CPT is the first level test for Chartered Accountancy course, conducted by The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. CPT stands for Common Proficiency Test which evaluates a candidate’s basic understanding of Accounting concepts, Mercantile Laws, General Economics and Quantitative Aptitude. The CPT exam is divided into two sessions, and each of the sessions is of two hour duration. Further, each session is divided into two parts – A and B, for Fundamentals of Accounting and Mercantile Laws. Similarly in the second session, there are two sections — C and D, covering General Economics and Quantitative Aptitude. The exam is objective type with a minimum passing mark of 30% in each of the subjects and overall score of 50% in aggregate.
Passing the CA CPT exam definitely opens door of immense opportunity for aspiring future CAs, in the Chartered Accountancy field. Here are few essential tips: Tips for CA-CPT Exam
Syllabus: Understanding the syllabus is important to sort topics which are more critical for the exam. While preparing for CA-CPT exam, you should focus more on topics which are asked frequently in previous years.
Study Plan: Its normal, people tend to achieve more when they have planned their activities ahead. Planning develops better discipline and help you to study on a regular basis.
Focus on All Subjects: A candidate needs to secure at least 30% in aggregate in each of the four subjects and must secure an overall score of 50%. So precisely you will need to concentrate on all the four subjects.
Accounting: The profession of Chartered Accountant will require in-depth knowledge in Accounting. This is the core subject, so students appearing for CA-CPT exam need to focus on the Accounting subject. Getting clarity on fundamental Accounting concepts is essential.
Mercantile Laws: It is 2nd most important subject after Accounting for the CPT exam. Study in-depth about the subject and get yourself acquainted with key topics of Mercantile Laws. It is also a very scoring subject.
General Economics: Well versed yourself with topics under Micro Economics and Indian Economic Development. Though, Micro Economics is more scoring from examination point of view, it is also essential to know important topics covered under Indian Economic Development.
Quantitative Aptitude: It is the fourth and final subject of the CPT exam. To take your preparation in the right direction, focus on the contents of CPT syllabus specified for Quantitative Aptitude. Understanding key mathematical and statistical concepts is important to score well in the CA-CPT exam. Again, practicing the Statistical questions regularly on a daily basis is critical for success.
Practice Model & Previous Question Papers: Preparing for an exam is not complete without studying previous question papers or practicing mock papers. Knowing previous question papers help you to understand question patterns of the exam. And practicing sample question papers enables you to solve more questions and improve your speed.
Speed and Accuracy: Since there is negative marking in CPT exam, candidates should be cautious while answering questions. For every wrong answer 1/4 mark is deducted, so focus should be given to answer accurately while maintaining speed.
Revise: Around 2-3 weeks before the exam, make it a point to revise what you had studied so far.
Stay Positive: Staying calm and maintaining a positive outlook is very important. Getting yourself in the competitive mode for CPT exam can put you under great pressure. You need to unwind yourself from the exam stress, to be able to face the CPT exam with great alertness.
Recommended Books for CA-CPT Exam: Fundamentals of Accounting
Fundamentals of Accounting CA-CPT by D.G. Sharma
Arihant’s Unitwise-Chapterwise Questions-Solutions Fundamentals of Accounting (Latest Edition)
Fundamentals of Accounting for CA CPT by P C Tulsian
Mercantile Laws
Arihant’s Unitwise-Chapterwise Questions-Solutions Mercantile Laws
Mercantile Law for CA Common Proficiency Test by P C Tulsian
Mercantile Laws CA-CPT by V.K. Jain (Latest Edition)
General Economics
General Economics for CA Common Proficiency Test by Deepashree
General Economics CA-CPT by P.M. Salwan and Pranjal B. Deshpande
Arihant’s Unitwise-Chapterwise Questions-Solutions General Economics
Quantitative Aptitude
Arihant’s Unitwise-Chapterwise Questions-Solutions Quantitative Aptitude
Quantitative Aptitude CA-CPT by Anup Dubey, Vishal Thakre, P.H.Mitkary and S.K. Rathi
Super Scanner Quantitative Aptitude CPT by Arpita Ghose & Gourab Ghose
Practice Sets 10 Simulated Practice Sets for CA-CPT Chartered Accountant-Common Proficiency Test (English)