INTERVIEW ON HOW TO PREPARE FOR CS EXAMS- Mr AJAY KUMARAN

 Hearty Congratulations on a positive result in CS Professional. Understand you are just left with one paper to clear. Pl tell your journey so far

 I registered for CS Executive Programme in the year 2014 and completed the Executive Programme only by 2017 and I was able to clear 8 out of 9 papers from Professional Programme from 2018 till 2021. During this period, I completed B.com and LL.B degrees in full time and enrolled as member with Bar Council of India. From June, 2019 till September, 2020, I completed 15 months CS training at Lencorp Legal and I am presently working as an Associate at Fox Mandal & Associates, Corporate Compliance Team.

 Were you doing training and writing CS exams simultaneously? If so how did you manage both?

 Yes. As mentioned above, I was doing training and writing CS exams simultaneously and was able to clear one module i.e., 3^rd module of professional old syllabus. It was simple for me, as I was given sufficient leaves such as 1 month time (including exam days) for preparation, since I already attended classes and wrote an attempt it was easy to clear one module during training as I only did revisions. Moreover, the exposure during my training period helped me a lot to pass exams as I was drafting resolutions practically and during the exam also I knew how to present the paper professionally. Under the new syllabus since module 2 have the core subjects, I would suggest to commence training before appearing for module 2. Trust me it will have an impact on your results.

 You were one of the students who have written both in old syllabus and new syllabus; tell us that experience of shifting from Old to New syllabus- how did you find new syllabus papers after switching over?

 When I cleared 1^st and 3^rd modules of old syllabus and was attending classes for the 2^nd module of old syllabus which consisted of Financial management paper and IT paper, I found it very difficult as I was weak with numbers and technical terms used in IT paper, but still I made one attempt of the 2^nd module and came out unsuccessful.

 It was when I decided to switch over to new syllabus as under new syllabus the papers pending were corporate funding, Ethics and MDCS (open book). One comfort that I had preparing for these papers was having a fresh mind when switching over to new syllabus and I somehow had a vibrant approach to the papers in new syllabus. I should also thank the institute for drafting the study materials under new syllabus very easily understandable way and completely reliable for facing exams. The time has come now for students where they can completely rely on the ICSI study materials which was not in the case of old syllabus.

 Please tell how you prepared for CS exams; which books to follow and any online classes that will be helpful

 I have only appeared and cleared Corporate funding and MDCS papers under new syllabus, for Corporate Funding paper, the trick is to cover the part-B (listing) first as it is only 4 chapters but worth 40 marks, for this one should be thorough with the latest SEBI listing regulations. I would suggest to get this from the SEBI website itself as that would be reliable. In part A, for the last 2 sessions they have tested on the sums relating to working capital for at least 10 marks in last 2 sessions, and this you can easily score all 10 marks by reading just 2 papers of the study material.

 Coming to MDCS, the key aspect is to follow a uniform structure throughout all case study questions such as, facts, issues, relevant provision and decision. The questions from 2 to 6 are generally from the ICSI study material and you can easily take reference and write the answers. The 1^st question would be challenging for which there might not be direct reference from the ICSI study material so interpreting and writing your own answers is required. The preparation time may be allotted very less for this paper, like a glance of the cases on a daily basis would be sufficient and on the exam day I would suggest to take with you the ICSI study material along with all bare acts that are covered in the case studies. Even a small act like equal remuneration act which is mentioned in only one or two case study will also be helpful in the exam. 

 I have never tried online classes in my CS career, so couldn’t comment on that.

 What are your future career plans?

 Hopefully after clearing the ethics paper and obtaining membership number, I would continue working with my current law firm, Fox Mandal & Associates as am looking this relationship as a long term to build my career in one of the prestigious law firms in India.

Never, Never, Never give up- Interview with 2 students who took 10 yrs to complete CS

VIEWS OF MS THIVYA

Hearty Congratulations on clearing CS Professional successfully. Your story must be inspirational for many; since you took break because of family reasons for a very long time and again continued the course. Pl share your journey in passing the exams.

Thank you!!!! About my journey , I started CS while doing B.COM cleared foundation, 1 module executive along with my B.COM in first attempt in year 2010. In 2010 I joined MBA in regular along with my MBA I completed another module in executive programme in first attempt itself. To be noted I am not from wealthy family I lost my dad in my 6th std during all this period I used to take classes for school and college students to support financially myself. But I had only one determination somehow I have to become a professional and make my mother proud and stand independent.

