SHASHANK gave his CS final in December 2010, and missed the number one spot by just six marks in taxation paper. He scored 50 on 100, when he was aiming for 60. A BCom alumnus of St Xavier’s College, Kolkata, this soft-spoken boy from did his schooling from Shree Maheshwari Vidyalaya, and emphasises that work experience and not coaching can help one excel in the final chapter of the CS programme.
Fast Facts
Name: Shashank Kasat
Age: 24
Exam: Company Secretary finals
Rank: Second
Q. What made you enroll in CS?
A. I was always very fond of Mathematics, everything about it, especially the calculation bit. In fact, in Class 11 and 12 I had a chance to take pure Mathematics, which was a science stream subject. But I was not fond of other science subjects. So, after Class 12, I decided to take up CA, CS and BCom, as this combination is very good. Also, many of the subjects between three courses are common – hence there is no pressure while pursuing.
Q. What were your toughest subjects?
A.When I started preparing for my finals, World Trade Organisation (WTO) was the most difficult. You have to understand the trade rules, between India, China and the SAARC nations. You cannot mug it up but must understand what is going on. I wanted to refer to study material, written in a simple language – so I read Chinmay Jain’s World Trade Organization. I also kept track of the ICSI’s (The Institute of Company Secretaries of India) journal for updates on new laws, notifications, circulars etc. Taxation is also a difficult paper, but I founder is easier, as I work with a taxation firm as a Taxation Assistant, and it is a large part of my work. Others can refer to Bangur’s book.
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Q. How did you manage work and study?
A.I spend 9-10 hours in office, and minimum three hours of study from 7.30 pm onwards. On weekends, 8 to 10 hours. To get something you have to give something, so you must be very tough for three to four years.
Q. What was your prep strategy?
A.The syllabus must be completed at least one month before the exam, and at least two revisions are required.
Q. Did you get any time for leisure activities?
A.Not much time. But I like analysing cricket matches, just like the commentators.
Q. Do you feel the need for more emphasis on business communication?
A.Business communication paper is there at the Foundation level, which is very theoretical. But I think this subject is very crucial for a student, to help you get a good job, apart from the qualification. You have to be conversant with various communications. I feel there should be more focus on this.
Q. Your advice to people giving the final exam.
A.Don’t panic during the exam. Each paper is for three hours, and the syllabus is vast, so you must be very mentally strong, to give all papers on a trot. I gave nine papers for nine days, one after another – two practical papers ie taxation and forex management and seven theory papers. Secondly, if you thoroughly prepare from the study material given to you, no coaching is required for any level. It is the self-study, which helps you. However, practical knowledge either through CA articleship or CS practical training is a must before giving the CS final exam.
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