Preparing for the CA exams can be both exciting and overwhelming. As someone who has walked this path, I understand the mix of anticipation and anxiety that comes with exam day. Every small detail counts from the stationery you carry to the way you manage your time and mindset during the test. A simple oversight can disrupt your focus, which is why having a well-prepared checklist and clear instructions is not just helpful, it’s essential.
This guide is designed to be your companion on exam day. By following this checklist, you’ll save precious minutes, avoid last-minute stress and step into the examination room fully prepared, both mentally and physically. Whether it’s remembering your admit card, carrying the right stationery or keeping track of time, every detail is covered with practical, tried-and-tested advice.
Remember, success in the CA exams is not just about knowledge; it’s about preparation, strategy and confidence. Let’s make sure you walk in ready, focused and determined to give your best performance.
“Success in CA exams is not just about hard work, it’s about smart preparation and consistency.”
CA Study Tips You Can't Miss:
Effective CA Foundation Strategies & TipsInstructions
1. Admit Card: Can be carried as a colour or black & white copy. Generally released 2 weeks before the exam on the ICAI BOS Portal. Download link is available under the login tab; logging in is not necessary to download. Check all details carefully (name, group applied, photo, address, phone number, etc.) and read all instructions mentioned. Click here to download the Admit Card.
2. Invigilator Signature: On conclusion of examinations, hand over Answer book to the invigilator. Do take signature of the invigilator as acknowledgment in the appropriate table given in Admit Card.
3. Eraser & Sharpener: Remove paper wrappers before the exam.
4. Mechanical Pencil: For exams like CA Foundation Maths, sharpen both sides of the pencil to save time.
5. Calculator: Casio MJ-12D is recommended. Click here to view.
6. Water Intake: Avoid drinking excessive water during the exam. Check the location of toilets before starting.
7. Watch: Wear an analog watch only; smartwatches and digital watches are strictly prohibited in the exam hall.
8. Stationery Pouch: Keep all items organized in a transparent pouch to avoid delays or confusion.
9. Extra Pens and Pencils: Carry 3-5 spare black pens and pencils in case of breakage or ink issues.
10. Exam Hall Entry Timing: Arrive at least 30-45 minutes before the exam to complete entry formalities calmly.
11. Seating Arrangement: Take note of your seat number in advance to avoid last-minute rush inside the hall.
12. Avoid Electronic Devices: Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators (other than permitted) and electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited.
13. Practice OMR Filling: Familiarize yourself with filling OMR sheets correctly to save time during the exam.
14. Personal Comfort: A handkerchief, tissues or small towel can help stay comfortable during long exams.
15. Reading time (for descriptive question paper only) starts at 1.45 P.M (IST)
Do’s
1. Reach exam centre latest by 01:30 P.M.(IST).
2. Occupy the seat earmarked against your Roll Number.
3. Carry your own pen, HB Pencil, eraser, stapler, ink, blotting paper, scale and battery operated noiseless/cordless portable calculator with upto 6 functions, 12 digits and upto two memories.
4. Use black ball point pen to write any information such as Roll no., Question Booklet Serial Number, Paper Number, Paper code viz. ABC or XYZ, Level of Exam etc in the boxes and darken appropriate circles underneath the boxes with good quality H.B. Pencil only.
5. Use HB pencil only to mark the answers in the OMR portion of the answer book.
6. Write Roll Number at specified place in the question paper and (main) answer book.
7. Check that the question paper bears the Code as displayed on the notice/black board / announced in the examination room/hall.
8. Check that the question paper is complete with reference to the number of pages mentioned thereon.
9. Write answers in the medium (English/Hindi) opted and mentioned on the Admit Card.
10. The answers of MCQs to be marked on the OMR portion i.e. cover page of descriptive answer book. Answers of MCQs written inside the descriptive answer book will not be evaluated.
11. WRITE MCQ BOOKLET NUMBER CORRECTLY IN THE ANSWER BOOK AS WELL AS IN THE ATTENDANCE REGISTER.
12. Mark ✔ tick against the question numbers attempted in the cages provided on the front/cover page of the answer book.
13. Submit Descriptive answer book without fail and take acknowledgment from the invigilator for submission of the same before leaving the exam hall.
14. Fasten all answer books including additional answer books used with a tag and also staple them.
15. Sign in the attendance register without fail and must write MCQ booklet number in OMR answer sheet and attendance register in all papers.
16. Question Papers of all papers comprise 2 Parts. Part I will comprise MCQs to the tune of 30 marks. Part II will comprise descriptive type questions to the tune of 70 marks. Ensure that you receive both the parts. In case you do not receive both the parts, bring it to the notice of the invigilator.
17. Carry MCQ Question Paper Booklets for Papers.
Don’ts
1. Use ink, other than black sketch pen, highlighter for underlining or highlighting.
2. Make/Write any notings/rough work on the question paper.
3. Carry any paper, book, notes or any other written material in the examination room/hall.
4. Write Roll Number or Registration Number or name anywhere (except on the front page of the answer book) in the answer book, including additional answer book(s), graph/blotting paper.
5. Make/write religious symbols/prayers like God's name, Guru's Name, OM, Swastika, 786 and the like anywhere in the answer book, including additional answer book(s), graph/blotting paper.
6. Write / make extraneous (irrelevant/ unrelated) notes/remarks, appeal for marks etc.
7. Carry printing models,,scientific calculator, mobile phones, AI Glasses with Camera and Open ear audio or any other electronic gadget/device in any form [except calculator].
8. Exchange pen,pencil, eraser, question paper, scale, calculator etc.
9. Talk/communicate with any other examinees.
10. Tear off and carry any page/leaf from the answer book, including additional answer book.
11. Leave seat without permission.
12. Smoke, chew tobacco/betel nut, gum etc.
FAQs
Both are accepted, but ensure it is clear and legible with all details correct.
Admit card, black pens, mechanical pencil, HB pencil (for OMR), ruler, eraser, sharpener, and calculator (Casio MJ-12D preferred).
No, only plain analog watches are permitted. Alarms and smartwatches are prohibited.
Yes, it’s recommended to carry extra pens, pencils, and lead refills in case of emergencies.
Yes, a small water bottle is allowed, but avoid drinking too much during the exam.
Yes, invigilators may ask to remove them before the exam starts.
No, snacks are not allowed in the exam hall.
You will not be allowed to enter the exam hall without it. Always check and keep it ready.
Use HB pencil for shading. Fill completely and neatly without stray marks. You can erase the answer once carefully. Avoid erasing multiple times.
Only non-programmable calculators like Casio MJ-12D are allowed in papers that permit calculation. Others are strictly prohibited.
It is optional. Only carry if you feel it will help organize your sheets.
Recommended for personal comfort, especially during the summer season.
Most halls have separate arrangements. Usually, only essential stationery is allowed on the desk.
No, sharing items like pens, pencils, or calculators is not allowed.
Yes, practicing helps reduce errors and saves time.
Carry a small bottle. Avoid large bottles as it may not be allowed on the desk.
Yes, a small transparent pouch or pencil box is recommended for organizing stationery.
All types of black/blue pens like ballpoint or gel are allowed.
No, rough sheets are not provided by ICAI.
Yes, note your seat number and exam hall location to avoid last-minute confusion.
No, students are not allowed to leave the exam hall during the exam.
Arrive at least 30-45 minutes before the exam starts.
Yes, it’s recommended to avoid disruption during exams.
Strictly prohibited. Keep them outside as per invigilator instructions.
No, carrying notes, cheat sheets, or printed materials is strictly prohibited.