Immediately after MBA I got married and due to some personal reasons I was not able to continue. But I believe in positive thoughts I always say myself that “ you will complete your CS soon”. As I felt I should not go away from the field I used to do self study and keep myself updated on the acts. Then at one point of time I strive hard and got acceptance from family and also again applied for CS Professional 1st and 4th Module for Dec 2020 exam and cleared it.

Then in June 2021 exam I gave 2nd and 3rd Module where I cleared 2nd Module not able to clear 3rd Module that was the first time I kept attempt which I felt bad and depressed then I encouraged myself you manage a family and 1.5 years kid along with that you prepared for the exam it’s nothing wrong if you give second attempt so again I gave in Dec 2021 exam. Finally cleared and became CS.

So the lesson which I learnt from my life cycle there may be many ups and down many time we will get a thought for what purpose we live but we should have a passion and determination in life which help to get successful in life and achieve heights in life

So, please don’t leave CS for any reason. How many times you fail is not important the day you pass in your life and exam will be unforgettable day for all. Please word hard and expect that day soon. All the best for all.

Please tell how you prepared for CS exams ; which books to follow and any online classes that will be helpful

I always prefer our own study material ( ICSI study material). I read the entire book line by Line, take notes for each and every lesson. During exam I will study only my notes so I will keep in my mind while taking notes that it should be short and also cover all the points. I never went for classes, do self study only and rarely if I had doubt will ask my friends and known lecturers from the college I studied.

For practical paper I solve minimum 5 years previous year question paper.

What is your future career plans?

As I have a 3 year kid I am planning to take few assignments and start the practice.

Then if that goes well I will continue with the same or else I will go for employment as whole time CS as now itself after clearing exams I get multiple good opportunities in employment.

Meanwhile I love to learn so will apply for LLB and complete it. So from my point learning will never stop.


VIEWS OF MR DHINAKARAN

Hello Dhinakaran, Congratulations on CS passing CS course recently. How long it took for you to clear the entire course?

Thank you very much for your wishes Sir, your guidance through the WhatsApp group was very helpful. It took elven years for me complete the entire course. FM paper alone took four years.


Were you doing training and writing CS exams simultaneously? If so how did you manage both?

Yes Sir, I completed my training along with CS exams. My senior was kind enough to grant leave for studying, which was very helpful. Apart from that daily I studied for four hours study during the training period.

Please tell how you prepared for CS exams ; which books to follow and any online classes that will be helpful

I followed Bhupesh Anand Sir’s classes for FM, rest other subjects I did self-study. This time I completed the syllabus one month before the exam. Apart from revision, I attended almost all the previous year question papers by following strict three-hour time pattern which was very helpful. For Corporate Funding and MCS papers inspire academy classes taken by Shubham Shuklecha are very good.

What is your future career plans?

I have my own office doing Tax Consulting, so after I receive my membership I would be applying for COP and do the practice. Thanks for allowing to share my views.

Related posts:

Professional New Syllabus- Module 1- How to prepare & Present: Suggestions from passed out students

Module 2 - New syllabus: How to prepare and Present- Tips from students

New syllabus- Module 3: How to prepare : Tips

Interview with Jinal Jain, All India 11th rank holder

INTERVIEW WITH SUBHASHREE, RECENTLY PASSED OUT CS STUDENT

Congratulations on clearing CS Professional successfully. How long it took for you to clear the entire course?

Thank you very much for your bestwishes and support. It took 3.5 - 4 years to clear the entire course.


Where did you do your training? How did you manage work and studies?

I did my training in a private company.

It will be tough to manage work and studies, for that need to keep yourself motivated throughout the hard days. Fix 3-4 hours in a day for studies consistently, I suggest morning hours will be good to study, in the morning your mind will be fresh and you don’t have an office and other work-related tensions and you will not get disturbed by the social media and others.

First Module of CS Professional -please tell us subject wise how to prepare and present.

a) GRMCE-Part I – Governance (50 marks)


Part II - Risk Management (20 marks)

Part III - Compliances (20 marks)

Part IV - Ethics & Sustainability (10 marks)

Complete all chapters in Part II,III & IV don’t skip any chapters on these, comparing part I these parts contain fewer chapters with more weightage.

Part I revise multiple times to remember the key point. While preparing make a short note of the crux. One day before the exam, revise all the crux.

GRMCE is a very easy paper to score more, it will helps to clear the whole group and help for setoff also.

During the exams, first attempt the Part II questions and then go for part III, IV and I.

