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Honest Message on CA Day | Neeraj Arora

Jul 1, 2023

Here's my message to all my students and colleagues on CA Day.

Please note that I am not here as a representative of the ICAI. I am simply a teacher, always striving for the betterment of my students.

The CA course provides an incredible opportunity for anyone, particularly those from a lower-middle-class background, to transcend their circumstances and pursue their multi-generational dreams.🎯

However, beyond academic subjects, what does the CA course truly impart? It teaches you:

Patience.
Hard Work.
Resilience in the face of failure.

The harsh reality is that life can be unfair and survival requires adaptability.

👀 A solutions-oriented approach, both professionally and personally.

✍🏻 An unquenchable thirst for learning and self-improvement.

However, these lessons will only resonate if you're eager to learn.

Here are a few things I want you to bear in mind as you pursue the CA course, or even after completing it:

Don't take this lightly. Your first attempt is your golden chance, so give it your all. If you're lax about it, you'll have to pay a heavy price in terms of time and the stigma associated with failure. Don't get complacent due to the semi-annual examination system or think about postponing your attempt.
It's often a solitary journey. You'll have to be self-reliant and manage your studies, family responsibilities, practical training, and more. Mentorship in this course is not direct, so if you have virtual mentors, extract maximum learning from them.
To become a shining star in the CA fraternity, you need to focus on your communication skills, personality development, and technological acumen. I call this the "CPT of CA", so don't compromise on them.
Gain meaningful articleship exposure. Don't fall for the myths surrounding it; strive for the best firm in your city, state, or country. Opt for specialization and dispel the notion that generalization is better for future practice - it's not. The better your articleship exposure, the better your growth.
Improve your decision-making and analytical abilities. Those who are problem-solvers, self-motivated, and take initiative are in high demand.
Stop expecting anything from ICAI. It has provided you with a launch pad and a 75-year legacy. Make the most out of it and start expecting from yourself.
Respect your profession but at the same time, don't fall for exaggerated claims made by some 'guardians' of the profession. Accept the facts, work on your shortcomings, and this will serve you well.
Your trajectory post-CA depends entirely on you. It can be a launchpad for a variety of career paths - you can be an auditor, chef, film director, CEO of some of the biggest organisations of India, entrepreneur, educator, and more.
Don't hesitate to pursue further studies that will add value to your career. Explore options like an MBA, CFA, UPSC, and anything else that interests you.