CS Professional New syllabus - Paperwise tips- Interview with Dhanush

Interview with Dhanush

1.       Hearty congratulations on completing the CS Course; you were someone who wrote & passed papers both in Old and New syllabus- can you share about that decision. Your general thoughts on both the syllabuses- whether it was a right decision to switch over?

Thank You Sir.

I had to balance both my internship and studies, which was quite challenging. However, I was determined to push through.

I failed my first two attempts, so in my third attempt, I focused on clearing one module at a time. This approach worked, and after passing my first module, my confidence improved. That’s when I decided to switch to the new syllabus, as it removed two of the toughest subjects. I also anticipated that the pass percentage might be higher with the new syllabus, and I believe I made the right decision.

Thoughts on Both Syllabuses

 Old Syllabus (3 Modules, 9 Papers)

 Module 1: Advanced Tax and Drafting were tough and felt like a burden.

 Module 2: No matter how well one prepared, aggregate marks could still cause failure. This was my personal experience, though it might have worked for others.

 Module 3: MDCS (Multi-Disciplinary Case Studies) was extremely difficult. Many questions were out of syllabus, and in one exam, I scored just 18 marks, despite earning exemptions in the other two papers of the module.

 For me, switching to the new syllabus was the best choice, as it helped me clear my papers. However, the decision depends on each individual.

 New Syllabus (2 Modules, 7 Papers)

 With fewer papers (7 instead of 9) and only 2 modules, the workload naturally feels lighter.

Most of the stressful subjects from the old syllabus were removed, making the exam more manageable.

 Based on my experience, I would say the new syllabus is a better option for those considering a switch.

 2.       Can you tell paper wise how to prepare- first on Group 1 of new Syllabus

 PAPER 1- ESG:

 The ESG paper consists of three sections:

 Part A – 65 Marks

Part B – 20 Marks

Part C – 15 Marks

 To make the best use of your preparation time, start with Parts B and C first. This will give you a sense of progress, as you’ll have covered 35 marks before moving to Part A.

                Part C (15 Marks) – Cover First

·         It consists of two lessons – cover both completely since the syllabus is limited.

 Part B (20 Marks) – Cover Next

·         Try to cover all the key concepts in this section.

·         The last 10 pages of the lesson hold the least importance – you can either skip them or study them later.

 Part A (65 Marks) – Cover in a Balanced Way

 

·         Lesson 4 & 5: These contain practical questions. Start with these to be on the safer side.

·         Lessons 1-3: These are highly theoretical. Go slowly, one lesson at a time.

(Corporate Governance Practices in Other Countries: These are rarely asked, so either skip them or study them at the end)

·         Lessons 7-10: These are mid-sized lessons – pace yourself while covering them.

·         Lessons 11-17: These are short lessons – they are easier to cover quickly.

 Best Strategy for Part A

 Mix small lessons with mid/large lessons to maintain balance.

This approach will help you cover the syllabus efficiently without feeling overwhelmed.

 PAPER 2- DRAFTING & PLEADING

 Drafting is divided into two parts:

 Part A: 70 Marks

Part B: 30 Marks

 ·         In drafting, theoretical questions account for approximately 70 marks, while drafting-based questions cover around 30 marks.

·         Theoretical questions appear in both Part A & Part B.

·         Drafting-based questions are mostly from Part A.

Part A (70 Marks)

Lessons 1 - 3: Medium-sized

Lessons 4 - 6: Large-sized

Lessons 7 & 8: Small-sized

 

Study Strategy:

·         Break down difficult lessons into smaller parts.

·         Pair one small or medium-sized lesson with portions of a difficult lesson.

·         Except for Lessons 7 & 8, all other lessons contain drafts, which are extensive. Summarize them in a rough notebook for better retention.

 

Part B (30 Marks)

Lessons 11 & 14: Small-sized

Lessons 9 & 10: Medium-sized

Lessons 12 & 13: Large-sized

 

Study Strategy:

·         Combine a small or medium-sized lesson with portions of a large lesson for efficient learning

  Paper 3- COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT, AUDIT & DD

(Not Applicable to me)

 Paper 4- OPEN BOOK

CSR & Social Governance

Part A (CSR): 50 Marks

Part B (Social Governance): 50 Marks

All lessons are medium-sized.

Common Mistake in Open-Book Exams

·         Many students assume that open-book exams require no prior study. They simply prepare an index and rely on it during the exam. However, this can be misleading.