Attend the whole paper don’t leave any questions.

b) Advanced Tax Laws- Part I– Indirect Taxes (70 Marks)

• Goods and Services Tax (60 Marks) • Customs Law (10 Marks)

Part II – Direct Tax & International Taxation (30 Marks) On taxation, 100 marks are a mix of theory and sums.

So while preparing go more for concepts and then work on sums. Revise all the chapters 3-4 times before exams.

Part 1 is more scoring compared to Part 2, hence first try to complete the GST & customs within the first two hours.

Go through institute guideline answers on previous question papers.

c) DRAFTING, PLEADINGS AND APPEARANCES-

It is another interesting and scoring subject in Module 1.

Practice at least one draft daily. Do self-evaluation on the prepared drafts. Note down the keywords of the content of the draft for quick revisions.

Refer institute guideline answers on previous question papers.

On drafting, format is more important, so be thorough with the format.

Don’t skip any pleadings related chapters and drafts.

In this paper both theory and drafts are important.

Second module- This module you had cleared recently; how did you prepare

a) SECRETARIAL AUDIT COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT AND DUE DILIGENCE Part I – Compliance Management (40 Marks)

Part II - c Audit and Due Diligence (60 Marks) It is a more interesting paper in this module.

Part I is easy and scoring, some places topics are repeated. Contains 7 chapters, chapter 1-5 is contains more weightage.

Part II contains Audit and Due diligence, its vast but easy to remember. Alteast 2-3 revisions are required. In due diligence chapters, some topics will be repeated in RCD papers too. More attention is required on the repeated topics.

Sometimes, other modules’ related questions can be asked.

In this paper you will get more things to learn, and it will be helpful for in future while going for Articles, jobs or practice. This Paper is a little bit vast but it’s more scoring comparing to other papers in this module.

b) Corporate Restructuring Insolvency, Liquidation & Winding-up Part I- 50 Marks

Part II- 50 Marks

Part II contains Insolvency, SARFAESI, and other acts

Part II is much scoring compared to Part I. For insolvency act need to have mind mapping for all the sections and concepts, it is helpful to remember the concepts.

Don’t skip the SARFAESI and other acts.

Part-I-

Takeovers and mergers chapters learn these concepts thoroughly and Sometimes small chapters can be asked for more weightage it’s required to cover maximum important chapters.

Paper is lengthy hence need to maintain the writing speed from starting.

C) RCD- Total 9 chapters

All chapters contain equal weightage. This is the toughest paper in this module 2, it contains the multiple acts, case studies, fines, and punishments, court hierarchy etc., Instead of remembering all fine amounts, better to concentrate more on concepts, hierarchies, and provisions. Need to remember the case studies name for important topics. Multiple revisions and attending mock test will help to crack this paper.

Third module – Please share your inputs paper wise. Open book exam how to approach?

a) Corporate Funding and listing- Part I-Funding – 60 Marks Part II- Listing- 40 Marks

Part I contains ICDR and other regulations, numerical problems. Make flow charts for every concepts, it will be helpful for remembrance.

Part II contains the LODR regulations.

Part II contains 6 chapters for 40 marks, all chapters are important and easy to score.

During the exam complete Part II first and go for Part I. Paper will be lengthy maintain the same writing speed from starting.

b) MCDS- Open book- contains case studies and case laws.

No need to remember the case law’s name. Prepare a crux for all case law within two lines. Read all cases at least twice, it will save the search time.

Case studies were asked for 40 marks, sometimes case studies were asked from out of the case studies given in study material.

It’s better to write the Case laws in the format- 1. Brief facts 2. Decision 3. Analysis and Conclusion

c) I opted for Insolvency law and Practice- Open book General on for all open books papers,

1. Read the ICSI module twice before exams, highlight all the important points and prepare a two-line crux on the top of the pages.

2. Requires the detailed index with page numbers, it will help to save the time which was spent on searching

3. Paper will be lengthy, need to maintain the writing speed from starting.

In general to all papers, read all the amendments and additions notified by ICSI. Revision is the key to success. Start writing the answers with an introduction and complete with proper conclusions.

What is your future career plans?


Planning to work in listed company.


Interview by: CS Mohan Kumar, Past Chairman ICSI SIRC

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Professional New Syllabus- Module 1- How to prepare & Present: Suggestions from passed out students

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New syllabus- Module 3: How to prepare : Tips

INTERVIEW WITH JINAL JAIN, ALL INDIA RANK HOLDER

Congratulations Jinal on getting All India 11th Rank in CS Professional. Whether you worked for getting a rank or it just happened?

Jinal: I have prepared myself to give best in all my exams . My aim was to give my best and prepare the best. Getting All india rank just happened by efforts which I had put on my each subjects which resulted in getting All india rank.

