Strategic Financial Management has been increasingly gaining importance in the CA Final Curriculum and is expected to trend as one of the more challenging papers in times to come. Some of the important pointers to approach the subject from the conceptual and examination point of view have been discussed below, however, over the years institute has been focusing on a high level of conceptual clarity and ability to solve practical questions in a very tight time frame. This requires oneself to practice each topic thoroughly with an ability to apply the same in real-life situations. From the examination perspective, almost equal weightage is given to all the topics. Further, an all-round understanding of the subject helps in solving questions with interrelated concepts. 

Tips & Tricks:

The institute provides very good quality study material and one should not ignore the same, it is comprehensive as well as exhaustive.

CA Final Strategic Financial Management Important Resources by ICAI - Suggested Q&A || Study Material

• Pen On Paper - Written practice is a Must!

This is one of the most important and often ignored aspects of your preparation for CA Final Exams. The subject requires an in-depth application of mathematics and statistics and hence it goes without saying that the importance of written practice with a ‘pen and paper‘ is a must. Remember: “ Preparation without written practice is actually no preparation“. Even though focus on solving practical problems should be one’s primary goal in order to get through, the importance of theory questions cannot be undetermined. Further, in times of distress, they help you to sail through with some extra marks.

• Importance of SFM Theory

In the current format of the CA Final SFM exams anywhere from 30 - 35 % of the paper is based on compulsory theory questions. Students should have a differentiated strategy to deal with this portion so as to secure good marks in this section. Students must prepare SFM theory portions properly as it is compulsory in the new curriculum. Theory answers should be very well articulated and must contain a definition along with a detailed explanation. One should try to highlight the bullet points and underline the keywords related to the topic, remember, good content leads to a better score. ICAI study material is a good starting point to prepare for theory in a structured manner. SFM theory, if prepared well, can get one very close to the passing marks required for this exam.

• Solving Practice Manual

Practice Manual is a good way of benchmarking oneself and one’s preparation, it helps one get a flair of a variety of questions that the institute can come up with. Practice Manual is a good reality check to understand the level and complexity of questions. And of course, it is meant for practice. So, keep practicing in order to make yourself perfectly prepared for the subject.

• SFM Revision

As the portion is exhaustive and given the fact that CA Final Students have to write exams back to back it becomes important for one to spend a reasonable amount of time revising the subject before the exams. Choose revision lectures of a faculty you are familiar with and one is comfortable with his / her nomenclature. As the topics are complex and there are a lot of applications and formulas to remember it helps immensely to do a revision to maximize the score.

 CA Final SFM Revision lectures by CFA Archana Khetan - New Syllabus || Old Syllabus

• Revision Test Papers & Mock Test Papers

The institute provides enough material for preparation in the form of modules, RTPs, MTPs, and past exam papers for reference purposes. If practiced properly, nothing should stop one from scoring an exemption.

 CA Final SFM Important Resources by ICAI - RTPs || MTPs

It is not advisable to refer to books or notes of varied authors and classes as it leads to further confusion and mixing up of concepts. At the end of the day, those three hours are your time of truth and they matter the most. Plan them strategically: move on if you get stuck in a problem and come back to it later.

CA Final SFM Preparation Strategy

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About Prof. Archana Khetan

CFA. Archana Khetan is a visionary, entrepreneur, and education enthusiast and strongly believes in the availability of quality pedagogy and mentorship for everyone. With decades of academic and industry experience, she has developed a unique style and teaching methodology that has helped transform thousands of students. Her aim is to teach and nurture professionals and future leaders in the field of finance