         ·         While it may seem easy, the real challenge comes during the exam itself. You might feel     confident that you know the concepts and their locations in the book, but when searching for answers under time pressure, it becomes difficult.

 How to Approach Open-Book Exams

· Do not underestimate open-book exams—frequent revision is crucial.


· The more you familiarize yourself with the book and its structure, the easier it will be to locate answers during the exam.

 Specific Strategies for CSR:

·         Lesson Round-Ups: These contain additional concepts not covered within the main lesson—make sure to study them.

·         End-of-Lesson Questions: Practice finding answers to these questions within the book.

 ·         Xerox Copies of Applicable Acts: Identify the key Acts mentioned in lessons and keep xerox copies handy for quick reference.

 ·         Checklist of Materials: Prepare a detailed checklist of all the materials you will take into the exam hall.

 3.       Tips on Group 2 papers…

 

Paper 5- STRATEGIC MANEGEMENT & CORPORATE FINANCE

 

Part A (Strategic Management) – 40 Marks

Part B (Corporate Finance) – 60 Marks

 

Part A (SM - 40 Marks)

Lessons: 3 small-sized, 1 medium-sized & 2 large-sized

 Study Plan:

     ·         Break down large lessons into smaller parts.

·         Study medium and small lessons together to ensure steady progress.

·         All lessons have case laws, but they are lengthy—summarize them to present precise answers.

 Part B (CF - 60 Marks)

 

·         Lessons: 14 lessons in total

·         Except Lessons 8, 12, and 13, all others are small or medium-sized.

·         Study them simultaneously for better coverage.

Important Points:

·         Every lesson has threshold limits—note them carefully to avoid confusion later.

·         Thresholds in REITs & InvITs lessons are similar—study them together and highlight the differences.

 Key Numerical Topics:

 1. Green Shoe Option

2. Letter of Credit

3. Bank Guarantee

4. Factoring

5. Maximum Permissible Bank Finance

 Paper 6- CORPORATE RESTRUCTURING & INSOLVENCY

 Not Applicable

 Paper 7- OPEN BOOK

 Insolvency and Bankruptcy Law & Practice

 If you have chosen this paper as your optional subject, kudos to you! You’ve made a smart decision. This subject is already covered under the Corporate Restructuring, Valuation, and Insolvency paper.

 However, this paper includes two to three additional lessons, so make sure to cover them properly.

 

How to Prepare:

 

·         Prepare an index in a way that suits you best.

·         Go through the book frequently to get used to it.

·         Open-book exams may seem easy because you don’t have to memorize everything, but if you don’t revisit the book regularly, it can become stressful.

 

Exam Focus Areas:

 

·         The paper includes case laws and practical scenarios—expect questions on both.

·         Review similar lessons from the Corporate Restructuring paper—additional case laws from there may be asked.

·         Always cover amendments thoroughly, as they can carry significant marks.

 

Presentation Tips:

 

·         Utilize the first 15 minutes to read the questions. If you can’t, start answering the ones you have found.

·         Highlight important provisions and case references in your answers.

·         If you don’t remember a case name, simply write: “As per the judgment/provisions given in a decided case law."

4.       Hailing from a smaller town like Coimbatore–Did you attend any classes? How was your preparation ?

No, sir. I didn’t attend any formal classes, but I firmly believe that success isn’t determined by location. With a positive mindset, daily commitment, and the right resources, anyone can excel. Nowadays, online classes—both live and recorded—make quality education accessible to everyone, so being from a smaller town is no longer a limitation.

Preparation Strategy:

 

·         I aimed to give my best every day, but since I was balancing my internship and studies, my daily efforts varied. Whether it was 70%, 50%, or even just 10%, I ensured that I showed up consistently.

 

·         Studying two subjects in parallel worked well for me. Switching between subjects helped maintain focus and prolonged study hours without exhaustion.

 

·         I followed a clear study plan—mapping out my daily, weekly, and monthly goals. This ensured I covered concepts effectively, followed by revision and exam readiness.

·         I maintained a study log, noting down the topics covered and whether they were studied or revised. This visual progress tracker kept me motivated.

 

·         I used short stories to simplify complex concepts and sticky notes to reinforce difficult topics. Regular revision reduced last-minute stress.

 

 

Approach During the Exams:

 

·         Even after months of preparation, certain topics may feel unfamiliar during the exam. However, if the preparation has been strong, staying confident is key.

 

·         Reviewing past years' guideline answers helped me understand question patterns and prepare accordingly.

 

·         If one exam didn’t go well, I wouldn’t dwell on it. Instead, I would refocus on the next paper, which was still in my control.