Did you write your Executive exams also together? How was your journey in CS Executive exam?

Jinal: Yes, I wrote my executive exams also together both groups . It was a great journey with same efforts and with same aim of giving my best which resulted in getting All India 12th Rank at Cs executive level.

Oh; thats really great to know that you got all India rank in both Executive and Professional

How did you prepare yourself for CS Professional exams- How many hours you studied and how many times you revised?

Jinal: I prepared by doing smart work of learning consistently everyday rather than learning at the last moment. I prepared by setting everyday targets for each subject and would try best to complete my day to day targets. There was no specific hours but its just meeting day to day targets of learning and 3 to 4 revisions is a must for cs professional exams.

CS Professional – First Module – please tell us subject wise how to prepare and present.

Grmce : Requires lots of things to memorize and since its little dry subject make sure that a thorough revision is done for this subject to recall what you have learnt.

Advance tax : It requires lot of practice and thorough understanding of tax laws. Also go through basics which was learnt in cs executive.

Drafting : Do more practice of drafts and a good writing practice . Be thorough with secretarial standards and those drafts.

Second module- Kindly share your thoughts on how to prepare each paper. This group has been pretty challenging for many students. 

Sacmdd : It requires a good revision and atleast be fully with either one part of this subject . Do not leave anything.

CRI : It is challenging during exams to write correct answers for each question. Thorough Understanding and revisions would help in this subject. Be thorough with takeovers and its sums also.

Rcd : Only complete understanding of provisions,laws,codes and concepts. This would help you write every answer of your question.

Third module – Please share your inputs paper wise. Open book exam how to approach?

Funding and listing: It is a scoring subject just focus on learning every part of it and understand concepts by implying it on daily life. Listing has to be very very clear and be sure with all regulations.

Mcs : It is very easy if you understand all case laws. Attend case laws first during exams then attend case studies. Make notes of each case law in 2 lines with page numbers which would help you locate soon during exams.

Optional subject : Any subject you take be sure to read the entire module atleast twice before exams and prepare a good index to locate all the answers fast. Write fast to ensure that you complete the entire paper.

Have you started doing your training? What are your career plans?

Jinal:  No , not yet . Since I am still pursuing my under graduation I have not started my training . I am searching for a good firm or a listed company and will join for training soon.

Interview by: CS Mohankumar, Practicing CS & Past Chairman ICSI SIRC

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KNOW YOUR MEMBER – CS ABHINAYA

  1.       Please tell us about your student days – in CS

 

I decided to take CS after completing B.Com. It was a challenging decision for me as I was playing professional cricket at that time and CS demanded diligent work, it was like trying to ride two horses at a time. I joined Blue Dot Academy, T.Nagar for my CS inter preparation. I was one of the first batch of students of Mr.Srikanth’s CS inter classes there. He was an excellent guru and motivated us throughout. I later joined CS final classes with Late Mr. Desigan Balaji at Bharatwaj Institute, Nungambakkam. Dedicating time for studies was hard as I was juggling with both cricket and CS. One was physically exhausting and other was mentally demanding. Luckily I had very supportive teachers and my parents always stood with me. I played professional cricket for 6 years. It helped that I had practiced a mental partition of sorts which allowed to switch over from the cricket ground to classroom, switch off one while concentrating on the other. It was tiring but still enjoyable. Without the encouragement and support of my gurus I wouldn’t have completed my CS successfully.  

 

2.       We understand you are a sports person. Tell us about your journey in sports

 

The interest in sports started much earlier during my childhood. Participating in sports and game gave me opportunity to skip classes in school and so it started. I would participate in all games and sports which our school offered. My professional journey in sports started when I was at 18 years of age.  I started playing professional cricket from my 11^th std. I studied in Shri Ahobilam Math Oriental School, West Mambalam where they had a women’s cricket team. I was selected to captain my school team by Mr. Muralikrishnan our Physical training instructor and he was one who spotted my talent and wanted me to captain the team. I am indebted to him for his help. We participated in a inter-school cricket tournament with 7 other schools. Our school did not win the tournament but I was appreciated by cricket coaches from other schools.  This cricket tournament was organized Mr. Prakash Bangara and Mr. Iqbal ex-cricketers. They noticed my talent and wanted me to join their Cricket club for further coaching. First I did not believe myself to become a cricket player but it was my father and my uncle who supported and pushed me to take up the coaching classes. I was hesitant as I was thinking how to manage my studies if I started taking the classes, especially with the 12^th Std. Board exams coming up. With the support of my parents, I attended cricket coaching classes.

