Your step-by-step guide to studying smarter, not longer
If you’re preparing for CA or CMA exams, chances are you’ve heard this advice a hundred times: “Make a study plan!” But here’s the thing — not every plan works. You don’t need a fancy color-coded schedule or a 5 AM wake-up call. What you really need is a practical, flexible study plan that suits your pace, your strengths, and your goals.
Let’s break down how you can build a study plan that actually helps you stay on track and get results.
🎯 1. Know Your Syllabus (Really Well)
Before you even open your planner, know what you’re dealing with. Break down your syllabus into:
- Subjects
- Chapters
- Subtopics
- Weightage (as per ICAI or ICMAI)
This gives you a bird’s-eye view of the workload and helps you prioritize the important topics.
✨ Pro Tip: Mark high-weightage chapters in each subject and allocate more time to those during revision.
🧩 2. Understand Your Routine & Energy Levels
The best plan isn’t one you copy from a topper — it’s one you build around your own lifestyle. Are you more alert in the mornings? Do you prefer short study sessions? Design your study blocks around your peak productivity hours.
Here’s a simple daily structure to start with:
- 2 focused study sessions (90 mins each)
- 1 revision session (60 mins)
- 30 mins for MCQs or writing practice
Mix tough and light subjects to avoid burnout. And yes — don’t forget to schedule breaks and sleep!
🗓️ 3. Make Weekly, Not Just Daily Plans
Daily plans often go off-track. Instead, focus on weekly goals:
- Complete 2 chapters in law
- Practice 100 MCQs in audit
- Solve 3 past papers for costing
This gives you more flexibility. If you miss a day, you won’t panic — you’ll catch up over the week.
✅ Weekly check-ins = less stress + better consistency
📚 4. Include Revision & Mock Tests From Day 1
Many students make the mistake of studying everything first and saving revision for the end. That never works.
Instead:
- Revise weekly: Review what you studied the past 5-7 days
- Mock tests monthly: Simulate exam conditions, even with just one paper
Mock tests help identify weak areas early, and revision keeps the concepts fresh.
🧘 5. Keep It Flexible & Forgiving
Life happens. You may fall sick, get family obligations, or just feel mentally exhausted some days. A rigid plan will only make you feel worse.
Build buffer days. Adjust weekly targets if needed. The goal is progress, not perfection.
“A plan that bends is better than one that breaks.”
🎓 Final Thoughts
A study plan is your roadmap, but you’re the driver. Tailor it to suit your style. Track your progress weekly. Celebrate small wins. And don’t hesitate to take a break when needed — consistency is more important than intensity.
You don’t have to study 12 hours a day. You just need to study the right way, every day.