The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) conducts the examination for Foundation, Executive and Professional course students in June and December every year. The exam is scheduled to be held during December 21 to December 31.
Listed below are the tips provided by Monika Goel’s Online Classes for CS Professional Students:
Do’s:
- Plan your preparation and set dedicated time lines- some of the subjects may be interrelated, read them one after the other
- Prepare for two courses at a time, if possible, one theory and one practical
- Strictly adhere to the syllabus
- Use Scanner: Check the pattern of questions asked in the previous examination and the weightage of chapters in the syllabus. Look for a few questions which are repeatedly asked
- Make your own notes while preparing. Scribble in your books, underline important points, make small pointers
- Cover the study module and also refer good authors and bare acts
- Focus on conceptual understanding and co-relations among various topics. Don’t focus on memorising, but understanding and analysing the topic
- Cover latest (6 months prior to the examination) amendments, they are extremely important. Update yourself through the departmental websites as the books would not contain these updates
- Two revisions per subject before the examination is must, practice as much as you can
- Pick up questions from scanner (every chapter) and try solving them regularly
- Practice speed writing and emphasize a lot on good presentation of answers
- Highlight the important points, focus on good handwriting and avoid cutting or overwriting
- Give a long answer- an introduction, a body and a good conclusion
- In case related questions write facts, dispute, decision, justification and legal references
- Use legal language, cite cases and sections to the extent possible. Substantiate your point by citing references from good authors
- Read the concepts thoroughly, practice them regularly and be confident in the examination
- Pick up your best prepared question to be answered first
- Stay away from social media and other distractions, at least for a month before the examination
- Above all, keep yourself motivated, don’t let anybody’s comment get to you
Don’ts:
- Don’t do the selective study. Go through all the chapters and concepts thoroughly. It gives you a better choice
- Don’t keep thinking about the mistakes in the previous examination
- Don’t go for superficial study, get the basics right
- Don’t get misguided by rumours and myths. Cross check every information with institute’s website
- Don’t cut off from everything, pursue any extracurricular activity like music, dance, painting or sports during preparation to relax your mind
- Don’t disturb your routine, and sleep cycle, especially close to exam
- No need for panic in examination. Have faith in your hard work. Be confident. Try to meditate for two-three minutes before the exam starts. Look at the question paper and try to find out your best prepared question to start with
- Read difficult questions again and again, try to concentrate rather than feeling stressed
- Don’t spend too much time on any question. Time management is the key
- Don’t leave any question unattended. Answer all questions
- Eat well, sleep well and study well.