 

After a month, I went to the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) selection process for the Under 19 State Team. To my surprise I was selected in the State Team as a bowler. I started my cricket career as a medium pace bowler. After the selection, the coaching for the state team started which lasted for 15 days. After 15 days of practice, we headed to Anantapur for my debut in professional cricket at Ranji Tournament kick starting my cricket career.

 

I also represented my college cricket team – “Ethiraj College for women” and was well supported by Mr. Ramesh, the Cricket team coach.

 

I represented the Tamil Nadu in both Junior and Senior level for 6 years. I have travelled many places across India and had an excellent experience and a great learning from the game which I apply in my CS career and in my life till today.

 

3.       Are you in anyway connected to Cricket now? Are you just following it in TV?

 

I just follow the game in TV. But, in future I have plans to become a BCCI and ICC approved coach.

 

4.       Are you following the fitness mindset and procedure you learnt .

I am following the fitness mindset and procedure till today. I always want to be fit. There have been times where I was not able to follow my complete fitness regime but I definitely hope to do better.

 

5.       Please tell us about your CS – corporate experience

 

I completed my CS training in Cooper Bussmann India Private Limited, Pondicherry. I worked in CS firm for 2 years. I was also into practice but due to COVID, I was forced to leave practice and join a company as CS. Currently, I am working as a Company Secretary in Andhra Pradesh Power Finance Corporation Limited (APPFCL), Vijayawada. APPFCL is a Government Non-Banking Finance Company registered with the Reserve Bank of India with a paid up capital of Rs. 348 Crores. This is my first independent stint as CS and has given me an exposure to the workings of top echelons in Government sector.

 

6.       What is your future plans

 

My future plan is very simple to chase my dreams. One of them is to become a Cricket coach. On the professional front I wish to move up the corporate ladder, handling much more complex and critical responsibilities.

 

7.       What is your views on CS Course and the way forward.

 

Among the professional course I think CS is unique as it involves elements of secretary ship, acts as a statutory wind chute and exposure to navigating the corporate world.  I have read that in World War II bombers the navigators were more important than pilots themselves as where we are determines how we are, we are those navigators of the corporate world I think. With digitalization and social media world of companies are open to more micro scrutiny and CS as a professional will become indispensable in this environment.

 

 

Know Your member- KS Venkatakrishnan Practising Company Secretary and Faculty in SIRC-ICSI

 Please tell us when did you study ACS?  How were you attracted to this course? What are the other courses that you have studied?

I joined the ACS course during 1998 after completing CWA and got attracted to this course to acquire legal knowledge.

I completed by graduation in B.Sc. (Maths) from Vaishnava College, Chennai during 1982 and my dream was to do Chartered Accountancy – CA course, but before completing my degree, I  was selected for Bank job through BSRB recruitment and joined Indian Bank during November 1982.

However my urge for studies never stopped and I completed M.Sc. (Maths) from Annamalai University, Chidambaram under distance education programme and then joined ICWAI (Costing) course and completed the same. In the meanwhile, I did PGDPM (MBA) from NIPM Calcutta and subsequently completed the CS course. ALL the above courses I completed while I was in employment in Indian Bank.

 

2. Were you in employment for some time? If so, where you have you worked so far?

 

Yes, I got employed with Indian Bank in 1982 after completing my graduation and worked till 2001 (resigned as officer).

 

3. When did you start practice?

 

On 30^th June 2003 and I have completed 16 years of practice mainly in company law.

 

4. What are the subjects that you teach? What are the institutions that you are taking classes?

 

At present I am taking classes at SIRC-ICSI -foundation level- teaching Financial Accounting and Statistics subjects.

 

5. A Company Secretary taking Maths and Statistics classes; looks very different and interesting; what are your practice areas?

 

Basically my dream was to be a Chartered Accountant but could not do as I got employed in Indian Bank even before I could complete my final year of graduation (B.Sc. Mathematics from Vaishnava College, Arumbakkam). However my urge for studies never stopped and I completed other courses as mentioned above. Apart from the above, I had interest in teaching Mathematics subject to school and college students during my evening hours, while I was in employment.

 

During 2001, Voluntary Retirement Scheme was introduced in the Bank and I applied for the same with intention to could continue my teaching as full time, but the same was rejected by the Bank and during 2002, I resigned from the Bank and started my own coaching centre for teaching Accountancy and Mathematics. At that time, I learnt that there was more scope for secretarial practice and started the CS practice from June 2003. Though I struggled during initial years, after the introduction of online filing from 2006 by MCA, the practice has slowly improved. But I am yet to appear before the NCLT or NCLAT and waiting for good time and opportunity for that.

