How to Crack CAP-I in the First Attempt: Tips and Study Plan

The Chartered Accountancy (CA) course is a globally recognized professional program designed for students aspiring to build a career in finance, accounting, and auditing. 

The course is overseen by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal (ICAN) and  follows a three-level structure: 

1. CAP-I (entry level) 
2. CAP-II (intermediate level) 
3. Final Level 

CAP-I is the foundation stage, and clearing it in the first attempt is important to set a strong base for the upcoming levels, and it boosts your confidence for the journey that awaits you. 

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Understanding the CAP-I stage

The Chartered Accountancy Professional – Level I (CAP-I) is the entry-level examination of the CA course in Nepal. 

The exam is conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal (ICAN), and it acts as the foundation for students aspiring for a career as a Chartered Accountant. 

The CAP-I is designed to test students of the basic knowledge of accounting, economics, law, business communication, and mathematics. 

These subjects are the building blocks for advanced studies in CAP-II and the final level. 

Eligibility for CAP-I 

The only requirement to be eligible to take the CAP-I exam is that you must have passed your +2 or equivalent in any stream. 

Structure of CAP-I Exam 

The CAP-I exam is divided into two groups with five papers. 

The exams are conducted in June and December each year. 

Each paper is worth 100 marks. 

Students are required to secure at least 40% in each subject and an aggregate overall 50% score to pass. 

CAP-I Syllabus

To ace any exam, you must first know the syllabus of the exam:

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Why Students Fail CAP-I on the First Attempt 

Students stepping into CAP-I are usually filled with excitement and are naive. 

They usually struggle to clear the exam on the first attempt as a result of failing to prepare smartly and consistently apply effort. 

Some of the common reasons why students fail are: 

• Lack of Proper Planning

The student, attempting for the first time, moves ahead with preparation without any proper study plan.

Students have to prepare for five papers, and without proper management of time and equal attention to each of the subjects, some subjects are left incomplete or rushed at the last moment. 

• Not understanding the syllabus. 

At first glance, the CAP-I syllabus often seems simple, but do not be fooled; it is vast and detailed. 

Students assume that the knowledge they’ve received from high school is sufficient, especially in subjects like accounting or economics, and make the mistake of neglecting them while preparing for the exam. 

• Overemphasis on a single subject 

Spending too much time on your favourite subjects (the subjects you find easier), like accounting, and ignoring weaker ones like law or mathematics, can cost you failing the exam. 

Each paper requires 40% in each paper and 50% overall, so ignoring even a single subject can result in failing the entire exam. 

• Poor Time Management 

Time management is a major issue during preparation as well as in the exam hall. 

If you don’t practice solving full-length questions within the declared time limit, you will fail your papers even though you know the answers. 

• Not Practicing Past Papers 

Avoiding practicing past papers and mock tests and just relying on textbooks and class notes is one of the most common mistakes made by students. 

You will be unfamiliar with the exam pattern, question style, and level of difficulty if you do not practice past papers. 

• Neglecting Revision 

The CAP-I syllabus requires continuous revision. 

If you do not revise regularly, you will forget the concepts when giving exams, especially in subjects that require formulas, case laws, or definitions. 

• Rote Learning instead of Conceptual Clarity 

In the Nepalese Education System, especially at the school and high school levels, we are often taught rote learning instead of being encouraged to seek conceptual clarity. 

This creates a struggle for students to leave the old habits at higher levels, where conceptual clarity is more important than rote learning. 

• Exam Pressure and Stress 

Since for the majority of the students, CAP-I is the first professional exam they take, stress, fear of failure, or lack of confidence during the exam affects their performance, even with good preparation. 

• Ignoring English and Communication Papers 

Students make the mistake of underestimating English and Business Communication, thinking they are easy. 

But these papers carry 100 marks and make a significant difference in passing or failing. 

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Tips for passing the CAP-I

Now that you know about the most common mistakes that lead to failure, here are a few tips to pass: 

• Plan smart and manage your time 

Understand your syllabus thoroughly and how you must approach each subject. 

Give equal importance to each of the subjects and create a realistic study routine that works for you. 

Also, be sure to have buffer days to help you catch up if you fall behind your initial plan and revise if you are on track. 

Avoid monotony by switching between subjects when you start you feel fed up with the one you’re studying. 

Manage your time efficiently while preparing for exams and during the exam. 

• Active Learning 

Focus on having clear concepts rather than rote learning, and implement active learning techniques such as blurting, mock tests, etc. 

Solve past questions once you’ve finished studying a topic and use mindmaps, flowcharts, and notes to revise better. 

• Revise and Practice 

Using spaced repetition, revise what you have studied for better understanding and retention. 

Set aside one day every week to attempt mock tests under exam conditions and give equal attention to all five papers instead of focusing only on the ‘harder’ ones.

• Be Consistent 

Consistency is key when tackling any exams.

Study each day, even if you are not able to meet the goals set for that day. 

When doubts arise, tackle them immediately instead of saying “I’ll come back to that later”. 

Self-discipline is important, but also be flexible and adjust your study schedule based on different situations that may arise. 

• Do not Panic 

A little stress is important to keep you on track, but do not panic when exams are nearing, and stay as calm as possible. 

Take breaks when needed and pay attention to your mental and physical health. 

Also, do not completely abandon your hobbies; they’ll keep your mind fresh and prevent burnout, and help you concentrate better during the study sessions. 

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A Daily Study Schedule 

As a CA student, you should be prepared to invest the majority of your time in studying. 

It is suggested that you should study around 7-8 hours a day. 

Create a study routine that works for you and focus on the subjects that require problem-solving and critical thinking in the hours when you know your mind works better. 

The first weeks can be your trial-and-error phase, you can analyze what works for you, and make the ultimate study schedule based on it. 

Conclusion

Cracking the CAP-I in the first attempt is difficult, not at all impossible. 

With the right preparation, mindset, discipline, and strategy, you will be able to pass the exam with flying colors. 

The preparation is not just about working hard, but also about approaching it with a smart strategy. 

Be consistent, focus on conceptual clarity, maintain a positive attitude, and you will be able to build a strong foundation for your CA journey.