 

Post-Exam Evaluation:

 

·         After exams, I took a short break and then evaluated my answers to estimate my performance.

 

·         If I felt confident about passing, I shifted focus to the next module or skill enhancement. If not, I started preparing again without delay.

 

5.       Are there any paper which has problem oriented in new syllabus and how much they ask problems in papers…

 

·         No Sir. I don’t see any paper in the new syllabus as completely problem-oriented.

·         In fact, problem-based papers have been reduced compared to the old syllabus.

·         Subjects like Advanced Tax Laws, Multi-Disciplinary Case Studies, and Resolution of Corporate Disputes, which previously had problem-solving elements, now focus more on conceptual understanding.

·         Students appearing for exams under the new syllabus should take advantage of this change and focus on building a strong grasp of the concepts.

 

6.       What are the points to score more marks in theory paper?

 

Many students see theory papers as a burden, but they don’t have to be. If you have covered the concepts well, there’s no need to panic—examiners can’t ask anything beyond the syllabus. While application-based and accounting papers may have twisted questions, theory papers are more straightforward.

 

Let’s break down easy steps to study theory papers effectively:

 

1.       Break Down Large Lessons:

 

·         Theory chapters tend to be lengthy. Instead of tackling a 60-page lesson all at once, break it into smaller parts (e.g., 20 pages at a time).

·         Study one section at a time—this makes learning easier and reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed.

 

2.       Focus on Concepts, Not Just Memorization:

 

·         You don’t have to memorize every word—just understand and retain the key concepts.

·         Some theory papers don’t have clear concepts and may feel vague or difficult to remember. In such cases:

·         Seek help from a friend who has already cleared the paper—they might have a useful strategy.

·         Use AI tools to simplify complex topics. Copy a difficult concept, paste it into an AI assistant, and ask for a short, simple explanation. This can make learning easier.

 

3.       Use Smart Study Techniques:

 

·         Make short stories for point-wise answers to aid memory.

·         Recall tough concepts frequently to reinforce retention.

·         Mark difficult topics with sticky notes and review them regularly.

 

4.       Refer to Previous Year Guideline Answers:

 

·         Going through past papers helps you understand what kind of topics are frequently asked.

·         This allows you to align your preparation accordingly and focus on high-priority topics.

 

By following these steps, you can simplify theory paper preparation and improve your chances of scoring well.

 

 

 

7.       Any general suggestions on how to prepare/ present?

 

PREPARATION

 

I have already covered the preparation phase in detail earlier, so you can refer to that for key insights. Here are a few additional steps you can apply:

 

1. Organize Your Study Material:

 

·         For each subject, note the number of pages a lesson covers in the index.

·         You don’t have to follow the lesson order strictly (Lesson 1, then 2, and so on).

·         Start with shorter lessons first—they take less time to complete and give you confidence. Once you gain momentum, move on to longer lessons.

 

2. Mixing Lesson Sizes:

 

·         Instead of only studying short lessons, you can combine two small lessons and one big lesson (divided into smaller parts) in a study session.

 

3. Regular Revision:

 

·         Schedule regular recall sessions.

·         I used to allocate at least half a day on weekends to revise concepts covered during the week.

 

PRESENTATION

 

1. Clarity Matters:

 

·         Covering all concepts is important, but how you present them matters more.

·         Try to write 1 to 2 pages per answer, unless a longer explanation is necessary.

2. Use One Pen Color:

 

·         Avoid switching between black and blue pens—stick to one to save time.

·         Underline key points at the end for emphasis.

 

3. Time Management:

 

·         You have 3 hours and 15 minutes, so plan accordingly.

·         If you take 15 minutes to read the question paper, that’s fine—start writing as soon as you're ready. If not, begin answering immediately without wasting time.

 

4. Practice with Previous Papers:

 

·         Write at least one past year question paper to assess whether you can complete the exam within the allotted time.

 

5. Time Tracking:

 

·         Some people allocate 5 to 10 minutes per question—you can follow this or at least keep track of time after completing each section.

              6. Answer Formatting:

·         Start a new page for each answer, unless the previous page has only 2-3 lines left.

·         Write answers point-wise to highlight key points and make it easier for the examiner to award marks.

·         Leave one line space between points to improve readability.

 

7. Sequence Matters:

 

·         Try to answer in order (Q1, then Q2, Q3, etc.)—this helps create a good impression on the examiner.

