Preparing for the Chartered Accountancy (CA) exams is not for the faint-hearted. In fact, according to ICAI’s official May 2024 results, the pass percentages were:
CA Foundation: ~30%
CA Intermediate (Both Groups): ~12%
CA Final (Both Groups): ~8%
These numbers highlight how competitive and challenging the CA journey really is. Now, imagine adding a 9-to-5 job or articleship workload to this equation—it’s no surprise that thousands of students ask every year:
“Can I really study for CA and work at the same time?”
A 2023 student survey by Careers360 revealed that nearly 62% of CA aspirants felt time management was their biggest hurdle while preparing. Many of these were students managing articleship + studies simultaneously.
So, is it doable? Yes—but with conditions. Let’s break down the study hours needed, pros and cons, and practical strategies so you know exactly what to expect if you decide to juggle both.
How Many Hours Should a CA Student Study While Working?
One of the most common doubts is:
“How many hours should I study daily for CA exams if I’m also working?”
Here’s a realistic breakdown:
CA Foundation: ~3–4 hours daily (alongside college/school)
CA Intermediate: ~5–6 hours daily (while doing articleship)
CA Final: ~8–10 hours daily in the last 6 months before exams
But let’s be honest. If you’re working or doing articleship, managing 8–10 hours daily is not always realistic. That’s why quality of study matters more than quantity. Even 2–3 hours of fully focused study in the morning can be more powerful than 5 half-sleepy hours at night.
Also, toppers often highlight that they revised the syllabus at least 3 times before the exam. So instead of obsessing over daily hours, think in terms of revision cycles you can realistically complete before the exam.
✅ Pros of Working While Preparing for CA
Balancing work and studies isn’t all bad. Here’s where it can actually help:
1. Financial Support
Not every student can rely fully on family. Articleship stipends or part-time job income can help cover coaching fees, books, or even personal expenses.
2. Practical Exposure
Working on audits, tax filings, or compliance gives you context that connects directly with your CA syllabus. According to ICAI, students who undergo articleship often report better conceptual clarity in practical papers.
3. Stronger Discipline
Limited hours mean less room for procrastination. Many working students say they became more structured and goal-oriented because they had to make every hour count.
4. Career Confidence
Real-world client interactions, deadlines, and office culture give you professional maturity that books alone can’t. This becomes a huge asset after qualification.
❌ Cons of Working While Preparing for CA
Now let’s talk about the not-so-sweet side of working while preparing.
1. Severe Time Crunch
With 7–8 hours at work, plus commuting, household responsibilities, and classes, you’re left with very limited study hours.
2. Mental & Physical Fatigue
After office, sitting for another 4–5 hours of hardcore study feels draining. According to a Times of India survey, 47% of CA students cite fatigue as their number one reason for losing study consistency.
3. Fewer Revision Cycles
To crack CA, multiple revisions are non-negotiable. But with restricted time, many working students manage only 1–2 rounds of revision, lowering their confidence in exams.
4. Exam Leave Stress
ICAI mandates articleship and allows about 3–4 months of exam leave before CA Final. For many, this feels insufficient to cover the vast syllabus in detail.
Who Should Consider Working + Studying Together?
CA Foundation Students: Ideally, focus only on studies. The syllabus is new, and you’re still building basics.
CA Intermediate Students: Articleship is compulsory here, so balancing becomes inevitable. You’ll need strict time management.
CA Final Students: If you’re already in articleship, exam leave is crucial. Avoid extra part-time jobs that eat into your preparation time.
Practical Tips to Balance Work and CA Studies
Here are some strategies that have worked for many successful students of Wisdom Academy:
Time Blocking Works Wonders
Morning: 2 hours fresh study before work (best for theory subjects).
Evening: 2–3 hours of MCQs/revision after office.
Weekends: 8–10 hours of focused practice.
Prioritise ICAI Material
Stick to ICAI modules, RTPs (Revision Test Papers), MTPs, and past papers. Extra books often eat up precious time.
Turn Commute into Study Time
Listen to audio notes, revision podcasts, or record your own summaries to revise while travelling.
Health = Productivity
Never compromise on sleep. A well-rested mind retains better. Even light exercise or meditation can boost focus.
Negotiate Exam Flexibility
Many firms understand the CA journey. Don’t hesitate to ask for lighter workloads or extended exam leave if needed.
The Balanced Reality
So, can you really study for CA and work at the same time?
Yes, but only with the right mindset and planning.
If you’re disciplined, focused, and ready to sacrifice leisure for a few years, it can actually make you stronger and more professional. But if you need longer preparation windows, then working alongside studies might slow you down.
Remember, the CA designation carries the same value—whether you clear in your first attempt in 3 years or after a few extra years.
Final Thoughts
Balancing work and CA studies is tough—but not impossible. It’s a test of time management, consistency, and resilience.
Working can give you money, exposure, and confidence. Studying full-time gives you more revision cycles and less stress. At the end of the day, your choice depends on your personal situation and study style.
So if you’re asking yourself—“Can I work and still prepare for CA effectively?”—the answer is: Yes, you can, but only with smart planning, realistic study hours, and a never-give-up attitude.
FAQs
Q1. How many hours should I study daily for CA while working?
-If you’re working or doing articleship, aim for 2–3 focused hours on weekdays and 8–10 hours on weekends. For CA Final, at least 8–10 hours daily are needed in the last 4–6 months before exams.
Q2. Is it possible to clear CA in the first attempt while doing articleship?
-Yes, many students clear in their first attempt even during articleship. The key is smart planning, multiple revisions, and sticking to ICAI study material instead of juggling too many resources.
Q3. Should I work during CA Foundation?
-It’s better to focus entirely on studies during Foundation since it builds your basics. Working at this stage may divide your attention and affect your performance.
Q4. What are the biggest challenges of working and studying for CA together?
-The main challenges are time crunch, fatigue, and fewer revision cycles. However, with disciplined routines, efficient use of weekends, and early morning study sessions, these can be managed effectively.
