A move from hometown Meerut to Delhi transformed Anubhuti being a reserved girl to an intrepid young woman. Animal lover Anubhuti spends as much time taking pictures of dogs, horses and little lambs, to prepping for her exams.
She scored a second spot in the Company Secretary Professional Level exam, in her very first attempt. Ask her what’s so fascinating about CS, she shares, “I think like a lawyer. I am abreast of all legal matters.” This confidence comes from her in-depth knowledge about company law.
Anubhuti, who is also a qualified CA recalls the time when she was packed off to Delhi for higher education. When she joined the new school, she could not even read out and punctuate well in the class.
Today, she coveys thoughts and ideas, articulately, and credits her English teacher at DAV Public School, Delhi. Anubhuti, shares how she copes with weaknesses and more…
FAST FACTS
Name: Anubhuti Goel
City: Delhi
Exam: CS Professional level
Rank: 2
Marks: 507/ 800
Percentage: 63.37%
Q. Why did you move to Delhi?
A. My father, SK Goel, an Accounts Manager in a packaging company had a burning desire for his kids to move out from the small city to explore the broader picture of life. He felt that know matter how efficient the education is in the small town, it will remain inadequate. I was in Class 6 when my dad packed me off to Delhi. Meenakshi Garg, my maternal aunt is my guardian who nurtured me further.
Q. How were you as a student? Who motivated you?
A. I was an average, reserved student. When I joined DAV Public School, Delhi, it was tough for me to cope with the new world – friends, curriculum and teaching methodology. I couldn’t even read out and punctuate well in the class. I owe a debt of gratitude to my English teacher – Shweta Handa who bailed me out of all my shortcomings. She taught me to think! She took extra effort to teach me how to comprehend a particular chapter and encouraged me to interact with fellow students.
My turning point came in Class 10 when I scored 93%. The result shook me up. It boosted my confidence. There was no looking back since then. My score chart started rising up. I felt that even an average person can do the impossible. I scored 90% in Class 12 and joined Hansraj College, which has the best commerce faculty. My aunt is my pillar of strength – a perfect substitute for my parents.
Q. A qualified CA, why did you opt for CS?
A. I want to be an expert in what I do. Naturally, it involves perpetual learning. I felt CS will add on my in-depth knowledge about the corporate set up. Interestingly, both CA and CS are two sides of the same coin. When I compare it with CA exam, I feel CS is a plain sailing.
Q. What fascinates you about CS?
A. Now, I think like a lawyer! Just like in any other law course, CS teaches you all about civil and criminal laws. Once I met a lawyer and he was stunned by my knowledge on legal issues. It tickled me!
Q. Exams are conducted consecutively without breaks. Did you feel pressured?
A. Yes, it becomes hectic. Your body feels drained after the first two exams. I used to take two hours rest after every exam, eat proper meals and sleep for four to five hours. To speed up my revision, I went through only highlighted points. If time allows, you can also prepare chapter-wise hand-outs (brief notes) covering important points.
Q. How did you crack it sans coaching?
A. There is a need to overhaul the general mentality on coaching classes. Students feel it is the only one-stop spot for success. There is nothing special about them. I am glad that my aunt motivated me to believe in myself and follow self study.
If a student studies for six hours a day for four months before exams, cracking all subjects in first attempt is not at all difficult. Devote more time to subjects like Company Secretarial Practice, Drafting, Pleadings & Appearances, Strategic Management, Alliances & International Trade, Advance Tax Laws & Practice. I spent a good two to three hours on these subjects daily.
Q. Your advice for last-minute prep.
A. Before exams commence, a two-day revision for each and every subject should be planned and followed, so as to avoid over-stress. For a quick recap of concepts during exams, it’s better to highlight with a pen or pencil the important text in books. It makes the revision easy. I used to revise for 10 hours during exams.
Q. Books you referred.
A. Don’t overload yourself with too many books for one subject, as you can cross a river comfortably with one boat. I relied on ICSI modules, subject-wise books by Reliance Publications and past 10 years question papers. Reliance books are summary books for professional level exam - they are perfect as most of the presentation is in the tabular format.
Q. Any tips for exam takers?
A. I believe that success means winning the war, not every battle. You must believe in yourself and manage your time smartly and contribute the best to your family and your country.