 

8. Post-Exam Evaluation:

 

·         Try to get a copy of your answer sheet after results. This helps you analyze how marks were awarded and identify areas for improvement in future attempts.

 

  Other related posts:

How to prepare/ present New syllabus - Both Modules : Tips/ Interview with Manooshri

New syllabus Exam Tips- Module 1- Interview with Hemasri

Interview with Nivetha who passed CS Prof - New Syllabus Both Modules  

Exam Tips for Module 1 & 2 of New syllabus: Interview with Manooshree

Hearty congratulations Manooshree on completing the CS Course; Writing both modules together is a big decision and passing both together is a great task. How the planning happened and how much preparation you did ..

I completed my articleship in June 2024 and wished to become a full time student until I cleared professional. So I was motivated by the fact that my professional career could commence only after the exams and hence was determined to complete both the groups together. Additionally, I had written few attempts during my articleship period and had studied chunks of the syllabus over the period. Hence I had the confidence that I could pull this off upon consistent effort.

Your paperwise tips…

Module – 1

Paper 1- ESG:

ESG is purely a theory based subject and only thorough understanding of the lessons and reciprocation of similar language in answer sheet can help us get through. So I started by preparing ‘Risk management’ lesson as it single handedly holds 20 marks. I would write all the important concepts and questions on sticky notes and stick them near my bed so that I subconsciously keep revising them. For the remaining 80 marks I used short notes provided by online academy which gave me a gist of the concepts while also sticking to the textbook language.

Paper 2- Drafting & Pleading

Practical experience as a trainee helped me a lot to prepare for drafting. I would go through the drafts prepared by me for office purpose and simultaneously concentrate on theory portion in drafting. Pleadings and Appearances required special attention for which handwritten notes and thorough reading of ICSI study material helped a lot.

Paper 3- Compliance management, Audit & DD

Personally, I found CMADD to be a challenging subject because we’re expected to provide proper answers which are in-line with the ICSI study material and the concepts themselves are mostly similar with only minor differences. So I started preparing early for the same by thorough study of the ICSI study material and made hand written notes accordingly. It was a month long process which was very tiering. However it was worth it as it provided a fruitful result in the end.

Paper 4- Open book

I chose CSR because I personally found it easier compared to the other subjects as it contains only CSR for 50 marks and other general mercantile law for another 50 marks. Apart from intensively going through the study material, I prepared a separate customised index containing title of each and every concept with relevant page numbers. This helped me understand the material better and also saved a lot of time during the exam.

Module -2

Paper 5- Strategic Management & Corporate finance

In this subject, Strategic Management holds 40 marks while Corporate Finance holds 60 marks. So, I figured that if I put my maximum effort in Strategic Management, because personally, it is the easiest of all subjects. I aimed on scoring 35+ here so that I can face the remaining 60 marks with ease, and compensate any loss of marks in this area.

Paper 6- Corporate restructuring and insolvency

I gave special attention to valuation sums and aimed on scoring full marks in this. Both Corporate restructuring and Insolvency holds equal weightage and frankly there is no shortcut or tricks in this area. Diligently attending online classes and subsequently taking notes helps a lot during revision just before exams.

Paper 7- Open book

Labour law was an interesting subject for me but it took extra efforts as I do not have any legal background and also I had to self-study. So I would spend around 10-15 minutes on a single page to get hold of the concept. I have also written down some of the difficult concepts in my native language in sticky notes for easy understanding. Sometimes I even use personal anecdotes and internet meme references for a quick recall.

Did you attend any classes – also suggest books and reference materials if any for the papers..

I attended online classes for SMCF and CRVI. They provided study materials and dictated notes during online class. They also provide revision flash cards. I also used their notes for ESG which was available for free in their telegram channel. These materials eased my preparation and helped a lot during last minute revision.

Open book exams – there is one paper each in both groups – students struggle to get more marks in open book- how to write open book exams


Open book exams often test your ability to locate the answers in the vast study material within a limited period of time. It is also a test towards conceptual clarity and application skills. So for those exams, I started by completely going through the ICSI study material and highlighting the important concepts. For concepts where the textbook language is difficult to understand, I have utilized AI tools to provide simplified summaries and pasted them on sticky notes in the relevant pages.

I did not attend any online class or use any reference books for open book. Rather, for case laws, I had created a separate excel sheet summarising each and every case law in the study material along with the page number. I also prepared a notebook where titles and page numbers of all important concepts are mentioned in simple language customised for my understanding.

I also took separate print out of the index page so that it saves time during exam by avoiding back and forth page turning for every single question.

