CA Intermediate AIR 7 Vrinda Agarwal shares 3 mistakes every aspirant should avoid

Scoring a good rank in the Chartered Accountancy (CA) Intermediate examination requires consistency, not shortcuts, says Vrinda Agarwal, who secured All India Rank 7 in the CA Intermediate May 2026 examination. 18-year-old from Ghaziabad secured 490 out of 600 marks and believes aspirants should avoid selective study, relying only on notes, and allowing stress to affect their performance.

"The ICAI paper is designed to test your understanding of the entire syllabus, so it's important to cover everything," she told Careers360. She also advised candidates not to depend solely on coaching notes. "The ICAI study material should be considered an important source for preparation. I believe the ICAI modules are like a Bible for anyone preparing for CA examinations," she said.

Vrinda added that students should remain calm even if they find a paper difficult. "Sometimes, question papers of certain subjects may feel difficult, but staying calm and attempting the paper to the best of your ability can help you navigate through the exam," she said.

Also read ICAI CA May 2026 Foundation results on July 3

Preparation strategy

She prepared for nearly 11 months, following a flexible study plan instead of fixed 8-10 hours of study. She shifted her focus to revision, mock tests, and improving her weaker areas in the month leading up to the examination.

For practical subjects such as Advanced Accounting, Cost and Management Accounting, and Financial Management, Vrinda emphasised solving as many questions as possible to improve speed and accuracy. For theory papers, she relied on the ICAI study material, regular answer-writing practice, and concise revision notes

Also read CA Intermediate May 2026 Toppers: Shardul Shekhar Vichare secures AIR 1 with 88.50%

Mock tests are important

According to her, RTPs, MTPs, previous years' question papers, and ICAI mock tests played a crucial role in helping her understand the exam pattern and improve time management. She recommends that every aspirant attempt at least two to three full-length mock tests before the examination.

Vrinda scored 85 in Advanced Accounting, 74 in Corporate and Other Laws, 74 in Taxation, 97 in Cost and Management Accounting, 88 in Auditing and Ethics, and 72 in Financial Management and Strategic Management, securing an overall score of 490 out of 600.

Achieving AIR 7 was an unforgettable moment for her. "My parents have always taught me to focus on working hard and putting my best foot forward, regardless of the result. Seeing them so happy made this achievement even more special," she said.

CA Intermediate result was announced on June 24.