Albury’s Commercial Club features 16x Tesla Superchargers, which until recently was one of the largest in the country. The chargers are located on the first floor, which means your Tesla (or non-Tesla EV), needs to navigate a sequence of turns and the final boss, a fairly steep ramp to reach the charger. Today I put […]

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​Albury’s Commercial Club features 16x Tesla Superchargers, which until recently was one of the largest in the country. The chargers are located on the first floor, which means your Tesla (or non-Tesla EV), needs to navigate a sequence of turns and the final boss, a fairly steep ramp to reach the charger. Today I put
The post Can Tesla’s FSD navigate a multi-story carpark? appeared first on techAU.

Scotland’s one-day international against Namibia is abandoned without a ball being bowled, despite some unusual techniques from the local groundstaff.

​Scotland’s one-day international against Namibia is abandoned without a ball being bowled, despite some unusual techniques from the local groundstaff.

🎓 CFA Preparation Guide for Indian Students: Crack the Chartered Financial Analyst Exam with Confidence

If you’re an Indian student or working professional aspiring to build a career in finance, investment banking, equity research, or portfolio management, then the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation is one of the most powerful qualifications you can pursue.

The CFA exam is rigorous and globally respected, but with proper planning and a disciplined approach, you can crack it even with a full-time job or academic schedule.

In this detailed blog, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about CFA preparation, specifically for Indian aspirants.

📘 What is the CFA Program?

The CFA program is offered by the CFA Institute (USA) and has three levels:

• Level I – Focuses on investment tools and ethical standards.
• Level II – Emphasizes asset valuation.
• Level III – Concentrates on portfolio management and wealth planning.

To become a CFA Charterholder, you must:

• Pass all three levels.
• Have 4 years of relevant work experience.
• Become a CFA Institute member.

🎯 Why CFA is Popular Among Indian Finance Aspirants

• Globally recognized
• High demand in finance, equity research, and investment roles
• Cost-effective compared to MBA programs
• Can be done alongside a job or college degree

🧭 CFA Level I Exam Structure

Before we dive into preparation tips, know what you’re preparing for:

📊 Exam Format (As of 2025)

• Computer-based exam
• Two sessions of 2 hours 15 minutes each (total 4.5 hours)
• 180 multiple choice questions (90 per session)
• Topics are spread across 10 subjects:
  • Ethical and Professional Standards
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Economics
  • Financial Reporting & Analysis
  • Corporate Finance
  • Equity Investments
  • Fixed Income
  • Derivatives
  • Alternative Investments
  • Portfolio Management

📅 Suggested Study Timeline (For 6 Months)

📚 Top Study Resources for CFA Level I

🟢 CFA Institute Materials

• Comes with your registration
• Highly reliable
• Includes end-of-chapter questions and mock exams

🔵 Third-party Providers (optional but useful)

• Kaplan Schweser – Concise notes, good for revision
• Wiley – More detailed, with lots of practice questions
• FinTree / Sanjay Saraf / EduPristine (India-based) – Live and online classes
• IFT (Ifranullah Financial Training) – Video-focused learning

🧠 CFA Preparation Strategy for Indian Students

✅ 1. Start Early and Stay Consistent

The CFA Institute recommends 300+ hours of study per level. That’s about 12–15 hours per week for 6 months.

Use a study planner or apps like AdaptPrep to stay on track.

✅ 2. Focus on Core Areas (High-Weight Topics)

• Ethics (15–20%): Consistently tested across all levels.
• Financial Reporting & Analysis (FRA) (13–17%): Especially important for Indian commerce students.
• Equity & Fixed Income: High scoring if understood well.

✅ 3. Practice > Theory

• Don’t just read—solve questions daily.
• Use CFA’s Learning Ecosystem for topic-based quizzes.
• Aim for at least 2,000–2,500 questions before the exam.

✅ 4. Take Mock Tests Seriously

• Begin mocks at least 6 weeks before the exam.
• Simulate real exam conditions: timed, no breaks, limited distractions.
• Analyze your mistakes—not just the score.

✅ 5. Ethics Deserves Special Attention

The Ethics Adjustment can push borderline candidates over the pass mark—or pull them under. Read the CFA Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct multiple times.