Any general suggestions on how to prepare/ present?

Usually we receive many suggestions and feedback about the number of hours one must study. However, I strongly believe that your concentration and method of study is more important than the time spent. I personally do not study for more than 5 hours per day. But I try to maximise my productivity in the limited time which helped me study thoroughly while not going through burn-out.


Interview by: CS Mohankumar

*****

Other related posts:

How to prepare/ present New syllabus - Both Modules : Interview with Nivetha

New syllabus Exam Tips- Module 1- Interview with Hemasri

Exam Tips/ Interview with Hemasri

  Congratulations Hema on completing the Module one of new syllabus; why did you chose to write only one module that too- first module

Thankyou Sir. I was doing my bachelors of commerce (21-24-regular college) simultaneously. I had my final semester exams and also I was doing EDP- I had no time to study for both modules and also personally I’ve never given both modules earlier in my executive too, so I was afraid to appear for both modules and thought it will be hard to manage.

2.     Your paperwise tips….

Module – 1

Paper 1- ESG:

Focus more in Part B and C- few chapters but high weightage and Part A which primarily talks about corporate governance is already covered in executive. ESG needs less time only so plan accordingly.

Paper 2- Drafting & Pleading

Part A- 70 marks- 8 chapters- 4 is theory and practical which can be remembered easily and other 4 chapters is practical. Focus more in 4^th chapter drafts. Be strong in this part.

Part B-30 marks-vast and dry chapters- skip the chapters which you feel heavy.

Paper 3- Compliance management, Audit & DD

This paper needs at least 2-3 revision. Plan accordingly. Repeated concepts will be there.

Part A- 40 marks- Don’t skip any chapters- Easy part- Just theory

Part B- focus on CSAS and others later.

Paper 4- Open book

I chose CSR for my open book. The 50-50 split is an advantage to figure the question paper and score accordingly. Read twice the material which you are referring to. Practice a lot of mock tests using previous year question paper and learn to manage time. Take limited materials.

Other Tips:

1.       Present Neatly- Start every question in a new sheet- Write in 1 colour pen only- Underline important key words, section number and regulation- Write in a structured way.

2.       Practice past year question papers/ write mocks.

3.       Revise at least 3 times.

4.       Watch Marathons- discuss with friends – do group study…etc

5.       Try to gain knowledge and not to just pass the exam.

 You got very good marks in ESG (61) and a reasonably good mark in Compliance management (56)- and open book marks are not as high as other 2 (40). Can you discuss about your performance Vs the marks obtained ....

 I focused on ESG more to get my aggregate. ESG question paper was very easy and I presented in a good manner too that helped me to get exemption. CMADD is the subject I was so afraid of, since the whole syllabus was so dry and it’s hard to remember every concept and key words- but somehow the question paper was manageable and it helped me to score good marks there.

Open Book- CSR- The question paper was bit harder when compared to other 3 papers. To find answers and write it down into small points needs lot of practice. I attended only for 75 marks due to lack of time.

I’m satisfied with my performance and my marks except in CSR paper.

Did you attend any classes – also suggest books and reference materials if any for the papers.

I’ve taken classes in Arivupro Academy- recorded classes which helped me a lot. Other than module, I didn’t refer any books.

 What are your plans for the next module- any specific plan or ideas you want to share for the Module 2 ?

 I’m planning to attend M2 in this June 2025 and self study. I’m so new to this module, so I have no clue but just maintain that determination and consistency/ discipline.

 

Interview by: CS Mohan Kumar

Other related posts:

How to prepare/ present New syllabus - Both Modules : Interview with Nivetha

New syllabus - Tips for preparation and presentation/ Interview with Manooshri

CS Professional New syllabus - Paperwise tips- Interview with Dhanush

https://corporatelaws.blogspot.com/2025/03/cs-professional-new-syllabus-paperwise.html

Interview with Nivetha who passed CS Prof - New Syllabus Both Modules

Hearty congratulations Nivetha on completing the CS Course; You wrote both modules together in new syllabus and cleared; tell us how prepared ...

I started preparing for the CS Professional Programme in March 2024. For the first six months, until August, I attended online classes, where I grasped the concepts, took notes, and prepared myself for the exam. From September to November, I focused on studying and revising all the subjects. Initially, I studied for 5 to 6 hours per day, but later, I increased my study time to 8 hours per day.