 

6. How are you able to manage both practice and teaching?

 

Mostly I have my classes between 4 PM to 9 PM on all days of week and morning hours I allocate for secretarial work and visiting client offices. This way I was able balance both. But when it comes to client or class – my first preference would be for students.

 7. Do you have any other passion/ pastime?

 I had an opportunity to work for a social organisation named RAMANA SUNRITYA AALAYA (TRUST) which is engaged in teaching Special children using dance and music as therapy. I am one of the trustees since 1989.

Also engaged in teaching economically weaker/poor children conducted by SYMA (a social service oriented organisation which is organising free coaching for 10^th and 12^th TN State Board Students in Triplicane)

I am also engaged in religious activities (chanting Vedas and prabhandams) in Sri Parthsarathy Swamy Temple, Triplicane Chennai and frequently visit other temples during temple festivals

 

8. Please tell us about your family.

I come from a family of teachers.

My maternal grandfather was retired Tamil Professor from Vivekananda College, Chennai      (Late Prof. C Jagannathachariar) and a well-known Tamil scholar.

My Paternal grandfather was retired Mathematics Professor (Late Prof. KS Srinivasachariar)

My father retired from LIC (Late Mr K S Singarachari) an authority in actuarial valuation.

My Mother (Smt Aravinda) has completed her PhD in Music at the age of 70 years (from Madras University) during 2012 and is teaching Veena for the past 50 years and also interested in Scholarly works of Alwars and Acharyas.

My wife (Mrs Karpagam) is employed as a teacher in private school in Chennai and without her support I would not have started my CS practice after resigning from Bank.

My son has completed MS programme from NTU Singapore and is at present employed in a private company in Belgium, Europe.

 

My brother is an ACA and ACS (dual professional) and now a practicing Chartered Accountant.

My sister is married and settled in Mumbai.

 

9. You have been teaching for a very long time. Has the students’ approach/ attitude changed over the years?

 

Yes, there is lot of changes in students’ approach and attitude particularly after the innovation of Mobile Smart Phones. The use of mobile is both advantage and disadvantage. However, concentration and studying regularly will pay better results and this is true after analysing the recent trends of students from rural areas of North India like Rajasthan and UP securing All India Ranks in all the three professional courses.

 

10. What are the challenges that you face as a Practising Company Secretary?

 

Lots of changes in the Companies Act and Rules and frequent amendments on daily basis is a challenge  and unless we are up to date on a daily basis, we may find it difficult to compete with our peers in practice.

Besides there are also changes in other related Acts like Labour laws and Direct Tax and Indirect Tax which we have to update on a regular basis.

 

11. Do you find that the course is becoming tough as the days go by or you think the level of expertise expected is the need of the hour?

The CS course has been modified to suit the present day requirement and it is of course becoming tough.  However if the students understand the concepts thoroughly and prepare well for exam with plan and strategy then it will be easy for them to clear the exams. 

 

12. What are the general points that you would like to tell for students who study this challenging course?  

 

Students must understand the basic concepts and Acts and Rules.

Study all the topics given in the subject and wherever required study and understand the applicable case laws (published in the Chartered Secretary) and try to apply the same while answering relevant questions.

Students must update themselves with recent amendments /changes in Rules.

My advice to students would be first study our Institute Study material which has wide coverage of the course content and then go through other reference books.

Prof New Syllabus Module 3: How to prepare/ present: Suggestions by successful students

Suggestions by recently passed out students on how to prepare Module 3 of CS professional New syllabus..

Simran Ajmeer

I will share a few points of how I prepared for group 3. 

First of all we have to cover the module and then go for reference books. I did self study and youtube classes played an important role. I focused more on corporate funding since the open book papers are unpredictable. 

Corporate funding: 

Most of the chapters are familiar to us as we have been learning these regulations for quite a while. Once you go through the book you will get to know the important chapters and the past year question papers will help you with that. Commercial paper and bank guarantee is as important as ICDR and LODR. There will be one documentation question for sure. There are no numerical questions in our module but numerical questions are often asked. You can surf youtube for that. They have posted videos of all possible numericals that can be asked from this book. 

MDCS: 

I made an index type thing which has the page number from module and the outcome of the case in one sentence. So it was easy for me to find out. Last attempt ICSI released new cases and they removed almost all cases from the module. But unfortunately for the exam most questions were out of syllabus and were from the removed syllabus. So it is very unpredictable and i will advise to be prepared with all the study materials. 