🇮🇳 India-Specific Tips for CFA Aspirants

🧾 1. Managing College/Job + CFA

• Make a weekend-heavy schedule if you’re working.
• Use commute time to listen to CFA podcasts or review flashcards.

💰 2. Be Smart with Costs

• CFA exam fees: $940 to $1,250 per level depending on when you register.
• Early bird registration is best.
• Consider INR volatility: Pay early if rupee is falling.

💬 3. Language & Conceptual Gap

If you’re from a non-English medium, give more time to understand financial jargon. Use YouTube for conceptual clarity (e.g., CA Rachana Ranade, ClearTax videos).

🛑 Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ 1. Ignoring CFA Curriculum

While third-party notes are helpful, always go back to the official CFA material, especially for Ethics.

❌ 2. Cramming Before Exam

CFA is about application, not rote learning. Cramming doesn’t work here.

❌ 3. Neglecting Weak Areas

Don’t only revise what you’re comfortable with. Improve weak sections early.

🔄 Last 4 Weeks Strategy

• Complete at least 3 full-length mocks
• Revise Ethics 2-3 times
• Brush up all formulas (especially in Quant, FRA, Corp Fin)
• Focus on speed and accuracy in mocks
• Stay calm—don’t burn out

🎓 After Level I – What Next?

• Plan for Level II (ideally within 12 months)
• Start applying for internships or entry-level finance roles
• Consider pairing CFA with MBA, FRM, or CA depending on your long-term goals

📌 CFA vs Other Indian Finance Certifications

🧾 Final Checklist

✅ Registered with CFA Institute
✅ Study plan in place
✅ Study material selected
✅ Mock test schedule ready
✅ Ethics revised twice
✅ Confidence: ON ✅

🧠 Final Words: Discipline Over Intelligence

Cracking CFA is not just for finance wizards—it’s for anyone with discipline, consistency, and curiosity. Many Indian students from non-finance backgrounds have cleared all three levels while working full-time.

Remember, the journey is challenging, but the rewards—both professional and personal—are worth it.

🎯 Are you preparing for CFA Level I? Share your target exam date or questions in the comments!
📩 Need a downloadable CFA study planner? Just ask!

CAT Preparation Guide for Indian Students:
The **Common Admission Test (CAT)** is the gateway to prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business schools in India. Every year, lakhs of aspirants compete for a few thousand seats, making the exam extremely competitive. If you’re an Indian student preparing for CAT, you need more than just hard work—you need a clear strategy, consistency, and smart execution.

This blog provides a detailed guide on how to prepare effectively for CAT, covering everything from understanding the exam pattern to last-minute tips.

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## 📘 Understanding the CAT Exam

Before you dive into preparation, know what you’re up against.

### **1. Exam Structure**

CAT is a **computer-based test** with three main sections:

* **Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)** – 24 questions
* **Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)** – 20 questions
* **Quantitative Ability (QA)** – 22 questions

Each section is **40 minutes** long, with a **total of 2 hours**. The paper includes **MCQs and non-MCQs** (TITA: Type In The Answer).

### **2. Marking Scheme**

* **+3 for each correct answer**
* **-1 for wrong MCQs**
* **0 for TITA or unattempted questions**

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## 📅 Step-by-Step CAT Preparation Strategy

### 🟩 **1. Know Where You Stand (1st Week)**

Take a **diagnostic mock test** to assess your strengths and weaknesses. It helps you:

* Identify which section needs the most attention
* Set realistic goals and timelines
* Choose the right study material

### 🟨 **2. Build Strong Fundamentals (Month 1-2)**

Start with conceptual clarity. Without strong basics, shortcuts won’t help.

#### VARC:

* Improve grammar and vocabulary.
* Read newspapers like *The Hindu*, *The Indian Express*, or *LiveMint* daily.
* Practice 1-2 RCs daily.

#### DILR:

* Work on interpretation skills.
* Practice from CAT previous years’ papers and online sources.
* Understand graph types: bar, pie, line, tables, etc.

#### QA:

* Revise school-level math (up to Class 10).
* Focus on arithmetic first (percentages, ratios, averages, time-speed-distance).
* Then move to algebra, geometry, number systems.

