comfortable with the same. This increases your speed in the exam.
Model question paper
Make sure that you solve at least one mock question paper under exam settings. This is a reality check that helps you improve your competency levels before the exam. Also make sure that you check the solutions and mark yourself in a honest manner.
To sum up, mathematics and statistics paper is one of the toughest papers in the CA Foundation course, However, the approach required to clear this paper is quite straightforward, and it involves hard and smart work. Instead of worrying whether you would pass this paper, it is advisable to go straight into the preparation and tackle this paper with full efforts, which will guarantee excellent results.
Comments