Elective (IPR)

As far as I know most of the questions were direct. 

The first question was for 40 marks (10 each) and was not related to the module. We just have to read the paragraph they gave and to answer accordingly. I think that is a great opportunity for us to score as it depends on our writing skills. The other questions were mostly direct and note that all questions were different case laws. 

It is always adviced to go through past year question papers to get a clear idea and concentrating on a subject more in a group can save you from not making it because of aggregate marks.

SREELAKSHMI

Corporate funding: 

It is best to have good clarity on the topics primarily SEBI(ICDR)Reg. and SEBI(LODR)Reg. Also practice the past year practical questions because they come for around 10 marks.

MDCS: 

The case laws were direct and you can answer them if you are familiar with the text. But in the last two attempts they asked  questions outside the module that too, for high marks. In my attempt

(Dec 2020) they asked for 40 marks from Competition Act and none of us had even brought any book about Competition Act. So I think it will be a good idea to bring some additional books like bare act of Companies Act,2013 and modules of Executive.

ELECTIVE: 

My elective was insolvency and I personally felt that it was very scoring. Try to get clarity about the concepts and not waste time on topics like Powers and functions of IBBI. If such questions come in the exam, you can just take the answers directly from the books you have brought.

AKSHAYA

Corporate funding 

I would suggest start revising debt fund based/ non- fund based first, then equity non fund, all other chapters of part A, LODR, then ICDR completely at last.

While preparing read completely and learn the provisions of ICDR and LODR.

MDCS: 

Read the module, make summary as one want to present on the paper, make an index of all the cases chapter wise with its heading.

Carry module, summary, index, deleted cases, articles on some general topics (RPTs, Independent Director, Corporate Governance, etc) one may get it through ICSI news letters, SACMDD module, Governance module to ur exam.

ELECTIVE: 

My elective was banking and I chose this subject so that I have a subject with some practical questions, to make it easier to study simultaneously with a theory subject. 

Any subject can be taken. No subject is easy or difficult.

Ayesha

I have cleared module 3 in June 2021 attempt. As everyone would always give sufficient time to prepare to attend their exams. But all I had is solidly 20 to 22 days to prepare all these 3 papers due to personal reasons. So I started with CFL first.

I was completely blank about the paper as I did'nt start my training yet, I hve not taken any classes and I don't know hindi so youtube videos too didn't help me out. So I was only doing self study , it took me all these days to prepare only for CFL and my first exam was quite good.

But the remaining two papers, trust me, I touched my book only the days before my exam as we had 3 days gap to prepare.

I don't mean that the day before the exams are enough to prepare mdcs and elective paper.

I just mentioned it here just to motivate the people who thinks that few days of time will not be sufficient to prepare a module and procastinates the attempt.

CFL

As everyone say ICSI material is important, yes it is but i found it bit difficult to learn from institute material so I didn't use it much.

I used yes academy chirag chotrani sir's book   for funding and shubhamm sukhlecha sir's free notes for listing.

Started with Part B first only 4 chapters for 40 marks.

Concentrate more on Lodr Part.

Always have your own handwritten notes for  chapters which you find difficult. Even it takes time to write it is worth every minute spent on it .Prepare notes in your own understandable language but do not change the meaning of the provision.

Even if u write the exact words from book have it in your own handwriting and  language so that it will be easy for you to learn and revise.

And then coming to part A

I Concentrated more on chapter 4,5,6,7,8,10,11,12 and finally 1 and 9(from revision notes) and chapter  2 and 3 just have gone through the gist of it.

This helped me to clear the subject.

MDCS

Used shubhamm sir's ((inspire academy) book. His Saarthi (index book) And yoddha ( Content book) helped a lot. ICSI MATERIAL (refer the case study that is given at last and inbetween because questions were asked from that)

And for reference have taken company law book, securities law book ( executive),  IBC book ( CRILWU),  Ebcl book ( executive) for competition act and economic law), JIGL book ( executive) for interpretation of law.

You have to carry some weight but it is only for refernce purpose as we don't know from which part we will be getting the first 40 marks.

Elective paper IBC.

Used Shubhamm Sukhlecha sir's book alone+ ICSI mat

For index part also same Shubhamm sir book.

Have prepared a separate index for case laws alone.

Time was not even sufficient as it took time to search each and every answer and write so manage your time accordingly.

Sakthivel

For CFLS I would suggest to complete study of all the chapters,don't leave any chapters coz no one knw which chapter they will ask more questions . It will be difficult to remember all the regulations under LODR Chapter but no other go we have to find a way to remember. Probably LODR Chapter will be little difficult and have to concentrate more on that.