### 🟦 **3. Practice + Revision Phase (Month 3-4)**

Once you have the basics, it’s time to switch gears.

* Solve **topic-wise questions**.
* Take **sectional tests** to improve speed and accuracy.
* Make a **formula notebook** for Quant.
* For DILR, solve at least 1 set daily.
* For VARC, increase your reading speed and practice para-jumbles, para-summary.

### 🟥 **4. Full-Length Mocks and Analysis (Month 5 onwards)**

Mocks are the most critical part of CAT prep.

* Take **one mock test every week**, then **2-3 per week** closer to the exam.
* Use top platforms like **IMS, TIME, CL, or TestFunda**.
* **Analyze each mock**: Don’t just look at the score; understand your mistakes.
* Build an exam-day strategy (section order, time management, question selection).

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## 📌 Key Preparation Tips by Section

### ✍️ Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

* Read editorials and essays from reputed sources daily.
* Practice 2 RCs + 3-4 VA questions per day.
* Focus on inference-based questions.
* Maintain a reading habit—not just CAT material, but fiction, non-fiction, journals.

### 📊 Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

* Start with easy sets to build confidence.
* Focus on **accuracy over speed** initially.
* Solve puzzles (Sudoku, logical grids) to boost thinking ability.
* Practice **sets from CAT 2017–2023**, as they reflect the current pattern.

### ➕ Quantitative Ability (QA)

* Prioritize Arithmetic (weightage \~40%).
* Keep formulae and short tricks handy.
* Time your practice: Try to solve 10 questions in 30 minutes.
* Don’t ignore Number Systems and Geometry—they often yield easy marks.

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## 🧠 Mindset & Motivation Tips

### 💡 Stay Consistent

CAT is not a sprint—it’s a marathon. Studying 2–3 hours daily for 6–8 months is better than last-minute cramming.

# 💬 Avoid Peer Pressure

Everyone has a different pace. Don’t compare your progress with others; compare today’s “you” with yesterday’s.

# 🙏 Take Breaks

Mental fatigue reduces productivity. Follow the **Pomodoro technique** or 50-10 study cycles. Keep at least one day for light revision or mock analysis only.

# 🛌 Sleep & Health

Never sacrifice sleep. A fresh mind is more productive than long study hours with low efficiency.

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# 📚 Recommended CAT Preparation Books & Resources

### **Books:**

* *Quantitative Aptitude for CAT* – Arun Sharma
* *How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning and DI* – Arun Sharma
* *Word Power Made Easy* – Norman Lewis (for vocab)
* *RC 99* – For Reading Comprehension practice

# Websites & Apps:

* Cracku
* 2IIM
* Handa Ka Funda
* IMS/TestFunda/TIME portal

### **YouTube Channels:**

* Rodha
* Elites Grid
* Unacademy CAT
* Byju’s Exam Prep

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## 🔄 Last 30 Days Strategy

1. **Reduce new learning**—Focus on revising and taking mocks.
2. **Take mocks during actual exam slots** (e.g., 2:30–4:30 PM).
3. **Revise formulas and strategies** daily.
4. **Focus on accuracy more than attempts.**
5. **Simulate real exam conditions**—no distractions, strict timer.

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## 🧾 Final Checklist Before Exam

* ✅ Admit card printed
* ✅ Valid ID proof
* ✅ Familiar with exam center (visit beforehand if possible)
* ✅ Follow sleep schedule (especially in the last week)
* ✅ Stay away from social media distractions

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## 🚀 Conclusion: Your Journey to CAT Success

Cracking CAT is not just about intelligence—it’s about discipline, consistency, and smart planning. Many aspirants come from non-maths or non-English backgrounds and still crack CAT with 99+ percentile through relentless effort.

Remember, it’s not about studying 10 hours a day, but making every hour count. Use mocks to test, not to judge. Keep refining your strategies. Learn from failures. And most importantly, **believe in yourself**.

Whether you’re aiming for IIM-A or any other top B-school, your CAT journey is the first test of your managerial potential.

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*Still confused about how to begin? Drop a comment or connect for a personalized 3-month CAT plan!* 👇

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Let me know if you’d like this turned into a downloadable PDF, or formatted into a webpage/blog format (with images and SEO titles).