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How Many Hours Should a CA Student Study?
How Many Hours Should a CA Student Study? A Complete Guide for Success
Becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) requires discipline, consistency, and smart study planning. One of the most common questions every CA aspirant asks is: How many hours should a CA student study daily?
The answer depends on the CA level, study phase, and individual capacity—but one thing remains constant: quality study matters more than long hours.
In this blog, we break down the ideal study hours for CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, and CA Final students, along with practical tips to maximize productivity.
Why Study Hours Matter in CA Preparation
ou already know CA is not a small exam. It needs time, focus, and discipline. But not everyone has the same routine. Some students go to college, some go to coaching and some even work.
So yes, your study hours must match your life. But at the same time, they should be enough to finish the syllabus, revise it well, and practice questions properly.
That’s why a clear answer helps you avoid stress and gives you a simple roadmap.
How Many Hours Should a CA Foundation Student Study?
CA Foundation is the entry-level exam and focuses on building basics in accounting, law, economics, and mathematics.
Recommended Study Hours:
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Regular college/school students: 4–6 hours per day
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Full-time preparation students: 6–8 hours per day
Why This Works:
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Subjects are concept-based and require daily revision
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Short study sessions improve concentration
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Early preparation reduces last-minute pressure
👉 Focus on understanding concepts, solving MCQs, and revising formulas daily.
How Many Hours Should a CA Intermediate Student Study?
CA Intermediate is widely considered the most challenging stage of the CA journey. The syllabus is vast and detailed, demanding deep conceptual clarity.
Recommended Study Hours:
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With college/article training: 6–8 hours per day
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Without college (full-time prep): 8–10 hours per day
Study Strategy:
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Divide time between theory and practical subjects
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Practice writing answers regularly
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Revise each subject multiple times
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Allocate extra time for weak areas
👉 Consistency matters more than occasional long study sessions.
How Many Hours Should a CA Final Student Study?
CA Final is the last and most professional level of the CA course. It tests practical knowledge, analytical skills, and application-based understanding.
Recommended Study Hours:
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With articleship/job: 6–8 hours per day
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Study leave period: 10–12 hours per day
Key Focus Areas:
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Case-study based questions
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Advanced problem-solving
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Daily answer writing practice
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Multiple revisions
👉 At this level, smart planning and exam-oriented study make a huge difference.
Is Studying 12–14 Hours a Day Necessary?
No, studying 12–14 hours daily is not mandatory for success. Many CA rank holders clear exams by studying 8–10 focused hours.
Remember:
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Long hours without focus reduce productivity
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Mental health and sleep are equally important
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Short breaks improve concentration
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Quality > Quantity
👉 Study efficiently, not endlessly.
How to Make the Most of Your Study Hours
To maximize output from your study time, follow these tips:
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Create a realistic daily timetable
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Set clear daily and weekly goals
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Revise regularly instead of cramming
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Practice ICAI questions and mock tests
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Avoid distractions like mobile phones
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Maintain proper sleep and nutrition
Final Thoughts: How Many Hours Are Enough?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, as a general rule:
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CA Foundation : 4–8 hours/day
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CA Intermediate : 6–10 hours/day
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CA Final: 6–12 hours/day
Success in CA exams depends on consistency, clarity, revision, and practice, not just the number of hours you study.
If you study smartly and stay disciplined, clearing CA exams becomes achievable.
Simple Weekly Study Plan
Monday to Saturday
- Morning: 2 hours
- Afternoon: 2 hours
- Evening/Night: 2–3 hours
Sunday
- Full mock test
- Or half-day revision
This totals around 35–40 hours per week, which is ideal for any CA student.
How Many Hours Should a CA Student Study If Working or Going to College?
Many Indian students manage both.
Here is the simple plan:
If You Attend College
- Morning: 1–1.5 hours
- Evening: 2–3 hours
- Night: 1 hour
Total: 4–6 hours
If You Are Working
- Morning: 1 hour
- Evening: 2 hours
- Night: 1 hour
Total: 4 hours. During leave, increase to 9–10 hours daily.
Should You Study Early Morning or Late Night?
Both are fine. Pick the one that matches your body clock.
Morning Study Works Better If:
- Your mind feels fresh after sleep
- You want fewer distractions
- You want long study blocks
Night Study Works Better If:
- Your house stays busy in daytime
- You feel more focused at night
- You want quiet time
What matters is consistency, not timing.
Daily Routine for CA Students
Here is a routine that works for most Indian CA students:
Morning
- Wake up
- Light stretching
- Study the hardest subject (2 hours)
Afternoon
- 1–2 hour study session
- Solve MCQs or practice problems
Evening
- Light walk
- Revision session (1–1.5 hours)
Night
- Second revision or reading session (1 hour)
- Plan next day
Simple. Smooth. Balanced.