I have choosen IBC as my elective subject the reason behind that is in paper 5 we have to study IBC so it will be easy if u choose IBC as your elective.

Buy IBC commercial  bare act with regulations ,it will help you a lot in the exam hall.

Just have a reading through all the case laws in the CS study material as they are asking more questions from those case laws only.

Regarding the 40 mark question in MCS, Refer previous year question papers and get an idea how  they are asking the questions.

Prepare ur own index in a way so that u could able to find the cases from the MCS book quickly.

Time management is the key in respect open book exams.  You have to find the cases from the book and have to write quickly

Kousalya

Module 3 is the scoring of all the three module ..ofcourse we have two open books..but that doesn't mean that we can prepare only funding paper...u should equally spend time for the open books as well. Only then exams would be easy..

Funding: The most dryest part. Try to learn all the chapters...its totally normal that many topics would be new in this paper. I totally recommend to study this part only in good mood...or else, u will not even like this paper....leave two or such topics which are really hard. But dont do that too much..make short notes wherever u could. Prepare consistently ...qns would be easy and u will really do well..

Books: Ankush Bansal, Yes academy

MCS: Read every case law from top to bottom, be clear with what the case is. Most of the cases would be under same issue. But there will be some uniqueness as to each case..catch them perfectly and note it down..read every caselaw and underline or highlight the key words..every case should be remembered in such a way that ...during last day before exam..if u look into the keyword, u should able to recollect the whole case..

Make index of ur own ...this is very important...only if we prepare our own notes, we can know how much we are into this subject...index only will help u in exams...prepare index in such a way that ur index should contain the name of the case, case number, key points and the page number of the books in which u r refering to...During exams, u can connect he qn asked only with the help of index. Go through the previous qn papers with the index which u have prepared, this will help to understand how much u can connect with..

In exam, please dont attempt for the first 40marks in the beginning...those 40marks arent in ur control...but u should have atleast 40mins alloted in ur exam for that 1st qn.balance accordingly...since its open book dont try to right the entire thing from top to bottom, time wont help u in that case.

Books to carry: ur own index, yes academy book. subham sulekha book, icsi material and ur executive company law book

Elective: mine was insolvency ...even for this paper, read the whole book and underline, highlight wherever necessary...ur icsi material is very much sufficient for this paper....same like mcs, go through past exam qn papers and try to figure out the ans with ur icsi index.

I did not prepare index separately for this paper...just icsi book was sufficient...attempt the 1st qn in the last...allot 40mins for that. ..

Books to carry: ICSi material, ur MCS index and ur MCS reference book(say subham sir book or yes academy book).

Revision tip

Everytime I finish learning a chapter, I will have a voice note of the chapter in my own language like every part of the chapter i ll make a voice note.

And the small chapters will be around 20 to 30 Minutes of voice note and big chapters will be around 45 minutes to 1 hour.

So as everyone would have faced it once you complete learning and open your book for revising you would find it as a new chapter as if you have not learnt it before.

So this voice note will help u definitely to recall it.

And the total hours of voice note per paper will be around 8 to 9 hours.

I will keep it at 1.5x speed before the day of exam so that you can revise quick and recall every part.

Anjana

For open book examination please be ready with index. And for listing be strong in part-B and Icdr.. Go through all the previous year questions for the remaining chapters.

Surabhi Ranka

For module 3, all the 3 papers are interesting. Firstly, funding and listing is in 2 parts.. 60 and 40.. I would suggest to first complete the part 2 completely.. try not to omit any chapter or topic.. make sure that u r confident for all the 40.. then start with part 1... Do not forget to go through the amendments and the previous years question papers.. right from start have track on the time and set the time limit within which u shd be able to complete the questions to help in attending all the questions.. 

For MCS, make sure that all the cases are atleast twice read... At first reading, understanding the case.. upon second reading prepare your own index which should help you in searching the particular case law in the exam... Time management is most important here .. how I had planned was- prepared my own index.. upon receiving the question paper, about 30 min I took in marking the case law to which the question relates to.. do not forget the intro and conclusion part.. open book is not just copy paste of material... It requires application of your understanding.. 

My elective subject was banking.. one cannot be sure wat will be asked and from where... So do not read it as jus an open book... Study it as any paper ... That will help you understand the question being asked and help in quickly referring to the respective chapter from where you can complete the answer... It is surely a scoring paper ... But pl.. do not take it lightly as being a open book .

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