CA Final May 2026: Subject-Wise Study Plan & Strategy to Clear in 1st Attempt

The CA Final test is the result of years of diligence, commitment, and tenacity. As you prepare for the May 2026 try, keep in mind that smart study is more important for success than intensive study. As of April 2026, there will be around a year left, therefore now is the ideal time to establish a strong, topic-specific plan. To assist you in navigating your CA Final May 2026 preparation, this blog article offers a thorough approach that incorporates practical strategies and planning insights.

How to Prepare for the CA Final May 2026: The Big Picture

Let's lay the groundwork for your preparation before delving into specific topics:

Understand the Syllabus:
Get thoroughly acquainted with the latest ICAI syllabus for the CA Final (New Scheme). Understand each subject, topic-wise weightage, and the pattern of assessment to plan your preparation strategically.

Set Clear Goals:
Define your objectives clearly — whether it’s securing a rank, clearing both groups together, or targeting exemptions in select subjects. Your goals will determine your overall approach and study plan.

Plan Your Time Wisely:
With May 2026 as your goal, you have ample time to prepare systematically. Create a structured timeline for completing classes (if applicable), finishing your first reading, doing multiple revisions, and attempting mock tests. Use the Right

Resources:
Rely mainly on ICAI’s official materials — Study Material, Practice Manuals, RTPs (Revision Test Papers), MTPs (Mock Test Papers), and past papers (as relevant under the new scheme). Use additional resources only where necessary. Build the

Right Mindset:
Stay consistent, positive, and disciplined throughout your journey. Challenges will come, but your mindset and persistence will define your success.

Subject-Wise Study Plan for CA Final & Best Way to Study CA Final Subjects

It is essential to have a customized strategy for every subject. This is a recommended subject-wise approach for the CA Final:
(Note: This is predicated on the six-paper New Scheme structure.)

CA Final 1 Group Study Plan: Focused Approach

Some eyes would rather finish Group 1 first. We refer to this as a CA Final Group 1 Study Plan. It's easy: concentrate on fewer topics, complete them thoroughly, and then go on to Group 2. The CA Final syllabus can be found here.

Group 1 has four papers:

Financial Reporting (FR): Emphasize company accounts, consolidation, and key accounting standards.
Strategic Financial Management (SFM): Focus on project finance, derivatives, and capital budgeting.
Advanced Auditing (Audit): Revise auditing standards, practical procedures, and frequently tested questions.
Ethics and Professional Skills: Review case studies and conceptual short questions for better application.

Make a Daily Routine

Time of Day	Subject / Activity
Morning	Financial Reporting
Late Morning	Strategic Financial Management
Afternoon	Audit
Evening	Ethics or revise weak topics
Night	Quick recap of all Group 1 subjects

Keep small breaks. Even 5–10 minutes helps your mind stay fresh.

Practice and Revision

Solve past questions and mock tests. Don’t just read answers—write them fully. Focus more on topics that carry more marks.

Focus on Weak Points

Note the topics you find hard. For example, FR consolidation or SFM derivatives. Spend extra time on these.

Stay Consistent

Follow your timetable every day. Avoid distractions. Eat well, sleep well. A proper CA Final Group 1 Study Plan helps you finish Group 1 fully and feel confident before starting Group 2.

CA Final 2 Group Study Plan: Dual Group Strategy

Some students prefer to study both groups at the same time. A CA Final Group 2 Study Plan is what this is known as. It assists you in concurrently balancing Group 1 and Group 2 subjects.

Group 2 has four papers:

Corporate and Economic Laws (Laws): Emphasize the Companies Act, key case laws, and significant provisions.
Strategic Cost Management and Performance Evaluation (SCMPE): Practice analytical and performance-related costing problems.
Direct Tax & International Taxation (DT & IT): Revise core sections, crucial computations, and practical illustrations.
Indirect Tax (IDT): Concentrate on GST, Customs, and the latest amendments.

Time of Day	Subject / Activity
Morning	Group 1 Subject (FR or SFM)
Late Morning	Group 2 Subject (Laws or SCMPE)
Afternoon	Group 1 Subject (Audit or Ethics)
Evening	Group 2 Subject (DT or IDT)
Night	Quick revision of both groups

Here’s a polished version with smoother and more professional wording:

Take Short Breaks
Short breaks are essential — they keep your mind refreshed, focused, and more productive.

Practice and Revision
Regularly solve past papers and mock tests for both groups. Write complete answers and prioritize high-weightage topics.

Identify Weak Areas
Track subjects or chapters you find challenging and dedicate extra time to them — for instance, complex DT computations or detailed Audit procedures.

Maintain Balance
Avoid burnout by balancing studies with light exercise, proper meals, and sufficient rest.
A well-structured CA Final Group 2 Study Plan helps you stay organized, confident, and in control while managing both groups efficiently.

Time Management Tips

Time plays a crucial role in CA Final preparation. Without effective time management, even the smartest study strategies can fall short. Here are some practical tips to help you use your time wisely:

1. Create a Daily Schedule
Plan your day with defined time slots for each subject. Decide what to study in the morning, afternoon, and evening—and stick to it. Short breaks of 5–10 minutes between sessions help maintain focus.

2. Prioritize High-Weightage Topics
Begin with chapters that carry more marks. For instance, in Financial Reporting, focus on consolidation; in Direct Tax, give priority to key sections with higher weightage.

3. Balance Your Subjects
Avoid spending too long on a single subject. Combine theory with practical subjects, or mix Group 1 and Group 2 topics if you’re following a combined study plan. This keeps your preparation balanced and your mind fresh.

4. Maintain Short Notes
Prepare concise notes for formulas, key concepts, and frequently tested questions. Review them regularly—especially during revision days—to save valuable time.

5. Practice Consistently
Daily practice matters more than long, unfocused study hours. Solve past papers, RTPs, and MTPs. Writing complete answers improves retention and exam presentation.

6. Eliminate Distractions
Keep your study environment distraction-free. Silence your phone notifications and choose a quiet space—small interruptions can lead to big time losses.

7. Take Care of Yourself
Rest, eat well, and stay active. A refreshed mind performs far better than an exhausted one.
Good time management not only strengthens your CA Final Study Plan but also boosts confidence and reduces stress.

Conclusion

Preparing for the CA Final can often feel overwhelming — surrounded by thick books, endless notes, and countless questions, it’s easy to feel lost about where to begin. That’s where a CA Final Study Plan becomes your biggest support. If your exams are approaching soon, a 1-month CA Final Study Plan helps you focus on rapid revision — emphasizing only the most important topics and past exam questions.
If you have more time, a 3-month CA Final Study Plan allows you to move at a steady pace, understand concepts deeply, and revise multiple times. Some students prefer completing Group 1 first using a focused plan, while others prepare both groups together with a combined approach. Both strategies work — what truly matters is your consistency and discipline. Remember to take care of yourself along the way. Eat healthy, sleep well, and take short breaks. Even a quick walk or a few minutes with a cup of tea can refresh your mind and boost concentration. Study smart, not just long hours — make concise notes, practice regularly, and strengthen your weak areas. In the end, a good CA Final Study Plan acts like a reliable guide throughout your journey. Follow it sincerely, adjust it when needed, and stay calm. With steady effort and self-belief, you can cover the syllabus effectively and walk into the exam with confidence.

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