Can you tell paperwise how to prepare- 

Module 1

Paper 1- ESG: The ESG syllabus is extensive, so it's best to read each lesson carefully and create concise notes. These notes will serve as a quick reference, saving you valuable time before your exam. A well-structured summary makes revision easier and enhances retention of key concepts.

Paper 2- Drafting, Pleading & Appearances: In the old syllabus, drafting made up 60-70% of the paper, with the remaining 30% focused on theory. However, the new syllabus emphasizes both drafting & pleadings and theory equally. Therefore, students should prepare thoroughly for both sections.

Drafting & pleadings remain crucial, so invest time in understanding different types and their purposes. Once you grasp why a particular agreement is drafted a certain way, its format will naturally follow. A strong foundation in drafting will also make the theory section easier, as many theoretical questions are directly related to practical drafting concepts.

Paper 3- Compliance management, Audit & DD:

The subject consists of 16 chapters:

Approach for Compliance Management (Chapters 1-8)

Think like a Compliance Officer in a company while studying. Imagine yourself handling real compliance tasks—this will help you retain concepts better. For example, when learning about the documentation process, picture yourself managing documentation for a large listed company. This storytelling approach will make it easier to understand and remember key responsibilities.

Approach for Audit (Chapters 9-15)

Audit requires deeper understanding and memorization.

Read these chapters at least 2-3 times.

Extract and summarize key points.

Focus on Company Secretarial Auditing Standards (CSAS) and ensure clarity in concepts.

Approach for Due Diligence (Chapter 16)

Read the chapter twice for better retention.

This section is manageable with structured revision.

Paper 4- Open book: I chose CSR for Group 1 and Paper 7- Open book: Insolvency and Bankruptcy Law and Practice for Group 2. For an open-book exam, consistency is key, use the same study materials from the start of your preparation until the exam. Become thoroughly familiar with your book, create your own detailed index, covering even minor topics, to make it easier to navigate during the exam.My advice is to stick to one study material and be thorough with it. Do not keep changing study materials, whether it is the one provided by the institute or the one you have been referring to since the beginning of your preparation.

MODULE 2

Paper 5- Strategic Management & Corporate finance

For Strategic Management, focus on understanding concepts, as questions are mostly practical. Case studies can help in application.

In Corporate Finance, direct questions are common, so grasping key concepts and practicing numerical problems from the past year question papers will do good.

Paper 6- Corporate restructuring and insolvency and valuations 

For Corporate Restructuring, which covers laws on mergers and amalgamations, take time to read and understand. Once grasped, it becomes much easier.

Insolvency is an engaging subject focused on the insolvency process. Connecting it with real-world cases helps in understanding the law effectively.

Valuation is a smaller part yet important . Focus on the theory and practice solving numerical problems for a strong grasp.

Any other reference book other than Institute material, etc that can be used...

My advice is to stick to one study material and be thorough with it. Do not keep changing study materials, whether it is the one provided by the institute or the one you have been referring to since the beginning of your preparation.

On the open book exams generally it is difficult to score marks in open book; Tell us how to approach open book exams

In open-book exams, time management is a major concern. I suggest that students review all past year question papers and practice solving them within a set time limit. This practice will help them become familiar with the approach required for writing open-book examinations effectively.

Did you attend any classes – offline or online for any of the subject?

In professional exams like CS, where students have to study and remember a vast syllabus, proper understanding of each concept is essential. To achieve this, I ensured that I gained a good understanding of all the subjects, which was made possible by attending online classes taught by my teachers.

The general problem in theory papers is students are able to score around 40 – reaching 50 to 60 is very difficult to many- how to address this

Many students, as far as I know, don’t attempt the full 100 marks in exams. Instead, they assume that writing for 75 to 80 marks will be enough to pass. However, if they make an effort to complete the entire paper, they have a much better chance of scoring well beyond the passing mark.

Any general suggestions on how to prepare/ present?

Make sure to cover 100% of the syllabus for all subjects, meaning you should have read all the concepts at least once. For the difficult ones, read them twice or thrice, take notes, and be well-prepared to help you recollect during the exam. Once this is done, go to the exam confidently and attempt all the papers sincerely for the full 100 marks. Even if you forget an answer, having a strong grasp of the concepts will help you recall key points and write effectively, which can help you score marks. Do not ignore any portion of the syllabus completely—at least have a glance at everything. The same applies to writing your exam: attempt the entire paper for 100 marks.

Interview by: CS Mohankumar

Other related posts:

How to prepare/ present New syllabus - Both Modules : Tips/ Interview with Manooshri

New syllabus Exam Tips- Module 1- Interview with Hemasri